Running 3 in 2 in S.O. APBA

[csh12M]

The following are rules number 14 & 15 within Rule 2 - Regattas in the Stock-Mod-PRO Racing Rules-2014 page 9

14. It is permissible for the race committee to schedule and run two races for any class or classes it chooses on any single
day so long as the same is published on the circular. However, if the race committee determines that inclement weather or or other circumstances warrant, the second race may be cancelled by the race committee.

15. When three races are run in two days, 50% of the participating classes scheduled must be scheduled on the second day.

I am trying to understand the implications when trying to run the same class three times over two days.

1. If a club wanted to just run JH,JR and 302SSH three times over two days can it? (assuming it is printed on the sanction)

2. If a club wanted to just run its three largest classes three times over two days can it? (assuming it is printed on the sanction)

Any help and clarification is appreciated.

Thanks,
12M

[dholt]

Dean,

The answer to both your questions is "yes."

That rule, like so many in the book, is so poorly written, I can see your reason for asking.

What does "50% of the participating classes" refer to? Is it 50% of the classes running just 2 days...or 50% of the classes running a 3rd day?

I've always taken it to mean this:

At least Half of your original slate of classes must run a 2nd day.
e.g....let's say you have 10 classes at a race.
ASH, ASR, BSH, BSR, CSH, CSR, DSH, DSR, AMH, AMR.

They all race one time Saturday. Then you run ASH, ASR and CSH a 2nd race on Saturday.

On Sunday...at least half of those original classes must race a 2nd time.

[Andrew 4CE]

Our club asked APBA a couple years ago if we could run the largest class a third time if stated on the sanction at a race and we were told no.

[csh12M]

It is confusing

Dana - I like your answer and I think that makes sense. So...rule 15 is written to keep you from limiting classes to one race in two days at the expense of running other classes three times over two days. Therefore, by this interpretation if I run everything on the sanction twice I can run anything I want three times, whether it is one class or six classes. Assuming the clubs intentions were listed clearly on the sanction.

Andrew - I have also heard conflicting things. This is why I am trying to figure it out.

Thanks,
12M

[dholt]

We have run all types of different varieties of "3 in 2" over the years.

Whether it's 3, 5, 7 or 9 classes. Split over 2 days. It's always up to the club and never had any blowback from APBA.

[Big Don]

We have been told in the past that number 15. When three races are run in two days, 50% of the participating classes scheduled must be scheduled on the second day, means that any of the classes run a 3rd time, 50% of them must be scheduled/run on the first day & 50% on the 2nd day.

I agree it’s a poorly written rule.

I like Dana’s answer. That is what I thought it meant years ago but was convinced it meant something different.

[dholt]

When trying to interpret what should be a clear to understand rule, I never understood why it would matter how many of the "3rd day classes" you ran on day #2.

Any sane Race Director would weight as much of the program on Saturday when you don't care how late you race. Why should you have to split the
3rd day classes up 50/50?

What if you only decide to race 3 classes a third time? You have to schedule 1 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday? Really??? Not me. I'd go all 3 on Saturday...or 2 then 1 at the worst.