Part of the research on this was a poll of contest managers and CD's
who worked during 2005.
On the subject of making mandatory 10 of 28 favored this.
Of those saying no to mandatory, 12 said yes to making it available by
organizer option.
6 said no to either option.
This guidance, in addition to the Poll response, was considered in the
decision to make the option available to organizers as a part of the
rules without requiring a waiver.
I'm not convinced all organizers will require them- far from it. Nor do
I think they are sure to be sued since they will not be the cause of
the accident.
That said,I sincerely hope none of them has to answer the question "Why
did you not require this safety device when it could have helped save a
life?"
As a long time racer, and member of the rules committee, I personally
can't see how to make any case for not requiring them. That said, I am
in the minority on this and support the half way approach as what is to
go forward.
Have one friend missing for one night and you will understand.
As to the assertion that this has not been thought through, this is
simply not the case. You may not agree with the result, but I can
assure you this has been considered with great care and in
consideration of the opinions of many.
Respectfully
UH