Islander15 1,061 Posted November 27, 2017 (edited) Nobody complained about the rule when it was originally in force and it makes sense as the best riders in the top tier shouldnt make easy pickings on the second tier. The issue is it seemingly only affects Nicholls, but is it right having the calibre of Harris & Morris in the second tier? Surely theyre too good which in turn dilutes the Premiership as the top riders arent even unique to that league. Edited November 27, 2017 by Islander15 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SPEEDY69 1,238 Posted November 27, 2017 So GP rider Cook could do CL in 2018 and we know Morris & Harris also. Sounds like a great reward for the man given the outstanding contribution to British Speedway award this year. Sometimes the BSPA are astounding in their ineptness,this is British Speedway, start supporting British riders 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Third Man 2,211 Posted November 27, 2017 So GP rider Cook could do CL in 2018 and we know Morris & Harris also. Sounds like a great reward for the man given the outstanding contribution to British Speedway award this year. Sometimes the BSPA are astounding in their ineptness,this is British Speedway, start supporting British riders Yes a GP rider can double up but not Nichols, you couldn't make it up, except the BSPA have wonder who he has upset Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss 10,683 Posted November 27, 2017 (edited) Nobody complained about the rule when it was originally in force and it makes sense as the best riders in the top tier shouldnt make easy pickings on the second tier. The issue is it seemingly only affects Nicholls, but is it right having the calibre of Harris & Morris in the second tier? Surely theyre too good which in turn dilutes the Premiership as the top riders arent even unique to that league. The averages of Harris & Morris plus the scores from Nicholls guesting last season suggests that none of them are 'too good' for the second division. Edited November 28, 2017 by Gordon Bennett 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baldyman 6,243 Posted November 27, 2017 And an aussie that will be a number one for the defending champions..a rider deemed good enough to put the world champion out of a job🤔🤔 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DC2 11,150 Posted November 27, 2017 I'd love to be involved in the sport and summoned to HQ for a dressing down where they say they'll throw the rulebook at me ...... except there isn’t really a rule book - you’d be stalked every night through the season by a shady promoter scribbling new rules on post it notes and fag packets! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bailays Hat 37 Posted November 28, 2017 A simple case of restraint of trade. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikebv 10,162 Posted November 28, 2017 So Scott could guest last season in the Championship but cannot ride this season in the Championship? Ok.... That makes sense... Once again it is one of those needless 'let's add this on' rules that frustrate the Sport's followers and sees us looking at the sport in a negative way.... (And that never can be good for a business) Now, there may be a genuinely great reason why Scott cannot ride in the Championship with a converted Premiership average... However typically with the BSPA, you never get the rationale behind any ruling.... Start sharing the rationale for decisions made and maybe they would get a better hearing? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cowboy cookie returns? 746 Posted November 28, 2017 It wouldn't have anything to do with him refusing to ride for team GB all those years ago.... 🤔 not unheard of for the BSPA to hold a grudge! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joseq7 351 Posted November 28, 2017 A simple case of restraint of trade. Spot on. I'm just waiting for a rich sponsor or campaigning lawyer to come along and "do a Bosman" and we'd see that the whole BSPA house of cards will come tumbling down. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian 63 Posted November 28, 2017 According to the meeting at Peterborough last night, the same supposed rule will also stop Kennett dropping down a division. If this is the case Lakeside may need to reconsider if the rumours are true. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TonyE 822 Posted November 28, 2017 The 'stupidity' of the rule is that it is, effectively, a life time ban from the Championship (or until such time as said riders get their averages in the Premier below six points). As I, and others, have said before, it is a 'restraint of trade' issue which would not survive a first legal hearing given the fact that others with similar PL averages are allowed to compete in the Championship. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DC2 11,150 Posted November 28, 2017 It’s total madness and contradicts the promoters’ frequently quoted rationale of “cost-cutting”. Obviously, it would be cheaper to allow Nicholls and Kennett to double up rather than have to fly in the likes of Riss, Bjerre, Jørgensen, Palm Toft, Lindgren and Heartel, not to mention the Aussie brigade who think we owe them a living! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grachan 7,314 Posted November 28, 2017 I don't think Nicholls should be in the CL. The problem is, Harris and Morris are allowed to be. Even Cook would be allowed to be if he wanted to. It's actually a sensible move. If teams want riders of that caliber then move up. The 'stupidity' of the rule is that it is, effectively, a life time ban from the Championship (or until such time as said riders get their averages in the Premier below six points). That's always how it used to be. I still remember Richard Hellsen's comedy last band in order to stay below 6.00 with much amusement. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TonyE 822 Posted November 28, 2017 I don't think Nicholls should be in the CL. The problem is, Harris and Morris are allowed to be. Even Cook would be allowed to be if he wanted to. It's actually a sensible move. If teams want riders of that caliber then move up. That's always how it used to be. I still remember Richard Hellsen's comedy last band in order to stay below 6.00 with much amusement. You have highlighted the key issue - 'consistency' of application across PL riders with similar averages. It either applies to all or none. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites