MSHSL's Lisa Lissimore Explains Why the Three Class A Girls were Disqualified

There have been a variety of different reasons given for the disqualification of three female athletes competing in the MSHSL Class A race. Many opinions have been expressed on the subject, both pro and con. DtB asked Lisa Lissimore, Associate Director of the MSHSL, to clarify the ruling.

The three runners together in the center of Gene Niemi's picture--Tierney

Winter(423), Jessica Christopher(429) and Kailee Kiminski(459)--were all 

disqualified. 

"The Minnesota State High School League, like all other high school activity associations,  follows the National HS Federation Track and Field and Cross Country Rules. The rules state that it is an unfair act when a competitor receives any assistance. Assistance includes:

1.    Interference with another competitor.

2.    Pacing by a teammate not in the race or persons not participating in the event.

3.    Competitors joining or grasping hands with each other during a race.

4.    Competitors using an aid during the race.

5.    Communicating with a competitor through the use of any device.

6.    Coaching a competitor from a restricted area.

7.    A competitor receiving communication electronically during a race or trial.

Due to rules that prohibit competitors from assisting other runners, the athletes were disqualified. All cross country coaches are aware that athletes cannot assist others during races, whether teammates or opponents. This rule is based on fairness and the belief that each competitor must complete the course on their own.

Despite the consequences, these runners chose to help a struggling runner and course officials, who warned them of the consequences,  had to make the difficult decision to DQ them in an effort to be fair to the total field of 176 runners. If we choose not to apply the rule, the integrity of the meet would have been jeopardized. Remember cross country is both a team and individual sport. Team scores are determined by the points scored by the first five finishers of each team.

In addition, there could be safety health concerns for an injured runner if people who are not medically certified attempt to move an athlete. Please know that we have a medical team of eight people assisting at the State Cross Country meet. Several ride in a trail vehicle to assist runners.

The League is planning to nominate Kailee and Tierney for the National Federation Spirit of Sport Award, which is awarded annually by the National Federation  of State High School Association."--Lisa Lissimore