Quote:
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Originally Posted by BretMan
"Wheelchairs are allowed (wink, wink)...unless the umpire says they're not allowed...and nobody in their right mind is going to allow them...(so they're really not allowed)."  |
While Mike is correct about the "L" word, I don't think it is as cynical as you suppose.
There are, as previously noted, some amazing wheelchair athletes, and there continue to be developed athletic wheelchairs with designs specifically for high maneuverability, agility, etc.
The rule covers all, but judgment allows for case-by-case ruling.
Also note that none of the other playing rules get adjusted (ref: the earlier comments about obstruction).
The umpire, in the case of equipment like this, has the authority to rule on the safety as it pertains to the other players and on the effect on the nature of the game. Since the umpire's ruling applies ONLY to that ONE game, the effect of that umpire's judgment is very narrow, whereas the effect of a written rule is very broad.