Who writes these test questions ???

[PSidbury]

Huh...?

Someone please help me with the rhetoric of this NFHS test question:

The state association may make a temporary adjustment for officials to wear which of the following?
a. Long-sleeved, all-white collared polo shirt.
b. Long-sleeved, all-white sweater.
c. Long-sleeved, all-white turtleneck under a polo shirt.
d. Long-sleeved, all-white collared polo shirt or white sweater with collared polo shirt only.

Okay... 2012-'13 NFHS Rules Book 5-2, Art. 1, Note 2:
The state association may make a temporary adjustment in the officials' uniform to permit the wearing of long-sleeved, all-white collared polo shirt or sweater to address cold conditions with competition facilities.

Uh... the Rules Book reads: "long-sleeved, all-white collared polo shirt OR sweater".

Option a. is out, since I can also wear a sweater, as indicated by the use of the word "or" in the Rules Book.
Option b. is out, since I can also wear a long-sleeved, collared white polo, without a sweater, as allowed by that word "or".
Option c. is out since the Rules do not include the word "turtleneck". Although a turtleneck can be a type of sweater.
And option d. implies wearing a white sweater with (not "or") collared polo shirt only. Only? Wait, but, again that word "or" implies a choice between the two...???

What is the freaking answer...???

Thank you,
Paul

[FMadera]

Generally you are expected to wear the sweater over the collared white polo, not by itself or over something else. The answer is D.

[PSidbury]

Thanks Felix.

That's the answer I went with by process of elimination.
Indeed, it would seem that their definition and placement of "or" and "with" is not universally understood.
Just what the heck is the object and subject in that test question and answer?...

Nuanced rule writing leaves a lot to be desired.

Paul

[oldsetter]

Knowing the rules and knowing the wording of the rule book can be two different things.

[MCBear]

That is why we get paid the big bucks! It is called rules interpretation which occasionally requires that we have to use that gray matter between our ears! ;-P

[oldsetter]

Originally Posted by MCBear

That is why we get paid the big bucks! It is called rules interpretation which occasionally requires that we have to use that gray matter between our ears! ;-P

Oh, Lord, I don't have a chance then.