Interesting feedback!

Now for the ideas…

How can the rule book be written to better clarify this scenario?
Should the boat that starts in gear be DQ or should the course be red lit?
We are looking for your feedback.

My thought is that if a boat starts in gear the driver should let go of the rope and idle across the line. (if he doesn't let go he is DQ for Safety Infraction due to what it does to his competitor). Depending upon when they start/current, if they shut it of and restart, and other factors they may get a green light you don't know so you can't say "IF THEY START IN GEAR" They are DQd. At this point it is a simple red light. If they go barrelling down the course before the the clock is "activated" then it is a Safety Infraction. If the driver in the other lane sees that the boat started in gear and crosses the start line he all ready knows he won. If he can not see them then it is so close of a start the wake should not make a difference. I have been told by many drivers they saw their competitions red light come on. I will always believe a SAFETY INFRACTION will over ride a Red Light. I guess the bottom line question is how bad of a red light does it take to become a Safety Infraction.

I have seen Lumbert in more than one instance when the boat started in gear, let go of the rope and idle his boat to the outside of his lane as to not mess up things for his competition.

I have also seen the opposite. The driver hanging on for dear life pulling everything down. Which instance is worse???

The 5 sec rule I believe is only after a green light has been given.