quote:
Originally posted by mbannon:
If you re-read my post, you'll see that you and I are in complete agreement. I only use the headphone/deafness analogy as proof that the no-headphones rule is only in place due to fear of lawsuit. If we were truly worried about people being unable to hear during a race, deaf people would not be allowed to race. Also, races would not be allowed near airports or other noisy areas.
Of course the race directors are worried about racers being able to hear. But the rule is in place due to fear of lawsuit.
I agree that we agree that you agree. BUT, the deafness analogy dosen't work becuase the deaf (and the race to a certian extent) are protected from lawsuits, so the insurance company cannot use deaf as a reason not to allow them in a race. Headphones are elective, therefore not protected by law in the same manner.
As a "Reasonable Accomadation", I wonder if a race could require a deaf runner to run with someone that can hear so as to alert the deaf runner. Does anyone know if this is a requirement for any race?