IUSF must be consistent in rules

The proposed Little 500 rule change which would allow Alpha Tau Omega rider Hans Arnesen to ride but would prohibit Team Major Taylor rider Steve Ballinger from the race would be the worst possible decision for IU Student Foundation on the topic. Both riders enrolled at IU within the eligibility rules. Both raced Little 500, then raced other events and have subsequently rendered themselves ineligible for Little 500 because of USA Cycling categorization. Both are considered to be at exactly the same level of ability by measure of the national governing body of cycling.\nOnly these two riders would be affected by the rule change this year. Either they both should be found ineligible by the legacy rule (to which I am opposed), or both should be given the exception. IUSF would be well served to rule on rider eligibility changes for implementation at least one year in advance. Anything less smacks of kingmaking. And this year's example leaves virtually no room for alternate interpretations.\nAs the chairman of Riders Council, Arnesen is at the center of rules advisement to the IUSF director, yet reportedly does not recuse himself from voting on issues in which his own eligibility, and little else, is in the balance.\nIn my past experience as chairman of Riders Council, I can tell you that peer pressure and groupthink is a significant dynamic. The result? If the rule is passed as written, Arnesen will be given the green flag, and Ballinger the black ball.\nUltimately, it is IUSF's call on this issue, but it speaks to the character of the individual involved that he is in support of his own eligibility, but opposed to an equal who would seem his most worthy competitor. There are some of us out here who do know something about the history of Little 500, and who see through the rationalizations. A sportsman without the courage to face worthy competition on the track is not worthy of Hall of Fame consideration.