How to write a rule
We seem to get into a lot of arguments about various rules. “This rule says this” or “this rule says that” or whatever. And, typically, the basis of this argument is different strokes, different folks; one person read is another person’s cheat.
I see the root cause for all these arguments centering around one thing: poorly-written rules.
Yep, sorry if it pisses off the rulesmakers, but I think I can credibly argue that most disagreements center around either people reading into the rule what wasn’t intended (maybe based on a failure of the rulesmakers’ imaginations) or poor use of verbiage to describe the intent. So, here are Greg’s Tips to keep in mind when you’re trying to write a rule.
Tip #1: You can’t POSSIBLY think of all situations
Consider this: there’s a handful of you sitting around a table (or talking on a teleconference) trying to find the best way to write an allowance to the rules (e.g., struts, suspension bushings, engine mounts, whatever). Do you REALLY believe that you can think of all possible permutations that the rest of the world can come up with? Of course not. The masses, as massive as they are, have a collective imagination that simply dwarfs your small collective's. Ergo, you are insignificant when it comes to thinking of all possibilities.
Tip #2: If It Doesn’t Say You Can, Then You Cannot
Glory be! That little bit of sunshine is your savior. The "IIDSYCTYC Rule" (GCR 9.1.3.D) is the one rule that can pull your butt out of a fire. You, as a rulesmaker, have the ultimate authority on allowances, because until and unless you allow it, it cannot be done, period! But, you absolutely must keep in mind...
Tip #3: The George Roffe Rule
The George Roffe rule states, simply, "If it says you can, then you bloody well can!" Whereas The "IIDSYCTYC Rule" is your friend and savior, the George Roffe Rule is your enemy and your Achilles’ Heel. Many a rulesmaker has been humbled by seemingly simple words that massively opened the doors to rules failures (e.g., remote reservoir shocks, splitter and undertrays, spherical suspension bushings, open ECUs).
Tip #4: With Tips #1-3 in mind, describe only what you want to ALLOW, not what you want to restrict.
Remember, tip #1 says there is NO POSSIBLE WAY that a handful of guys on a telcon can think of all permutations, therefore when you use the magic words "unrestricted" or "open" or "can be replaced" and so forth you've now, with your magic wand, reverted that rule to The George Roffe Rule. No longer is it IIDSYCTYC, it’s now "whatever you want to do within the restrictions listed below".
At this point, see tip #1, 'cause you just opened a biiiig hole (insert loophole-driving-truck-through reference here). Do you REALLY think you can fill that hole sufficiently? Besides, there's no NEED to describe what you can't do, 'cause you've already got it: the IIDSYCTYC Rule.
Tip #5: See Tip #4.
If after writing your rule you still feel the need to start adding in restrictions, then your new rule isn't worded well; go back to Tip #4 and try again.
If you understand your humility, and keep these simple tips in mind, I absolutely believe you cannot go wrong.
Other thoughts from the peanut gallery?
We seem to get into a lot of arguments about various rules. “This rule says this” or “this rule says that” or whatever. And, typically, the basis of this argument is different strokes, different folks; one person read is another person’s cheat.
I see the root cause for all these arguments centering around one thing: poorly-written rules.
Yep, sorry if it pisses off the rulesmakers, but I think I can credibly argue that most disagreements center around either people reading into the rule what wasn’t intended (maybe based on a failure of the rulesmakers’ imaginations) or poor use of verbiage to describe the intent. So, here are Greg’s Tips to keep in mind when you’re trying to write a rule.
Tip #1: You can’t POSSIBLY think of all situations
Consider this: there’s a handful of you sitting around a table (or talking on a teleconference) trying to find the best way to write an allowance to the rules (e.g., struts, suspension bushings, engine mounts, whatever). Do you REALLY believe that you can think of all possible permutations that the rest of the world can come up with? Of course not. The masses, as massive as they are, have a collective imagination that simply dwarfs your small collective's. Ergo, you are insignificant when it comes to thinking of all possibilities.
Tip #2: If It Doesn’t Say You Can, Then You Cannot
Glory be! That little bit of sunshine is your savior. The "IIDSYCTYC Rule" (GCR 9.1.3.D) is the one rule that can pull your butt out of a fire. You, as a rulesmaker, have the ultimate authority on allowances, because until and unless you allow it, it cannot be done, period! But, you absolutely must keep in mind...
Tip #3: The George Roffe Rule
The George Roffe rule states, simply, "If it says you can, then you bloody well can!" Whereas The "IIDSYCTYC Rule" is your friend and savior, the George Roffe Rule is your enemy and your Achilles’ Heel. Many a rulesmaker has been humbled by seemingly simple words that massively opened the doors to rules failures (e.g., remote reservoir shocks, splitter and undertrays, spherical suspension bushings, open ECUs).
Tip #4: With Tips #1-3 in mind, describe only what you want to ALLOW, not what you want to restrict.
Remember, tip #1 says there is NO POSSIBLE WAY that a handful of guys on a telcon can think of all permutations, therefore when you use the magic words "unrestricted" or "open" or "can be replaced" and so forth you've now, with your magic wand, reverted that rule to The George Roffe Rule. No longer is it IIDSYCTYC, it’s now "whatever you want to do within the restrictions listed below".
At this point, see tip #1, 'cause you just opened a biiiig hole (insert loophole-driving-truck-through reference here). Do you REALLY think you can fill that hole sufficiently? Besides, there's no NEED to describe what you can't do, 'cause you've already got it: the IIDSYCTYC Rule.
Tip #5: See Tip #4.
If after writing your rule you still feel the need to start adding in restrictions, then your new rule isn't worded well; go back to Tip #4 and try again.
If you understand your humility, and keep these simple tips in mind, I absolutely believe you cannot go wrong.
Other thoughts from the peanut gallery?
, although I agree that it is frustrating to get any short response to your well thought out 3 page proposal! On the other hand, it would also suck to get "What kind of crack are you smoking??" ! (You'd be surprised at some of the letters that are sooo "me" oriented.
- I'll close in saying that this is a PRIME example of what NOT to do when writing a rule.