Item 8)
With the Exception of events flown under AMA competition rules, after launch, except for pilots and helpers being used , no powered model may be flown closer than 25 feet to any person.


That rule could sure be made a little clearer... However the WAFC CD's instructions during the Friday pilots meeting were very clear. He stated that pilots could tail touch the place on the ground, walk around a TR'ing plane, etc. AS LONG AS they got no closer than 25' from the aircraft and did not cross the deadline. Violating the 25' rule or the deadline would be grounds for DQ.

I will say this, Garrett Morrison accepted the penalty like a true sportsman. I have only been around him a little bit, but can say without hesitation that he has matured tremendously as a competition pilot and a young adult. We are all subject to making mental mistakes, this one happened to bite him pretty hard. I am confident that he will chalk it up as a lesson learned and be a better competitor because of it.