Posted ByStu Vessant on March 28, 2002 at 13:45:03:
In Reply to: Violation of resting hand position? posted byRose on March 28, 2002 at 13:14:03:
Rose, I don't believe that any "at-rest" hand ruling has ever been officially made by the WRPSS. The only section of the Rules that even comes close to covering this is 1.1.1: "The decision-makers must stand opposite each other with one outstretched fist at waist height with a distance between their fists of no less than 1 cubit and no more than 2 cubits."
There is no mention of what should be done with the other hand. Local customs vary from region to region, but most players choose to conserve their energy by letting the at-rest hand just...rest.
One notable exception to the "rest by the side" custom, was Larry "Bird" Longinus. The Birdman was known, among other things, for always extending a one-finger salute with his non-priming hand. Though there were no rules against this sort of behavior, many felt that he violated the spirit, if not the letter, of gentle conduct and good sportsmanship.
In any case, only a true Grinch of RPSdom would seek to invalidate all OPHSVRPS matches, especially with many of them counting on scholarships for college this fall. The Kids Are Allright. Let them play.
Besides, this matter would clearly seem to fall outside the duties of the Morality Office. Other than a general need to be a busybody, why should you be so interested?