There may be plenty of debate surrounding the decision to disqualify two Massabesic runners from the state cross country championships, but the National Federation of State High School Associations uses Rule 4-5-8 as an example in its 2007 Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Interpretations.

From the NFHS case book, regarding Rule 4-5-8, which prohibits competitors joining or grasping hands with each other during a race:

SITUATION 7: Two competitors from School A are competing for the conference title in the 3200-meter run. Leading the field, two Team A teammates approach the finish line and grasp hands and cross the line together. The runners are disqualified by the meet referee.

RULING: Correct procedure.

COMMENT: Although Rule 4-5-8 is addressing circumstances in which assistance could be provided to a runner consequently resulting in a disqualification, in the situation of grasping hands a definite disqualification results. It is at best difficult to determine assistance under this set of circumstances, but it is likely and is also possibly unsporting behavior. The application of this rule is to result in an immediate disqualification for grasping hands while crossing the finish line. (4-5-8)

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