Lacking fighting spirit = 3 days suspension

[Taka]

In 1991 it was decided to punish those whose bouts appeared lacking in fighting spirit.

Worst case punishment was a 3 day suspension from the dohyo.

Until I recently read about this rule, I don't think I had ever heard of it.

The book mentions that as of 1992, suspension was something that had yet to happen.

So I want to know if the rule in fact, still exists, and if anyone know if there have been cases where it has been put into practice?

I know of many cases were a boxer has been stopped because of a lack of effort, and in tennis I remember Maret Safin once being fined, following a loss to Fabrice Santoro, for lack of trying.

It can be very offending for the fans and certainly for paying spectators, whatever the sport, to watch someone seemingly not giving a damn, sleepwalking himself to a loss.

But it must be very difficult to judge in Sumo. Very often when someone is clearly not giving it his all, it's because he can't. Because of injury.

Of the top of my head the only one that clearly comes to mind is someone like Kyokushuzan. Every other Basho he does absolutely NOTHING, and might as well not show up at all. A suspension because of that, may be too drastic but what about a fine?

Generally speaking though I think the fighting spirit in sumo right now is pretty good.

Maybe in 91 one there were problems. I'm not sure there are now.

[Sasanishiki]

Of the top of my head the only one that clearly comes to mind is someone like Kyokushuzan. Every other Basho he does absolutely NOTHING, and might as well not show up at all. A suspension because of that, may be too drastic but what about a fine?

Not wanting to attack or defend any particular wrestlers, but I think the rule is meant for performance in a single bout, not poor performances as a whole in the basho. That is, it is to make each contest mean something rather than having rikishi go half-hearted if they have achieved kachi-koshi, or are make-koshi and not in danger of being demoted too far.

I had not heard of the rule, and do not know if it is still in effect, but I presume that it was brought in to discourage the types of situations I have just mentioned, and to remove the spectre of yaocho, or rigged matches.

[Otokonoyama]

Of the top of my head the only one that clearly comes to mind is someone like Kyokushuzan. Every other Basho he does absolutely NOTHING, and might as well not show up at all. A suspension because of that, may be too drastic but what about a fine?

Wouldn't Musoyama fall under this catergory (Applauding...)

[Kaihayaiha]

Sadly that was my first though too :(

[Mark Buckton]

Harunoyama, recent Toki, oftentimes Chiyotenzan....... etc etc :-P

[Yubiquitoyama]

Interesting. I have never heard about this rule, but it does seem plausible. It fits with what the Kyokai does when directing a problem: Introducing rules never to actually be used to make sure there is no need for them. Anyone remembers the "no more false starts - instant disqualification instead of fines"-rule a few years back... :-P :-(

My money goes on Miyabiyama though for earning a few days absence ones in a while ("Timber"...) (Sigh...)

Edited July 28, 2004 by Yubiquitoyama

[Fujisan]

My vote goes for Musoyama aswell (Every second basho at least (Ranting...) )

Tosa(fight)noumi deserves a mention here aswell :-P (Sigh...) :-( :-S

[Mark Buckton]

Could this have been a counter to the 'yaocho' allegations against some sekitori of the time? make them fight harder etc.