Hi Dennis,
The short answer is: The CD was WRONG!
Longer Answer:
There is no CLPA rule that states the pilot must be involved in the starting of the engine/motor. Yes, many pilots do it so they can "fiddle" with their NV's, (usually to their detriment?
), but it is not a rule.
I am almost always the only ECL flyer at the field or at the contest, so I do push my own button (I'm used to flying alone with a stooge so I keep up the same routine at a contest ;-). Like you, and most ECL pilots, I have my JMP and Kas timers set to "Zero" power for 30 seconds after button push/start. This allows me plenty of time to wander out to the handle, get set up, take a breath, etc., before TO. :-)
BTW: I push my talking timer (thanks Alan :-) start button immediately after pushing my start button, and include this 30 sec. wait time in my total 6 min time period on my timer. (5 min. 30 sec. flight time).
I have flown at the Cal State Champs with several Nats, and world champions, and there were many pilots who stood in the center of the circle while someone else started their engines. And these guys REALLY know the rules, so I don't think it would have been allowed if it was breaking any AMA rule! ;-)
My guess is that your CD is remembering some very old rule, or more likely a rule from some other CL event.
RE: Your last question about the "when is the ECL motor actually started, and the spinning prop issue". The only place in the rules that this would apply is in the section that states: "..... the engine (motor) must be started within 3 min. of giving the judges the hand signal for starting....".
Since I live in an area where CL people are extremely conservative and there is a great bias against any change, especially against ECL, (I have been protested twice about ECL issues, and denied entry in one major contest), I do expect someone to bring up this issue.
They may say that the "start" is only when the prop starts rotating after our 30 sec delay. The good news is that it does not matter to us. This issue is moot. We have 3 min. to get started after giving the hand signal. We can give them the 30 seconds if they demand it. By the time 3 minutes after our hand signal has passed, we will already have done 50% of the pattern! :-) .... Many of these extreme conservative reactionaries will still be flipping their props when we are already 50% done on the other circle. ;-)
If you are still in doubt about this rule, you may want to email Keith for the expert answer on this. Not only is Keith a very nice guy, but he is a walking encyclopedia on the history of our rules, past and present. :-)
Regards,
AMA 1667 CD