This is probably a building code but...
Is there a reason we cannot drill a 1" hole in a floor joist 1.25" from the bottom of it?
I ussually drill them low because its easier to drill, easier to pull wire through, and your less likely to carelessly drill through other wires or plumbing. Other wires and plumbing are ussually supported in the middle of the joist so your hole would be under them.
This would be the joists in a basement for example.
I'm getting slack for this. They are wanting it in the middle third of the joists, the reason is probably structural support.
