Judge Feedback

[Bob Pastorello]

Matt, et al - 
    Feedback is what we all need, and from the judges DURING the round is NOT the time to do it.  Going to a contest is the VERY BEST practice I ever get.  There is more mental focus, more disciplined flying, and the extra "energy" of being judged, etc.  It really is when my flying improves the most.
    Of course, I have to completely ignore the scoresheets to accomplish that, as quite frequently the feedback on the scoresheet is far less critical than what I really need - OR - it is incorrectly critical (one guy sees a 9, the other guy sees a 4 - one of 'em is wrong, so I disregard both)....
    This is the main reason I don't pickup the "tear sheets", nor observe the standings until it's all over.  It really does help me to stay focused on what I'm supposed to.

Ya'll should try it - it works!

Bob Pastorello
NSRCA 199  AMA 46373
rcaerobob at cox.net
www.rcaerobats.net


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Rcmaster199 at aol.com 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 4:49 PM
  Subject: Re: Judge Feedback


  I think that one of Earl's points at least, is well taken. Many times, a judge will be confronted by a pilot right after a flight is completed, at the detriment of other pilots standing on the ready. Best place for that is after the round is finished, and in as respectful a manner as possible. 

  At local contests, unless there are 20 people flying in a class, the judge will often remember some obvious or blatant things pilots have done. Minor details are often lost very quickly, even immediately after a flight, so it's probably a good idea not to expect that kind of explanation. 

  One thing that has not been mentioned is approachability of the pilot. I have had pilots really get mad at even suggesting they did something wrong. Luckily it doesn't happen that often, such that I have been dissuaded from making constructive criticisms.

  I remember my first contest in Texas City, 25 years ago. I was lucky enough to meet a gent who had been around the scene for awhile, and he agreed to have my new bride and me share their tent. He also flew the Sportsman class of the day, as I did, and it was a constant teaching class all weekend long for me. I was open to his info sharing and I learned more during that contest than I had in months of flying at the club site. In fact the only thing that topped it was my first Nats, a year later. He called for me all weekend long and helped me tremendously. Texas City used to put on some kind of shin dig back then. Lots of fellowship and story sharing at the club sponsored supper Saturday night. Tremendous information for young ears to eagerly absorb. BTW-I doubt Tx City RC Club ever made a nickel from their annual contests.

  I have a suggestion for the pattern newbie and not so new alike: at the next contest why not approach a longtimer and pick their brain some? Ask them to witness your next flight and ask for their input. I think many will accept, but almost no one will just offer to critique unsolicited. You the pilot must initiate that kind of input. Of course it's an obvious thing to do, and, IF you are serious about improving, it is some of the best spent time at a comp.

  regards

  MattK



    Earl, I think you have some good points. But I want to point out two issues relating to your comments.

    1. The marks on the score sheet that Lance suggested were to facilitate evaluation *after* the round, not during the round.

    2. Your point about the coach working with the pilot at the practice fields has great merits, but it doesn't take into account that not everyone has experienced pattern fliers to practice with, and even those that do fly with other pattern fliers can benefit from input from more experienced pilots at contests.

    Since you're an FAI pilot and you work with guys at your field you're coming from the viewpoint that sportsman pilots can get expert advice if they look for it at practice. But how are those that don't have top (or any) pattern pilots at their home field ever supposed to improve if they don't get feedback at contests?

    If your answer is "their caller", then I'd point out that most lower level fliers aren't fortunate enough to have top level pilots call for them if they don't fly with them at practice. I've seen many less experienced pilots calling for each other. Also, the top fliers are often judging. Think about it this way, how many sportsman or intermediate pilots, that aren't in your club, do you call for at contests, and how much feedback do you give them? If these guys don't get feedback from someone how will they ever improve?

    I personally very much appreciate input from judges on things they noticed me doing wrong. Especially when it's something I'm doing wrong again and again and don't realize. 

    Keith Black
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