[NSRCA-discussion] Rule 8.1.1

[Gray E Fowler]

Tony

I think any kind of qualifications for the NATS is a bad idea, for several 
reasons. 

1. For 99.9% of us this is a hobby. We can call it a sport, but its a 
hobby. Why? Because 99.9% of us work a real job, and very very few make 
any money from participation in this hobby. 

2. Elevate the stature of the NATS? To who? The Canadians? The Mexicans? 
The Anti AMA organization who does not have a NATS?  We have a "Worlds" 
and it requires qualification, so in essence this is already what you are 
asking for. Right now anyone who goes to the NATS has a higher (false) 
stature at the local level anyway.

3. Because it is a hobby, with contests run by hobbyist, and most AMA 
people are volunteers, I cannot imagine how in the world the AMA or NSRCA 
could ever organize and execute and fair qualification system.  I derive 
this opinion based on the "many" (sarcasm) people within both the AMA and 
NSRCA that line up at nomination time to serve as an officer.  Local AMA 
clubs, AMA regional reps, and especially the NSRCA has a hard time finding 
anyone to do day to day work. If you volunteer to be nominated, you can 
almost be assured that you can be President.... Heck the NSRCA is so 
loaded with  politics  that officers quit in the middle of terms, and 
people execute personal agendas both in the rules formation and even 
personal aspects at the NATS. AMA and NSRCA should only promote to 
increase participation.

4. There are some who may only attend the NATS and do well and even win. 
Why would we want to make them attend local stuff to qualify when they do 
not need it. This applies mostly the top FAI guys. They do not need the 
local level to excel, and they can step in at the NATS and kick eveyone's 
butt. Why inconvienience them from their job, family or whatever?  If they 
can show up at the NATS and win is that not still getting the best?

5. Last-I used to be much more involved with pattern than I am now. My 
kids are of the age that it is more important to spend time doing their 
activities than mine, as they will be gone before I realize it. I cannot 
make 6-7 contests (in 6 months) like I used to, and making the NATS is 
tough too, but if I did decide that I could make the NATS, the last thing 
I would want to worry about is having to make 3 contests in a row to 
"qualify" for the NATS. Actually this point is the same as #1-its a HOBBY. 
Those whom want different move up to FAI  and "qualify" for the Worlds.


A suggestion.....
Start with the FAI USA team. Why does that selection contest allow 
whomever wants to show up fly at that contest? Implement a qualification 
sytem for the USA team selection contest first. The Semi-Pros (not so sure 
we have 100% "pros" anywhere) in these ranks should love it, because then 
those top 6 (who are we kidding... it may only be 5 who truly have a 
chance) nationwide flyers going for those 3 spots do not have to sit thru 
3 days of wannabe FAI schmoes.

I cannot imagine that a qualification system would do anything but hurt 
NATS attendence. I do not understand the point of it at all. The NAT is 
not overloaded.  I agree that it is not bad to discuss anything, but if 
you really think this is a #1 priority topic (I have not seen any others 
tossed out there), then I think it shows your personal disconnect with the 
AMA pattern community,402,403,404. 


Signed,

Peace, Love and Smarter Missiles.........


Gray Fowler
Senior Principal Chemical Engineer
Radomes and Specialty Apetures
Technical Staff Composites Engineering
Raytheon
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