[NSRCA-discussion] Point System - Was " Stirring up the Masters 2009Sequence discussionagain..."

[Dennis Bodary]

Once again Mark well said. 

Mark Atwood <atwoodm at paragon-inc.com> wrote:  Why do we have one? (point system)

Not to play devils advocate but do we really have that many people trying to “cheat” to take home an extra plaque?  Yeah, some people hang around a class a little longer than others, but I don’t ever recall someone staying beyond the point where peer pressure failed, and we had to rely on an un-enforced point system to get the job done.

I mean lets face it...if there’s a guy just tearing up the advanced circuit...winning everything in his path, A) he’s going to get pretty bored with that at some point B) he’s going to get heckled to DEATH at some point from the Master’s guys calling him chicken since he’s clearly afraid to compete against kids his own size :)  and C) and this is a big “C”...  Who cares??  If I’m flying Advanced against him and continually having my A$$ handed to me...then apparently there’s room for my flying to improve.  I can choose to improve it staying in Advanced until either the aforementioned sandbagger moves up and I can claim victory with my inferior flying against now inferior competition, OR I can choose to bypass all together and move to Masters and get a new challenge having never won the pinnacle of the previous class, but feeling confident in my own abilities.

MORE importantly...if I fly for fun?  Which I really think about 50% of the flyers in pattern do, then I can hang at whatever level challenges me, provides me with the best “reward” level for my time and investment, and maximize my “fun”.  

I think the “point” system should be little more than a guideline for the avid competitor who’s goal is to move through the classes, gain proficiency, and who’s target is winning in FAI.  It’s a guideline to know when it’s maybe time to move up, to prevent moving too early, and yet stay on a good course for becoming the best.

For the rest, I think it’s a non issue.

I’m an avid golfer...I suck, but I’m avid.  My handicap says I should be playing from the blue tees on most courses...  But on a given day, I’d much rather go out and shoot an 82 from the whites, than post an 86 from the Blues.  Just my preference...it’s more fun.    

My .02

-Mark


On 8/13/07 2:23 PM, "BUDDYonRC at aol.com" <BUDDYonRC at aol.com> wrote:

  Glen
I agree and also think the advanced schedule was softened to much to be a stepping stone to masters. The present Advanced pattern was designed accommodate the move from Intermediate to Advanced.
 
The current Advanced schedule will keep the interest up through Advanced but may result in loosing pilots unless they are allowed to stay in Advanced, which as it is now
Designed is a poor stepping stone to Masters.
 
A smoother transition upward almost seems like it would require another class between Advanced and Masters
It seems like we have two types of contestants, all having a true interest and dedication to the sport but one group lacks the basic tools to progress up the ladder as it is now designed.
 
My observations indicate that this is one of the reasons we are loosing members.
People who are competitive will compete as long as there is an attainable goal when that goal becomes to big a step or they or forced to move to a class that is above their ability or one that requires more time or equipment than what is available they move on to something that will more nearly suit their circumstances and still satisfy their desire to participate and be competitive.
 
We have seen this many times in our own group when people move to FAI and then move back to masters because of one of the above examples. 
 
Where do those who are located in a lower class go? 
My observation as I mentioned before is somewhere else.
 Perhaps it is time to think about this and design some options that will maintain the interest of those who fall into that group and keep them from moving on.  
Buddy 



  
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