[NSRCA-discussion] D3 Championship

Wed Oct 17 18:27:31 AKDT 2007

OK.I probably shouldn't start this, but I will.

I haven't read all the threads, but I have read the ones below in this
series.

The NSRCA has already set the standard and a method to determine judging
bias and has held a NSRCA member accountable to this standard this year and
the AMA sanctioned the individual. This is fact..Agree with the method to
determine bias (or not) it was used to impose an AMA sanction on a member.

IMHO this discussion suggests that bias has occurred in the D3 championship
or possibly another at the same level FAI. If this is the case the NSRCA
must review this and apply the same discipline using the same measurables to
provide for the same sanctions.

If the NSRCA is unwilling to investigate or isn't willing to use the same
method to determine bias, then clearly we (the NSRCA and AMA) have
disenfranchised a NSRCA member and should rethink his sanction.

Our rules and penalties must check and balance. Then they must be applied to
all members equally regardless of status in membership. This is the only way
to reduce / eliminate bias. I'm also unwilling to entertain the thought the
District Championship is any less important to the NATS. They are both
sanctioned contests ran by a CD accountable to the AMA.

Flame suit on.

Larry Diamond

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Mike Hester <mailto:kerlock at comcast.net>  

To: NSRCA Mailing List <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>  

Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 2:24 PM

Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] D3 Championship

He's not alone. Although he probably should work on the delivery ;)

I would support any of the 5 proposals that Ryan listed. Judging FAI can be
frustrating enough, but to be told you're not getting it right when you're
already doing everything you know how to do, that's a hard pill to swallow
regardless of the statement's accuracy.

You guys out there do need to realize these guys can fly...and are very
good...problem is they're flying against this Jason dude, travels a lot,
flys all the time, might even have a national title or 2 along the way, not
sure. I'm sure you know the type. *ahem*

Because my wife generally keeps scores in D3, we have some pretty good
access to each and every score entered. I can tell you guys without a doubt
at times there are some SERIOUS differences in scores between judges on the
same round. I don't mean a little, I mean like 100 points on the RAW score.
Even if this Jason character was flying straight 10s, the differences if you
work them out mean the others are barely flying a straight line....and
that's not the case. I have no doubt these guys don't think they should be
beating Jason in a 6 round contest where 2 of the rounds are "F" rounds, but
I am sure most people would agree the scoring could use some improvements.

Being one of these evil incompetent D3 masters judges *ahem* I would
certainly support more of a cooperative effort than some kind of protest. I
have been very supportive of all the FAI guys and especially the scoring,
and am usually the guys everybody throws something at during a judging
seminar because I'm trying to clarify something that effects mainly FAI. 

I think to identify the "problem" will take a willingness to recognize that
the situation is caused by a LOT of factors, not any one or two. If anyone's
interested, I'll outline the ones I see clearly. 

I'm not sure if this will all have the intended effect that jim was looking
for in the end, but if nothing else it does draw some attention to a
situation and we should have a closer look. 

As for me, soon I'll be practicing, bracing for the onslought of FAI pilots
come to masters to punish me =)

-Mike

----- Original Message ----- 

From: McLaughlin, <mailto:ryan_mclaughlin at ml.com>  Ryan (FRS.JAX) 

To: NSRCA Mailing List <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>  

Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 1:50 PM

Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] D3 Championship

I didn't want you to stand alone in this...it's too important.

-----Original Message-----
From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Woodward, Jim
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 1:31 PM
To: NSRCA Mailing List
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] D3 Championship

Ryan M.,

I think this takes the cake as a first time nsrca-list email.  Thank you for
the support.

Jim W.

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From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of McLaughlin,
Ryan (FRS.JAX)
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 1:19 PM
To: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] D3 Championship

This is my first post to the NSRCA list as I am a bit 'internet shy', but I
thought I might be able to add some value to the FAI judging discussion Jim
W started.  Although I tend to err on the side of diplomacy : ), I believe
the feelings Jim expressed are legitimate and shared by many FAI competitors
throughout the country.  As a long time participant, I realize that bias is
not a new problem but I do not think we should accept this is as a "fact of
life" and move on.  I think we have an excellent opportunity here and we
should make the most of it.

The primary issue to address in my opinion is not disparity in judging
standards between judges, though as Earl points out, this is important.
Rather, it is the different standard applied to pilots within one score
set--i.e.. scoring a pilot lower or higher based on who he is.  Our penchant
for creating "superstars" is the most discouraging aspect of FAI
competition.  To remedy this, we must all make a conscious decision to
change a long established tradition in our sport.  Are we ready to take this
on?

Complaining isn't the answer and neither is staying quiet, a mistake that
has made the FAI competitors as responsible as anyone else for the
situation.  To this end, I submit for your review the following ideas to
specifically target the FAI bias issue:

1. Sacrifice one FAI round per contest to serve as an "open" round for all
contestants expected to judge FAI during the event.  Allow everyone to
compare notes and use this as a coaching opportunity.

2.  Drop one FAI pilot to Masters at each contest to serve as a judge for
all rounds and use volunteers from other classes to serve as the others.
This would have to be an agreement made among FAI pilots.

3.  Extend the pilots meeting to go over specific issues, maybe a new one or
two every meet rather than just pointing out the landing zone, etc.  Make a
"mini" judging seminar mandatory each contest.

4.  Certify judges for FAI on a volunteer basis and only use "certified"
judges in the contest. 

5.  Utilize peer judging, in other words, have FAI pilots judge themselves.
If a pilot is not flying, he is judging his fellow competitors.

Some of this may seem radical, but I believe there is room for a bit of
this.  Pattern belongs to us right?  I welcome any ideas or critique anyone
can offer.  I will clarify any of the above upon request.

Thank you for your consideration. 

Ryan McLaughlin 
Eustis, Florida 

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