[NSRCA-discussion] Mandatory Advancment

[Tom Simes]

Mark Atwood wrote:
> I¹m coming in very late to this discussion, but regardless of the system,  I
> really think the primary change needs to be that instead of ANY mandatory
> system, we change the key word to be ³Guideline²...meaning it¹s a guideline
> for when to move, but not a fast rule.  This is pattern...a hobby.  Yes, a
> competitive one, but there¹s no huge money riding on it (certainly not at
> the levels that are subjected to this) and there will always be valid
> exceptions that no system can take into account.  So while we can and should
> work on improving the advancement system to be as accurate as possible, I
> will likely submit a proposal that simply changes the existing system to be
> a guideline, rather than mandatory.
> 
> I personally think that fixes almost everything. (well...with regard to
> pattern advancement). :)
> 
> -Mark

In PACSS, Gene already has the underpinnings built and working for 
national results reporting.  I'm not advocating one way or another, 
just throwing out a data point that one of the hardest parts to 
coordinate is already in place.

With regard to mandatory advancement, one aspect that I think deserves 
careful attention is how to handle people getting back into pattern 
after an absence or people who have reached a point in their lives 
where their skills are in decline for one reason or another.

It's sad to see a competitor who progressed into the higher ranks 
years ago and feels obligated to stay there but whose skills are 
obviously not adequate for the class anymore.  If mandatory 
advancement is being considered, there should also be a mechanism to 
move downward as well - instead of just leaving the hobby.

-- 
Tom

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    "Z-80 system stack overflow.  Shut 'er down Scotty, the system's
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Tom Simes                                       simestd at netexpress.com
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