[NSRCA-discussion] Mandatory Advancement

[Jim Gruntkowski]

Hello everyone. My name is Jim Gruntkowski and I'm relatively new to pattern. I flew my first contest in May of 2007 in sportsman and met a great bunch of people that gave me more help than I can actually take in at one time. I flew 4 contest that year and was told to move up to intermediate which was okay because there is more competition in intermediate. 2008 was a very busy year at work which didn't leave much time for practice but we went to contest anyhow so I can show my wife whata fool I can make out of myself. Mostly the reason we went to contest the 2008 was to get away for a long weekend and spend time with new friends. I can honestly say that I didn't enjoy myself as much as I should have due to the fact that I just wasn't ready to compete in intermediate. It was a little depressing before the last contest I told my wife maybe we should just skip the last contest because it wouldn't be worth the money for the travel and hotel and not be
 competitive. We did go and we had a great time. Did I mention my wife is my caller. But if someone told me I had to move up to advance this coming season I would probably take a year off. This is a hobby and I love it but I also want to be competitive. I have other hobbies that are competitive and have seen all types of sand baggers but that's just a part of life. I honestly believe that people know they're flying abilities and what class they should be flying in and if they stay in the class just because they know they can win contests then so be it. I will still go to contest and have fun. If someone told me I had to move to advanceIwould probably take a year off to practice but that wouldn't help attendance at local contest would it so it doesn't make sense to me why you would force someone to move up that doesn't have the ability to fly in the next class.
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