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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have
a winner!!!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>
nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org] <b><span style='font-weight:
bold'>On Behalf Of </span></b>Earl Haury<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Monday, August 13, 2007 5:08
PM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> <st1:PersonName w:st="on">NSRCA
Mailing List</st1:PersonName><br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Re: [NSRCA-discussion]
Stirring up theMasters2009Sequencediscussionagain...</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Maybe a little history is in order. For a good
number of years the AMA classes were Sportsman, Advanced, Expert, Masters
- with Masters being FAI-F3A. The point system was used to define the time to
"move-up", the difficulty procession was well established, and
Masters was the destination class. Novice was then added as an
"introductory" class to try and induce folks with an interest into
trying pattern. All was well! </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Then F3A introduced the "turn-around" pattern and
all blazes broke loose! How dare the world try to tell us what our beloved
pattern should be (never mind the fact that the chairman of the organization
that devised turn-around was one of us - the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region> rep). Things were in kayos for
several years, lots of arguments were presented for totally abandoning
F3A, but eventually AMA patterns adopted the turn-around scheme. However, F3A
became something of an orphan in the minds of many. Masters became the top AMA
class for which points advancement was required, and Expert was dropped. </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
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12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Along the line it was decided that the name Novice was
menial or degrading somehow, so the introductory class was renamed Sportsman
and Sportsman was renamed Intermediate. And here we are, Sportsman,
Intermediate, Advanced, Masters. But wait - F3A is also an AMA Precision
Aerobatics Class - check the rules, AMA class 406 is an official AMA class that
uses the FAI -F3A rules. </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>This thread contains logical and emotional statements. We all
tend to be defensive of our positions and often our view points are quite
different. Remember that, even world wide, we're a pretty small group of
dedicate folks doing something very important to us, but relatively unimportant
to everyone else. It would seem in our best interest to work together to ensure
that pattern folks with different goals and talents can enjoy pattern and
pattern competitions. </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
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12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>What we now have is pretty good! We in the <st1:country-region
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region> have
a pattern class structure that allows progression with improvement
of skills. The system provides for a measure of when folks should move on
to the next class and it provides for those who don't progress as fast to stay
in a comfortable class. The NSRCA is a forum to discuss ideas and measure
preferences which then can be recommended to the AMA Contest Board for further
consideration and implementation. Of course varied views provide for continuing
discussion of what is or should have been. </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>What could we do better? From my view, we (NSRCA) should be
more active in the F3A rules process. We (<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">USA</st1:place></st1:country-region>) have a representative on the
F3A Subcommittee that defines the rules and pattern sequences. We would be
served by ensuring our rep understands our views. Sequence proposals would
be very welcome from the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
Nope - we can't totally control what the FAI/F3A governing body does, but we
can (and have been in the past) a big part of it. How does this help the
"AMA" pattern? Just consistency of rules and judging parameters would
help ensure accurate judging at events using contestant judging - just think,
no need for judges briefings outlining the differences. Wouldn't pattern be
better if we envisioned it as a world wide activity? Recognizing a need for
consistent world wide rules that could (and probably should) be "adjusted"
to meet the desires and needs of the AMA classes seems a better approach that
an us vs. them position.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>OK - I'm a F3A guy - sorry, but I pointed out of Expert into
Masters 30 years ago (F3A at the time) and I'm staying. I do think that the
class difficulty increments were better back then. Essentially 3 classes
to prepare for Masters. Now there are only two, Intermediate & Advanced. As
others have pointed out - as Masters is designed to provide the degree of
difficulty desired of a "destination" class and the schedule must be
changed frequently to keep it "fresh" - the gap with Advanced is
often large. It's also very small or non-existent between Masters and F3A.
Increasing the difficulty of Advanced appears counter productive. One way to
fix this may be to look to the past - tailor Masters as a stepping
stone between Advanced and F3A (yeah - I'd change the names back to Expert and
Masters - but that's just me), making Masters less of a demanding class where
folks could be comfortable if time and/or talent didn't endear them to move on.
The F3A Prelim sequences can easily be flown by anyone competitive in Masters,
sure the Final sequences are a challenge - but isn't that what this whole game
is about?</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>So - can things be made better for the average competitor?
Probably, but it takes agreement within a diverse group that may be slow to
come - but that's the way the process works. Hmmm - not any different in the
F3A camp, I've been arguing for a half point scoring rule for around 20 years,
not giving up yet!</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
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12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Earl</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
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<blockquote style='border:none;border-left:solid black 1.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt;
margin-left:3.75pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt'>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>----- Original Message ----- <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div style='font-color:black'>
<p class=MsoNormal style='background:#E4E4E4'><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font
size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> <a
href="mailto:twtaylor@ftc-i.net" title="twtaylor@ftc-i.net">twtaylor</a> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>To:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> <a
href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org"
title="nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org">'NSRCA Mailing List'</a> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> Monday, August 13,
2007 2:47 PM<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> Re:
[NSRCA-discussion] Stirring up the Masters2009Sequencediscussionagain...<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>This is why they should have left Expert
in the mix. I understand the reasoning to drop a class and all that. There is a
some what of a simple solution that I’m sure will rankle a lot of
feathers and that is to make FAI an AMA class and a POINT INTO<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'> Class. Rename Masters to Expert and
soften the sequence so going from Advance to (Expert) to FAI so it has a good
flow. Problem cured.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>
nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org] <b><span style='font-weight:
bold'>On Behalf Of </span></b>BUDDYonRC@aol.com<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Monday, August 13, 2007 2:23
PM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b>
nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Re: [NSRCA-discussion]
Stirring up the Masters 2009Sequencediscussionagain...</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Glen<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>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<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Designed is a poor stepping stone to
Masters.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>A smoother transition upward almost seems
like it would require another class between Advanced and Masters<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>My observations indicate that this is one
of the reasons we are loosing members.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Where do those who are located in a
lower class go? <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>My observation as I mentioned
before is somewhere else.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> 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. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Buddy <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=2 color=black
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
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<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center>
</span></font></div>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:7.5pt'><font size=2 color=black
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Get a
sneak peek of the all-new <a
href="http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour/?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000982"
target="_blank"
title="http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour/?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000982">AOL.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
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face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>
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</span></font></div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>_______________________________________________<br>
NSRCA-discussion mailing list<br>
NSRCA-discussion@lists.nsrca.org<br>
http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</blockquote>
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