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<TITLE>[NSRCA-discussion] D3 Championship </TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">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.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">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?</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">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:</FONT></P>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">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.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">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.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">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.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">4. Certify judges for FAI on a volunteer basis and only use "certified" judges in the contest.</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">5. Utilize peer judging, in other words, have FAI pilots judge themselves. If a pilot is not flying, he is judging his fellow competitors.</FONT></P>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">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.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Thank you for your consideration.</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Ryan McLaughlin</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Eustis, Florida</FONT>
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