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    Keith, the idea is to have multiple systems in place to avoid such
    an occurrence. <br>
    <br>
    &nbsp;A failsafe check at the contest would have prevented the problem.
    Communication between the person removing the plane from the runway
    and the pilot would have prevented the problem. An arming plug still
    engaged in the pits might have been commented on by anyone standing
    around. <br>
    <br>
    To check the power operation, I put the plane in a stand with a fast
    idle and shut off the receiver to confirm the ESC shutdown works,
    then turn the TX off and turn the receiver on to confirm that
    without a failsafe or TX signal, the ESC stays shut down, then turn
    the TX back on to confirm normal operation and shut the TX off to
    get failsafe which should shutdown the motor as well(not hold).
    Finally turn the TX back on and confirm that throttle cut both shuts
    the motor down and disables the throttle stick. Presumably you
    already know that your arming plug works if you have one unless it
    has been ejected.<br>
    <br>
    John<br>
    <div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 12/13/2012 9:13 AM, Keith Hoard
      wrote:<br>
    </div>
    <blockquote cite="mid:-6898270660445593451@unknownmsgid" type="cite">
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        <div>If I recall the story correctly, the offending aircraft was
          left unattended after landing while the pilot&nbsp;&#8220;debriefed&#8221; with
          the judges.&nbsp; If there was nobody to physically secure that
          airplane, then there would have been nobody to pull the arming
          plug either.</div>
        <div>&nbsp;</div>
        <div>Unless the arming plug had a&nbsp;&#8220;self-ejection after landing&#8221;
          feature,&nbsp;it would have still been installed in the airplane
          and it STILL would have gone to full power into the pits when
          the Tx was turned off.</div>
        <div>&nbsp;</div>
        <div>
          <div>Sent from Windows Mail</div>
          <div>&nbsp;</div>
        </div>
        <div
style="border-top-color:rgb(225,225,225);border-top-width:1px;border-top-style:solid">
          <strong>From:</strong>&nbsp;John Fuqua &lt;<a
            moz-do-not-send="true"
            href="mailto:johnfuqua@embarqmail.com">johnfuqua@embarqmail.com</a>&gt;<br>
          <strong>Sent:</strong>&nbsp;&#8206;December&#8206; &#8206;13&#8206;, &#8206;2012 &#8206;9&#8206;:&#8206;49&#8206; &#8206;AM<br>
          <strong>To:</strong>&nbsp;General pattern discussion &lt;<a
            moz-do-not-send="true"
            href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org">nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;<br>
          <strong>Subject:</strong>&nbsp;Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Contest board
          - Was Executive Board voting<br>
        </div>
        <div>&nbsp;</div>
        <div lang="EN-US">
          <div>
            <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:11pt">Well
                I was the victim of a runaway electric which trashed my
                plane and barely missed slicing up people in the pit.&nbsp;&nbsp;
                The operator HAD set Fail Safe.&nbsp;&nbsp; Somewhere along the
                way it got changed and when he turned off the Tx
                &nbsp;&nbsp;!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.</span></p>
            <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:11pt">&nbsp;</span></p>
            <div>
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                <p class=" MsoNormal"><b><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">From:</span></b><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">
                    <a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                      href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                      target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>
                    [mailto:<a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                      href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                      target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>]
                    <b>On Behalf Of </b>Randy Forbus<br>
                    <b>Sent:</b> Thursday, December 13, 2012 8:59 AM<br>
                    <b>To:</b> <a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                      href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org"
                      target="_blank">nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org</a><br>
                    <b>Subject:</b> Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Contest board
                    - Was Executive Board voting</span></p>
              </div>
            </div>
            <p class=" MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
            <div>
              <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">With
                  all the fancy smancy&nbsp;computer radios out there&nbsp;fail
                  safe seems to be the logical way to prevent a runaway.<br>
                  &nbsp;</span></p>
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style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">
                    <hr size="2" width="100%" align="center"></span></div>
                <p class=" MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">From:
                    <a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                      href="mailto:rforbus@hotmail.com" target="_blank">rforbus@hotmail.com</a><br>
                    To: <a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                      href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org"
                      target="_blank">nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org</a><br>
                    Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:50:09 +0000<br>
                    Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Contest board - Was
                    Executive Board voting</span></p>
                <div>
                  <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">Well
                      I personally havent seen a runaway electric plane
                      and I know some have and the out come wasnt good,
                      but like Mark said an arming plug doesnt give 100%
                      safety, common sense has to prevail.&nbsp; Ive never
                      seen a glow motor come back to life with no glow
                      driver connected either,&nbsp;but I know that happens
                      too.<br>
                      &nbsp;</span></p>
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                    <div class=" MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"
                      align="center"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">
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                    <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">Date:
                        Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:38:03 -0600<br>
                        From: <a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                          href="mailto:scmcharg@gmail.com"
                          target="_blank">scmcharg@gmail.com</a><br>
                        To: <a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                          href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org"
                          target="_blank">nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org</a><br>
                        Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Contest board -
                        Was Executive Board voting<br>
                        <br>
                        Mark and John, </span></p>
                    <div>
                      <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">&nbsp;
                          &nbsp;First of all, I personally want to thank you
                          for stepping up to the fire blaster and
                          communicating with us. &nbsp;Believe me, I know
                          what it feels like. &nbsp;Mark, after all of the
                          communication and survey (flawed as it was in
                          some eyes), it was clear that no one wanted
                          the arming plug but agreed with the idea
                          behind the proposal. &nbsp;That's why the proposed
                          one was changed to mirror the FAI rule. &nbsp;That
                          one didn't even make the preliminary vote and
                          the one we requested be trashed was accepted.
                          &nbsp;Your arguments also are the same as others
                          and the reason why we changed it. &nbsp;I also
                          understand your point about be specific and
                          generic at the same time but I do not believe
                          that everything has to have a penalty. &nbsp;If it
                          ain't right, just make it so and be done with
                          it. &nbsp;If a competitor doesn't disarm the plane,
                          ask him to do so. &nbsp;You don't have to spank the
                          person with a penalty every single time.</span></p>
                    </div>
                    <div>
                      <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">&nbsp;</span></p>
                    </div>
                    <div>
                      <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">&nbsp;
                          Like John Gayer said concerning Telemetry,
                          there is no penalty in the current rules which
                          y'all approved so why now does there have to
                          be one in order to get it passed. &nbsp;Likewise,
                          if this was the whole problem to this proposal
                          or any of them, why didn't y'all just let us
                          know so we could fix it? &nbsp;John Fuqua says that
                          AMA doesn't want to blanket the entire AMA
                          community with a rule for electrics concerning
                          safety and wants the SIGs to do it yet ya'll
                          who are OUR rule makers for our SIG say it's
                          not your responsibility. &nbsp;This is certainly an
                          issue.</span></p>
                    </div>
                    <div>
                      <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">&nbsp;</span></p>
                    </div>
                    <div>
                      <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">&nbsp;
                          This type of communication that we are having
                          right here is extremely healthy and, in my
                          opinion, the exact conversations that should
                          have been happening during the process instead
                          of after. &nbsp;Again, I appreciate you and John
                          taking the time to hash this out. &nbsp;For me, my
                          frustrations are subsided knowing we can talk
                          about this. &nbsp;Thank you for that.</span></p>
                    </div>
                    <div>
                      <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">&nbsp;</span></p>
                    </div>
                    <div>
                      <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">&nbsp;
                          &nbsp;On a tangent, I would like everyone to pay
                          close attention to the Kfactor this year.
                          &nbsp;Mark Atwood is writing a monthly column for
                          the Kfactor. &nbsp;Mark is the Team Manager for our
                          Team USA F3A World Team. &nbsp;I think you'll like
                          what he's doing as each month, he is giving a
                          bio of each competitor. &nbsp;Things will progress
                          from there. &nbsp;I am truly looking forward to
                          this column. &nbsp;Sorry to stray but I think it's
                          important to realize how much he does for our
                          hobby as well as put his feet to the coals.
                          &nbsp;:)</span></p>
                    </div>
                    <div>
                      <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">&nbsp;</span></p>
                    </div>
                    <div>
                      <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">&nbsp;</span></p>
                    </div>
                    <div>
                      <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">Scott</span></p>
                    </div>
                    <div>
                      <p class=" MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">&nbsp;</span></p>
                      <div>
                        <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">On
                            Thu, Dec 13, 2012 at 7:36 AM, Atwood, Mark
                            &lt;<a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:atwoodm@paragon-inc.com"
                              target="_blank">atwoodm@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;
                            wrote:</span></p>
                        <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">I
                            want to be clear that I'm speaking for my
                            view, not neccessarily the entire CB (though
                            I know of at least a few that share my
                            view). &nbsp; No one objects to the idea of
                            better safety. &nbsp;What's objectionable to
                            many, is making a rule that will either be
                            unenforced, unevenly enforced, or punitively
                            enforced. &nbsp; The idea of being able to see a
                            visible disconnection from the batteries
                            (and no, an arming plug does not provide
                            that) at all times would clearly fall into
                            that camp. &nbsp; The first person at the nats
                            that sets his canopy on his plane to prevent
                            it from blowing away and IS
                            disqualified...or ISN'T
                            disqualified...creates a problem. &nbsp;If we
                            don't prevent them from flying, then there's
                            no point in having the rule. &nbsp;If we do
                            prevent them from flying, we've really
                            broken the intent. &nbsp; &nbsp; And I completely
                            understand that there should be some common
                            sense in all of this. &nbsp;But our group isn't
                            so good about common sense when we start
                            picking apart the letter of the rule in a
                            protest. &nbsp;Just ask any former Nats CD.<br>
                            <br>
                            The idea of great safety procedures and
                            habits should more likely be outlined as
                            guidelines, strong recommendations, peer
                            pressure to comply, etc. &nbsp;That, or we need a
                            more cleanly crafted rule that doesn't get
                            someone disqualified for covering their
                            airplane with a white (opague) cloth to keep
                            it cool in the summer, thereby preventing me
                            from seeing if there are connected batteries
                            to the motor.</span></p>
                        <div>
                          <p class=" MsoNormal"
                            style="margin-bottom:12pt"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt"><br>
                              <br>
                              Mark Atwood<br>
                              Paragon Consulting, Inc. &nbsp;| &nbsp;President<br>
                              5885 Landerbrook Drive Suite 130,
                              Cleveland Ohio, 44124<br>
                              Phone: <a moz-do-not-send="true"
                                tabindex="-1"
                                href="tel:440.684.3101%20x102"
                                target="_blank">440.684.3101 x102</a> &nbsp;|
                              &nbsp;Fax: <a moz-do-not-send="true"
                                tabindex="-1" href="tel:440.684.3102"
                                target="_blank">440.684.3102</a><br>
                              <a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                                target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                                target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;
                              &nbsp;| &nbsp;<a moz-do-not-send="true"
                                tabindex="-1"
                                href="http://www.paragon-inc.com/"
                                target="_blank">www.paragon-inc.com</a>&lt;<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="http://www.paragon-inc.com/"
                                target="_blank">http://www.paragon-inc.com/</a>&gt;<br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
                            </span></p>
                        </div>
                        <div>
                          <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">On
                              Dec 13, 2012, at 12:28 AM, John Gayer
                              wrote:<br>
                              <br>
                              Mark,<br>
                              <br>
                              on telemetry you mean a simple statement
                              like this in our proposal:<br>
                              Any form of automatic flight control loop
                              that utilizes aircraft flight parameter
                              feedback whether onboard the model or
                              through the transmitter is prohibited.
                              Telemetry or feedback mechanisms intended
                              for use as safety functions may not be
                              used to create an unfair advantage over
                              other competitors.<br>
                              Not sure how you can find loopholes in
                              that second statement.<br>
                              There were no enforcement penalties listed
                              in the original equipment rule either. We
                              were proposing only to clarify what
                              telemetry could be allowed from a safety
                              POV. As it stands without revision,
                              everyone who walks to the line with
                              equipment that downloads and
                              monitors/alarms on airborne battery
                              voltage is in violation of the rule.
                              Fortunately, there doesn't appear to a
                              penalty for that in the current rule.<br>
                              <br>
                              The impression I am getting from both you
                              and John is that the CB tries to find
                              reasons to reject proposals on
                              technicalities rather than embrace the
                              intent of a proposal and find ways using
                              their experience with the rules and
                              communications with the proposers to make
                              the proposals work. Of course if the
                              intent is rejected as it appears it was
                              with the weight proposal, then a rejection
                              is clear and easily understood.<br>
                              <br>
                              I'm a bit confused by what you are saying
                              about the safety rules. Most radios these
                              days support failsafe. The rule proposed
                              does not apply if there is no failsafe
                              available. Size of plane is irrelevant if
                              the radio supports the function. I have
                              also seen many smaller aircraft with
                              arming plugs as well. I would have to say
                              that in this case, size does not matter.<br>
                              <br>
                              About the formal statement writing, we
                              have two CB members who care enough to
                              respond here. Leaning forward like that is
                              often taken as volunteering.<br>
                              John<br>
                              If anyone wants to reference the proposals
                              submitted, they can be found at:<br>
                              <a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
href="http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/ruleproposals/rcaerobatics.aspx"
                                target="_blank">http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/ruleproposals/rcaerobatics.aspx</a><br>
                              <br>
                              On 12/12/2012 9:20 PM, Atwood, Mark wrote:<br>
                              <br>
                              I'll add a touch more specific to a few of
                              these.<br>
                              <br>
                              Telemetry... &nbsp;Consensus was overwhelming
                              that we need a SIMPLE rule, NOT a
                              technical one. &nbsp;DON'T CHEAT. &nbsp;Ok, sounds
                              too ambiguous, but it's really not. &nbsp;We
                              all felt strongly (and came up with a
                              several ways to cheat the details of the
                              proposed rule) that we need a rule based
                              on intent, not on technical specifics
                              otherwise we'll be chasing our tail as the
                              technology advances. &nbsp;Something that
                              simply says telemetry may not be used to
                              aid the pilot in piloting the aircraft.<br>
                              <br>
                              To John's point, any proposal that doesn't
                              outline the penalty for breaking the rule
                              is almost immediately abandoned.
                              &nbsp;Enforcement has to be both clear, and
                              reasonable from a logistical perspective.<br>
                              <br>
                              Lastly, regarding the safety rules...
                              we're not in a position to assume that
                              only 2 meter full blown pattern ships are
                              the only planes competing unless we plan
                              to make that a rule too. So any rules have
                              to apply to anything that fits in the 2
                              meter box and weighs less than 5Kgs. &nbsp; &nbsp;
                              The one proposal stated specifically that
                              there had to be a visible break in the
                              connection from the battery. &nbsp;That
                              requires Canopies to be left off the
                              aircraft (or Clear Canopies) at all times.
                              &nbsp;Not practical. &nbsp; &nbsp;Those were just some of
                              the easy reasons to vote no...there were
                              other considerations as well that weighed
                              against it.<br>
                              <br>
                              I like the idea of a formal "opinion"
                              statement from the majority. &nbsp;Not sure
                              who's burdened with writing it though.<br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
                              Mark Atwood<br>
                              Paragon Consulting, Inc. &nbsp;| &nbsp;President<br>
                              5885 Landerbrook Drive Suite 130,
                              Cleveland Ohio, 44124<br>
                              Phone: <a moz-do-not-send="true"
                                tabindex="-1"
                                href="tel:440.684.3101%20x102"
                                target="_blank">440.684.3101 x102</a> &nbsp;|
                              &nbsp;Fax: <a moz-do-not-send="true"
                                tabindex="-1" href="tel:440.684.3102"
                                target="_blank">440.684.3102</a></span></p>
                        </div>
                        <p class=" MsoNormal">
                          <span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt"><a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                              target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&lt;mailto:<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                              target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                              target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                              target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;
                            &nbsp;| &nbsp;<a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="http://www.paragon-inc.com/"
                              target="_blank">www.paragon-inc.com</a>&lt;<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="http://www.paragon-inc.com/"
                              target="_blank">http://www.paragon-inc.com/</a>&gt;&lt;<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="http://www.paragon-inc.com/"
                              target="_blank">http://www.paragon-inc.com/</a>&gt;&lt;<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="http://www.paragon-inc.com/"
                              target="_blank">http://www.paragon-inc.com/</a>&gt;</span></p>
                        <div>
                          <p class=" MsoNormal"
                            style="margin-bottom:12pt"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt"><br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
                              On Dec 12, 2012, at 7:29 PM, John Fuqua
                              wrote:<br>
                              <br>
                              Maybe I can offer some insight.<br>
                              <br>
                              If a proposal says do something then there
                              needs to be a penalty or clear result that
                              the CD can enforce. &nbsp;For example both
                              safety proposal had no penalty/result if
                              not complied with. &nbsp; Also was concern that
                              although there may be a visible plug &nbsp;that
                              does not ensure that the system is really
                              disconnected. &nbsp; &nbsp;There was concern about
                              adding responsibility on the CD &nbsp;who may
                              not be electric smart. &nbsp; There is always
                              concern that opened ended rules create
                              confusion. &nbsp; If you will remember the last
                              cycle a lot of work went into defining
                              specific downgrades where to fore no
                              penalty was assigned.<br>
                              <br>
                              I did, in fact, contact the AMA Tech
                              Director twice on the safety issues. &nbsp; AMA
                              has taken the position that they do not
                              want to make a blanket rule for all
                              electric activity preferring to leave that
                              to the SIGs to implement for their
                              specific circumstances.<br>
                              <br>
                              On the telemetry issue there was a
                              consensus that we do not have the
                              technical means to validate that TM is
                              being used correctly. &nbsp; TM has great
                              potential for misuse. &nbsp; How does one
                              enforce only battery monitoring for
                              instance. &nbsp; &nbsp;I know that the vast majority
                              of folks do not cheat on the rules but I
                              know for a fact that it has happened. &nbsp;
                              &nbsp;TM will come up again. &nbsp; Newer radios
                              have it so it will be a fact of life. &nbsp;
                              Have no idea where we are headed.<br>
                              <br>
                              Weight is always contentious but we had
                              just implemented a weight change the last
                              cycle. &nbsp; I thinks the consensus was that
                              some experience with the current rule was
                              warranted.<br>
                              <br>
                              Advancement is also a contentious issue. &nbsp;
                              But I guess the majority felt that this
                              proposal was no better than what exists.<br>
                              <br>
                              We did have an initial vote and 3 failed.
                              &nbsp; Then we had a cross proposals phase and
                              then a final vote. &nbsp; I would be happy to
                              provide all vote results to NSRCA along
                              with why they failed (assuming I get that
                              insight) and would have done so this time
                              if requested. &nbsp; My bad for not being more
                              pro-active but having done this for a long
                              time with never a request I guess I did
                              not see this coming. &nbsp; AMA does post the
                              results but admittedly they are not always
                              timely.<br>
                              <br>
                              John Fuqua<br>
                              <br>
                              One last thought. &nbsp; Board members rarely
                              get feedback on proposals. &nbsp; A lot of the
                              time we just have to do what our
                              experiences tell is the right thing to do
                              for our sport.<br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
                            </span></p>
                        </div>
                        <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">From:
                            <a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                              target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&lt;mailto:<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                              target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                              target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                              target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;
                            [mailto:<a moz-do-not-send="true"
                              tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                              target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>]
                            On Behalf Of Scott McHarg</span></p>
                        <div>
                          <p class=" MsoNormal"
                            style="margin-bottom:12pt"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">Sent:
                              Wednesday, December 12, 2012 3:00 PM<br>
                              To: General pattern discussion<br>
                              Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Contest
                              board - Was Executive Board voting<br>
                              <br>
                              Mark and all CB members,<br>
                              &nbsp; &nbsp; I really doubt that anyone is upset
                              because the proposals got turned down.
                              &nbsp;The problem is in the lack of
                              communication between the author (whether
                              it be an individual or committee). &nbsp;There
                              was no report published as to what the
                              issues were, there was no communication
                              between the author(s) and the CB, there
                              was simply nothing. &nbsp;I watched online
                              daily to see what the results of the
                              interim vote was so that we could take
                              corrective action as necessary. &nbsp;Those
                              were never published and to be honest, I'm
                              not even sure there was an interim vote.
                              &nbsp;I spoke to a couple of CB members and I
                              will not call out their names in public as
                              I do not want to point fingers. &nbsp;I was
                              told that I would be hearing from the CB
                              as the process went on so that proposals
                              that warranted improvement could be
                              massaged into a rule that made sense. &nbsp;So,
                              I patiently waited along with the rest of
                              the folks. &nbsp;The next thing I know, all
                              proposals are turned down with no
                              explanation and final votes have been cas<br>
                              &nbsp;t.<br>
                              &nbsp; &nbsp;I received a brief explanation of the
                              thought process of one CB member right
                              before the final vote was to be taken (and
                              I mean right before). &nbsp;It was his opinion
                              that he was expressing and I respect that
                              but what was said was pretty amazing to
                              me. &nbsp;This person's words went something
                              like "This is the start of a great rule
                              but not close to being one yet. &nbsp;It is not
                              our job to help write the rules, simply to
                              vote on them and uphold the pattern
                              community". &nbsp;I do not think for one second
                              this is how the entire CB feels and
                              refreshed knowing this is not the case.
                              &nbsp;This simply tells me to submit what you
                              have and we'll make the decision. &nbsp;If it's
                              good or if it's a good start, the CB has
                              no obligation to help &nbsp;get it there,
                              that's the author's responsibility.
                              &nbsp;Please understand, the proposals didn't
                              pass and that's OK. &nbsp;Maybe next time, we
                              can all work together to come up with
                              proposals if they are warranted.<br>
                              &nbsp; &nbsp;I am slightly distraught about the
                              Advancement Proposal. &nbsp;This would have
                              made it so much easier for everyone to fly
                              in the class that they were competitive in
                              and/or felt comfortable in. &nbsp;This did not
                              change the pattern community and did not
                              warrant any extra work or duties,
                              especially for the CD. &nbsp;There would not be
                              any more trophy hunting going on with it
                              then there is now as most local events are
                              attended by the same individuals and we
                              all know who is flying in what class for
                              the most part. &nbsp;OK, so it got turned down
                              but why? &nbsp;What is the logic? &nbsp;Honestly,
                              that's what I want to understand more than
                              anything. &nbsp;I definitely get the weight
                              proposal. &nbsp;I even get the "safety"
                              proposal to some extent. &nbsp;This one, the
                              Advancement Proposal, I do not understand.
                              &nbsp;If there were arguments or heated
                              discussions within the CB for those that
                              supported it and those that didn't, why
                              wouldn't the author(s) be included in the
                              communication to help explain the intent
                              of the proposal so th<br>
                              &nbsp;at it c<br>
                              ould be made clear?<br>
                              &nbsp; &nbsp;As far as the safety proposal is
                              concerned, I really do get why that
                              shouldn't be a pattern rule but, did the
                              proposal get passed to the AMA Safety
                              Committee? &nbsp;If it did, great! &nbsp;Why didn't
                              we know? &nbsp;I agree with some of y'all also
                              that sometimes it "seems" that safety
                              procedures don't need a rule because most
                              of us are very careful and incorporate
                              some safety device. &nbsp;In racing
                              motorcycles, you have to safety wire the
                              majority of your bolts and nuts at all
                              times. &nbsp;Especially the oil drain plug.
                              &nbsp;Imagine a drain plug backing out and
                              hitting turn 6 at 120 mph and a fellow
                              competitor going through that. &nbsp;Trust me
                              as I've seen oil and coolant on the track
                              and what happens, it's ugly. I do not
                              agree, however, that because most people
                              are safety conscious and have something in
                              place, that a rule doesn't need to be
                              made. Imagine that case in the example
                              above. &nbsp;The premise that most do it so
                              it's OK is not the correct mindset. &nbsp;We
                              wrote and rewrote that proposal to give
                              the majo<br>
                              &nbsp;rity wh<br>
                              at they wanted. &nbsp;People didn't want an
                              arming plug to be required. &nbsp;Cool, we
                              said. &nbsp;Let's make it so that the
                              requirement is just that the plane is
                              disarmed. &nbsp;Most loved the new proposal
                              because it directly reflected the FAI rule
                              and it did not require any added equipment
                              or weight or drilling holes in the side of
                              your plane. &nbsp;Not only did that proposal go
                              down in flames but the original proposal
                              submitted by someone other than the NSRCA
                              Rules Committee requiring an arming plug
                              passed the initial vote from the CB. &nbsp;How
                              did this happen after all the uproar?<br>
                              &nbsp; &nbsp;It seems to me that it is easy to place
                              blame on the NSRCA but ask to take the AMA
                              to task is a big no-no. &nbsp;We pay dues to
                              the NSRCA and therefore we have a voice!
                              &nbsp;I agree 100%. &nbsp;But, we are also members
                              of the AMA and should have a voice there
                              as well. &nbsp;We do not (or so it seems).
                              &nbsp;This is what, if anything I would like to
                              accomplish as a volunteer of the NSRCA; to
                              increase visibility of our community and
                              have wide open communication with our
                              members and equally important, with the
                              AMA who really has the ultimate say-so in
                              every facet of this hobby. &nbsp;I want to know
                              how to "fix it" for next time and have the
                              true open door policy where communication
                              flows both ways. &nbsp;One group or the other
                              should not be required to make the first
                              call. &nbsp;We should want to work together for
                              the betterment of our hobby.<br>
                              <br>
                              Thank you for reading,<br>
                              Scott</span></p>
                        </div>
                        <div>
                          <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">On
                              Wed, Dec 12, 2012 at 1:16 PM, Atwood, Mark
                              &lt;<a moz-do-not-send="true"
                                tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:atwoodm@paragon-inc.com"
                                target="_blank">atwoodm@paragon-inc.com</a>&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:atwoodm@paragon-inc.com"
                                target="_blank">atwoodm@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:atwoodm@paragon-inc.com"
                                target="_blank">atwoodm@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:atwoodm@paragon-inc.com"
                                target="_blank">atwoodm@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;&gt;
                              wrote:<br>
                              OK, &nbsp;As a CB member I want to throw a few
                              quick things out there. &nbsp;First and
                              foremost, Just like the NSRCA Board, we're
                              a group of volunteers that love modeling
                              and Precision Aerobatics, and we do the
                              best we can with fulfilling our charter.
                              &nbsp;If there are issues, mistakes, bad
                              choices, GOOD choices, they are all the
                              result of a dedicated group TRYING to do
                              their best. &nbsp; There is no hidden agenda or
                              malicious intent...ever.<br>
                              <br>
                              That said I think one of the clear
                              disconnects is our Charter. &nbsp;We are
                              selected to the contest board based on our
                              years of experience in the hobby, the
                              sport, a demonstration of our
                              understanding of the AMA and its rules,
                              and an active participation and
                              understanding in the niche within which we
                              are representing.<br>
                              <br>
                              We have some obligation to preserve
                              Pattern, as Pattern. &nbsp;I.e. if the ENTIRE
                              NSRCA membership voted unanimously to
                              change the rules such that whom ever could
                              fly 10 laps the fastest wins... We would
                              have an obligation to vote NO, regardless
                              of that unanimous support. &nbsp;I.e go fly
                              Pylon. &nbsp; &nbsp; Occasionally we are presented
                              with rules that we collectively feel are
                              not in the best interest of maintaining
                              Pattern competition and this then comes
                              into play. &nbsp;This is especially true when
                              rules are put forth that strongly alter
                              the lower classes (Often championed by
                              someone with heavy interest and
                              enthusiasm, but minimal years of
                              experience to know how these things
                              manifest).<br>
                              <br>
                              We also have an obligation to the
                              logistics of the sport. &nbsp;Rules that place
                              an unreasonable burden on running an event
                              bare a much higher level of scrutiny prior
                              to being passed.<br>
                              <br>
                              We have an obligation to the AMA to keep
                              some consistency with their general rules,
                              and with similar rules in other
                              disciplines. &nbsp;Safety issues fall squarely
                              into this camp. &nbsp;The AMA has long stated
                              that they do not support legislating out
                              stupidity, or creating burdensome rules
                              that punish the masses simply to protect
                              against carelessness (Unless of course the
                              result of such error is catastrophic).<br>
                              <br>
                              Also regarding safety, if the safety issue
                              is somewhat generic to the hobby, then
                              those regulations are pushed up to the AMA
                              safety board for review unless they are
                              very specific to the individual
                              discipline.<br>
                              <br>
                              Bottom line... &nbsp;Just because the majority
                              of the NSRCA wants it, doesn't mean we
                              should be approving it.<br>
                              <br>
                              Lastly, the statement "The majority of the
                              NSRCA" does NOT necessarily mean the
                              survey results. &nbsp;That is a VERY small
                              subset of our group. &nbsp;It's typically a
                              subset of the vocal, or the opinionated,
                              or both. &nbsp;I can't speak for the entire CB,
                              but I WILL speak for Verne (Sorry Verne)
                              and me, in that we both query as many of
                              our district members that we see or can
                              solicit. &nbsp;MANY times an issue that has
                              been fired up on the list or via the
                              survey gets a very different 'vote' when
                              it's discussed in the actual setting of a
                              contest, and when all the inputs are
                              weighed (I.e. everyone standing there
                              discusses it).<br>
                              <br>
                              All that said, there's no reason why we
                              couldn't collectively write an assenting
                              or dissenting opinion much in the way a
                              court does, to at least convey the logic
                              that was used to make our vote.<br>
                              <br>
                              Anyhow, the entire CB is online and our
                              names are published. &nbsp;One need but ask...
                              and many do. &nbsp;But we're sometimes remiss
                              to post too much on the discussion boards
                              about a proposal. &nbsp;Rather most of us take
                              a back seat to the discussion and simply
                              listen.<br>
                              <br>
                              -Mark<br>
                              Mark Atwood<br>
                              Paragon Consulting, Inc. &nbsp;| &nbsp;President<br>
                              5885 Landerbrook Drive Suite 130,
                              Cleveland Ohio, 44124<br>
                              Phone: <a moz-do-not-send="true"
                                tabindex="-1"
                                href="tel:440.684.3101%20x102"
                                target="_blank">440.684.3101 x102</a>&lt;<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="tel:440.684.3101%20x102"
                                target="_blank">tel:440.684.3101%20x102</a>&gt;
                              &nbsp;| &nbsp;Fax: <a moz-do-not-send="true"
                                tabindex="-1" href="tel:440.684.3102"
                                target="_blank">440.684.3102</a>&lt;<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="tel:440.684.3102" target="_blank">tel:440.684.3102</a>&gt;</span></p>
                        </div>
                        <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt"><a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                              target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&lt;mailto:<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                              target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                              target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                              target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                              target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&lt;mailto:<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                              target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="mailto:mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com"
                              target="_blank">mark.atwood@paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;&gt;
                            &nbsp;| &nbsp;<a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="http://www.paragon-inc.com/"
                              target="_blank">www.paragon-inc.com</a>&lt;<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="http://www.paragon-inc.com/"
                              target="_blank">http://www.paragon-inc.com/</a>&gt;&lt;<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="http://www.paragon-inc.com/"
                              target="_blank">http://www.paragon-inc.com</a>&gt;&lt;<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="http://www.paragon-inc.com/"
                              target="_blank">http://www.paragon-inc.com/</a>&gt;&lt;<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="http://www.paragon-inc.com/"
                              target="_blank">http://www.paragon-inc.com/</a>&gt;&lt;<a
                              moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                              href="http://www.paragon-inc.com/"
                              target="_blank">http://www.paragon-inc.com/</a>&gt;</span></p>
                        <div>
                          <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt"><br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
                              On Dec 12, 2012, at 12:19 PM, J N Hiller
                              wrote:<br>
                              <br>
                              I'm not too old to remember what it was
                              like before the NSRCA. If you traveled
                              very far you could find yourself competing
                              in an unfamiliar event.<br>
                              The NSRCA has matured since those early
                              days and contributed greatly to
                              standardized judging, rule proposal
                              screening and national unity. YES the
                              NSRCA has value well beyond the K-Factor.<br>
                              <br>
                              Yes it would be nice to get the rest of
                              the story from the AMA contest board as to
                              why safety related rules were voted down.
                              Maybe I missed it but at this point I can
                              only guess. I could probably ask directly
                              and get a reply but I trust they had a
                              valid reason.<br>
                              <br>
                              I also trust our BOD to lead the NSRCA on
                              my behalf without having to explain,
                              discuss or endlessly argue details in an
                              open forum. Open discussed can be
                              extremely time consuming with limited
                              productivity. There is no making everyone
                              happy especially if their' participation
                              is hit and miss continuously requiring
                              covering old ground.<br>
                              <br>
                              Those of us that wish to be involved in
                              the details can get actively involved.<br>
                              <br>
                              Enough. On to the shop!<br>
                              <br>
                              Jim Hiller<br>
                              NSRCA 376<br>
                              .<br>
                              <br>
                              -----Original Message-----</span></p>
                        </div>
                        <div>
                          <p class=" MsoNormal">
                            <span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">From:
                              <a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&gt;
                              [mailto:<a moz-do-not-send="true"
                                tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;]On
                              Behalf Of Jon Lowe<br>
                              Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 7:33 AM</span></p>
                        </div>
                        <div>
                          <p class=" MsoNormal"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">To:
                              <a moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org</a>&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org</a>&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&lt;mailto:<a
                                moz-do-not-send="true" tabindex="-1"
                                href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org"
                                target="_blank">nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org</a>&gt;&gt;<br>
                              Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Executive
                              Board voting<br>
                              <br>
                              John,<br>
                              I have never intentionally attacked
                              anyone, either on this forum or on the
                              discussions over on RCU. &nbsp;I've asked
                              questions, seeking answers. &nbsp;I tend to be
                              direct in my emails and they may appear to
                              be harsh, probably comes from my
                              background dealing with the military. &nbsp;I
                              have not accused anyone of having an
                              agenda, nor do I think anyone on the board
                              does. &nbsp;If you or anyone else thinks that
                              is what I've implied or am implying, I'm
                              sorry.<br>
                              <br>
                              I think after seeing what you said here,
                              seeing the complete NSRCA survey results,
                              and several private emails and phone
                              calls, that there is a general apathy in
                              NSRCA which seems to have its roots in
                              people questioning the relevancy of the
                              organization. &nbsp;If NSRCA is not relevant
                              and doesn't provide added value to the
                              membership, we can turn the sequences back
                              over to the AMA and disband. &nbsp;I'd like to
                              see NSRCA viewed as returning far more in
                              value to the membership than the few
                              dollars they invest each year. &nbsp;A question
                              we all need to constantly ask ourselves is
                              "If someone asks me why I should join the
                              NSRCA, what do I tell them?"<br>
                              <br>
                              The K-Factor is a recurring theme in the
                              survey and people I have talked to in
                              terms of value to the members. &nbsp;I would
                              like to congratulate Scott McHarg and the
                              rest of the K-Factor crew on the December
                              issue of the K-Factor. &nbsp;I everyone reading
                              this hasn't looked at it, it has a lot of
                              how-to in it. &nbsp;Good job!<br>
                              <br>
                              I didn't mean to imply that the AMA
                              competition board should not have been
                              much more transparent during the rules
                              proposal process. &nbsp;They should have been,
                              and that communication is one thing I'd
                              work on to improve if elected. &nbsp;I am an
                              advocate of follow-up, follow-up,
                              follow-up. &nbsp;And if we are going to ask
                              others to be transparent to us, then we
                              need to walk the talk.<br>
                              <br>
                              Again, sorry if I offended anyone. &nbsp;I was
                              asking questions that I didn't see anyone
                              else asking, and I wanted to know the
                              answers. &nbsp;I hope the membership will see
                              this continuing discussion as
                              constructive, and offer their thoughts.<br>
                              Jon<br>
                              -----Original Message-----</span></p>
                        </div>
                        <div>
                          <p class=" MsoNormal"
                            style="margin-bottom:12pt"><span
style="font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;font-size:10pt">From:
                              John Gayer &lt;<a moz-do-not-send="true"
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                              To: General pattern discussion &lt;<a
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                              Sent: Tue, Dec 11, 2012 11:16 pm<br>
                              Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Executive
                              Board voting<br>
                              [quote]ORIGINAL: jonlowe<br>
                              Transparency. I think the spilled milk has
                              been discussed enough, from the AMA rules
                              change proposal process by the board, to
                              the bylaws, to the aborted officer
                              election.<br>
                              [/quote]<br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
                              I certainly agree that there were
                              processes that could have been improved
                              relative to the bylaw changes and officer
                              election. However to call them aborted and
                              imply in various other posts that the
                              board has a hidden agenda is over the top.
                              Clearly the board could have and should
                              have done a better job on the elections
                              and, for that matter, the treasurer's
                              audit but there was no intent to hoodwink
                              or put one over on the membership. We are
                              nothing but a bunch of volunteers with a
                              love of pattern. When the call went out
                              two years ago, noone else stood up and
                              said "I want to run for office". Various
                              coercions were applied to get Ed Alt to
                              run for President and Scott McHarg to run
                              for Secretary.I will admit to calling
                              Derek and asking if they had found a
                              Treasurer in mid-December. When he said
                              yes, I thanked him and was about to hang
                              up when he said "you". Later that year Ed
                              Alt resigned due to the press of work and
                              Jim Quinn who was then VP reluctantly
                              assumed the reins of presid<br>
                              &nbsp;ent. Go<br>
                              od choice or not, there was noone else
                              champing at the bit to take the job and
                              the board gratefully accepted Jim as
                              president. I didn't see anyone jumping up
                              and down to get on the board at that time
                              or, for that matter, now. Kind of wonder
                              where all the current contrarians were
                              then. Jon, I guess you were still
                              recovering from your retirement so that
                              excuses you but there are plenty of others
                              making derogatory comments about the
                              actions of the current board. Where are
                              you when we need help? Apparently looking
                              the other way. &nbsp;Right now John Bruml has
                              been trying to get out of being the
                              Advertising Manager almost as long as I&#8217;ve
                              been on the board. Where are those
                              clamoring to help out? Apparently using
                              their energies to bash those who did throw
                              their hat in.<br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
                              LOWE&gt;&gt;Oh, and about the Contest
                              Board. &nbsp;Their process is well documented
                              by the AMA and follows a strict time
                              table. &nbsp;We all had the opportunity to
                              provide inputs and cross proposals after
                              the initial vote. &nbsp;We also had the
                              opportunity to talk to the CB members, and
                              I did talk to a couple of them. &nbsp;The CB
                              members are mostly active members of the
                              pattern community, are well known, and are
                              charted by the AMA, not the NSRCA, to look
                              at rules proposals to benefit all AMA
                              participants, not just NSRCA members.
                              Problems with the NSRCA proposals were
                              hashed out here, and the submitters had
                              the opportunity to fix issues during the
                              cross proposal process. &nbsp;How much
                              follow-up contact did the NSRCA board
                              initiate with the CB during the process?
                              &nbsp;Were any cross proposals
                              submitted?&lt;&lt;LOWE<br>
                              <br>
                              Jon, this seems to have provided the
                              impetus for your presidential campaign. I
                              can only say that the NSRCA Rules
                              committee operated openly, if with a late
                              start, and solicited input from the
                              membership on RCU and this list(and
                              outside the membership as well), ran a
                              survey, modified proposals to meet
                              objections and finally submitted proposals
                              to the contest board. More open you cannot
                              get. I find it fascinating that to you,
                              the NSRCA board must be open and direct
                              with its membership(as it should) but when
                              dealing with the contest board we are
                              expected to dig, pry and canvas the board
                              members in an effort to find out how our
                              proposals are doing and what objections
                              might have been raised. Why is the same
                              openness not required in both cases in
                              your mind?? While it is clear in the
                              published process that cross-proposals
                              could be submitted within a window, we had
                              no way of knowing which or what part of
                              our proposals were causing difficulty.
                              There was no contact initiated by the cont<br>
                              &nbsp;est boa<br>
                              rd. Adding insult to injury, there was no
                              &#8220;report out&#8221; published, listing the pro
                              and con votes by district and any
                              &nbsp;discussed objections. As I have said
                              before, I have no more idea what it takes
                              to get a proposal passed through the CB
                              then I did a year ago before the NSRCA
                              rules committee formed. How do you explain
                              the dichotomy between your views of the
                              contest board and the NSRCA board?<br>
                              <br>
                              Relative to the Nats, it is clear to
                              everyone on the board that the Nats are in
                              the control of the AMA which has been true
                              ever since NPAC went away. We, the board,
                              present a candidate to the AMA, who has
                              always been accepted. After that we lose
                              any control. Although since I&#8217;ve been on
                              the board, there have been various
                              problems at the Nats which many blame on
                              the NSRCA not the AMA. Arch has been good
                              about keeping us in the loop but he makes
                              it clear who he reports to. &nbsp;He and
                              previous EDs and the AMA staff have been
                              great about providing logistic support for
                              the banquet, ice cream social, etc.
                              However there is no question about the ED
                              having two bosses, AMA is it. The NSRCA is
                              responsible for using the funds collected
                              by the AMA on our behalf to purchase the
                              necessary scoring equipment and paying the
                              volunteer staff what we can. This is never
                              enough to even cover their expenses at the
                              Nats much less travel.<br>
                              <br>
                              John Gayer<br>
                              NSRCA Treasurer<br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
                              <br>
_______________________________________________<br>
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                              <span
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                                Scott A. McHarg<br>
                                Sr. Systems Engineer - Infrastructure<br>
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                              style="color:rgb(51,51,255);font-family:&quot;Comic
                              Sans MS&quot;;font-size:13.5pt">Scott A.
                              McHarg</span></b><span
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                            Sr. Systems Engineer - Infrastructure</span></p>
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