[F3A-Discussion] Judging Proposal

[Atwood, Mark]

I responded to Derek directly earlier but I’ll share my thoughts.

First, I commend Harry for his efforts, but I think he’s off the mark, both in his goal and his approach.  I do agree that cost is a component of participation.  But entry fees, while substantial, currently aren’t sufficient for a host country to successfully run an event, and lowering them slightly, or even moderately, doesn’t move the needle for a participant.

From my experience, a participant is spending ~$7,500 to attend and participate  at a WC.  The US spends about $5000 per person, but we take a large team with 4 callers (no equipment) which lowers our per person costs.   Of that only $650 is the entry fee.  So lowering that by $50 or $100 doesn’t move the needle.

What’s needed is an overall cost reduction and there are several ways to accomplish that for both the participants AND the hosts.  Namely an overall shortening of the event.  Currently there’s a practice day between P and F, that’s a nice break, but an expensive one.  Also there’s 3 days of registration and formal practice that can be reasonably reduced to 2 days, (would love to see just one).  Every day is hundreds of dollars for every person there.  Food, Lodging, Rental Vans, Vacation time, etc.

I think the more critical issue is providing enough funding for the organizers to run a successful event.  That may even mean RAISING the entry fees which is currently not possible under the current FAI guidelines.

The key to that is reducing the judging pool which is currently a daunting expense for the hosts.

I’m not in favor of shortening P for all the reasons mentioned.  Most ONLY get to fly P and reducing their flying time will only lower their participation.

I AM in favor of reducing the judging pool (and thus eliminating TBL in the prelims)

I AM in favor of zero judges for the finals.  Be they jury members or even available Pilots (Contestant judging???)

I AM in favor of a shorter Finals.  1 F and 2 Unknowns, keep all rounds.  Reduces the judge load, shortens the day (currently VERY long), Reduces the overall judge load.

Things not mentioned…   I’d like to see a term limit on WC judges.  2 or 3 times and you’re done.  Need fresh blood.  Any competitive requirements (while desirable) are difficult to police, but not having the same tired judge for 20 years is something easy to control.

I’m on the fence on asking the Judges to contribute financially to their trip (cover their airfare, or lodging, something).  On the pro side, it both reduces the hosts costs, and provides for a more “vested” judge.  It may only be perception, but there are too many comments from judges about their great accommodations, food, and tours that lead you to believe they see the event as a working vacation.    The Con, is that we would limit those that would make the investment to judge.

Overall I’m against this proposal, but I like the discussion it’s starting.

-Mark
MARK ATWOOD
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On Mar 5, 2018, at 7:10 PM, Derek Koopowitz via F3A-Discussion <f3a-discussion at lists.f3a.us<mailto:f3a-discussion at lists.f3a.us>> wrote:

Hi everyone,

Harry Ells from Canada has put together a proposal that will reduce the cost of hosting a WC and also reduce the cost of entry fees.  Below is Harry’s text and questions he has about the proposal.  Please let me know your opinion on this proposal.  I’m not in favor of this at all – this is a drastic change which will impact attendance and quality of the event.


I have spent much time trying to come up with a Judging system that will save a significant cost in the operation of a F3A World Championships.
The goal would be to lower cost in running a World Championships and lower the entry fees.
I have looked at many scenarios that I can not see working. The one attached is the only one that I think will work.
I realize that it may be looked at as very radical, but I hope that you will look at it with an open mind. The proposal has what I feel are the least amount of changes.
Unless there are amendments  I will propose the following 4 Questions.
Item # 1-Are you in favour of the proposal?
Item # 2-Are you in favour of 3 Unknowns in the final?
Item # 3-Are you in favour of 1 F and 2 Unknowns in the final?
Item # 4-Are you in favour of counting all 3 rounds in final?

Regards
Harry


Best regards,
-Derek
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