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<DIV>Matt, et al - </DIV>
<DIV> Feedback is what we all need, and from the judges DURING
the round is NOT the time to do it. Going to a contest is the VERY BEST
practice I ever get. There is more mental focus, more disciplined flying,
and the extra "energy" of being judged, etc. It really is when my flying
improves the most.</DIV>
<DIV> Of course, I have to completely ignore the scoresheets
to accomplish that, as quite frequently the feedback on the scoresheet is far
less critical than what I really need - OR - it is incorrectly critical (one guy
sees a 9, the other guy sees a 4 - one of 'em is wrong, so I disregard
both)....</DIV>
<DIV> This is the main reason I don't pickup the "tear
sheets", nor observe the standings until it's all over. It really does
help me to stay focused on what I'm supposed to.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Ya'll should try it - it works!</DIV>
<DIV><BR>Bob Pastorello<BR>NSRCA 199 AMA 46373<BR><A
href="mailto:rcaerobob@cox.net">rcaerobob@cox.net</A><BR><A
href="http://www.rcaerobats.net">www.rcaerobats.net</A></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr
style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=Rcmaster199@aol.com
href="mailto:Rcmaster199@aol.com">Rcmaster199@aol.com</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=discussion@nsrca.org
href="mailto:discussion@nsrca.org">discussion@nsrca.org</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Wednesday, January 12, 2005 4:49
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: Judge Feedback</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV><FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>
<DIV>
<DIV>I think that one of Earl's points at least, is well taken. Many
times, a judge will be confronted by a pilot right after a flight is
completed, at the detriment of other pilots standing on the ready. Best place
for that is after the round is finished, and in as respectful a manner as
possible. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>At local contests, unless there are 20 people flying in a class, the
judge will often remember some obvious or blatant things pilots have done.
Minor details are often lost very quickly, even immediately after a flight, so
it's probably a good idea not to expect that kind of explanation. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>One thing that has not been mentioned is approachability of the pilot. I
have had pilots really get mad at even suggesting they did something wrong.
Luckily it doesn't happen that often, such that I have been dissuaded from
making constructive criticisms.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I remember my first contest in Texas City, 25 years ago. I was lucky
enough to meet a gent who had been around the scene for awhile, and he agreed
to have my new bride and me share their tent. He also flew the Sportsman class
of the day, as I did, and it was a constant teaching class all weekend long
for me. I was open to his info sharing and I learned more during that contest
than I had in months of flying at the club site. In fact the only thing that
topped it was my first Nats, a year later. He called for me all weekend long
and helped me tremendously. Texas City used to put on some kind of shin dig
back then. Lots of fellowship and story sharing at the club sponsored supper
Saturday night. Tremendous information for young ears to eagerly absorb. BTW-I
doubt Tx City RC Club ever made a nickel from their annual contests.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I have a suggestion for the pattern newbie and not so new alike: at the
next contest why not approach a longtimer and pick their brain some? Ask them
to witness your next flight and ask for their input. I think many will accept,
but almost no one will just offer to critique unsolicited. You the pilot must
initiate that kind of input. Of course it's an obvious thing to do, and, IF
you are serious about improving, it is some of the best spent time at a
comp.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>regards</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>MattK</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2> </DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Earl, I think you have some good points. But I
want to point out two issues relating to your comments.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>1. The marks on the score sheet that Lance
suggested were to facilitate evaluation *after* the round, not during the
round.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>2. Your point about the coach working with the
pilot at the practice fields has great merits, but it doesn't take into
account that not everyone has experienced pattern fliers to practice with,
and even those that do fly with other pattern fliers can benefit from
input from more experienced pilots at contests.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Since you're an FAI pilot and you work with
guys at your field you're coming from the viewpoint that sportsman pilots
can get expert advice if they look for it at practice. But how are those
that don't have top (or any) pattern pilots at their home field ever
supposed to improve if they don't get feedback at contests?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>If your answer is "their caller", then I'd
point out that most lower level fliers aren't fortunate enough to have top
level pilots call for them if they don't fly with them at practice. I've
seen many less experienced pilots calling for each other. Also, the top
fliers are often judging. Think about it this way, how many sportsman or
intermediate pilots, that aren't in your club, do you call for at contests,
and how much feedback do you give them? If these guys don't get feedback
from someone how will they ever improve?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I personally very much appreciate input from
judges on things they noticed me doing wrong. Especially when it's something
I'm doing wrong again and again and don't realize. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Keith
Black</FONT></DIV></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>
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