On Dec 22, 3:31 pm, wrote:
The proposed rule changes for 2008 US competition soaring
are posted at SSA.org/sailplane racing/rules & process.
Input is welcome.

Thank you Hank, and the entire rules committee, for faithfully
handling the annual survey and competition rules revisions that keep
our soaring competitions challenging and fair. Being a novice racer
(only two regionals to date), I know I have a long way to go to
understand all the pressures that drive changes in the rules.

I do have a concern with the creation of the Super Regional. I'm not
sure where this suggestion originated, as it was not in the annual
survey responses, but I did see the huge waiting list for Parowan last
year. The result was, as cited in the committee meeting minutes, that
very few out of region pilots were allowed to compete. My concern
stems from the fact that the conflict arises from the limited number
of slots and the super regional makes room for the out of region
pilots by reducing access for in region pilots. I believe this may run
counter to the purpose of regional competitions (to determine a
Regional Champion and to measure the performance of all entrants.
Additionally for Sports class, to provide an entry level for pilots
new to competitive sailplane racing to learn the skills and procedures
used in competition).

Specifically, I'm concerned that allowing a 0% in region slot
reservation may result in no opportunity for new racers to get their
first competition for a specific year. If a 0% slot reservation is set
for a super regional, one could argue the contest is now a mini
nationals. Perhaps there is a way to preserve access for in region
novices while keeping an increased access for out of region slots.

I would ask the rules committee to consider one or more of the
following proposed modifications:
a. Change the percentage of reservation slots for pilots in the region
to 25-75% as a balance to keep some preferred access.
b. Rather than allowing a super regional without restrictions, perhaps
the super regional cannot be declared until a regular regional has
been declared. This ensures opportunity for new in region racers.
c. Rather than establishing a super regional reservation for high
finishers at the specific super regional site, give priority to the
previous year's medallion winners regardless of the in region site.
This would allow top finishers from the pure regional to also get a
shot at the premier site.

Thank you again for allowing us to comment.

Respectfully,

Horst
L33