John,

Neither of these were contest accidents. One occured in Wurtsboro, NY
in January, the other on the rest day at the 15M Nats in Uvalde -- a
local pilot (not a contestant) flying a borrowed glider. Presenting
these as proof positive that contest finishes need to be changed for
safety's sake is just plain poor sportsmanship.

There is an expectation of competency for contest participants. It is
reflected in the requirements for entry... proof of prior
cross-country experience and/or seeding depending on your level. If
you are going to cite examples to make your case, you should point at
competent pilots in the act of competing. You'll get a much more
thoughtful response.

No machismo here. If we're going to talk contest safety and rules
changes, let's talk about contest accidents, at least.