US Rules change needed for devaluation of contest day

After the day at Moriarty earlier this year and Nephi yesterday for the 15M/Std Combined class the rules for how a day is devalued needs to be addressed. I understand why the rule was modified a few years ago so that if pilots just didn't fly it would not devalue the day, but the criteria of what makes a valid attempt is now too high.

We had most of the class yesterday not able to get up and make a start. It was not from trying as some pilots took up to three tows. We had a thunderstorm come just north of the field and had to elephant walk the class to the other end. We had several pilots including 7V and GW land out trying to get to better air prior to starting so they were considered not creditable attempts. How much more creditable do you have to be than willing to land out to attempt the task?


Why is this important? Because it makes the contest score subject to random luck rather than showing skill. If we want to attract more pilots to racing we need to ensure that they feel like they can have a fair opportunity to race.

Yesterday should have been devalued to almost nothing or have no score because too few pilots had an opportunity to compete.

Please send a note to one of the SSA Rules Committee Members to ensure that this gets put on their list of things to address this year.

Tim (TT)