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RULES
SSA Rules Committee Meeting Minutes- Houston 11/8/2003 Final 12/10/03
Attendees: Karl Striedieck(KS), Ken Sorenson(KM), Gary Ittner(P7), Dave Mockler(2XX), Hank Nixon(UH), John Good(X)
Note: All items by unanimous agreement unless noted.
Election of officers and General Assignments
KS Chair
UH Secretary
X Rules writer
P7 Poll
AA Aland Adams - Volunteer - poll, elections, and other tasks - no vote
A Dave Cole- Volunteer - Sports Class Handicaps - no vote
2E John Leibacher – Volunteer - seeding list and other assignments
KM Contest Board Chair and SSA Director at Large
Future Schedule
• Minutes to committee (when): 11/24 UH
• Draft rule changes distributed to committee (who/when): 11/24 X
• Rules change explanation distributed to committee (who/when)12/1 2XX
• Committee responses due back (when)12/8 back to 2XX
• Publish our minutes on SSA/SRA web pages KS 12/15
• Publish our rules change summary on SSA/SRA web pages. KS 12/15
• Public comment due by 1/7
• Blue book cutoff date: Jan 15 at SSA (who transmits to Hobbs):
• KM to post
2004 Pilot Poll: Schedule, Collector/Author, Announcement: Same as last year P7
• 9/1 Question suggestions to P7
• 9/8 Draft Questions to committee P7
• 9/21 Final Questions to Aland
• 9/28 Poll open AA … Announce open KS
• 10/21 Poll close
• 7/15 KS sends announcement to SOARING
• 8/15 KS sends second announcement to SOARING
Administration
4. Codify rule change process to prevent controversy (Ekdahl letter)
• Ken has drafted document " Rules Committee Procedures for Implementing
• Changes to US Soaring Contest Rules" in draft form dated 10/26/2003
• RC to review KM proposal and comment by 11/24. Also provide to Excom Director responsible for contest activities( Dianne Black Nixon).
• Publish on web when done for comment
• Adopt at end of comment period with informational copy to BOD.
5. Rules Election Process
• Ken has drafted document "Rules Committee Election Process" in draft form dated 10/26/2003.
• RC to review KM election process proposal by 11/24. Also provide to Excom Director responsible for contest activities( Dianne Black Nixon).
• Publish on web when done for comment
• Put into blue book for formal approval by BOD.
6. List of SSA Office Contest Support activities w/ dates.
This will permit staff to understand all required tasks and related timing. Also will be useful for office supervision to estimate and allocate resources as required. KS and X to assemble
7. TPs finalized two months before contest (Kellerman – Perry situation)
Already in the rules: Required one month before with revision number.
No action required.
8. Organizers list of to-do items.
Generate a list of all items that contest organizers are required to do. Many things seem to get "missed". Include with sanction application. Include check off sheet for organizers and office. X to do
9. Contest Organizer Manual
2XX to head search committee to find an author. Spratt is an important resource. To become part of sanction kit.
10. Site rotation and grouping of classes (five in Central in '04) (Cole)
This is function of Contest Site Committee. No RC action required.
11. Pairing of two-class nationals to ensure minimum of entrants (Butler)
• Can't make hard pairing on permanent basis. Examples -many 18M pilots might like to fly Open, pilot with LS8-18 would not want Std and 18 paired. Sports is becoming big class-hard to have room for 2 nd class with them.
• Consider how to pair small Nationals with Regionals.
• Consider change of days of Nationals to match Regionals. Both start on Sunday. Permit by Waiver if requested.
• Information to site selection committee to communicate with possible contest sites.
12. Increase entry fee due to contest liability cost increase (KS)
• Insurance was $350/contest. Now $525. Has gone up $175. Assuming 25 pilots per contest, this will require a contest fee increase of $5/pilot. Minor
Rules Change.
13. Reduce sanction fees due to reduced office work load (KS)
• Contests pay about $15,000 to SSA in sanction fees
• SSA office recent savings estimated to be (over last 3-7 years). Karl estimates $10000 per year.
• Rules no longer printed
• PRL by volunteer
• Website done by volunteers
• Pilot poll out of office
• Contest Forms on line.
• Rules Committee election on line
• Scores posting done by Winscore
• Other costs not known at this time such as medallions
• Resolution:No action. Wait to see results of Excom meeting this weekend.
14. Pilot kit to include local area map with commonly used features (Good)
John suggesting that organizers provide info on local area in pilot kit, map or other form. Include names of ridges, landmarks etc. This is recommendation and not required. Resolution- approved. Rules change-minor.
15. IGC representative
• Need improved communication between KGS and Eric and then between KGS and RC. We have little or no input or feedback at this time.
• Action- Ken to speak with Eric.
• Example: The recent surprise news that most CAI flight recorders are no longer approved by the IGC for World records and unknown implications for contests.
• Possible solution would be an addition to 6.7.3, fifth item which would grandfather previously approved flight recorders. "…is , or has been approved by the IGC as secure.
16. GFB payment status
• A substantial number of fees have not been collected and thus not paid to GFB.
• 2003 solution: KM to write letter to organizers to collect unpaid fees.
• 2004 changes: Remove $5/pilot sanction fee increase we put in last year for Winscore. Guy to collect non-Nats fees on his own. $1000 for Nationals. We expect to pay this cost (possible sanction fee adjustment for this?). Waiting for current Excom review to know if sanction fee needs to be increased to pay this.
• See JG draft - revised rule 3
• Rules change-minor
17. Leibacher Activities.
RC recognizes continued excellent support on Pilot Ranking List and other related support activities.
Entries
18. Eliminate “plus two” rule for regional number of entrants. 5.1.1.2.2 (Cole)
• Not really required. Eliminate as suggested. Makes the rule more consistent with 5.1.1 and with Nationals.
• Rule simplification. Rule change-minor.
19. Minimum number of contestants for a contest Nationals.
• Consideration should be given to small class with top-ranked pilots as a valid Nationals. Almost lost Opens this year. Theory is that small contest with a few very high ranked pilots is valid test for National Champion. Current minimum for FAI classes is 8. Action adopted with 1 dissent (Nixon).
• Action: X to draft a rule with an “or” clause and with Min number of 5 contestants. Research a PRL number to select cutoff or aggregate value for ranks of pilots. Probably needs to be higher than .92 average.
• Minor change. Rule change.
20. Ratio of classes at over-subscribed regionals (KS)
• Add text that pilot can't jump classes from what class he entered with.
• Action: adopt X draft rule text item 1 with exception of deletion of words "plus two".
• Rule Change-Minor change.
• Additional action suggested by P7 – consider problem of pilot in Sports Class Regional with high seeding and plane that won't fit in any other class (such as Open class ship). May need an exception for this person. Need more input.
21. Pilots must be on PRL by 60-day cut off (Janelle Sullivan/KS)
• Proposed revised rule clarifies as to how current year ranking score may be used.
• Action: Adopt X draft changes item 4 cleaning up entry priority.
• Minor change. Rule change.
22. Canadians on PRL and equal status with US pilots. (KS)
• Every SSA member (required for entry) has equal status now. Unranked non-citizens get limited priority now. Currently, in National, non citizens are guests and , as such, can't use Nationals score for seeding.
• Resolution: Consider foreign pilot, Nationals score counts for PRL. Still can't be US National Champion. If on PRL, don't have alternate foreign guest status entry into National or Regional.
• Potentially major change - Poll issue 04.
23. Two-week deadline for withdrawal notification for refund not applicable to standbys (KS)
• Resolution: Adopt X proposed text revising 5.3.4. Draft item 2.
• Rule change - Minor change.
24. Make $100 deposit and application mandatory for valid entry (KS)
• Request is to require deposit in order to ensure "serious" entries and provide for some pre contest expenses .
• Resolution: Adopt proposed text revising 5.3.2.4 and 5.3.3. Draft Item 2.
• Rule change-Minor change
Sailplanes and Equipment
25. What certification for new gliders like Sparrow Hawk
• We need to ensure that contest organizers are not put in position of determining airworthiness such as if an unlicensed ultralight were to be presented for competition.
• Resolution : Add to 6.1.1: all aircraft must have valid airworthiness certificate issued by the country of registry. This is really a clarification of the present rules and is not really a change. It will take place immediately.
• Rules text change - minor change.
26. 6.10.2 (Tow rings) Add “or equivalent” (Al Tyler-Perry. Made his own)
- No change. Tost rings are specified with no substitution because ring set is part of certified release mechanism. Cost to organizers to use Tost rings is not prohibitive.
27. IGC 850kg limit for two-place motor gliders (Butler)
• This is somewhat controversial. Could have the benefit of following current trend In WGC rules but also likely could render some current ships (Nimbus 3) obsolete.
• No change. Possible 04 poll question for Open class participants.
Goals
28. Create a list of contest goals? (Poll)
• The majority of poll responses are consistent with currently utilized rule making philosophy. No clear mandate for change.
• Action: 2XX is to compile a list of Regional / National level competition objectives to be listed for targeted, weighted ranking in 2004 poll for use as a guide.
• Poll activity.
Starts
29. Correct typo re Sports Regional finishes 10.9.1.1 Eisenbeiss email.
• Correct inconsistency as there is no provision for gate finish in Sports regionals.
• Resolution: Fix per X draft change item 9.
• Rule change - minor correction.
30. Eliminate present start and finish systems (Eisenbeiss email)
• Start system. He has suggested going back to something similar to the old line start. There has been some feedback from pilots suggesting modifications of the present system, but there doesn't seem to be a push to go back to the old line start. The present rules allow for up to a 20 mile radius. We could get something close to a line by using a large cylinder offset to put the cylinder over the airport. 2XX is interested in pursuing this. He will contact a few Regional contest organizers to persuade trial of a large cylinder to simulate a line. Also encourage use of multi point starts (Australian system) currently in rules as another way to break up pre start gaggles.
• Poll supports current finish options. No rules change.
31. Score distance to point of cylinder departure (Cochrane, Poll)
• Advantage: Potential spreading of the field. Reduces disadvantage of not starting at closest point to first turn.
• Disadvantages: It is not as simple as it sounds due to potential unintended consequences. Examples: Unintentional penetration after start such as descending into cylinder after start out top, Start out the back, then fly through gaggles in cylinder. How to write "simple" rules to deal with complex scenarios. Difficult to locate optimum start point – wind effects which may require complex computation to get best point. Scoring program much more complex to compute highest scoring start fix. May have to start far from home. Much discussion. Poll supports based on what appears to be a simple change. We are concerned that there will be too many complications and unintended consequences.
• Multi-point start addresses same issue. Larger cylinder radius addresses same issue in alternate way. No change.
Tasking
32. Review one-mile turn radius
- Supported by poll. Leave it as is.
33. Review drop-a-day option.
Leave it in. It was just put in last year to permit experimentation . Perhaps someone will try it this year. No harm in leaving it in since it is already in Winscore.
34. Review 10.9.3.5 Five-mile last leg. (Perry confusion/Buckley email)
- Originally intended to prevent flying away from home airport while staying within turn cylinder, then flying back to get a finish.
- Resolution: Revise to 2-mile last leg. 5 miles unnecessarily long and can eliminate close in turn points. 2 miles is large enough. Add this requirement into the MAT task description also. X to talk to Byars. Adopt X proposed change to 10.9.3.4 draft rule item 12 with change to 2 miles.
- Rules change - minor change.
35. AT is superior to MAT/TAT (Seaborn email)
- From 2XX: 03 tasking in Nationals was Open/18/15/Std. 7 MAT, 18 TAT, 3 AST. Last worlds was 50:50 AAT:AST. Much discussion. We had this same discussion last year after Tonopah only then the problem was all AT and not enough MAT/TAT. This year we had the reverse "problem". Not a good idea to require a fixed mix. Better to handle this by prodding the CD for a balanced mix.
- Resolution: No rules change: Change appendix 10.3.1.2 from “mix” to “balanced mix”.
36. Altitude floor on task (for safety) (Cochrane)
Not practical at this time. Equipment/software required would knock out little guys. This is a major philosophical change. Would need to be polled. Needs to be discussed this summer.
37. For non-finishers on MATs, should distance from home be considered (Good)
No clear solution to minor possible problem. No action.
38. CD Guide should amplify option in 10.3.2.2.4 that allows CD to assign a number of optional first TPs on a MAT (Eisenbeiss)
Action: Revise CD Guide to emphasize this option.
39. Remove mention of Class D airspace from 10.3.1.6.2 (Good, others)
• Minor/clarification. Revise per X draft item 7. Class D is okay.
• Rule change - minor change.
Finish
40. Adopt Cochrane finish (500' min or distance points)
• Suggestion is that pilots not getting finish in cylinder be scored as distance only and eliminating provision for rolling finishes.
• Poll is strongly against this proposal (2:1). No change.
41. Allow finishes through bottom of cylinder (Zimmerman ltr) (Already allowed)
• Current rules, clock stops when entering cylinder, even bottom. SZ's suggestion would stop the clock when you cross the cylinder perimeter if you can later climb up into bottom of cylinder. Not a good idea for someone to spend time climbing under the finish cylinder and not be charged for the climb time. Also could encourage low circling in high traffic area.
• Resolution: No change.
42. 10.9.3.3 says you can enter finish cylinder from below. Is this OK? (GFB)
Yes.
43. Extend finish cylinder to the ground with penalty (Northcraft)
The present system discourages low finishes as desired. This would be an unnecessary added complication. This would be a graduated penalty rather than the “fixed” penalty associated with a rolling finish. No change.
Scoring
44. Review 15-minute adjustment.
• Strong vocal objection to this new rule introduced in '03. Much due to lack of understanding. Intent was to reduce need for better computation capability in glider. There was a notable inconsistency between vote against precise finish time and rejection of 15 minute. Small improvement in scoring does not justify the vocal objections to the perceived complication.
• Resolution: remove 15 minute adjustment: KS dissenting vote.
• Rule change -minor.
45. Remove Bobo program from SSA offerings
• No longer applicable given rules in use.
• Action: KS to contact Aland.
46. McMaster's distance measurement concerns (His email)
Refer to 31.
47. WGC 1984 ellipsoid distance (Gere letter)
• IGC used method is much more complex in calculation, but marginally(fractions of a km) more accurate. Small effect. Scoring program and common equipment all use the same system. Possible problem with FAA airspace definitions, but this effect would be very small.
• Resolution: Stay with what we have because of current computer and software.
• No rules change.
48. Landing card from every pilot every flying day so scorer can keep track of pilots. (Good)
Suggested that even if you don't fly, must turn in a card to make scorer's life a bit easier. Not a big problem at this time. No change.
49. Presently, slow finishers with few completions get same points as max distance.
• Should we add a few points for finishing. (Good)
• Sense is that longest flight should always get the most distance points. Also there should be a few extra points above max distance points for completing task.
• Resolution: Adopt draft rule 11.5.8 Best distance -ensuring that longest flight gets most dist pts.
• Rule change - minor change
• Resolution: Adopt draft rule 11.5.9 Points for Finishers - provides small number of extra points for finishing.
• Rule change-minor change
50. Galloway's book of suggestions. (Galloway packet sent in mail)
• Ray observed that there appears to be too many MAT/TAT being devalued, in part due to much earlier threshold of devaluation for land outs and "high" importance of MT15 scores. Hank did an analysis. Devaluation currently begins at 13% landout and MT15 counts as ¾ land out.
• Resolution: 11.5.4. revise to 25% land outs for devaluation. Leave MT15 as is. Nature of tasking has changed. This change brings the devaluation formula into line with the tasking.
• Rule change - Minor change. Will be sensitive to pre-blue-book comments.
51. Convert to nautical miles (Carapetyan)
• No problem perceived. Gary noted "I'll never go 100 if it is in knots" Lotza laughs.
• No action
52. Broaden language that allows CD to use two partial flight logs (Good email)
• Hank has reviewed and applied the existing language for flight by Dave Stevenson this summer. Current rule works well.
• No change.
53. Develop test case data for scoring program evaluation.
• Tool to permit independent validation of scoring protocols if needed.
• X to create data set with "correct" answers.
54. Revisit MT and MT+15 devaluation on MAT/TAT (Cochrane email)
See 50.
55. Devaluation of MAT/TAT too common (Galloway ltr)
See 50.
56. Reduce day devaluation (Cochrane) for start day devaluation.
• Principle is to reward early starters by reducing devaluation of day caused by pilots playing "start gate roulette". Would like to reduce gaggling.
• Action: No change at present. Would be a major change. P7 will talk to Cochrane to develop idea further.
• Present as poll topic for 2004.
57. More distance points for time-limited tasks. (Cochrane)
• Question is do we want to reward long distance over short speed? Example is pilot that goes 250 miles and almost gets home beaten by pilot that flies 70 miles and finishes an hour early.
• Action: No change at present. Would be a major change. P7 to talk to Cochrane to develop idea further.
• Present as poll topic for 2004.
58. Add scored speed and actual flight time to score sheet (Eisenbeiss)
• Not necessary after dropping 15 Minute rule. Could we add start and finish times to make score sheets more interesting and useful.
• Resolution: X to discuss practicality with GFB.
59. Under times to get credit for 1/10 th of under time to prevent pilot delaying his finish. (Good email)
• Proposal is a clarification and simplification of 11.5.3.2. that provides "credit" for 1/10 of under time.
• Resolution: Adopt X proposed rule paragraphs 11.5.3.2, 11.5.3.1.1, and 11.5.3.1.2 , item 6A of draft rule text.
• Rule change - minor change.
Penalties
60. Remove 18,000' penalty system and make it zero points at 18000 ft (ras)
• Suggestion is to handle much the same as horizontal airspace. Currently progressive to avoid "death penalty"
• No action. Altitudes not as precise as horizontal position.
61. Airspace penalty should be listed non-specifically on score sheet (Cole)
• Concern is one on expressly documenting a violation.
• Already do this.
62. Equal treatment of infractions: No warning to one pilot followed by penalty to another for same infraction (Eisenbeiss)
• Concern voiced that some times one pilot gets a warning and another gets a penalty for similar or the same infraction.
• No action. Protest provision handles this.
63. Remove graduated penalties (Cochrane)
• Death penalty ok for airspace violations (horizontal). Why be so harsh on starts and turnpoints. Nature of penalty should be related to the severity of the infraction. Care has been taken to ensure that the "penalty suits the crime". Rare that someone could gain an advantage by taking a penalty.
• Action: No change.
New Class
64. Create 20m two-seater class? (Poll)
• Suggestion is to create 2 seat class. Some support on poll.
• Resolution: Make available by waiver in 2004 for Regionals. Must have 2 people in glider, water tbd. KM to contact Knauff for his suggestions on rules to use. These would be subject to review prior to waiver being issued and shall not be in conflict with existing rules.
65. Combined 15M/Standard with handicap for small contests (Cochrane)
• This was studied and rejected in '99 (It 13 minutes).
• Action: No change.
Sports
66. Handicapping: calendar, review our list, Sparrow Hawk
Dave Cole did a good job with this on 2003. KS to contact Dave Cole to see if he will continue to help on handicapping.
67. 5.4.1.3 Entrant requirements for Sport regionals needs clarification (Peterson email)
• Minor rewording to require Bronze Badge or higher “and” cross country class as entry requirement for pilots not on seeding list .
• Rule change- minor clarification.
68. Change Sports Nats standard minimum distance to 50 handicapped miles (Good email)
• Current rules require LS4 flying in Sports Class to fly further than Nimbus 4 flying in Open class to get minimum distance for a contest day. Suggestion is to reduce minimum distance in Sports Nats to 50 handicapped miles.
• Resolution: Adopt proposed draft rule (S) 10.3.1.1 task parameters It 10 of draft rule text.
• Rule change-minor
Standard Class
69. Retain 9 lb wing loading? (Poll)
No change based on poll results.
Misc.
70. Mike Green email referring to 6.7.3 Add language that prohibits use in flight.
• Rule 6.7.3 currently requires direct transfer of data from non secure recording device to scoring computer. Required security provisions are in place.
• Resolution: No change in 6.7.3
Motor Gliders
71. Continue to allow “unenabled” gliders in 15M/Standard contests (liability) (Dittert/Striedieck emails)
• Concern on that part of organizers that they might have liability in the event that a motorglider having engine disabled were to have an accident.
• Resolution : Add rule 6.3.3.5 saying: Non engine enabled motorglider may be used in competition provided that the manufacturer has determined that it is airworthy in the configuration presented . This must be documented by manufacturer's flight manual or other manufacturer documentation.
• Add language in the guide to the rules to make it more clear that motorgliders with engines not enabled are ok.
• Rule change - minor clarification
72. Motorgliders with unenabled. Clarify 6.1.1.
• 6.1.1 Defines authority of Contest Competition Committee to reject sailplane or motorglider it finds unsuitable. Revised rule defines suitability.
• Resolution: Adopt revised rule 6.1.1 adding -"To be suitable,a sailplane must be in compliance with all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations and meet the requirements of the class in which it is entered".
• Rule change -minor clarification.
73. Motor glider pilots sign a waiver to be allowed to fly disabled (Sorenson/Carswell email).
KS to communicate with NSF to see if our changes satisfy their concerns.
74. Motor gliders can't use engine in flight (JJ email)
Poll doesn't support a change.
75. Use of motors in 18M/Open contests gets zero points (JJ email)
Poll doesn't support a change.
76. Airport bonus for motor gliders (Greenwell email)
• Bonus is now only available if you land. Not fair to non-motorgliders if they have to land for bonus and motorgliders don't.
• Resolution: No Change.
77. Motor gliders must shut down in release area (JJ email)
• Request is that if Motorgliders are permitted to self-launch, they must conform to procedures that do not put "normal" gliders at a disadvantage.
• Regionals only in all classses. Allow self-launch by waiver for 2004 at organizer's option.
• Max launch altitude is height of Designated Release Area + 800 feet.
• Other gliders.
• No air re-start permitted. Must land and re launch in same order as other relights.
• Rule change- Possibly Major change. Will look for feedback during comment period.
78. Motor glider relights must take off in order of relight landing (ras)
Covered in 77.
79. 10.6.2.9 says all MG launches must be by aero tow. Reword to allow MG self-launches (KS)
Covered in 77.
Awards
80 . Put Ed Finegan Trophy in rules for Sports class Nats. (Arleen Coleson ltr)
• X to include this award in the list of awards in 7.1.
• Rule change- minor
Team
81. Suggestion that US Team selection system to consider contest site weather.
• Weight nationals according to weather compatibility.
• Hold nationals at sites with weather most similar to next World site.
RC resolution: This is a US Team Committee issue. RC opinion is that site is not critical. In fact, current site rotation gives a variety of experience that should lead to better prepared pilots through variety of experience. Weather rather than site may be important.
82. Poll Security
• Possible poll security issue identified. It is possible to access other pilots votes on poll. There is no reason to believe that this has occurred.
• Resolution: KS to contact Aland to work on implementation of greater security for 2004 poll.