RULE MAKING

2004 CONTEST RULE CHANGES SUMMARY

Final Draft

The purpose of this document is to identify the 2004 changes and the rationale for those changes. Additional information on the rationale for the changes may be found in the Rules Committee November 2003 meeting minutes.

Each rule pertains to one or more numbered items in the minutes of the Rules Committee meeting. The references to these items appear with each rule, (e.g. RCM 25). Additionally, each rule is identified as a major or minor change. “Major” rules will typically involve changes that affect selection of equipment, task types, start and finish methods, significant task scoring changes, and significant penalties. Changes deemed “major” will be tried in Regional contests before being implemented in National contests. All other rule changes will be deemed minor with immediate implementation.

A letter in brackets (e.g. [N]) at the start of each rule indicates the level to which the rule applies:

N – FAI National R- FAI Regional S – Sport National X – Sport Regional

Regional rules “inherit” from National rules – they are the same except where R-level paragraphs exist to differentiate them. Likewise, Sport National rules inherit from National rules and Sport Regional rules inherit from Sport National rules.

1. Increased Maximum Contest Entry Fees to cover contest liability insurance rate increase (RCM 12, 13 & 16, Minor)

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The cost for contest liability insurance have escalated over 50% for each sanctioned event. Based on an estimated average attendance of 35 pilots, the increased insurance cost will be passed on to entrants at the rate of $5 per entry.

For Regionals, the $5 insurance related increase is offset by a change in the payment process for Winscore support. Beginning in 2004, the $5 per pilot Winscore fee will be excluded from the Sanction fee. Instead, the $5/pilot fee will, once again, be paid direct by the contest organizer to Winscore. This reverses the 2002 process change by which Regional contest Winscore payments were administered by the SSA.

For Nationals, the maximum entry fee is increased $10. This change will cover the $5/entrant insurance premium adjustment, as well as a $5/pilot contribution for Winscore support. National contest Winscore support payments will continue to be administered via SSA in the form of a flat annual fee.

[R]5.3.1.3 Of the entry fee, $25 represents the sanction fee.

[N]5.3.1 Fee Amounts

5.3.1.1 The maximum fixed entry fee shall be $555 per entry.

5.3.1.2 The maximum variable entry fee shall be $260 per entry plus $40 per tow.

5.3.1.3 Of the entry fee, $35 represents the sanction fee.

2. Suggested additions to Pilot Kit contents (RCM 14, Minor).

This is a minor change suggesting the inclusion of maps, diagrams and roadmaps to facilitate pilot/crew familiarity with complex geography at certain contest sites. Fulfillment of Item 5.7.2 is at the organizers discretion and should be based upon the complexity of the geographic features of the contest site.

5.7 Pilot's Kit

At registration, each entrant will receive a package of contest-related information and documents, as follows:

5.7.1 Required

5.7.1.1 A diagram of the contest site showing runways, taxiways, trailer tie-down areas, vehicle routes, and start, finish, relight and gridding areas.

5.7.1.2 A map or diagram showing the location of all control points.

5.7.1.3 Communication procedures for off-site landings.

5.7.1.4 A list of all key contest personnel (Rule 3.1).

5.7.1.5 The following items described elsewhere:

• List of control points (Rule 10.4.6)

• Official database of forbidden airspace (Rule 10.3.1.6.4)

• List of designated airfields (Rule 10.10.3.3)

5.7.2 Suggested

5.7.2.1 A map or diagram showing local names for geographic features.

5.7.2.2 A roadmap covering the contest area.

3. Grandfathering of GPS Flight Recorders (RCM 15, Minor)

On November 17, 2003, Ian Strachan, Chairman, GNSS Flight Recorder Approval Committee for the IGC, announced that, effective 1 April 2004, most currently approved flight recorders will no longer be accepted for documentation of world record flights. This change is due to creation of an increased security level currently applicable only to establishment of new world records.

US contest rules (6.7.3) currently specify that an IGC approved flight recorder must be used in order for contest results to count towards US Team selection. It is the intention of the RC to “Grandfather”, for purposes of earning US Team points, all GNSS flight recorders which either are, or have previously been approved by the IGC as secure.

6.7.3 Flight recorder requirements

Flight recorders used for flight documentation must:

• If used as primary flight documentation for a score that will count towards U.S. Team selection, be of a make and model that is (or was formerly) IGC-approved as Secure.

4. Number of entrants in a class (RCM 18, 20, Minor)

The recent rise in popularity of some contests has resulted in recurring instances where the number of applicants exceeds (sometimes significantly) the maximum allowed number of entrants. This favorable development has highlighted a weakness in the current rules dealing with determining the relative size of each class in an over-subscribed contest .

This change will provide Regional contest organizers with specific guidance on how to allocate the available entry positions among the various competition classes of a multi-class contest. Additionally, the old “plus two” requirement, which needlessly modified the minimum allowed entrants for a class, has been eliminated.

[R]5.1.1.2.2 If an oversubscribed contest includes applicants for more than one class, the number of entrants allocated to a class shall be in proportion to the number of applications for the class received prior to the Preferential Entry Deadline (Rule 5.2.1), but not less than five.

[R]5.1.1.2.3 If a contest is oversubscribed at the time of the Preferential Entry Deadline, applicants may not change their competition class after this deadline.

5. Contest Validity – Minimum number of Entrants (RCM 19, Minor)

This rule change is in recognition of the fact that a highly competitive event can occur with a quantity of pilots less than currently specified. The existing rule 5.1.1.1 requires that for an Official competition to occur, a specified number of competitors must both enter the competition and obtain a final score of not less than 40% of the winner's final score. The current specified number is 8 entrants (5 for World Class).

Wording is added that establishes an alternative minimum quantity of entrants in those cases where there is a small number of highly ranked pilots competing.

[N]5.1.1.1 Minimum - For an Official competition, either of the following must be satisfied:

[N]5.1.1.1.1 A sufficient number of entrants must have a final score not less than 40% of the winner's final score. Unless otherwise specified in Rule 6.12, this number shall be eight.

[N]5.1.1.1.2 A minimum of five entrants with a pilot ranking score greater than 92.0 must have a final score not less than 75% of the winner's final score.

6. Clarification of Entry Priority (RCM 21, Minor)

The recent rise in popularity of some contests has resulted in recurring instances of over-subscription. This favorable development has highlighted a weakness in the current rules for determining entry priority in over-subscribed contests .

For purposes of determining entry priority, wording has been added to clarify that an applicant may submit evidence of favorable current year contest results, if submitted prior to the Preferential Entry Deadline.

[N]5.2 Preferential Entry

5.2.1 The Preferential Entry Deadline is 60 days prior to the first scheduled competition day.

5.2.2 P reference number

5.2.2.1 For applicants that have flown in a recent SSA-sanctioned contest, the preference number is the best ranking score from the current SSA Pilot Ranking List, or from an SSA-sanctioned contest in the current year if submitted by the applicant prior to the Preferential Entry Deadline.

7. Entry priority for foreign competitors (RCM 22, N/A)

Modification of the entry priority process for foreign pilots was considered by the Rules Committee. Upon further discussion subsequent to the RC Meeting in Houston, it was decided to defer action and include this item as a subject for the 2004 Pilot Poll.

8. $100 Deposit Required for Official Entry (RCM 24, Minor).

It is not uncommon for contest organizers to receive pilot entry forms not accompanied with a deposit. Subsequently, these same applicants may end up as “no-shows”. This creates a situation where organizers cannot accurately determine attendance levels, plan logistics or determine who should be placed on the standby list in the event of an over-subscribed event .

This minor change makes a $100 deposit a requirement for a valid entry. It is intended to reduce the “no-show” frequency and thereby aid organizer planning efforts.

[N]5.3.1.4 The entry deposit is $100.

[N]5.3.1.5 The maximum late-entry surcharge is $100.

[R]5.3.1.5 The maximum late-entry surcharge is $50.

[N]5.3.3 The entry fee will be as announced. A deposit is required when an application for entry is submitted. The sponsor may impose a surcharge for entries received after the Preferential Entry Deadline.

9. Deposit refund for Pilots on Standby list (RCM 23, Minor)

Current rules state that the deadline for a “guaranteed” full refund of an applicant's entry fee is fourteen days prior to the first scheduled contest day.

Wording is added to clarify the unique entry fee refund rights for pilots placed on the standby list.

[N]5.3.4 Cancellation - The deadline for canceling an entry with full refund is 14 days prior to the first scheduled competition day; after this time, money will be refunded at the discretion of the Contest Manager. But an applicant on the Standby list who cancels immediately upon notification that an entry position has become open receives a full refund.

10. Requirement for valid airworthiness certificate (RCM 25, 71, 72 - Minor)

Rule 6.1.1 places an undue burden on the Contest Competition Committee to determine the “suitability” of a particular sailplane, whether motorized or unpowered, for competition.

In order to clarify the minimum equipment requirements for entry into SSA sanctioned events, wording is added in 5.4 and 6.1 requiring that all competing sailplanes must have been issued a valid airworthiness certificate from the country of registry and must meet applicable FAA regulations.

5.4 Pilot Qualifications and Requirements

5.4.1 Each entrant shall:

5.4.1.5 Register and declare the sailplane to be flown. A sailplane will be accepted provided it meets all provision of these rules.

6.1.1 A sailplane must have a valid airworthiness certificate issued by the civil aviation authority of the country in which it is registered. It must comply with applicable US Federal Aviation Regulations and meet all the requirements of the class in which it is entered.

11. Finish Procedures – Regional Sports Contests – (RCM 29, Minor)

The existing Regional 10.9.1.1 erroneously refers to a “Finish Gate” as a CD defined option. This wording is inconsistent with the prior RC decision to eliminate the Gate Finish as an option for Regional Sports Class Contests.

All references to Gate Finishes are deleted from Regional Rules.

[X]10.9.1.1 Flying finishes shall follow the rules for the Finish Cylinder (Rule 10.9.2).

12. Final leg minimum distance - (RCM 34, Minor)

The existing rule (10.9.3.5) specifies that the final task leg shall not be less than 5 miles. This rule was originally intended to prevent certain automatic flight analysis difficulties while allowing reasonably close-in final turns. However, weak conditions at Perry in ‘03 demonstrated the need to allow final turnpoints as close to home as possible.

Wording is added to more clearly define the method for determining the final task leg distance with current tasking options. In addition, the minimum final task leg distance is reduced from 5 to 2 miles.

10.5.3.1 The standard turnpoint radius is 1.0 miles; this applies except when the CD declares a different radius as part of a Turn Area Task.

10.9.3.4 The distance of the final task leg shall be taken as the distance from the control fix at the final control point to the Finish Point, minus the Finish Radius. The distance of the final task leg shall not be less than 2 miles.

11.2.2.4.3 At each valid turnpoint the Scorer shall determine the fix that in combination with other control fixes gives the pilot the greatest scored distance. Each such control fix is used as the terminating point of one task leg and the initial point of the subsequent leg.

13. Turn Area Separation - (RCM 34, Minor)

The existing rule (10.3.2.3.2) currently specifies that the perimeters of successive control cylinders shall be no closer than 5 miles.

In order to maintain consistency with the revised 10.9.3.4, the minimum separation between successive turn areas is reduced from 5 to 2 miles.

10.3.2.3.2 The perimeters of successive control cylinders shall be no closer than 2 miles.

14. Forbidden Airspace – (RCM 39, Minor)

Current Rules can be misinterpreted to infer that Class D airspace is considered forbidden. This was never the intent of the Rule.

To avoid future confusion, all references to Class D airspace have been removed. Wording has also been added addressing the frequent situations where a specified start or turn area may overlap forbidden airspace.

10.3.1.5.2 Forbidden airspace includes Class A, Class B, Class C, and Restricted or Prohibited airspace. Such airspace is forbidden at all times, except as specifically announced by the CD. Any airspace that lies above forbidden airspace is itself considered forbidden.

10.3.1.5.3 A start cylinder or a turn area used with a Turn Area Task may overlap forbidden airspace. Such overlap does not alter a pilot's responsibility to remain clear of the forbidden airspace.

15. Time-on Course Adjustment for Time Limited Tasks “15 Minute Rule” – (RCM 44, Minor)

In 2002 the RC adopted a scoring adjustment, applicable to all time limited tasks, intended to significantly reduce the value of arriving home close to MINTIME. The scoring involved adding 15 minutes to each pilot's scored time on course, effectively reducing the importance of arriving extremely close to MINTIME.

This change created significant controversy during 2003, its continuance was not supported by the Pilot Poll. Rule 11.5.3.3 is deleted.

16. Additional points for Long-distance non-finishers on time-limited tasks - (RCM 49, Minor)

The existing scoring equation for time-limited tasks does not always award the most distance points to the pilot who flew the greatest distance. Additionally, slow finishers on a day with few completions will get the same points as non-finisher that has achieved the maximum distance for the day.

The scoring equations are modified to reduce the number of cases where non-finishers get credit for less distance than they flew. Changes will also insure that even the slowest finisher will be awarded at least 5 more points than a non-finisher.

11.5.8 Best distance

If there are no finishers, BESTDIST is the greatest scored distance achieved by any pilot.

Otherwise, BESTDIST is the larger of the greatest scored distance achieved by any finisher and (BESTSD * MINTIME).

11.5.9 Points for Finishers:

POINTS = MSP * STF * SPEED / BESTSPD

(but not less than 30 + MDP * STF)

11.5.10 Points for Non-Finishers:

POINTS = MDP * STF * DIST / BESTDIST

(but not greater than MDP * STF)

11.5.11 Points if there are no Finishers:

POINTS = 400 * DIST / BESTDIST

11.5.12 Bonus for non-finishers who land at a designated airfield: 25 points

17. Devaluation for Time-limited tasks - (RCM 50, 54 & 55 - Minor)

Commenters have observed that too many MAT/TAT days result in devaluation. This excessive devaluation rate is attributed to a much earlier threshold of devaluation for land outs and the "high" importance of MT15 scores.

The scoring equation for determining maximum speed points has been changed. This will cause devaluation to start at 25% landouts, rather than at 10% as under the current rule.

11.5.5 Maximum Speed Points:

MSP = 400 + 800 * SCR (but not greater than 1000)

18. Scored-Time-on-Course for time-limited tasks (RCM 59, Minor)

Current rules provide for a time “credit” of 10% of a pilot's “undertime” under certain MAT situations. For finishers whose Time on Course (TOC) is less than MINTIME, their Scored Time on Course (STOC) is reduced by 10% of the difference between MINTIME and their TOC. This rule serves as a “tie-breaker” in situations with multiple “undertimes”. It also prevents situations where a pilot can obtain a higher score by delaying his finish time.

Wording is added to clarify the undertime “credit” and expand its use to all time-limited tasks.

11.5.3.2 Scored Time on Course

11.5.3. 2 .1 For finishers whose TOC is not less than MINTIME, STOC = TOC

11.5.3. 2 .2 For finishers whose TOC is less than MINTIME, STOC = MINTIME – ((MINTIME – TOC) / 10)

19. Addition of Two-Seater Class (RCM 64)

Pilot opinion poll showed interest in creation of 20M two-seater class. RC resolved to make option available for Regionals by waiver in 2004. The following prototype rule will apply to any requested waiver.

[N]6.12.2 Two-Seater Class – not applicable

[R]6.12.2 Two-Seater Handicapped Class

6.12.2.1 Nominal wingspan is 20.0 meters.

6.12.2.2 Motorized sailplanes are permitted (Rule 6.3.3).

6.12.2.3 No-ballast rules shall apply (Rule 6.8.1.3).

6.12.2.4 Sailplanes must have seats to accommodate two adults. Both seats must be occupied during each contest flight.

6.12.2.5 Handicapping based on relative performance will be used; the maximum handicap used for scoring shall be 1.20.

6.12.2.6 Scoring formulas applicable to a Sport-class National contest shall be used.

6.4 Multi-place sailplanes

6.4.1 Multi-place sailplanes may be entered in any class whose rules they meet.

6.4.2 Except as provided in Rule 6.12, multi-place sailplanes may be flown solo or with passenger(s); in all cases weight restrictions must be met.

20. Regional Sport-Class Entry Requirements (RCM 67, Minor)

Clarifies minimum pilot qualifications for entry in Regional Sports Class contest.

[SR]5.4.1.3 Satisfy one of the following:

5.4.1.3.1 Be listed in the current SSA Pilot Ranking List.

5.4.1.3.2 Present proof of having earned the Silver badge distance leg.

5.4.1.3.3 Present proof of having earned a Bronze (or higher) Badge and of having attended a formal cross-country or competition clinic.

21. Reduce m inimum distance for sport-class National tasks – (RCM 68, Minor)

Existing Sports National rules (10.3.1.1) establishes a Standard Minimum Task Distance of 60 miles. In order for speed points to be awarded, a finisher must fly a minimum distance of 60 handicapped miles. This creates a unique situation where an LS-4 competing in the Sports Class, must fly further than an ASW-22 competing in the Open-class Nationals, in order to receive speed points. Reducing this to 50 miles makes the rule more consistent with other FAI classes.

Wording is added to reduce Sports Class National Standard Minimum Task Distance to 50 miles.

[S]10.3.1.1 Task Parameters

Standard Minimum Task Distance: 50 miles

Standard Minimum Task Time: 3.0 hours

22. Self-Launch of Motorgliders (RCM 77, 78 &79, Major)

The current rules for Motorglider competition in Open, 18-Meter, Sport and at Regional contests prohibit self-launch. The RC, along with measured poll support, has resolved that the current prohibition against M-G self-launch during sanctioned events will be eliminated.

Wording is added to allow M-G self launch in Open, 18-Meter, Sport and at Regional contests. This is considered a major change to be applied only in the 2004 Regionals, or by waiver. Every effort has been made to eliminate potential advantages while also allowing adequate provisions for engine shutdown and stowage.

10.6.3 Self-launch

If approved by the contest organizers and the CD, motorglider pilot

may elect to self launch. The following rules apply:

10.6.3.1 The responsibility for the decision to self-launch lies with

the pilot.

10.6.3.2 Self-launching gliders shall follow procedures and a flight

path as specified by the CD. These shall be chosen to maximize safety

(which includes ensuring adequate separation from aerotow launches)

and to minimize competitive imbalance by keeping all gliders in

substantially the same conditions of weather and lift.

10.6.3.3 Self-launching gliders must shut down their engines no higher

than

the altitude specified by the CD as part of the self-launch procedure.

This altitude shall normally be 800ft higher than the aerotow release

altitude. The place designated for engine shut-down shall allow any

motorglider unable to stow its engine to make a safe unpowered return

to the home field.

10.6.3.4 Within 10 minutes after engine shut-down, self-launching

gliders must make their way to a designated position close to the

normal aerotow release area, at an altitude no higher than normal

aerotow release height. The flight log must show that the climb from

this position was achieved in normal lift, and not as the result of a

pullup from high speed.

10.6.3.5 Self-launches found not to comply with specified procedures

will be penalized. The penalty shall consist of a fixed minimum plus

a number of points that in the estimation of the CD represents the

maximum possible advantage obtained from the violation (but the total

penalty shall not be less than the fixed minimum). Height violations

normally incur a penalty of one point per foot.

10.6.3.6 Pilots who wish to relaunch must land at the home field

without the use of power. They must launch in the sequence of the

CD's auxiliary launch list (Rule 10.6.1.2).

10.6.3.7 Except for self-launching, any use of the motor ends a

pilot's competition flying for the day.

12.1.4.8 Self-launch penalty (Rule 10.6.3): minimum penalty = 100

23. Additional Sports Nationals Contest Award (RCM 80, Minor)

Codifies the annual award of a Sport Class Nationals “sportsmanship trophy”. The Ed Finegan Trophy was originated and endowed in 1995, but has not been awarded since 1997.

[S]7.1 Awards will be made to regular entrants credited with the following achievements:

• Highest final score - The Sport Class Championship Trophy.

• Highest final score by a junior entrant - The Junior National Champion Medallion (Bronze Medallion)

• Best sportsmanship (as determined by the Contest Competition Committee) - The Ed Finegan Trophy

24. General Nomenclature (Misc., Minor)

Minor clarification requested subsequent to RC meeting in Houston. Changed wording of 2.1 improves consistency Section 3.1

General

2.1 Soaring Championships are organized in accordance with the Sporting Code of the FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale), the NAA (National Aeronautic Association), and are sanctioned by the SSA (Soaring Society of America).

II. Explanation of Changes to Appendix A, Guide to US National FAI Class Competition Rules

25. Task Setting (RCM 35, N/A)

During 2003, Tasking at US FAI Open/18/15/Std resulted in 7 MAT's, 18 TAT's, 3 AST's.

Wording is added to Appendix Item 10.3.1.2 to encourage CD's to use a “balanced mix” of tasking as opposed to “mix”.