At 05:41 PM 7/5/2003, Hugh Barber wrote:
>Ok Eric,
>
>Things I've noticed:
>
>1. It seems that some of the more "high visibility" events (like ProSolo are
>over-subscribed).
>2. It seems that the Auto-X "regulars", for the most part, want no change in
>the status-quo.
>3. It seems way to easy to qualify for the Nationals: the entry list has a
>few contenders with a lot of "filler" (in road racing they are called
>backmarkers).
>4. I have not noted a National-led effort to attract newcomers (might be
>related to #2, above? Who knows?)
>
>Possible solutions:
>
>1. Perhaps different levels of licensing should be instituted. Similar to
>SCCA road racing, you could have Regional and National licenses. One could
>not get a National level license until they completed "X" number of regional
>events. National level licenses would be required to enter Divisionals,
>National tour, and ProSolo events. This might lead to a situation (similar
>to road racing) where the intensity and caliber of competition is distinctly
>different between the two levels, might help to mitigate the
>over-subscription of events/dilution of quality problem, and provide a place
>to mentor the newcomers to the sport without adding or changing classes.
>
>2. Mere attendance at a National Tour or Divisional event should not qualify
>you for the National Championships. You should have to finish at least in
>the top half of your class (maybe even the top 3 or 4) in order to go to the
>Nationals. The Championships should be a meeting of the best of the best -
>not the way it is now (best of the best + those with time/money to attend +
>those who live in the Midwest).
>
>So Eric, there you go. I've made a couple of suggestions. Fell free to
>tell me why they won't work. Just remember, until you actually try a
>suggestion (thinking out-of-the-box, changing your paradigm) you cannot know
>for sure that it won't work. :^)
Interesting ideas. However, one can indeed say with a certainty that
certain things will not work, without having tried them. I understand your
point of not discounting ideas out of hand, but I don't agree that this
means one should try every possible idea.
In regards to the meat of your email above, you listed some observations
and then listed solutions. What I have a problem with, is that your
observations seem to assume that everyone agrees there is a problem. I
might be missing something here. What are you trying to solve?
Your list says that some events are very successful, or overly subscribed.
A lot of people like it like this. A lot of people will attend Nationals.
Most of them will not get a trophy but they still go. You have missed the
national attempts to promote the sport that indeed do exist.
So where is the problem that requires your solution? I apologize if you
have indeed stated it, but I am missing it.
Randy Chase
http://www.conecam.com/
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