|
Attendees--------------
Michael Zupanc - CIVL Delegate
Tim Cummings - HG Rep
Stewart Dennis - PG Rep
Karl Texler - PG Rep
Tove Heaney - Women’s Rep
Craig Worth - HGFA General Manager
Apologies--------------
Pete Bowyer - PG Development Rep
Mark Howard - WM Rep
Appointments--------------
Minutes secretary Tim Cummings
Competitions Committee convenor Mike Zupanc
Competitions Manual editor - Mike Zupanc
Competition Organisers Handbook editor Karl Texler
Hang Gliding Ladder editor - Mike Zupanc
Paragliding Ladder editor - Dave Worthington
Trophies Officer - Tove Heaney
HG Competition Calendar Co-ordinator - Tove Heaney
PG Competition Calendar Co-ordinator - Karl Texler
Documents Tabled---------------------------
HG Sanction Application - (Canungra) St Bernard’s
Hang Gliding Classic 2002
PG Sanction Application - Canungra Cup 2002
CIVL Delegate Report
Abbreviations
used in these Minutes---------------------------
CC - Competitions Committee
CCC Competition Calendar Co-ordinator
DQF day quality factor
HG - hang glider
PG - paraglider
WM - weightshift microlight
Minuted items are not necessarily
shown in chronological order.
SECTIONS:
COMPETITIONS, CALENDAR, AND SANCTION APPROVALS
AWARDS, LADDERS, BADGES, RECORDS
COMPETITION SEASON REVIEW
CIVL MEETING - DELEGATE REPORT
COMPETITION ORGANISER'S HANDBOOK
COMPETITIONS MANUAL UPDATES
TEAM SELECTION AND FUNDING
SAFETY
OTHER BUSINESS
MINUTES 2001 COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE MEETING AND
BUSINESS ARISING
==================================================================
COMPETITIONS, CALENDAR, AND SANCTION APPROVALS
=======================================
Next season’s PG sanctions awarded and event
calendar (preliminary)
(dates are last years dates if not known)
Dates Sanct
Competition/Area/Organiser
2002
Apr 1- C-
50 CMAC X-C Summer League
Australia
Mark Thompson
Active Australia Project
Oct 1- C-
50 CMAC X-C Winter League
Australia
Mark Thompson
Active Australia Project
Oct 12-19
AAA Canungra Cup 2002
Canungra
Karen Sexton / Rob Wilton
Need technical delegate. Require a more experienced director or a
technical
delegate on
the ground all the time. (Achieved)
Nov
C-184 Mystic Cup on Sat-Sun weekends for a maximum of 12
rounds
4 worst rounds rejected
Excludes weekends of the major comps
2003
Feb ??-??
B Corryong Paragliding Cup
Corryong
Peter Bowyer
Dates same as Man From Snowy River
Active Australia Project
Mar 1- 8
AAA Manilla Paragliding Open - Nationals
Manilla
Godfrey Wenness
Mar LATE
B Forbes Flatlands
needs paddock
Len Paton
Feb 15-22
AAA Bright Paragliding Championships
Bright
Karl Texler
Jan or
B WA Soaring Championships
Mar
Wyalkatchem
Sam Blight / Mike Dufty
Mar
B Bright B Sanction Comp
Bright
Karl Texler
Required GAP Parameters Paragliding
Canungra Cup
2002 30
km 2 km 90 min 10%
Corryong Cup B Sanction 20
km 5 km 90 min 10%
Manilla Paragliding Open- Nationals
40 km 5 km 90 min 20%
Bright Paragliding Open 35 km 5
km 90 min 20%
WA Soaring Championships 20
km 5 km 90 min 10%
Bright B Sanction Comp
20 km 5 km 90 min 10%
Mystic
Cup
30 km 5 km 90 min 10%
Some pilots questioned the calculated amount of
launch time required for a task to be valid. To help resolve the issue it
was suggested that the number of launch slots be published. These are
preliminary, subject to discussion with competition organisers.
(Based on two minutes per pilot per slot.)
Canungra Cup Mt Tamborine 2
slots
(eg, 40 or 50 mins, for 40 or 50 pilots)
Canungra Cup
Beechmont 3 slots
(eg, 27 or 33 mins)
Corryong Cup B Sanction 1 slot
(eg, 80 mins for 40 pilots)
Manilla North East Launch 2 slots
Manilla East
Launch 4 slots
Manilla South
Launch 3 slots
(used as an optional launch, not a marshalled launch)
Manilla West
Launch Normally 7
slots, but if wind is more northerly, 6 slots
Australian Open - Bright 4
slots
WA Soaring Championships 8
slots
(towing)
Bright B Sanction
Comp 4 slots
Mystic
Cup
4 slots
Next season’s HG
sanctions awarded and event calendar (preliminary)
Dates Sanct.
Competition/Area/Organiser
2002
Apr 1- C-
50 CMAC X-C Summer League
Australia
Mark Thompson
Active Australia Project
Apr 14-
C-184 Canungra Sunday Winter Series
Canungra
Dave Sakrzewski / Cameron McNeill
Needs proper turnpoint verification (eg GPS)
Personal downloading of track log and emailing to
scorer is allowed.
Sep
B Nth Qld Championships
Eungella / Gillies / Hughenden
Bernie Zwahlen
Sep 28- 5
AA St Bernard’s HG Classic
Canungra
Organiser: Steven Chesters
Meet Director: Ken Hill
Oct 1- C-
50 CMAC X-C Winter League
Australia
Mark Thompson
Active Australia Project
Oct 6-
C-184 Canungra Sunday Summer Series
Canungra
Dave Sakrzewski / Cameron McNeill
Needs proper turnpoint verification (eg GPS)
Personal downloading of track log and emailing to
scorer is allowed.
2003
Dec 28- 4 AAA
Australian Open AAA (Kingpost AA, Floater A)
AA Deniliquin
A Tove Heaney
Minimum Kingpost 22 entries
Minimum Floater 18 entries
2 scorers and 2 goal crews
Jan 6-14
AA Bogong Cup
Kiewa Valley
Phil Lahiffe
Jan 17-25
AAA Nationals
Hay
James Freeman
Jan 12-18 C-184 Corryong Cup
Corryong
Steve Bell / Peter Burkitt
Jan or
B WA Soaring Championships
Mar
Wyalkatchem
Sam Blight / Mike Dufty
Feb 1522
A NSW State Titles
Manilla
Bill Olive
Manilla HG dates to be checked with
Bill Olive and Godfrey Wenness
Mar
B Vic Tow Comp
Ian Rees / Trevor Sangster
Easter
B Flatter than Flatlands
Birchip
Wes Hill
Required GAP Parameters Hang Gliding
Sunday Winter Series 2
km 20 km 60 min 10%
Sunday Summer Series 2
km 20 km 60 min 10%
Nth Qld Championships 4
km 40 km 90 min 10%
Canungra
Classic 2 km
35 km 90 min 10%
Open
AAA
10 km 80 km 90 min 15%
Open
AA
10 km 50 km 90 min 10%
Open
A
10 km 30 km 90 min 10%
Nationals
Hay 10
km 80 km 90 min 15%
Corryong
Cup
NOT GAP
Bogong
Cup
5 km 50 km 90 min 10%
WA Soaring
Champs 4 km 40
km 90 min 10%
NSW State
Titles 5 km 50
km 90 min 10%
Flatter than Flatlands 4 km
40 km 90 min 10%
Vic Tow
Comp
4 km 40 km 90 min 10%
-------------
Sanctions CIVL Category 2 events
It was agreed that all AAA and AA Competitions should
apply for CIVL Category 2 sanction. The sanction fee is equal to one
entry fee. HGFA will pay these fees, when due, to CIVL. The
competitions are required to reimburse the HGFA.
ACTION 02. : Mike Zupanc to apply for CIVL Category 2
Sanctions for these competitions
-------------
PG Sanction Fe
The $5 per pilot PG sanction fee has been abandoned
and does not need to be paid for the 2001-02 season or the 2002-03 season.
Competitions for all sanction levels to provide proof
of permission from local club for site usage.
-------------
Active Australia
Active Australia is to promote participation and club
development.
Belinda is HGFA National Development Officer.
CMAC XC League is an Active Australia project and received $200
funding. Other similar competitions at a club level would also
qualify.
==================================================================
AWARDS, LADDERS, BADGES, RECORDS
=======================================
-------------
AWARDS
There will be no HGFA Awards Night this year.
The following trophies should be awarded as per 7.2.1
of Competitions Manual. They will be awarded at local club meetings
and listed in Skysailor and on the web page.
Australian Hang Gliding Champion
2002
Rohan Holtkamp
Australian Women's Hang Gliding Champion
2002 Tascha McLellan
Australian B Grade Hang Gliding Champion 2002
John Wilson
Australian Kingpost Hang Gliding Champion
2002 Greg Holt
Australian Floater Hang Gliding Champion
2002 Kathy Kelly
Australian Paragliding Champion
2002
Rhett Rockman
Australian Women's Paragliding Champion 2002
Australian B Grade Paragliding Champion 2002
Australian Serial Class Paragliding Champion 2002
Australian Sport Class Paragliding Champion
2002 Ian Ladyman
The suggested trophies will be smooth glass beer mugs
with the following etching.
HGFA Logo
Name of award
Name of recipient
ACTION 02.: Tove Heaney to arrange trophies
-------------
LADDERS
ACTION 02.: Ladder convenors to send full ladders to
Skysailor (say top 240 for each).
ACTION 02.: Dave Worthington to be asked to calculate
PG ladder for Round by Round with FTV and Comp by Comp to compare with
existing Round by Round.
HGFA Guidelines for including pilots on Australian
ladder (+TransTasman)
Interpretation One: FAI rules say citizens can
represent their country of citizenship at any time. Residents can
represent their country of residence if they haven't represented any other
country for three years.
Interpretation Two: FAI rules say pilots can
represent their country of citizenship or residence if they haven't
represented any other country for three years.
FAI Secretary General confirms Interpretation One as
the valid interpretation
HGFA Full time membership form to have a box.
Competitors who hold a sporting licence for another company should tick
this box if they wish to stop HGFA automatically issuing them an FAI
sporting licence.
ACTION 02.: Craig Worth to check with HGFA membership
procedures (see also GS 8.1.3.6.1 - 8.1.3.6.2).
Use of round by round PG ladder scoring with Fixed
Total Validity : Trialled for another season, in parallel with the
official round by round ladder for comparison.
Use of round by round HG ladder not to be considered
MOTION 02.: Remove requirement for four scoring days
for a comp to be scored on the Australian ladder. A comp scoring
fewer than four days will still have its ladder points scaled back as per
the existing formula for comps with a total validity less than 4.0.
Moved Tim Cummings seconded Mike Zupanc approved
unanimous
-------------
BADGES
ACTION 02.: Craig Worth to ask Pete Bowyer as PG
Developmental Rep to become national badge coordinator. Pete Bowyer
to advise competition organisers of the requirements for attaining FAI
Badges and encourage competitors to apply.
-------------
RECORDS
The following definitions or records were
established:
National Record - Record flights by any holder of an
Australian sporting licence
Australian Record - Any record flights originating on
Australian soil
Ratification Requirements:
Declared Goal Record - Use FAI procedures, or any
flight to a goal in a AA or AAA sanctioned competition that contributes
towards the final scores.
Other Records - Use FAI procedures.
Australian and National records achieved last season:
Australian Record
National Record
Declared Goal record: Godfrey Wenness 161 km from
Borah West to Coolatai (6 March 2002)
Australian Record
Declared Goal (fem): Alison Cawte 151 km from Borah
East to Moree goal (5 March 2002)
MOTION 02.: These records be ratified
Moved Stewart Dennis seconded Karl Texler approved
unanimous
ACTION 02.: Mike Zupanc to publish list of records on
web
==================================================================
COMPETITION SEASON REVIEW
=======================================
-------------
Protest review
There were no protests in HG or PG comps during
2001-02.
-------------
Departure Points Review - GAP/OzGap/GAP2002
There was generally positive feedback from the HG
comps with regards to the allocation of departure points when using
OzGap. The system was encouraging earlier starting by the guns who
were still getting the best speeds of the day, implying they were not
forced to start earlier than when the conditions were good.
Some of the lesser pilots found that the guns were
leaving too early for them to get any benefit from flying with top
pilots. This was more due to the penalties imposed for them
launching before the first start gate. A recommendation below with
regards start gate intervals should solve that problem.
During Deniliquin, there was a minor problem with
Tascha's start time that exposed a bug in the Race module scoring
OzGap. This problem affected some slower pilots for who departure
points were worth more than speed points. These pilots were all
scored with their latest start time and so all received the correct
score. The objective of OzGap is that the latest valid start time
will always give a pilot the best possible score.
ACTION 02.: Tim Cummings to investigate the
problem and fix the software bug.
Some feedback from the PG comps suggest that GAP2000
was preferred over OzGap. One of the reasons, was the short notice
received by pilots that a new scoring system was being introduced.
Now that the pilots have had a season's experience with OzGap, this will
not be a problem for next season.
There were no concrete examples of problems from
OzGap in PG comps.
However the issue will be discussed further before a
final decision is made as to which scoring module will be used at next
season's comps.
Another contender will be GAP2002 designed by Angelo
Crapanzano using some of the OzGap ideas. The GAP2002 results at
Wallaby Open HG comp in Florida will be evaluated. Also, several of
the PG comps from last season will be rescored using GAP2000.
ACTION 02. : Stewart Dennis to rescore last season's
PG comps with GAP2000 to compare to OzGap.
One issue that reduces the effectiveness of departure
points is long start gate intervals of 15 minutes or more. This was
worse in GAP which was based on departure time alone, but is still a
problem with OzGap which is based on Start time and Finish time. The
conclusion in HG comps is that start gate intervals are necessary when the
guns are starting, to prevent startline cat and mouse games becoming the
significant strategy affecting the days results. The recommendation
is for start times to be measured to the nearest second for the first hour
after the launch window opens (or long enough for everyone to launch if
they want), and then revert to 10 minute intervals after that. The
lesser pilots can launch during one second intervals with no
penalty.
The guns will want to wait to the 10 minute start
gate intervals to prevent themselves being tailed a minute later by
another fast pilot.
Occasionally, a gun pilot will take a risk with an
early start, but his speed will be compromised by solo flying as opposed
to the gaggle that will start at the 10 minute start gate intervals.
For PG comps, it was found that to gain any
significant departure points in 15 minute start groups it was necessary to
take the earliest possible start. There was pressure for all pilots to
leave the hill immediately the launch window opened, not just the slower
pilots. It is recommended that task
committees take a similar approach to HG, though only approximately half
an hour of one second starts is suggested before 10 minute start times
begin.
GAP2002 makes use of track data for determining
departure points, even for those pilots who don't make goal. One
problem that can occur is in particular circumstances, turning a GPS off
before a slow section and turning it on at the end of a fast section could
give a better result than just leaving the GPS on the whole flight.
Tim suggested a good philosophy would be, to never disadvantage a pilot
for providing too much information. Thus a full track log should
always yield a score as good or better than a partial track log.
-------------
Speed Points Review - GAP
During the years GAP has been in use, the following
items have been raised with regards to Speed Points
a. A few seconds difference in winners time makes a
big difference in speed points. This generally is rewarding the
final glide for a gaggle of pilots who flew the course together the whole
way.
b. Speed points are so much more significant than
distance points, that some slow (less experienced) pilots are making goal
and getting disillusioned by their low score.
c. A fast pilot who lands just short of goal is
severely penalised.
These issues were discussed. It was concluded
that these issues are a result of a GAP design decision to enable a pilot
who takes strategic risks, but then doesn't do well on one day (either
landing just short or well short), can catch up with fast times on other
days.
A solution to (a.) and a partial solution to (b.)
would be to use the Fixed Total Validity system to enable pilots to fairly
drop their worst rounds. This would mean the speed points curve
could be reshaped, so that you would need a much better time to achieve
significantly better speed points, and not just a few seconds difference.
A solution to (c.) would be to award speed points for
pilots who don't make goal. The information is available in GPS
track logs. However, this means some pilots who don't make goal
would get more points than those that did make goal. This is a
philosophy shift that the hang gliding and paragliding world may not yet
be ready for, but will probably be the future. With our database of
track logs, we will start investigating the possibilities.
-------------
Triple Class Comp (Deniliquin) review
There were many proponents and a few opponents of the
triple competition format. An overwhelming success of the
competition was its popularity with pilots from a wide range of skill
levels.
The major concern of some opponents was the possible
distortion of the ladder due to the points available to kingpost
pilots. However, the top kingpost pilots this season are now further
down the ladder than the top kingpost pilots last season. Their
relative positions appear realistic and not distorted in any way.
Tove Heaney is to be congratulated for running a very
successful, innovative and popular competition.
Tove Heaney has indicated next year the comp will use
two scorers to relieve the workload, and two goalies to allow two manned
goals.
-------------
Fixed Total Validity review
Dave Worthington has said there should not be a
problem incorporating FTV into the Paragliding ladder on a trial basis in
parallel with the existing system. Paragliders are still to evaluate
the effects on last years ladder, and would like another year of review.
Note that if the trend for DHV 2 gliders with reasonable recovery
characteristics but increasingly demanding handling characteristics
continues - AND CEN continues to be delayed - then we'll consider
re-defining Sports class as DHV 1-2 or AFNOR standard. This would need two
seasons' lead time to allow pilots to choose their wings.
-------------
GPS Software review
VerifyGPS (Tim Cummings)
- only runs on Mac
- only downloads one GPS per Mac at a time
- only works with Garmin and Top Navigator GPS (Top
Navigator requires a PC for the actual download)
- does not calculate internal course (cylinder
perimeter) correctly in the rare situation of a dogleg course that is
almost straight (will be fixed in next version)
CompeGPS (Ivan Twose)
- downloads from Garmin, MLR and Top Navigator
- only runs on PC
- is not free
- bugs in goal times for goal cylinders (fixed in
next version)
- does not calculate internal course (cylinder
perimeter) for any course (fixed in next version)
-------------
GPS Time errors
Garmin 12 GPS units with a software version earlier
than 4.57 stores tracklog points with GPS time timestamps
(INCORRECT). Software version 4.57 and later stores tracklog points
with UTC time timestamps (CORRECT). All Garmin units correctly
display UTC time on the LCD display. The software change happened
prior to the 2000-01 season.
The difference between GPS time and UTC time is
currently 13 seconds, and will increase by about one second every two
years. The UTC time is an 'earlier' time, so pilots are benefited by
using UTC time (unless it pushes their start time in front of the start
gate which does not appear to have ever happened yet). It is
recommended that all pilots update their Garmin software to the latest
version. For units that can not be upgraded (Garmin 45, Garmin 12
with version 3 software) and unknown units, testing is required to
determine the difference between track log time and UTC time. These
problems are currently being investigated worldwide, and hopefully a
database of different Garmin units will be available with the errors of
each. If the characteristics of a GPS unit are not known, comp
scorers are advised to assume track log time = UTC time. Pilots are
recommended to use Garmin GPS units for which the track log timestamp
characteristics are known.
-------------
Goal Cylinders / Virtual Goals
The concept was successful. The implementation
was marred by bugs in Garmin tracklogging (see GPS Time Errors) and
CompeGPS goal time calculations (see GPS Software Review). These
issues should be better understood by next season, and so the competition
committee has no objection to virtual goals and goal cylinders being used
in the future.
Deniliquin will probably use a manned goal line for
the open class competition and goal cylinders for the kingpost and floater
class.
-------------
Pilot Grades
The problem with B and C grades is that they
encourage non-participation, ie, don't do too many high level comps so
that you can stay in B grade. This is a common thought among HG and PG
pilots.
MOTION 02.: PG and HG Phase out B and C Grade
compulsory prize categories. B and C Grade definitions will remain
in Comps Manual for those organisers who wish to still issue prizes.
Moved Karl Texler, seconded Stewart Dennis Approved
unanimous
-------------
Paraglider Subclasses
Because AFNOR certifies gliders as submitted, an
AFNOR performance glider might have passed Standard if so submitted. Some
DHV2 gliders might not have passed AFNOR standard if they'd been
submitted.. but they haven't. In fact some DHV2 gliders might even
be found not to fit the philosophy of being something a "weekend
pilot" can put away for a few weeks then jump straight back on
to. If any DHV2 gliders are excluded then we'll need guidelines on
how to do it and good evidence.
MOTION 02.: The definition PG Sports class should
remove the "AFNOR perf AND DHV2" definition and use a database
of gliders that fall in this subclass. The existing database as
initiated by David Worthington to be the provisional database for defining
this subclass.
Moved Karl Texler, seconded Stewart Dennis approved
unanimous
For a database of experience requirements for each
PG, consult the DHV definitions for each paraglider.
"Intermediate Class"
The Manilla PG comp has an "Intermediate
Class" which is unrelated to the pilot's HGFA ranking. To fly
in "Intermediate Class" a pilot must have less than 150 hours
flying, and be flying a suitable glider. There was a suggestion to exclude
A grade pilots from Sports class but that's a separate thing. Intermediate
Award is for newer pilots. Sports class is like formula 1 - pilots
competing on similar equipment - shows what can be achieved by skill alone
without pressure to take on the risk of too "hot" a
glider! So I don't suggest excluding any pilots from sports
class, instead promote this Intermediate class.
MOTION 02.: The comps manual recommend organisers
include an experienced based class for encouragement for example < 150
hours and flying a suitable wing.
Moved Stewart Dennis, seconded Karl Texler approved
unanimous
Scrutinising serial class gliders is difficult
because of the variables to paraglider shape (line lengths, panel cut
shapes).
-------------
Hang Glider Subclasses
MOTION 02.: Litesport to be included in kingpost
subclass
Moved Tove Heaney seconded Mike Zupanc Approved
unanimous
-------------
Handicap
The handicap system is operating successfully in Hang
Gliding comps. In its current form, it requires Peter Dall to be
present at the comp to do the calcs. This is unsustainable.
However we have no volunteers and no budget to modify Race to
automatically produce handicap results.
==================================================================
CIVL MEETING - DELEGATE REPORT
=======================================
-------------
Report tabled
-------------
World Hang Gliding Championship in Hay 2005 was
tabled. No other bids were tabled. Final bids have to be
tabled by next year.
MOTION 02.: That the HGFA board be notified of the
Comp Committee's concerns regarding the 2005 Hang Gliding World
Championships proposal, as follows:
a. James has demonstrated the ability to perform the
technical aspects of competition direction to a high standard.
However, recent Hay competitions have been deficient in some of the extra
requirements that would be required at a world class event.
b. The HGFA board has indicated that it is willing to
support the 2005 World Championships
c. The organisers need to formulate plans to
progressively raise the standard of competition during the 2003 Nationals,
2004 Pre Worlds, 2005 Worlds
d. To support the 2005 Worlds we would like to see
the 2003 Hay competition provide additional services as were provided in
early Hay competitions such as
Additional activities on non-flying days
Improved paddock signage
Improved pilot facilities outside the normal
competition requirements
Added cooperation with local community
Hard offices for competition head quarters (
not a pub or marquee )
Notify other airspace users of hang gliding
activities
The committee agreed that the 2003 Nationals should
be used as an indicator of the organisers ability to provide service
levels appropriate for an FAI Category One event and enable the ongoing
support of the federation.
Moved Mike Zupanc Seconded Karl Texler Approved
unanimous
ACTION 02.: Craig Worth to take this motion to the
board.
-------------
WPRS
Stewart was concerned that the current HG design by
Mike Zupanc of WPRS would undervalue Australia's top PG comps.
However, Mike pointed out that there there is considerable flexibility in
the parameters and there are twice as many PG pilots worldwide as
there are HG pilots, so the number of pilots in each step of the Pilot
Quality Factor should be at least doubled (or the number of steps
doubled).
ACTION 02.: Stewart Dennis to evaluate new WPRS
system with a Pilot Quality Factor adjusted to relate to the increased
number of paraglider pilots.
==================================================================
COMPETITION ORGANISER'S HANDBOOK
=======================================
ACTION 02.: Karl Texler to give Word Document of Comp
Organisers Handbook to Mike Zupanc for web publication.
==================================================================
COMPETITIONS MANUAL UPDATES
=======================================
--------------
Sanction Applications
Organisers (with late bids?) should contact the
Competition Calendar Coordinators.
--------------
XC League
XC League needs to be rewritten. Use five
flights instead of three.
For round by round ladder, a maximum of five flights
from XC league can be used in ladder.
One flight from a XC League flight can be used for
more than one event that scores on the national ladder.
--------------
PG Sanction Fee
Abandon requirement for $5 per entrant fee.
--------------
Task Stopping for Dangerous Weather
Various options as discussed on the competitions
mailing list were considered. The issue is that the lead pilots will
often be first to strike the bad conditions on course and could be accused
of calling the stoppage when they've just gone for a long glide.
The FAI directive says that a task can only be
stopped (as opposed to cancelled) if someone makes goal.
An ideal task to stop would be one where most pilots
have finished their flight, then bad weather chases the tail-end of the
field along the course or blocks them. Cancelling would be unfair to many
pilots who flew to goal earlier in safe conditions, but continuing would
be unsafe for the last pilots flying on in dangerous weather. There have
been real examples in both HG and PG comps in Australia
The following is a rewrite of the existing
description of Task Stoppage.
3.11
The meet director is responsible for determining safe
and unsafe flying conditions.
The Meet Director may cancel a task before any
competitor has taken off if the weather becomes unsuitable. If
launching is suspended only for a short period, the Director need not
cancel the task.
The Director has the power to suspend launch or, stop
or cancel a task after some or all pilots have taken off only in an
emergency resulting from hazardous weather or other conditions which could
endanger competitor's safety. <XXX which could not be avoided by the
pilots, and which would endanger their safety. XXX>
Where a task is cancelled, it will not be
scored. Where a task is stopped it will either be scored based on
positions at the time of stopping of the task, or subsequently cancelled.
Information on the reasons for, and provisions for
cancellation or stopping the task, have to be stated in the local
regulations and announced in the briefings. If the task is stopped, goal
will be closed at the time the task was stopped and pilot’s score will
be determined from their GPS position at the time the task was stopped.
The task can only be stopped on the grounds of safety.
Some nominal amount of points may be awarded to
pilots who do not present a satisfactory track log. No other means of
flight verification will be accepted for evidence of the finish of flight
(including photographs).
The competition director may cancel a task if this is
deemed to be the best option.
3.11.1 Land-by time
Any scheduled "land by" times, are treated
as stopping the task at a scheduled time and this time will be announced
as part of the task briefing
--------------
Task Stoppage
A unanimous judgement of the safety committee can be
made to stop a task on safety grounds retrospectively.
--------------
Task Stoppage (4.2)
A complaint or a subsequent protest can be made on
any action or inaction of the meet director
--------------
4.2
The scoring of negative penalty points method foir
pilots who don't launch for safety reasons, may need better explanation.
--------------
Team rules (at Aust PG comps)
It was agreed that a set of rules be formulated and
described in the competitions manual. Team scoring will be
encouraged but not mandated.
ACTION 02.: Stewart Dennis to chase Enda Murphy or
Ian Ladyman to send to Mike Zupanc for inclusion the pg team rules.
--------------
Points for goal for someone without track at Start
time?
If GPS has no start they are given earliest start
time. OzGap handles this situation well. GAP and GAP2002 do
not. Wording in manual still needs to be fixed.
--------------
Land to assist accident - scoring?
Current manual is adequate. Comp directors may
show extra compensation for pilots who are doctors and hence called back
frequently. (eg comp director may want to ignore an unusually bad
day score a pilot has when calculating average)
--------------
Task validity distance (nominal) in manual for AAA
PG
AAA PG to become 30km
--------------
Launchable times formula
There was some doubt raised about the possibility of
the whole field being able to be launched at Manilla in 32 mins.
There's flexibility in the rules so probably doesn't need
re-wording. The maximum number of slots per launch that a
competition will use in valid launch time calculations will be advised as
part of the local rules.
--------------
Four scoring days requirement
Remove requirement for 4 scoring days in any comp
(keep validity of comp as fraction of 4 total validity)
--------------
Permission to use club sites
Manual and sanction application form. Competitions
for all sanction levels to provide proof of permission of site usage.
--------------
National awards for glider subclasses.
Remove B, C Grade. Add Kingpost, Floater,
Serial, Sport.
--------------
Update history of PG
Ian Ladyman asks for html pages of old comp results
to include DQF.
These are required for ladder calculations and will permit old data to be
used for testing new systems
==================================================================
TEAM SELECTION AND FUNDING
=======================================
Funding for Toni McErlane for the Women's World
Championships, Chelan USA 2002
A request has been received from Ms Toni McErlane for
HGFA funding of her entry into the upcoming Women's World Championship.
Championship entry fee is $US 675, payable by the end of April 2002
(around A$1300)
As the HGFA board has indicated that each entry fee application is to be
considered on a case by case basis, the following motion is to be passed
to the board.
MOTION 02.: The CC recommends to the board that
funding of Women's Worlds entry fees to a maximum of AUD 1000 be given to
Toni McErlane.
Moved Mike Zupanc seconded Tove Heaney For 4 Against
2 Approved
PG European Championships
The PG European Championships and CIVL require
endorsement from Australian NAC for Stewart Dennis and Hamish Barker to
compete as the Australian team.
ACTION 02.: Craig Worth to request NAC from HGFA to
get a letter sent to CIVL and PG European Championships
==================================================================
SAFETY
=======================================
Some helmets used by pilots in competitions are
unsuitable. Tove will be requiring 12.7mm compressible polystyrene
foam in helmets for all pilots entering Deniliquin competition.
==================================================================
OTHER BUSINESS
=======================================
Competition registration database (pteraComp)
The St Bernards Hang Gliding Classic 2002 (Canungra
Classic) has setup a pilot registration database to enter the competition
on line. The advantages are that users are editing their entries
directly reducing the workload and errors that occur when comp organisers
have to retype the info into the database. The database has been
designed to easily incorporate other competitions so a user can type in
their information once, and then enter several competitions. The
Deniliquin competition will consider using it for their online
entries. Other competitions are also welcome to use it.
It will also streamline dissemination of media type
information to the public.
For demonstration of the actual live database, please
visit :-
http://www.triptera.com.au/pteraComp/index.php
====================================================================
MINUTES LAST COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE MEETING AND
BUSINESS ARISING
=========================================================
All action items from the last CC meeting were
completed other than those listed.
-------------
Action 01.01: Craig Worth to check that all
competition organisers have paid CIVL Category 2 sanction fees and
paragliding competition organisers have paid the $5 per entrant HGFA
sanction fee. Organisers are to be invoiced for these fees if they
have not been paid. Craig Worth also to ensure that this process is
implemented for future competitions.
Done:
Bright PG Nationals still waiting for CAT 2 fee tax
invoice before paying.
PG $5 per entrant has been abandoned. It does
not need to be paid for the 2001-02 season or the 2002-03 season.
-------------
Action 01.02: Craig Worth. Send letter of recognition
and thanks from HGFA to comp organisers for last season and coming season
annually. It is to include reference to the HGFA web site where comp
organisers can obtain a current Comps Manual. It is also to
reinforce the need for comp organisers to ensure that all competitors are
HGFA members.
Not done yet for 2001-02 season. Action to be
removed from future minutes. Policy to remain ongoing.
-------------
Action 01.03: Stewart Dennis to make some minor
adjustments to his proposal re Team Sizes and pass it to Mike Zupanc for
submission to the CIVL Bureau meeting in November 2001.
Done. There was little response from
CIVL. Urgency from HGFA view point is reduced as HGFA PG team size
is not preventing pilots from entering. The situation will change
with new WPRS.
-------------
Motion 01.02: That any one paragliding flight cannot
be used for more than one event that scores on the national ladder.
This motion was rescinded during the year.
-------------
Action 01.06: IL to arrange to place past paragliding
competition results on the HGFA web page as HTML files. Tim Cummings
to do the same for Manilla, Forbes and Canungra competitions.
HG Completed before minutes published.
PG Not yet done
-------------
Action 00.46: Ian Jarman. Ask board to approve
automatic issuance of FAI Awards to pilots in competitions based on
results of sanctioned competitions that have been sent to HGFA office.
FAI Gold and silver badge flights require
barograph. Therefore not feasible for automatic issuance of
awards. Can still automatically issue bronze awards. (see
Ladders Badges and Awards)
-------------
Action 01.08: Craig Worth to advise competition
organisers of the requirements for attaining FAI Badges and encourage
competitors to apply
Action to be handed to Pete Bowyer. (see Ladders
Badges and Awards)
-------------
Action 01.10: Stewart Dennis to compile the results
of the survey and pass these on to CC members and discuss the survey with
Belinda Head, the National Development Officer.
Done.
One interesting outcome of the survey was the low
level of interest in gaining prizes - except for a handful of pilots who
would probably be in the running for them. On an international level, a
classic example of the inability of large prize money to lure many of the
very top pilots was the Korea pre-PWC of 2001. It was an excellent comp,
brilliant value with extremely low cost and hence well-attended by pilots
from the region, and the most prize money offered of any recent comp,
easily covering air travel worldwide for several top-placed pilots.
Although most of the world's top-ranked and PWC pilots live in Europe, not
one went to this comp. Yet the 2002 Korea PWC is full of European pilots,
with a waiting list! The sanction makes the difference. That is one of the
reasons why it is important for our comps to be highly rated.
For competitions with many international pilots, it
is recommended to apply high prize money to first three places and no
prize money for others.
-------------
Action 01.14: Mike Zupanc and Karl Texler to amend
the Comps Manual and Comp Organisers Handbook to reflect that organisers
should contact the Competition Calendar Coordinators.
Comp Organisers Handbook - Done
Comp Manual - To do
-------------
Motion 01.03: That HGFA financial support for
National Teams competing at FAI category 1 events nominated by the CC be
increased to $1000 per pilot as in past years.
Action 01.17: Craig Worth to pass the CCs request on
to the HGFA Management Board for consideration at their next meeting.
Done but rejected by board. The board wish to
consider each application for funding on a case by case basis.
-------------
Action 01.18: Craig Worth to determine a minimum
number of entrants for both HG and PG teams and pay preliminary entry fees
prior to April 1 to save having to pay the 10% late payment penalty
charge.
Done but still waiting for refund for one team member
overpaid.
-------------
Action 01.19: Ian Ladyman to approach Rip Curl re
sponsorship for team uniforms.
Action 01.20: Stewart Dennis to determine the need
for uniforms and advise Ian Ladyman.
Action 01.21: Stewart Dennis to approach the
Australian Sports Commission for a copy of the Australian National Anthem.
Uniforms not required. Australian Sports
Commission do not provide this service. Stewart purchased John
Williamson CD himself that was played at Spanish closing ceremony (and not
returned)
-------------
Action 01.23: Stewart Dennis to consult Belinda Head
regarding Club fly-ins and entry level competitions.
Done.
Many club competitions don't want sanctioning.
This reflects clubs' mistaken belief that sanctioning imposes additional
rules and regulations on club level events. At this meeting,
competition committee members indicated that they would continue to fill
out any sanction paperwork, assist clubs running events, and provide HGFA
with competition results for publication and ladder calculations so that
clubs were not burdened with any extra work. Clubs are still
encouraged to undertake these tasks themselves as it is usually an
educational process which helps in the running of the competition.
-------------
Action 01.25: Craig Worth to send perpetual trophy to
Tove Heaney.
Craig Worth to do.
Trophy winners to be listed on web site
-------------
Action 01.26: Craig Worth to seek Brian Webb’s
assistance to determine whether Peter Dall’s Wenyon handicap system can
be incorporated into the Race software. Brian Webb can discuss the
proposal with Peter Dall.
Not done and won't be done. Due to the back log
of requests for changes to RACE and the lack of manpower, the CC decided
to wait for someone to volunteer to adapt scoring system.
-------------
Action 01.28: Mike Zupanc to publish details on the
handicap proposal on HGFA Web Site and the HGFA Competition Mailing List.
Not yet done.
-------------
Action 01.29: All CC members to seek feedback from
pilots on the handicap system.
Done. Pilots seemed interested in the system,
but noone is volunteering to maintain it at competitions where Peter Dall
is not attending.
-------------
Action 01.30: Craig Worth to ask Peter Dall if he is
willing to calculate HG and PG handicaps at the end of each competition
season.
Yes he is.
-------------
Action 01.47: Tim Cummings to amend the current
approved GPS program to calculate the shortest internal course (usually
goes from cylinder perimeter to cylinder perimeter) when a straight line
from previous turnpoint to next turnpoint passes through this turnpoints
cylinder.
Still to do.
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