Bruce wrote....
As he has been the scorer at a number of contests up to and including NZ
Sports Class nationals level, I would hope that (in fact I know that)
Philip has read the rules.

They may, of course, be different to local rules in the USA.

Sorry, Bruce
I have a habit of thinking of ras. as a US chat line. We (US) solved the
problem of several contestants starting and then landing back in order to
cancel the day. In order to be considered a contestant, on any given day, one
must have a distance score, which can be obtained by actually landing out or by
flying half the minimum distance (30 miles in a nats) and then returning home.
At least 25% of those who actually attempt the task, must go farther than the
minimum distance (60 miles) or the day becomes a no-contest day. Seems fair and
it works for us.
JJ Sinclair