On Feb 10, 7:42*am, Tom wrote:
The problem with glider racing has been technology improving the
product, making anything less than the latest (most expensive) glider
uncompetitive. This has limited the field to those who have the money
and desire to always have the best, or in some cases the glider with
the highest wing loading.

The Seniors contest proves it can be done. *It is over-subscribed and
everyone (over 55) *is welcome - bring what you got, (no water
ballast, 20 meter limit) and you fly with a handicap that permits
anyone to be able to win.

The Sports class tries to do this, however, span / wing loading wins.

Sports Class handicaps combined with span-limited contests might
attract many more pilots because they would actually have a realistic
chance to win.

Tom Knauff

Sports class contests (at the Regional level this year) can have
multiple sports rules classes organized by handicap, pilot experience
and other ideas. From the2012 rule changes document on the SSA web
site:

5.7 Competition Classes
5.7.1 The gliders eligible to compete are described in Rule 6.12.
5.7.2 A competition can include more than one handicapped class
5.7.2.1 Entries to a competition class can be restricted based on
criteria specified by the contest organizers on the application for
sanction form. Possible criteria include (but are not limited to)
maximum wingspan or a handicap range (or a combination).
5.7.2.2 The handicap ranges of competition classes may overlap.
5.7.2.3 Competition classes can be labeled, promoted and tasked to
appeal to pilots by skill level rather than or in addition to
limitation on gliders.

QT