Thank you to the US RC for giving consideration to and now moving forward to adopt Club Class for rightful inclusion among the competitive classes that may compete for their own U.S. National Championship. This is a step in the right direction from the "powers that be". However, as UH implies, the devil will be in the details.

As we enter into this age of handicapped racing taking over the competitive landscape I have a couple points I wish the RC to consider as the creation of a US Club Class moves forward:

1) Can we please, please, please stop using the term "FAI Class" vs. Club Class, World Class (I know it is now dead), 13.5m Class, etc. All racing classes, as defined by the FAI, are FAI Classes. This continual distinction continues to emphasize that there is a divide (real or perceived) between those that are and those that are not. Any "class" recognized by the FAI IS a legitimate racing class.

2) If we are experimenting with handicapping Standard Class to improve its attendance and competitive landscape, then why is our Club Class being opened up to the current Std Class gliders (D2, LS8, ASW-28)? It would seem to me that an emphasis should be put on saving existing classes where possible.. Or is this decision in recognition that Std Class is about to be dissolved? If you are giving the D2, LS8, and ASW28 drivers this new opportunity (in addition to their own class), then please expand the handicapping of Standard Class to let even older std class gliders fly the Std Class Nationals!

3) Further, if the effort is being made to find a competitive place for everyone, then why not open 15m Class to handicapping so that the current generation std class ships have a competitive home?

I continue to believe that as we consider the fundamental re-organization of racing classes, we should be aggressively looking to condense the number of classes, while affording everyone Maximized opportunities to pursue their racing goals. Handicapped racing offers us this hope.

I would propose that the following be carefully considered in the longer term: Long-Wing Class (Open/18m/20-m), Short-Wing Class (15m/Standard), Club Class (Vintage/Classic Short-Wing Racers), Sports (Everybody like we encourage now - for fun and learning).

This assumes that 13.5m class will not go anywhere... but maybe it will.

I fervently want to see the new US Club Class be defined by the handicap range (with negotiations around the edges) of the IGC Club Class. Restricted Handicap racing is a terrific feature of Club Class around the world. IMHO, this proposal opens the class up to too broad a handicap range and dilutes the racing it encourages around the world.

The proposal, as presently defined in UH's email, runs the risk of giving the appearance of offering Club Class backers what we want, without really doing so. I would like to be provided with a clear, stated rational for why the definition of Club Class is NOT made according to the IGC definition - and not just the old one that "sports class is our only successful class, and therefore it should be sacrosanct".

RC, if we are beginning a fundamental reorganization of sailplane racing in this country, let us begin by adopting a class (Club Class) that IS defined and successful around the world, and then start to craft other changes based on this model of restricted handicap racing.

Sincerely,
Tim McAllister EY