On Tuesday, January 21, 2014 1:46:33 PM UTC-5, Luke Szczepaniak wrote:
A hard deck in a 4 mile radius doesn't resolve the issue, only moves the

problem further away from the airport.


I'm with John and Sean on this one. Simple, no need to calculate points and easy for contest management to set realistic and acceptable limits for their site. The risks associated with thermaling attempts low down are mitigated.

For the height calculation at 4 miles out, pick a glide angle that covers the gliders flying in a class, e.g. Height lost at nominal value 35:1 glide angle over 4 miles, round number 600 ft. Add minimum circuit height of let's say 600ft and the number is 1,200 ft for a 4 mile finish ring. Change the numbers up or down by changing the glide angle component and/or the minimum circuit height values, it's a contest management decision.

This is pretty much what we do for a weather safety finish, once you hit the ring the race is over and points are in the bag, no need to take any more risks and plenty of height to make a decision. If the issue is safety, what's stopping us going ahead other than the rules committee's reluctance to have their feet held to the fire. I have removed my shoes and socks, light the burners.