Hi Jonathan-

I assume that by the "ASA" you mean the Arizona Soaring Association and our
basically unamimous voice against the "15 minute rule" and the one mile
cylinder. First of all I don't understand the point that you are making
since in your opening statement you say that "the contest was decided
entirely by time management" then later that managing that time "netted him
a whopping 2-4 points during the contest" wrt Timo's winning over Rick.

It comes down to this as I have said before.....there needs to be a
statement of purpose from the SRA or SSA re racing sailplanes. Currently
there is none. What set of skills are we trying to measure in a sailplane
racing pilot? Without a clear direction there is no way that one can argue
for or against any changes in the rules. You (and I too) seem to agree that
the fastest speed on course should win....period!!!

I am confident that the rules committee is doing their best to be fair and
make our sport safe. They felt that these changes were "minor" and so did
not feel that they warranted a discussion period. I cannot see how they can
be expected to perform their duties with no statement of purpose.

Casey Lenox
KC
Phoenix