2008 Proposed US Competition Rules Changes

On Dec 22, 5:31 pm, wrote:
The proposed rule changes for 2008 US competition soaring
are posted at SSA.org/sailplane racing/rules & process.
Input is welcome. Final rules proposals go to the SSA for publication
in the board "Blue Book" in mid January.
Seasons Greetings to all from the SSA Competition Rules Subcommittee
UH
H Nixon
Chair

Could someone explain the origin of 1.02?

The new rule says:
"7. Combined 15-Meter/Standard class
Rule Text
[R]5.8 Competition Classes
[R]5.8.1 Regional FAI-class competitions may include one or more of
the classes described in Rule 6.12.
[R]5.8.2 As an alternative to separate 15-Meter and Standard Classes,
a Combined 15-Meter Class can be
included. To enter this class a sailplane must meet the requirements
for the 15-Meter Class (6.12.4). A
sailplane that also meets the requirements for Standard Class (6.12.5)
can compete in the Combined 15-Meter
Class and receive a 2% daily scored distance bonus.
[N]11.2.3.5 Not applicable
[R]11.2.3.5 For a sailplane competing in a Combined 15-Meter Class
(Rule 5.8.2) that meets the requirements
for Standard Class, scored distance is multiplied by 1.02.
"

A typical glider in 15-meter class is an ASW-27 (if flown in Sports
class it would have a handicap of .88.
A typical glider in standard class is Discus 2 or LS-8 (if flown in
Sport class they would have a handicap of .925)

Assuming the handicap system of sports class reflects performance for
the above gliders ASW-27 is about 5% better than LS-8 or Discus 2.
Mathematically the 2% should be more like 5%.

I would expect this rule if used will drive more standard class pilots
into sports class since they will have no chance in 15-meter class (at
least looking from the math point of view). The situation looks even
worse if you look at gliders like Diana 2.

Am I wrong thinking this number should reflect true differences
between best gliders in both FAI classes?

I think the idea is great the number 1.02 not so great.