USA Proposed Rule Change on Start Time Reporting

In the minutes of the USA Rules Committee is a proposed rules change to Start Time Reporting (see below).

I am concerned about this proposed change for several reasons.

1. The potential change was not included in any previous surveys or open to discussion other than the short comment period provided now.

2. Essentially the proposed rule change would eliminate start time reporting at all levels of US contests.

3. It would make reporting false start times nonpunishable because it is impossible to prove "Deliberate" intent. Current rules when start times are required are black and white, either the start time reported was correct or not within two minutes.

This change would move racing one step closer to being just OLC flying. Without knowing the time the other competitors start you have no idea where you stand when you are flying with others on course.

The FAI contests require start times to be reported and we would once again be moving away from International rules and damaging the US Teams competitive skills.

Racing gliders is not just about going faster, it is about racing smarter and tactics of how you fly with other are critical skills to be competitive at the International level.

If anything we should be requiring start times to be reported at US Nationals, not having them as optional as is the currnet rules. Eliminating them completely is a huge step backwards for the US racing rules and the strength of the US Teams.

Please contact the Rules Committee or leave comments here to stop this unwise change in the rules.

Tim (TT)


Current Rules
10.8.8 Start time reporting
The CD may require pilots to report their start times by radio. The following rules apply:
10.8.8.1 To avoid a penalty (Rule 12.1.4.6), a start time must be reported within 15 minutes after the start is made, and must be accurate within 2 minutes.
10.8.8.2 Beginning no later than the time of task opening, a contest official designated by the CD shall monitor the contest frequency, maintain an official list of reported start times and the time the report was received, and confirm receipt of reports.
10.8.8.3 Crews may report start times for pilots by appearing in person before the official designated by the CD.
10.8.8.4 Deliberate mis-reporting of start times can be penalized as Unsportsmanlike Conduct. (Penalty described in Rule 12.2.5.3.)



Proposed Rule
10.8.8 Start time reporting
Start time reporting is optional; such reports shall be transmitted on the contest radio frequency and should be accurate within 2 minutes. Deliberate mis-reporting of start times can be penalized as Unsportsmanlike Conduct.