Scoring Discussion

As we contemplate the possibilities of a different scoring scheme it's important to identify just what it is that we'd like to make better.

Reducing gaggle motivation is big in my mind. Gaggle flying doesn't measure the right thing (my opinion), is not as much fun as thinking for oneself (my opinion) and is dangerous (everyone agrees). A system that motivates early starting would beneficially reduce the pre-start gaggles, which are often the worst gaggles of all. The suggestion that follows is intended to apply to timed tasks in the US in particular.

I think we should consider as a goal to alter the game so as to motivate distance into the equation. US racing tasks, in recent years, often employ overly short timed task calls. A scoring equation that gave a reason to fly longer by going deep in turn areas or add more turnpoints to a MAT would be desirable from several vantages. It would take away the motivation to hang out playing start gate roulette. It would allow pilots to better use the soaring day to get more flying hours, and OLC points per vacation dollar at a contest. It would reduce the importance of making the last turn at just the right place to get back as close to minimum task time as possible without going under. The latter is an annoying factor to deal with and isn't inherently a soaring skill yet it messes with peoples' scores especially if they come up short.

Rewarding the pilot that goes long means that the scoring formula would have to allow the possibility that we award more points to the pilot that flies 300 miles at 65 mph than the pilot who goes 67 mph over 200 miles, as example. That makes this an idea that has to be internalized a bit since we've never done racing that way before. How much distance incentive to insert would be a matter for debate. I don't think it would take much to change the game for the better.