Train Wreck

Mr Christner,

You again have quoted a section of the US Team Code of Conduct, and this time you wrote that "it is pretty clear to [you] that this is required at ALL times, not just during a competition."

But the United States Soaring Teams Policies & Procedures Manual (Ver 16 02/22/06) clearly states on the cover page the following:

"This manual was developed by the United States Soaring Team Committee as approved by the Board of Directors of the Soaring Society of America to govern United States Soaring Team participation in FAI World Gliding Championships."

The Introduction, on page 3, also makes it clear that these policies are for Team members "during" their time on a US Team. The next section discusses selection to the Team. It is thus unambiguous that these policies are specific to Team members once they have been selected for a particular WGC. Sure, it would be great if all pilots in contention for a Team position are as faultless in their personalities as they are fast in soaring. All y'all can't be Dick Butlers, unfortunately ...

But it is working against our Team goal to win WGCs if people like you insist that all possible USA Team pilots must be choirboys (or choirgirls -- hats off to WWGC Silver Medalist Sarah Arnold) not only at WGCs, but also at all times, in all situations, in all venues, in all years previous to any possible Team Selection.

You were not at the Benalla Worlds, Mr Christner. I myself was an official Team Member as defined in Section 10.2.4, being crew for Sean Fidler's 18m teammate, P7. Far more than most Team members, I was in a position to witness (before, during, and after the competition) Team 7T's exemplary behavior to all and sundry. Sean and Tiffany were super at fundraising for the Team before the WGC; they hosted our Team's party at Benalla, which greatly enhanced Team camaraderie; and after the competition, Sean Fidler was very helpful to other Team members in getting their gliders back into shipping containers.

So, I would appreciate it if you refrained from further ill-advised and erroneous public "guesses" regarding 7T's behavior as a USA Team member, as you are thus engaging in the same kind of behavior of which you complain in others.

I was impressed by how all of the USA Team members were superb ambassadors and representatives of the USA -- it was quite an honor to have been part of that endeavor.

Gina



On Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 5:53:43 AM UTC+13, Kevin Christner wrote:
Archer,

Worth repeating the relevant sections of the US Team Code of Conduct he

13.1.3 Courtesy. Courteous accessibility to visiting SSA members, sponsors, dignitaries and the Press.
13.1.4 Respect. Respect for the host organization, the facility, the rules of the airfield and the organization.
13.1.5 Treatment. Fair, considerate, courteous treatment of Team Management, Team Volunteers, and members of the public.
13.2.1 Highest Level. To maintain at all times a high standard of sportsmanship and fair play
13.2.6 Respect. Maintain an attitude of respect and politeness towards competitors both in the air and on the ground.
13.3 To Specifically Refrain From. To refrain from any behavior which might reflect unfavorably on the United States of America, the sport, the Team, its management, or which might bring any other pilot, official or the Team into disrepute

Rereading the document it is pretty clear to me that this is required at ALL times, not just during a competition.

I think most rational observers would agree many lines were crossed long (honestly several years) ago but no one should have any remaining doubts. Several years back the US Team came very close to pulling a member (711) because of perceived personality issues and a junior team member (OO) was removed during a competition where he had won several days because the TC thought he was drinking too late at night. Yet total silence regarding a psychopathic bully? The SSA / Team Committee needs to make a statement very soon as both of these individuals did far, far less. A permanent ban from future competition seems appropriate and justified.