Head to Head racing
Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 12:44 am
Dear BOD:
I have been to hundreds of slalom races and have organized a handful myself. I also skate with teenagers and have a pulse on what they like.
I would like to discuss the Main race status, and as it relates to the current slalom world.
In the current status recommendations, among permits and insurance, prize money and start ramps, is the recommendation that the Main race have 3 disciplines. This means one of two things:
1) You cram two single lane races into one day
or
2) You race on Friday.
Both of these are bad choices, as
1) It takes extra time between races to change spreadsheets, courses, move finish lines.
2) People must miss work for a chance to win a little money.
How strong is the recommendation that 3 races be held, in lieu of two head-head races? Head to head racing is the essence of racing. It is more interesting to the spectators (ask a spectator) and more fun to racers (ask a kid). I understand that the recommendations are a combination of recommendations and requirements (Mains must be permitted. Primes "should" be) and I would like to know where they stand on this issue.
I have been to hundreds of slalom races and have organized a handful myself. I also skate with teenagers and have a pulse on what they like.
I would like to discuss the Main race status, and as it relates to the current slalom world.
In the current status recommendations, among permits and insurance, prize money and start ramps, is the recommendation that the Main race have 3 disciplines. This means one of two things:
1) You cram two single lane races into one day
or
2) You race on Friday.
Both of these are bad choices, as
1) It takes extra time between races to change spreadsheets, courses, move finish lines.
2) People must miss work for a chance to win a little money.
How strong is the recommendation that 3 races be held, in lieu of two head-head races? Head to head racing is the essence of racing. It is more interesting to the spectators (ask a spectator) and more fun to racers (ask a kid). I understand that the recommendations are a combination of recommendations and requirements (Mains must be permitted. Primes "should" be) and I would like to know where they stand on this issue.