Ed - You're right, I haven't been in the hobby that long and I was merely passing on the message that our entire board decided on regarding this topic. On top of that, the post had been up for several days before we decided to not offer concourse judging and not a single person came forward and said hey I'll be attending the race and I have judging experience, I would like to offer my services. There are only four boats entered, it doesn't make sense to judge four boats. To further expand on that, we are already planning on being short handed at this race due to the size of it, and the amount of available people to help out. The amount of boats and heats that we are going to try to run in a two day race is going to be difficult enough without having to worry about getting another class together to do scale judging.
Like I said, if in the future the class warrants judging and there are enough boats to do so, we will absolutely consider it but due to time constraints and many other restraints we are not able to offer it for this race.
And because as Vice President of the Brandon Model Boaters, I am always willing to learn something new so maybe you can help me.
First going to the NAMBA rule book, I have not been able to find anywhere in the rule book (I just read it cover to cover) that states that when offering scale unlimited hydroplane the hosting club must offer concourse judging. If I am wrong, please direct me to the section and bullet point I should be reading.
Additionally, looking under section #21 Letter point B. Race Format - #1 "At the discretion of the Contest Director, races will be run EITHER under the NAMBA heat racing format or the "love plan". If I am reading that wrong, please advise.
Secondly, going to the Namba 3 district website and pulling up their rule book it follows as such.
Under 1/8 scale Unlimited Hydro Class it states as it's first bullet point.
1. The concourse Trophy will be awarded at 2 races only. These races will be determined when the next year's race schedule is set. Clubs not hosting a concourse trophy are encouraged to make a donation to the District towards the Bud Swensen trophy, which is awarded at the district high points banquet.
So unless I am reading this wrong, I am not seeing anywhere that it says we are required to have concourse judging.
Additionally, going to bullet point #4 it states.
The use of the love plan is preferred, but option.
So unless I am reading something wrong, your points listed below about the fact that this is a district 3 points race, and having to follow said district 3 rules would be correct in that we must follow the rules, but false in the fact that we have to offer concourse judging or run the love plan.
It is our hope that the class grows as watching these boats run is very exciting and a little nostalgic at the same time. We welcome the class with open arms, and if the members of district 3 and our surrounding neighbors show their support for the class, I myself would be more than happy to talk to someone who has judging experience who can help me learn the things I need to look for while judging and personally make sure that it happens at future races.
Thanks
Matt
I realize your fairly new to the hobby but actually this is not correct. This is a District 3 sanctioned race and there for follows district 3 rules. There are specific district 3 rules governing 1/8 scale including registration, the love plan, concourse etc. It is a mature class in district 3 as well as across the country. I would think that whether to hold concourse judging would up to Steve Gualtier who is the district 3 scale Director.
In addition we have currently members and attendies that have judged scale concourse events before and judging usually does not effect the racing.
I suggest this question be proposed to Steve.
