Wednesday, 20 July 2011
A new dawn, a new era
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
British Championships
Thursday, 30 September 2010
BARTS Seeding - Is it in chaos?
A huge problem appears to currently exist with calculating BARTS seed points by mixing indoor snow race results and outdoor results. Huge inconsistencies appear to have been introduced as a result of changes introduced, and of which few are aware.
In plastic races you can only earn points if you finish both runs in a two run race or as appropriate in a Club National.
In indoor snow races two systems are being used to calculate BARTS points.
Club National indoor races are seeded using each run as a separate calculation for all age categories.
GP and Nationals calculate seed points only for those finishing both runs, as on plastic.
Furthermore, the average of two runs, on the same day, on the same slope, using a different running order, is being used to produce BARTS points for those racers taking part in indoor races. Consequently, different systems are being used on different surfaces, to produce one set of points that grade all the skiers whether or not they contest races on only one type of surface or both. Examination of start lists show that the majority of top racers taking part on plastic do not regularly contest indoor snow races and vice versa.
To further complicate the issue, in plastic races, a racer has to officially finish the race to earn points, whereas this is not the case on Club National indoor races. So, why should a racer who cannot officially finish a two run race, qualify for BARTS seed points that could qualify them for, potentially, a top ten UK ranking? Surely this is grossly unfair.
The two slope rule, previously used on plastic, has been modified to allow more than one result to be used from one slope providing the races were graded as 5 or 10 minimum point races. However if both, or more than two are a mixture of 0 or 5 minimum point graded races then only one point from that slope can be used. This means that if someone won a 5 and 10 point race at the same slope, then another won a 0 and 5 point race at the same slope, the person winning the lower graded races could emerge with 7.5 BARTS points, whereas the person winning a 0 and 5 point race would generate a 10 BARTS points.
Please note it is not the actual race penalty point that is being used for the above purpose, but the designated minimum penalty that can be applied
The separate run seeding was introduced, I believe, to assist those in the Children categories have a better opportunity to improve start positions in outdoor snow races under very variable conditions. Why is it being used for all age category racers to seed indoor snow races and where, within the current published rules is this allowed?
It appears that a two year trial period has been introduced during which the results will be studied. However, quite incorrectly, the new system is being used to produce the actual results whereas it should have been run in parallel with the existing system to prove its suitability.
These facts have been brought to the notice of those in control but the priority appears to be to protect the authority of those who make the rules and not the avoidance of anomalies and unfairness towards the racers. Concerns have been raised and a request to delay the end of season points calculation until a study of the published results has been made to see if the correct written down rules have been applied, or that the rules breach expected ways in which data should be analysed to calculate fair and consistent results. I fear this will fall upon deaf years if there is insufficient support in requesting an immediate review, prior to finally calculating and publishing the end of season BARTS list.
Anyone with suggestions, opinions or concerns is welcome to respond to this blog. You may want to amalgamate the plastic and indoor race seeding systems, keep them separate or use the alternative BISS system which has fundamental differences. We must remember this is about the athletes and put politics to one side and collectively act for the good of the sport.
The current BARTS system is obviously flawed as it has the known potential to produce anomalies, which is currently happening, and should have been avoided.
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Grand Prix Series 2009
BARTS points will be awarded for the indoor snow races which may prove interesting and possibly controversial. Those living close to the snowdomes will certainly benefit enormously.
The best five results from the seven races for each racer, will count towards the Series overall awards. Last year many awards were won on just three race scores which probably won't happen this time. Whatever happens it looks like another exciting series of races even though it is a shame that SSE were unable to secure a major sponsor for 2009. Possibly persuading some local or regional TV coverage might encourage a sponsor to come forward for 2010.
Why not post your opinions on this blog particularly if you can bring forward some good ideas or opinions?
Sunday, 3 August 2008
Dry Slope Grand Prix Series 2008
Ipswich yielded two good courses that had balanced on the verge of being inappropriate. Some last minute tweaking saved the day but they could well have taken more advantage of the natural challenges of the Ipswich terrain.
Full marks to the lads from up North in having the conviction to set great challenging courses and not wimp out as has happened too many times before. Some may well crticise these courses whereas they should reflect on where they went wrong and work hard at addressing their weaknesses and be up to the challenge of exciting courses that hold the attention of the spectators from start to finish.
Let's hope the International races live up to the standard and test our greatest skiers to entertain us with their skills in rising to the challenge.
Thursday, 11 October 2007
European Championships
The male race had a quality entry but missed a few desirable competitors from the north and east. it was good to see the Scottish and Irish camps make the long journey to Wales. Once again several of the top ladies failed to enter.
Saturday saw some good close racing over fairly good and fast courses which, surprisingly a few top names failed to finish. The Belgians brought colour to the event with cowbells echoing through the Pontypool Park as their skiers, in their catsuits, brought colour to the event.
Sunday opened with another fast, but good first course which, once again saw the demise of several top names. The second course, set by Robin Kellen was a challenge for all to see. It was fair and skiable but some chose to give the key gate little more than a cursory glance or not inspect at all. Hey guy's and gall's this was the Europeans and it was obvious that anyone with less than a perfect line would bite the dust, or rather mat. Sure enough, as in the British last year and the All England this year the ones who would not make it down were all very predictable with few surprises. Some never learn!
The good skiers survived but few had clean runs and several were very fast. However, all that came had invaluable experience towards next year's British Champs. If you want to be a British Champ next year you will have to be up to the Pontypool challenge.
The atmosphere amongst the spectators and athletes was like it was many years ago. Good challenging courses make for good racing and good entertainment.
What did you think of the Europeans?
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
British Champs 2007
The Sunday courses appeared to go down well with all the racers but what about the Saturday courses? I heard most of the racers comments and they were not very flattering. What did you think about them and were they appropriate for the level of the event? Unless your voice is heard then your opinion will not be counted.
What were the race organisers thinking about on Sunday? Did they come to the race looking to confront the racers and if so, Why? Why was the commentator "WARNING" the racers time and time again? Why did the organisers want to throw EVERY racer out of the gate, almost before the first racer had crossed the finish line. This was unnecessary, upsetting many of the racers and spoiling the enjoyment and tension for the spectators. Didn't they realize that this is a dangerous sport, racers need to concentrate and focus in the start gate, not to be thrown out of it or hassled. Were some of the officials appropriate for the event as they did not appear to understand the rule book? One top official did not even know that they were discussing the problems with one of the most senior racers who was the current zero point racer!!!! This would make one think that they were sadly lacking in experience of artificial dry slope ski racing run under modified FIS rules.
Let's have your thoughts and opinions on the weekend.