Shortcomings in the current Seeding System?

If you haven't already read it then I would recommend Des Pirkoffer's article on the English Ski Council Seeding System. It can be found at :

http://www.uksportsresource.co.uk/skiing/seeding.html

Currently Club National Races, with three runs over the same course, have a minimum 10 point penalty. Grand Prix and Celtic Cup races with two runs over two courses have a minimum 5 point penalty, as do some other races on the International Race weekends. The International Races have a zero race penalty.

It was my understanding that the races would normally be more challenging as the level of event progressed. Unfortunately, over the years, there has often been little or no difference between courses on Club Nationals to those set on International Races, to the disappointment of the more senior or accomplished racers.

If this is the case, is there a valid reason for imposing a minimum penalty on any particular race? Frequently sub 10 point racers compete in Club Nationals and the calculated race penalty is less than 10. If, for example, the penalty was calculated at 1, then all the racers are disadvantaged by 9 points when the 10 point minimum is applied. What are the arguments in favour of this? Is this system out dated or are there alternatives?

One could say that if the penalty becomes a minus figure then that acts in the favour of the trailing racers.

Is there any case for imposing a minimum 10 point penalty on racers with less than 10 points and the remainder of the racers receiving their race point plus the actual penalty?

This would ensure that the top racers do not qualify for their lowest points on the races which are generally easier to finish and the chasing racers would still be able to realise their relative points.

What then of the " 5 point" races? Some minimum penalty would have to remain to avoid too many zero point races giving rise to the possibility of too many zero point racers.

It appears that presently we have too many male skiers on very low points which does not truly represent the real differential between them and the very best. This situation has arisen because only a few races have been contested by the top racers over the last few years leading to some inconsistencies.

Whilst the present system which has been around for quite sometime is very good is there room for improving it still further?