I went to the last three world championships held in France. I found the French people to be most friendly and welcoming, especially to Americans. Some examples:
The 1990 opening ceremony was held in a stadium with lots of local folks in attendance. They applauded when each team was introduced. The American team received applause and cheering second only to the French team, only because the French team introduction was accompanied by fireworks.
We drove around scouting for practice fields before the 2000 world champs. We came upon a French air force base and asked if they would let us practice there. They were apologetic because the commander wasn't there (it was a holiday weekend) to approve letting us in. Another guy we asked about a practice site misinterpreted our request and led us in his car to the WC site, several miles away.
Part of Dave Fitzgerald's loot for his 2008 world championship was a locally made ceramic lamp. Dave assigned me to pack the lamp and ship it to him. Knowing no French (I'm an American) I went to Longwy where the lamp was made, found a lamp factory and asked them if they'd pack the lamp. It turned out to be a different factory than the one that made Dave's lamp, but they packed it elaborately and didn't want to take any money for doing so. I think I may have forced (Dave's) money on them.
Although it is currently fashionable to have opinions without facts or data, you might look at the FAI's Web site to see their rules process. It's in English.
Howard,
I'm happy you had warm experiences in France. My own were not always as warm and friendly!
My opinions of the French people in general were formed in the 1960's as a military US Army Officer working for HAFMED (Headquarters Allied Forces Mediterranean),
In Malta GC. During the time when France was withdrawing from NATO (1964 to 1965) Roughly, I visited Paris, the outgoing SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Forces Mediterranean) Headquarters. I saw riots, burning American Flags, Had excrement thrown at me, and was called names that were not very NICE! All this because France, basically, wanted to make all the rules for NATO in the Mediterranean ( as they always did for everything else)! Most of the other NATO countries, of course, objected to this, so De Gaul, basically took thier "marbles and went home"! The French people in general tend to be nice on the surface as long as you're doing things their way. Not so nice if you're trying to do things differently than "their" way! Yes it's their dammed country and they certainly have the right to do that but like wise I have the right not to like their way!
Later in the early 1970's after the Army experience, I met and married a lovely Austrian lady here in the US, who was with the Austrian Counsel General's Office in Chicago (USA). She happened to be a simultaneous interpreter of several languages, one of which was French. She had spent a lot of time in Paris and wanted to Honeymoon there. Against my better judgement I agreed and we went there. I of course enjoyed myself and found most of the French people to be kind and friendly.
However my sweet lovely Bride after a few days said that many of her long time friends there now were pretty cold toward her and she discovered that it was because she had married an American.
We left Paris and went to Vienna (Austria) her home. The difference in the way I was treated there was astounding. The Austrian people are very warm and friendly, and for all practical purposes seem to live in a moving "Party". They made me feel as if I belonged there.
Many years later I had occasion to return to Paris on Business for several days and once again was made to feel like an orphan child. I found in general the French people were generally rude unless they wanted something from you.
I've taken the time to write this simply to show that my opinion of the French people was not formed in a vacuum.
I have traveled extensively through out the world and found the people in most places to be warm and genuine. Not so the people of France. At least not toward Americans! At least not after they get your money!
There are other reasons, I would not print here, but suffice it to say that I would never go to France again!
Randy Cuberly
PS: I have read the FAI Rules and think they are stilted and in spite of being drawn up by a committee of different countries still reflect the general attitude of the original French organization! Yes, my opinion but I assure you it's an educated one!