You are quoting the rule for skill-class stunt. See section 2.1, which details the builder of the model requirements, and applies to event 322. it could be pointed out much more clearly that it applies to event 322 -- and no, "oh, everyone knows that" doesn't cut it for me. It could also specify that "builder of the model" will be abbreviated as BOM later in the document -- it's referred to as "Builder of the Model" in section 2.1, then "BOM" in subsequent sections. Sloppy rules lead to pissed-off contestants.
Please explain what is so difficult to understand about our AMA rules for CLPA or where the rules are "sloppy" regarding our AMA BOM requirements.
Now, the following applies ONLY to our AMA rules and has nothing to do with whatever is swirling around in the fuzzy processes of the FAI.
Until several years ago, the BOM rule that applied to our CL PA event was only defined in the AMA rules for "General Information All Categories". The wording of that general rule for all model aircraft has remained virtually unchanged for a number of years, like since the 1960's. The wording of that rule was conceived in an era when BOM compliant models were constructed as the action "required to complete a model starting with no more prefabrication than the amount used in the average kit. Models which are completely prefabricated and require only a few minutes of unskilled effort for their completion shall be excluded from competition." It still contains the provision that the AMA General rules for BOM "applies to every AMA event unless specifically noted otherwise in the rules governing that event." (See AMA General Rules for sanctioned events, Paragraph 6.)
Over the years in our CLPA event, the concept of an "average kit" has become blurred and purchased foam wings and purchased wing assemblies had become generally accepted for builders to use in the construction of their CLPA models and still be compliant with the AMA General BOM rule. Also, over those years, there was a very vocal minority that objected that if such wings are used then the model is NOT BOM compliant. Threats were made that every CLPA model at the Nats with foam wings or purchased wing assemblies would be formally protested. The fact that the Genie was already out of the bottle when purchased wings (foam or wood construction) were widely accepted starting in the 60's when such wings appeared and generally accepted to compete at all levels of competition. The AMA Control Line Aerobatics Contest Board addressed this situation and developed the current wording which recognized the fact that the Contest Board felt the majority of CLPA competitors believed using purchased wings was BOM compliant. The wording currently in the AMA CLPA rule book, Paragraph 2.1 took several rules change cycles to develop and applies to all of our CLPA events, event numbers 322, 323, 324, 325, and 326. That is the rule quoted by Robert Storick in Post #26 above. (As noted above, the AMA General BOM rule no longer applies to our CLPA event.) It should also be understood that the Nats is the only contest in the US that applies the rules for event 322 which defines the age classifications for the event and enforces the CLPA BOM rule. Virtually all other CLPA events here in the US follow the rules for the Skill Classes, events 323 - 326.
Now go to the Skill Classes, events 323-326, and you will find that BOM rule and appearance points specifically do not apply to the beginners event, event 323. For events 324, 325 and 326, Intermediate, Advanced and Expert classes, the rules are clear that the contestant need not be the builder of the model to compete but will forego the award of appearance points. "For contestants who do build and finish their own models, appearance points will be awarded per the the appearance section of the CL Precision Aerobatics event."
Our CLPA rules for events 324, 325 and 326 allow contests to be held that do not require the BOM in any form and do not award appearance points. This practice is followed at several contests around the country.
It is interesting to note that during the FAI processes to define their own BOM rule, they used the concept/wording of our BOM rule as defined in our CLPA rule book.
So please explain what is so "sloppy" with our CLPA rule book regarding our BOM rule. These rules were generated to avoid a major problem being posed by a small group of vocal malcontents that could have seriously done harm to our event. Now, if there is a majority of CLPA modelers that feel purchased wings and such items that are now specifically allowed in our CLPA BOM rules, let them speak up. If there is such a group within PAMPA or some website or even organized outside the provinces of PAMPA, then let them speak up and so advise the CL Aerobatics Contest Board.
One thing to remember, as long as we have any form of a BOM rule, it can only exist on the integrity of all participants of this event. Hopefully, honesty, peer pressure, and disciplined action by Contest Directors can maintain a meaningful BOM policy.
There is one aspect of our rule book that is a bit "awkward" where our basic CLPA event 322 is defined in whole at the beginning of the CLPA rule book, including the maneuver descriptions and diagrams. Then, after a lengthy Judges' Guide and 36 pages later, there are the provisions for the Skill Classes, events 323- 326. Attempts to integrate the Skill Classes as part of the overall CLPA rules, rather than have them appear almost as an afterthought following the Judges' Guide have not been very productive.
Keith
Topic: If it walks like a duck (Read 9064 times)
