Ron, just to keep this as the bottom of the thread:
Covering: Can we interpret that to mean it needs no further prep before it can flown? Foam core panels, pre-sheeted with balsa, need sealing, finish and fuelproofing to get to that condition, so certain ARCs and other kits which have bare balsa-sheeted-foam wing panels are more alike in this one sense. Precovered with a fuel-proof film is different. Current ruling says if it was precovered in the box, it isn't eligible for competition.***
The current interpretation ruling by AMA from a Nats a year or so back became as effective as a formal, two-year proposal cycle rule change on January 1, the following year. See AMA Rulebook, Competition General, page 5, Off Cycle Proposals. This spells out three types of rule changes made outside the formal process:
Safety/Emergency Proposals (are put in effect immediately)
Urgent Proposals
Interpretative Proposals
Urgent and Interpretative Proposals (are in effect when announced, and be come mandatory on January 1, the following year. The time between announcement and mandatory status allows for review, refinement and revision.)
So, unless another emergency ruling occurs, as of the Jan 1 following the present CLPA Interpretation ruling is as binding as any other rule in the book.
*** In CLPA, AMA Skill Class events state the Appearance Points condition regarding BOM; only AMA Event #322 - the basic set of rules - requires Age Classes and BOM. The Nats is almost invariably the ONLY contest where AMA #322 is flown. Anyone else who wishes can sanction and fly under AMA #322 rules, but I haven't heard of it happening lately.