AWSA Assistant Driving Written Test

[GOODESkier]

Those that have studied, taken the test, and either passed or failed.........

 

What should I study/review before taking the written test?

[Nick Sullivan]

How to get on John Goodman's good side.

 

[RichardDoane]

just print a copy of the rulebook, or download to your laptop, it is an open book test

[GOODESkier]

Maybe I should have asked what the secret handshake is.......?

[LeonL]

Like @richarddoane said, why prepare, it's open book test for gosh sakes.

[Jody_Seal]

@GOODESkier , you can take the written with the rule book right in front of you.

The harder part is the practical.

 

Funny John Goodman and Gary Potter gave me my first bigger tournament drive at the mud hole in tri city's Wash. John sat as boat judge in both slalom and jump gave me pointers and helped me along over the next few years.

 

The process of becoming a driver is way out dated as is policy for advancement.

 

[klindy]

@OB I thought you have a Masters Men ranking? If so all you need to do is attend a clinic and pass the written test for senior judge. Not a lot of ass kidding there, sharp nose of not.

[Jody_Seal]

@OB you would make a great driver / judge get the paper work done and take your practicals. Funny you can land a jumbo jet but they make one jump through hoop's to become a driver!!

[jdarwin]

@OB a driver? God help us all...

[Nick Sullivan]

@Jody_Seal, how long ago were you at the Mud Hole? My parents were part of that ski club back in the 80s so I spent a lot of time down there.

[E_T]

I'll get my drivers rating one day...i am always willing to bust my butt from sun up to sundown for lunch and a beer and a simple thank you at the end of the day i can sit in the captains chair for hours on end listing to a V8 pound and beeping of ZO.. but i don't do politics at all.. and until that changes the tournament scene will not grow and change.

[Chef23]

In my region we need drivers so they want you to pass the test. In general if you have a question ask. Obviously for the practical they need good safe drivers so they aren't just checking people through that.

 

I didn't ski (and therefore drive) in too many events last year I think only two and may not do too many this year. I hope I don't lose my rating because clinics around here are hard to find.

[LeonL]

I don't get the comments "kissing ass", or "politics" to get a driver or judge rating. Assistant judge is a matter of working a few tournament jobs, sitting with a regular judge and orally going over how to install or measure a slalom course. To move up you must have to work a minimum number of tournaments (8-10 somewhat unclear) ACJ 3 times and help score three times. Then you take a written test and practical test. Seems like a lot, but I don't see the politics involved. Driving is similar. Assistant requires a few sign offs for working at tournaments, pull a skier through 28 with a regular or senior observing and go to a clinic, pass the written and practical. For regular, ACD three times, drive 10-12 times, take a written and practical. Again I don't see the politics or ass kissing. Maybe I was just fortunate. Nobody made it hard for me to advance, nor did anyone make it easy either! I digressed, as this is a driver thread. @OB, maybe without naming names how has someone made it difficult for you to make regular?

[GOODESkier]

@OB will never be regular. We have to except him the way he is...........

[webbdawg99]

@LeonL I agree with your comments. However, it can be very difficult to get in the seat when you're an unproven "new guy". I used to have to hassle Chief Drivers to get behind the wheel bc nobody knew me or my driving ability. But if you want it bad enough, there are people that will give you more than ample opportunity to prove yourself and get the required time in the seat.

[LeonL]

As I said I went off topic to address judge ratings. But continuing on judge ratings, there should be no obstacles to sitting on a tower. But @webbdawg99 you're right about getting seat time to move up to regular. Fortunately for me I had been skiing in our state for a few years prior to getting an assistant driver rating. I was well known. Now however it required a few years to get the required number of tournaments to advance. Now that I serve as chief driver at some tournaments, I am torn sometimes between allowing less experienced drivers seat time and getting the best in the seat.

[E_T]

^^ would you call " torn sometimes" who kiss ass the most gets the seat?

[LeonL]

No, just that I want new drivers to get experience and have an opportunity to move up but want every skier to get the best pull possible. So,thusly, torn. Also torn because I have to deal with reg and sr drivers who aren't as good as some asst and don't want to hurt feelings. It's a tight rope at times.

[Jody_Seal]

@Nick Sullivan from around 1982-87 we came over from the Flathead valley to ski at the Mud hole tournaments.

 

It can be hard to get driving assignments in the southern region. I as a chief driver will give just about any driver a shot provided they come with decent recommendations from other chief drivers. Whitestone has produced a few good drivers and we have invited them down to SRB over the years and they have done well.

The key to getting driving assignments is to get out of your own site, go drive Friday afternoon practice at other tournament's (especially if you want to drive jump) and get yourself recognized.

 

There should be other options to get a driver rating. we just jumped through hoops to get a clinic instructor senior slalom driver a stupid Asst trick driver rating. Now what's wrong with this picture?

in the southern region especially in Florida there are only a few younger drivers under the age of 50 and even less three event drivers.

 

You younger drivers like @webbdawg99 and Chris logan, get yourselves to Mobile and Divorce in Sept you guy's can drive all you want... All three events.

 

 

 

 

[lakeaustinskier]

As a newly minted Assistant Driver politics are part of the game. I would also argue that politics isn't the right word - just treat people right and offer to work hard. My ski partner (into 38) told me to ask the Chief Driver early and often to drive, show up early to gas/map the boats, stay until the last person leaves to wipe everything down and help wherever I'm needed. If you roll in right before the tournament starts and leave once you've skied then don't complain.

 

On a separate note I took an online Webinar class with @leonL back in February (maybe?) and really learned a lot. Good job!

[chris_logan]

Agreed @Jody_Seal. Promised seat time for me might as well be an automatic entry for me into a tournament - especially 3 event. It does get frustrating though when I go out of my normal circle of tournaments and am denied driving because nobody there has skied behind me before (less of a problem now, but still happens).

 

@LeonL I especially will not kiss ass to anyone trying to get seat time. If I offer them one of the best pulls they've had and they miss out, it's their loss not mine. People will learn at some point, but having a good reference list helps.

 

So this post may have sounded a little arrogant, but it's always my goal to provide the best pull to every skier every time.

[Chef23]

Getting a jump rating as a driver is hard here in the Northeast. We don't have many Senior Jump drivers so it can be tough getting two of them together for a drivers clinic.

 

We don't have a ton of drivers in general here in the Northeast. I have never wanted to drive at a tournament and not been able.

[LeonL]

@lakeaustinskier you must have me confused with Leon Larson. @chris_logan I don't know you personally but word gets around. Your driving was spoken of highly by a "into 39 skier" who skied at Area 41 last August. Drivers who chief tournaments (good ones) try to keep up with who can and who can't. You obviously can.

[skiboat38]

It's not about politics or ass kissing....get out of your own backyard, get with the guys who have been pulling the big tournaments and learn from them.....and the best tip is to pull the kids as much as possible.......too many drivers think it is about them....it is all about the skier...if they don't notice you, you have done your job. I'm never "torn" as CD.....someone dropping money deserves the best possible pull.....it's not personal

[LeonL]

@skiboat38 , but when you're CD at regionals you get what they give you, right.

[skiboat38]

unless you use others onsite......

[LeonL]

I know that's rarely done, even though it's specifically in the rules. We've talked about that and the exposure to the CD, but for the benefit of those reding the thread......It's his prerogative, but if the CD picks from among those on site that were not voted as appointed by the council and the driver screws up it makes the CD look bad. Whereas if the CD uses what he/she is given its "not my fault".

[klindy]

@LeonL it's more than that Leon. It's frankly not a blame game or cya process. It's the same doe judges, scorers, drivers and TCs. Those who are appointed are people who have volunteered for the position. They are required to stay there the whole tournament. They should be from the top officials in the region or nation. Those with less experience should be mentored by those who've been there for years. Likewise, those with less experience should seek out those who can evaluate and critique their skills.

 

A good program in the region (since the regions decide HOW to select appointed and assigned officials) should allow for "up and coning" officials and drivers to have the opportunity to learn. At the same time it should focus on quality and pick from the best. As always the bigger the pool the better chance of "getting it right".

 

As far as the chief (judge, driver or whatever) it's their job to have a good idea of the appointed officials skill level and ability. And it's their responsibility to not let them get over their head - the skiers deserve more.

 

There has been talk throughout the years of whether it's appropriate to appoint a 1 or 2 event official or if they do need to be three event rated (again were talking about regionals and nationals). Personally I wouldn't have any issues appointing a 1 or 2 event official as long as there was a plan in place for the host club to not have to dole out three times as many room, t-shirts, food, etc. Surely it can't be that hard to figure something out.

 

For drivers and scorers I can also see no reason for them to be onsite all the time. Appointed Judges have any number of issues that come up that require input and a vote so a little harder there.

 

Point is, there are a lot of skill folks who don't volunteer but should, some that "get in" that probably need more practice and others who are rock solid and you can count on them anytime. As a chief official it is a tough line to walk.

 

For the record when I was CJ at the nationals last year, we did use some "outside" judges (not appointed or assigned) but not too many. I was fortunate to have an awesome crew who always offered to step in and get it done.

[GregDavis]

confirm what others said. Get out of your home site. When you know a tournament is coming up. and it is within a reasonable driving distance of where you live. Ask the people who are putting tournament on, if you can come over Tuesday night or Wed. night and or Thur. night and drive some practice. SEAT TIME, Seat Time, Seat Time. Get help from some Sr. Drivers who are well respected, Driving is fun, lots of people want to drive. I tend to lean toward new drivers who WORK the event. Get you judges rating, or scorer's rating. sit in a tower, volunteer for dock starter, empty trash cans, etc.etc.etc. That is who ( as CD ) I will try to bust my butt for. Don't wait to be ask to do something, go up and ask tournament Host how you can help. Ask ALL the officials how you can help. The most difficult group to drive for is Kids, Driving the course is easy, it's out of the course, around the starting dock, picking up kids and less experienced skiers. that is a challenge. etc. Don't ever ski / drive and leave. Stay to help wipe down boats, clean up site, etc. Pulling Parish through 39 is easier than pulling kids at 16 mph and 18 mph. Mens 3 and Mens 4 and MM is probably the easiest skiers to drive for. A 19 yea old, 190 lb strong young man , skiing at 15, 22 and 28 is way harder than pulling Mens 4 or MM. Do more than just Drive.

[webbdawg99]

For those that are looking for more 3 event experience, get plugged in with the local college events. They are always looking for officials. It's a great way to give back while getting more experience. I got most of my 3 event credits at collegiate events. I was lucky enough to be asked to participate in a couple collegiate nationals as well as collegiate all stars. It's always a fun scene!

[GOODESkier]

I passed both written and driving. Thanks to the sr. drivers that hung around and let me test after the baseline tournament. Also thanks to Larry Laughlin for letting us use the lake! I got good reviews from John Goodman, and was happy with feedback. Excited to be more helpful in upcoming tournaments!

[John Brooks]

Agree with many comments above & especially with @GregDavis about make sure you get a scorer and/or judges rating to go along with a driver rating, in fact in my opinion you need one of these ratings before you are qualified to drive a tournament. The more ratings you hold the better you understand the rules, the more valuable you are to the tournament organizers and can help the skiers and the sport. We have way too few scorer's and believe it or not, can't run an event without them. We need 3x or more judges to run a tournament than drivers (ex - need a minimum of 3 judges during an event and need 1 driver). It is much more fun to be involved than to sit on the sidelines. I have been fortunate to meet a lot of great people and be much more knowledgeable about the sport by being involved. I am truly amazed and grateful, at some of the best skiers who regularly come up and volunteer to help.

[GOODESkier]

Got Asst. Judge as well........ agree with @John Brooks

[Chef23]

I like being a judge and a driver at tournaments it gives me something to do.

[skierjp]

I think the problem with Regionals and Nationals is the 3 event qualification. I was at a Southern Regionals around 5 or more years ago and a couple of the appointed drivers had no idea how to set the Wait Time or select a course so the boat wouldn't accidentally pick of the course on the other lake and shut off the wait timer. I also overheard a certain driver talking about having to drive quite a ways to be able to drive jump so he wouldn't lose his 3 event rating. I watched the end gate camera and the boat paths were pathetic. You would think for Regionals and especially Nationals we would have the best of the best.

I totally agree with Greg Davis advise. Also, check into getting on a Promo Team!!

[santangelo]

Agree with @klindy . I'd like to see the model changed to allow more skilled single event drivers/judges from those on site. Since hotel bills are one of the largest drivers of cost, it would help the host club considerably. These are specialists just like the athletes they are judging and driving. Similar to when you purchase consumer goods, you're looking for the highest performance for your money...the same concept applies.

 

One possible model: There would be a Chief Driver and Assistant Chief Driver responsible for the Nationals. These would be the only 2 appointed drivers. The ACD would work with each regions EVP/boat committee chairperson to assemble a list of the best event specific drivers (4 drivers each event maybe???) in the region and their schedule for being at Nationals. That would give you a pool of 20 event specific drivers for the event. The CD/ACD would plan the tournament based on the schedules in advance, allocating for some redundancy to cover for unexpected issues. Tweak as needed.

 

The best event specific officials we have want to help, are typically at Nationals for the full tournament, and offer the most consistent judging/driving/scoring that are available simply because they practice their skill on a regular basis and take pride in what they do.

[LeonL]

More amens than you can know, Jim and Paul. My sentiments for years but no one listens. Jim I bet I know the Regionals in question. I was boat judge in the second slalom group and it started like this: switching ropes from boat to boat the drivers bumped pretty hard; then before I could get the poorly thrown rope in the boat my driver backed over it and I had to get it out of the prop; then after the first pass I asked about the wait timer that I didn't hear. He looked at me with this look on his face and I knew he had no clue. I had to show him him how. He made other mistakes. He had recently moved from another Region and was highly recommended by an important figure in the SR and he got appointed. I'd never heard of him before. He was useless in my opinion.

[skiboat38]

LOL! It keeps getting better. I know the driver's your speaking of and know that the assistant CD set the timers in all of the boats at that regionals as I had asked him to do so. I also think that until you have been in that seat at a big event, it is better to refrain from being a Monday morning quarterback. I pay attention at tournaments that I'm not the CD as there is always something to learn from others. The driver was also more of a single event driver in jump. I have heard your sentiments and brought them up at the Regional meetings. The Federation meeting is always in November and a Council position is up, I would suggest you run for that seat and push the SR for a change. Be prepared for questions and stances from other states and LOC's. Bottom line of this thread is to practice, practice, practice and go to other states and get in the boat as much as possible. Nothing pisses me off more than someone to come up at a tournament and say, could you put me in the boat for a couple of skiers so I can keep my rating....glad they can't read my mind.

[LeonL]

Hey you say, I say. I was in the boat and I didn't hear what I didn't hear. I guess something happened to that boat, but the fact remains it didn't beep and he couldn't set it. No reflection on you. I just have to remember to keep my mouth shut(or in this case, keep my hands in my pockets) even though the truth is what it is, one just doesn't have to reveal it, just let it go as it's in the past. Best forgotten. The comment was in no ones best interest.

[LeonL]

Oh about the changes to driver qualifications, I said amen to Paul's suggestions, but have no further desire to drive or really get into the fray. At this stage in my life I my life I may never attend another Regional or National.

[skiboat38]

I don't care if it was a reflection on me or not...I'm just saying the way to make changes is to grab the bull by the horns and get deeply involved. I served 9 years on the council and have driven many R tourneys and regionals.....a few years of a break and I will do it again