After reading the different how to make Nationals great threads, it's my conclusion that we are screwed. We love the sport and we can't agree. If we could, what makes you think USAWS gives a rip.
Back in the day, you got your EP and you skied Nationals(I think). EP had privileges. Now you have to be a level 8. No privileges. Go to Nationals to be shuffled around like sheep for one round of skiing. Where are the privileges?
Some want it to be more prestigious. I can see that but 1,000's of spectators is a pipe dream for Nationals. I agree that all of the pro stops should be in major markets. The question is, major market for what? Numbers of spectators or potential skiers?
Besides, the average spectator can't tell the difference in me and @Horton 's skiing. I know, we use to take different friends to the Masters every year. Same thing no matter how much you explain it. All you get is "fun atmosphere" (sitting with Pros) but they never "get it". Most just like jump and bikinis. Something needs to be done to bridge the gap. I personally think the presentation sucks. We need better/different camera angles or something that translates to a non-skier.
My plan / 2 cents for Nationals:
1. Make State the qualifier for Nationals. Forget the level stuff. Take the top 20 national scores from State tournaments. Take as many as 40 in each division. So if the 20th highest score for M3 is 5@39, you make that the cut off. Take up to 40 total in case you have multiple skiers with State scores of 5@39. So, you want to ski Nationals, you have to ski state. No need to spend $$ to go to Regionals. If your State tournament sucks, get more active in your state...
2. Make Nationals about the skiers. Charge a couple of bucks on every entry fee all year long to support National skiers. Offset their entry fee. Provide National SWAG. Make it about the skiers...
3. Make Regionals for the rest of us. Use the stupid level stuff for qualifications. (I prefer an absolute cutoff like 84 buoys that doesn't move during the ski year) Provide multiple rounds for at least one event.
4. Have big parties at all of them. Make it about the skiers.
5. Bring back some privileges. If you ski Nationals, you should get some real love from somebody. If you ski Regionals, maybe you get some love just not as much as the Nationals skier.
We participate in one of the most expensive sports on the planet. Our most prestigious non-pro tournament has zero financial incentives. Why? It's hard to see the prestige in going when I get through paying the entry fee, buying the plane ticket, booking the hotel and rental car and try to find something non-fast food to eat for every meal. Make it about the skier. Without the skier, we don't have anything.