Hi Ballers,
Over on this side of the pond, our federation is currently discussing new possible changes to the way our tournament results are compared, and would honestly like to here some opinions on the proposed changes from skiers that it does not effect.
A bit of background. The British tournament scene I believe is pretty unique in that we have developed a League and standings. All skiers are entered in the standings no matter what age or score or speed, and compared on there best score from the season. This goes for the women's standing and a men's standing. As different age categories ski at different speed, a handicap is in place. 6 Buoys separate each speed. This means 36mph 15off is equal to 34mph 22off, and 32mph 28off.
This handicap is also in the league. The league works in that there a five divisions. They run through div 4, 3, 2, 1 and prem.
Women's run similarly through 3,2,1 and prem. These divisions carry a qualification score that an individual must get to place in a division. To place in the division an skier must have 4 scores from 2 separate tournaments. These scores are then averaged to create and average buoy count.
The proposed changes:
The proposed changes ahead will see that the handicap be completely lifted. This would mean a score of 3@35off 36mph would also be equal to 3@35off 34mph, and also 3@35off 32mph.
A second discussed change is the collaboration of the womens and mens standings and league. This would combine all competitors, and give women a handicap that has not been decided to place them alongside the men.
These are the main issues up for debate at present. My personal view is that none of the speeds are really comparable and 36mph should be placed against 36 and 34mph should be placed against 34. I also believe that rather than a league an age category should be put in place to pit the skiers of a same age together. But as previous stated I would like to here opinions from a skiers point of view that it does not concern.
I look forward to your thoughts.
Thanks addkerr