PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS

KITTING IT TOGETHER

LONE STAR BALSA

KITES BY CHYMON

OFFICIAL 2007 UNITED STATES F2D FAI COMBAT

TEAM SELECTION PROGRAM

January 13, 2007

SECTION 1 - FORMAT

1. PURPOSE:

To selection a three-man team of combat flyers to represent the United States in the FAI World Championship.  To provide a line of alternates to back up the team in the event of withdrawal by any of the primary team members.  To collect funding for the team and their mechanics.

1.1  METHOD:

The team and alternates will be selected by flying in a triple elimination contest.

1.2  ENTRIES:

Any person with an AMA license who has lived in the United States for the past three years may pay the entry fee and compete.  The participant shall not have represented a different NAC in any FAI air sport activities during the three years preceding the event.

1.3  PROGRAM AUTHORITY

Applicable rules and conduct for the complete team selection program and cycle, including the team trials, shall be in accordance with AMA by laws, AMA procedures Governing the Academy’s Sponsorship of FAI teams, the current FAI Sporting code, the latest approved F2D team selection program, and the AMA membership manual.

1.4  PROGRAM DURATION

This program will remain in effect until or amended by majority.  It may be amended or revised by a majority vote of the TSC and the program participants in accordance with the timetable.

1.5  CD RESPONSIBILITIES

1.5a Prior to the team selection contest, the contest director is responsible to the chairman of the team selection committee.  When the contest commences, the CD is responsible to the AMA appointed jurist/jury.  After the contest, the CD is responsible to the AMA Headquarters Competition Department.

1.5b As soon as possible, prior to the team selection contest, the CD shall submit to the team selection committee chairman and AMA Headquarters a proposed budget for expenses which are to be drawn from team funds.  Depending on circumstances, these monies may be distributed in part prior to the team selection contest, and/or the budget may be subsequently amended.

1.5c The CD is also responsible to forward any unreturned protest fees (2.8e) to AMA Headquarters with the contest report of winners.

SECTION 2 – RULES

2.0 The individual matches of the team trials shall be run according to FAI combat rules as they stand on October 15^th of the even numbered year preceding the team trials.  Example:  October 15, 1988 is the freeze date for the 1989 team trials (1990 team selection program).

2.1 The FAI elimination system will be replaced with the following triple elimination system:

1. Entrants will continue to compete until they have lost three matches of until matrix ends as per 2.4.f
2. There will be only one drawing for contestant matching at the team trials.  After this initial draw all matches will be systematically determined by the matrix matching system.
3. The matrix will be publicly displayed at all times and matching will be accomplished in front of all who desire to watch.

2.2 MATRIX PROCEDURES

1. The matrix will be composed of enough columns and rows to contain all the entries.  The layout will be as follows:

Entrants                                          Vertical Columns                                  Horizontal Rows

Up to 9                                                      3                                                          3

9 to 12                                                       3                                                          4

13 to 15                                                     3                                                          5

16                                                              4                                                          4

17 to 20                                                     4                                                          5

21 to 24                                                     4                                                          6

25 to 28                                                     4                                                          7

29 or 30                                                     5                                                          6

31 to 35                                                     5                                                          7

36 and above                                             5                                              as required

2.3 The matrix for each round will be formed by modifying the previous matrix as follows: 

      The first column remains stationary

      Second column moves up one space

      Third column moves up two spaces

      Forth column moves up three spaces

      Fifth column moves up four spaces

2.4

1. If the number of contestants does not fill the matrix, the last spaces will be left empty and treated as if they were contestants who had been eliminated.
2. Matches will be determined by reading the matrix from left to right and downward as in reading a book.  Each two contestants who appear next to each other will be matched together.
3. At the end of each round, the odd man, if any, will be matched against the first man in the following round.  Thus the two contestants in a match could be in different rounds.
4. As the contestants are eliminated, their numbers are crossed off, but the crossed off numbers remain in the matrix.  In making new matches, the official will read through the matrix, skipping over the crossed-out numbers until he finds a pair of contestants to match together.
5. This system will provide a number of unique matches equal to the number of horizontal rows.  Thus, after five rounds with a five-row matrix, the previous matrix will repeat.  This does now mean that the matches will repeat because there will be numerous crossed-out numbers by that time.
6. The matrix matching system will be used until three contestants with less than three losses remain.  At this time, if a contestant has two losses, and has flown one less match than the least contestant to receive three losses, matrix matching will continue.
7. Although this system has strong tendency to avoid repeat matches, they could occur later in the contest.  In no case will matches be rearranged for this or any other reason.

2.5 As flyers are eliminated, the CD or his appointed scorekeeper will begin to post the final standings from last place and working up to first place.  Places will be determined primarily by the number of wins and secondarily by the least number of losses among those with equal wins.

2.6 Ties for significant places will be broken by flying additional matches among those involved in the tie, even if they have lost three matches.

1. As a minimum, ties for a place in the top three and the ranking of the top three alternates (4^th through 6^th place) will be flown off.
2. If three or more people are involved in a tie, the random draw, single elimination flyoff described in the FAI Sporting Code section 4.4.1.6, a through h, will be used to resolve the tie.
3. Tie braking matches will not result in any of the people being placed higher or lower than the places originally involved in the tie.
4. If some of the flyers do not choose to participate in the flyoff, they will be placed at the bottom of the positions involved in the tie, below all those who elected to fly.
5. Flyers who decide tied places by “flipping a coin” or forfeiting the match to another flyer will also be placed below those who actually flew matches.
6. At least the top ten entrants will e listed as team members and possible alternates.

2.7 The time between the start of the matches will be 10 minutes.  At minutes ending in the “0”, the event director will give the signal to start engines.  “Launch” will be given on the “1” and “end of match” on the minutes ending in “5”.  There will be no delays at the contestant’s request.  The officials have the option of skipping an entire ten minute period if necessary.  If any flyer is scheduled to fly two consecutive matches, a ten minute period will automatically be skipped.

2.7.1 Matches will be flown in the same order they are scheduled by the matrix system.  The order of matches will not be changed at the request of the contestants.

2.8 PROTESTS

2.8a   Informal protests may be made verbally to the C.D.  If the contestant is still not satisfied with the result of the informal protest, he may file a formal protest.

2.8b   Formal protests must be submitted in writing and accompanied by a $30 protest fee.  Upon payment of the fee, the C.D. will suspend the flying of any matches that depend on the outcome of the protest.  The contestant must submit the written protest within 30 minutes of the posting of the fee.

2.8c The formal protest will be decided by a three man jury; the FAI Executive Committee shall appoint one jurist, this jurist has the authority to select two additional jurors, on site, to resolve jury matters.

2.8d This jury will not include either the C.D., the original judges, or persons involved in the protest.  The goal is to create a truly dependent jury.  GUIDELINES:  Jury members should not be of the same geographical area as those involved in the protest, should not be a participant not previously matched against either party involved in the protest, or in other ways have a personal interest n the protest outcome.  It is recommended the jury secure as many of the actual facts as possible, and as such interviews with the CD, both parties in the protest and/or judges for both sides are in order.  The answer is to be satisfied with the question of did or did not a judging error influence the determination of the match winner?

2.8e The $30 protest fee is returned if the protest is upheld.  Otherwise the protest fee will be deposited into the team fund for F2D.

2.8f The person against whom the protest if filed may submit a rebuttal or counter-protest without the payment of any fee within 30 minutes of the decision.

2.8g The decision of the jury is final with no appeal to any higher authority.

2.9    After each match, an itemized score will be publicly posted.  This score will include cuts, minutes and seconds of air time, and the reason and amount of penalties.  The score will be posted before the beginning of the next match in that circle.

2.10  WEATHER DELAYS

If foul weather prevents the contest from being completed on the original scheduled day, the contest will carry over to the next day.

2.11If a match results in a tie (according to current FAI rules) it will be reflown at the end of the round.

2.12 MATCH SCORING

2.12.1 Matches will be scored by four pairs of cut counters stationed at approximately 90-degree increments around the circle.  Each pair will submit a written score to the scorekeeper immediately after the match without consulting the other counters.  Each pair of cut counts will be treated as a unit and will not be mixed or matched with the other scores to create extreme combinations.  It is not necessary that cut counters be full time officials.  Contestants may be recruited on a part time basis.

2.12.2 The scorekeeper will compute the result of the match using each of the four cut counts.  If the same contestant is the winner using three or four of the scores, he will be declared the winner and the median score (the middle score of those reported) will be posted as the official result.  Any other outcome (2blue/2yellow, 2 blue/2 ties, 1 blue/3 ties, etc.) will be declared inconclusive and reflown.

2.12.3 Air time will be scored by a panel of three timers who will have no other duties and by a pair of backup timers who may also be cut counters.  Unless there is an accident or equipment malfunction, the three primary timers determine the score.  It is suggested that the primary timers use an audio tape recorder to document the air time during the match.  The same air time will be used in computing all four possible scores.

2.12.4 The center marshal will have the ability to impose penalties by his sole authority.  Other penalties must be made by agreement of two or more of the officials.  Penalties will be turned in to the scorekeeper in writing at the end of the match with the cut count.  The scorekeeper will assure that a contestant is penalized once and only once for each offense, whether it was observed by two or more officials.  The same penalties will be used in computing all four possible scores.

2.12.5 The center marshal will give the order to start engines, count down the one minute, give the signal to launch, and order the start and stop of combat.  The four minutes match time will be timed from outside the circle and will begin at the center marshal’s signal to launch.

2.12.6 If the CD has good reason to differ from the operation directives as stated in 2.12 complete, he may change numbers and assignments of personnel if the contestants understand and agree to the changes.  The CD must satisfactorily answer all concerns as to system and assignments.

SECTION 3 – BUDGET

3.1    The official FAI Combat team fund will be held in escrow at AMA Headquarters.

3.2    The entry (finals) fee is $50 payable to AMA headquarters.  (CAUTION:  Allow 10 days for mail delivery.)  An on-site entry (finals) fee shall be 1 ½ times the early entry fee; the late entry will be allowed up to the pilot’s meeting which is held the evening before competition; such fee shall be remitted to AMA HQ by the Contest Director.

NOTE:  A program participant is defined as one who has participated in one or both of the last two selection cycles.  These people automatically receive ballots and mailings.  A new participant may pre-register in a program by payment of $10 which will apply to the total entry fee if the person elects to enter the Finals—this payment will place him on the mailing list of the current program.

Program participants who withdraw from the program after having paid the full entry fee may request and receive a refund of $25.

3.3  Any additional income or donations will be contributed to the fund at AMA Headquarters.

3.4  Team trials expenses will amount to no more than 25% of the money in the fund.

3.5    After team trials expenses are paid, all remaining money will be divided among the three team members and the junior award winner.

1. If there is less than $2,400 in the fund, the junior award winner will be allocated $600 and the three team members will each receive an equal share of the remainder.
2. If there is more than $2,400 in the fund, the junior award winner and the three team members will each receive an equal share.
3. In the event that there is no junior award winner, funds allocated for the junior may be used by the team members.
4. The team members may use their share of the fund for any legitimate World Championship expenses.  These expenses are limited to:
1. Travel expenses not paid by AMA.
2. Vehicle rentals.
3. Excess baggage.
4. Mechanic travel.
5. Mechanic supporter fee.

NOTE:  AMA does not pay for model box transportation, uniforms, nor arrange for or pay for the transit of fuel.

5. Team members who withdraw from the team must return to AMA any funds remitted.

SECTION 4 – SCHEDULE (Guidelines)

4.1  The following schedule is arranged to correspond with the document entitled “World Championship Teams and Procedures Governing the Academy’s Sponsorship of FAI Teams”, appendix I.  The Control Line World Championships are held in even years, and the team trials/finals in odd years.

Odd year finals:  Three weeks before scheduled pre-contest meeting – postmark deadline for all entries.  Send entries to AMA HQ.  Team trials to be held on a date determined by the Team Selection Committee.  The pre-contest meeting is to be held at 7:00 p.m. the night before the first day of competition.

            First day of flying – first four rounds

            Second day of flying – remaining rounds

            Third day of flying – weather day if required

Shortly following the finals, committee elections and critique of the team trials begin.

Even years:  World Championships usually held.

July/August

Even year/ October/November:  The committee reviews inputs and agrees upon a program format for the presentation to the participants.

Even year/ December:  Program participants vote if necessary.

Odd year/January:  Publish and mail to the participants the final approved program.

Even year/October 1:  Deadline to receive AMA rules change proposals at HQ.

Annual/November 1:  Deadline to receive FAI rules change proposals at AMA HQ.

4.2    PRECONTEST MEETING SCHEDULE

4.2.1        Attendance at the meeting is not mandatory, however it is very important that all contestants, mechanics, and officials attend to familiarize themselves with the organization of the contest and to have input into discussion of the rules and procedures.  The meeting will not be repeated at the contest site for those who fail to attend.  The Contest Director may hold a final briefing for his officials before the start of flying.  Decisions made at the meeting will not be changed at this briefing.

4.2.2        Agenda items:

(a)    Introductions and opening remarks

(b)   Checking of AMA membership.  Contestants must have someone present their AMA membership to be included in the match drawing.  Presentation of this will finalize entry and end the possibility of a partial refund.  Contestants may withdraw at this time and apply for a partial refund of the entry fee.

(c)    Announcement of team entries (if team entries are approved).

(d)   Drawing of contestant numbers in accordance with matrix matching system.

(e)    Election of jury.

(f)     Explanation of contest procedures by the Contest Director.  Opportunity for questions by the contestants.  Ruling by the jury if required.

(g)    Explanation of FAI rules by the Contest Director.  Opportunity for questions by the contestants.  Rulings by the jury if required.

(h)    Closing statement and adjournment.

4.2.3        Dinner to be served at some point in the agenda according to local arrangements.

SECTION 5 – CURRENT PLANNING

5.1    One person will be given the responsibility of organizing the current team trials.  His responsibility will include:

a.       Flying site.

b.      Officials.

c.       A place for the pre-contest meeting.

d.      Equipment such as P.A. system, chalk lines, tables, chairs, etc.

5.2    One member of the committee will be given the responsibility of providing trophies, plaques, souvenirs, merchandise awards, etc.  The team will pay for small trophies or plaques for the winners.  All other items will be provided only if they can be secured without cost to the team fund.

5.3    One member of the committee will be given the responsibility of providing the streamers.  He will be reimbursed by the team fund.

5.4    Any site bids and volunteer officials will be referred to the committee member in charge of current plans.  He will submit the proposal to the committee for a vote.

5.5    AMA guidelines require a vote of the Team Selection Committee to choose the site.  If the committee has not reached a decision by March 31 of the team trials year, the decision will be turned over to the President of AMA for arbitration.

SECTION 6 – ADDITIONAL DUTIES

6.1    This committee will review proposals for FAI rules changes that are submitted by the program participants.  The vote of the committee will represent the position of FAI combat flyers in the USA.

6.2    One committee member will be appointed to handle these proposals.

6.3    This committee will accept the responsibility for other needs that arise with respect to the FAI combat program.

6.4    The chairman of the committee will be the spokesman for FAI combat in any negotiations with other control line team committees.

SECTION 7 – JUNIOR AWARD

7.1    All team trials entrants who possess a valid Junior or Senior AMA membership at the time of the team trials will be eligible for this award.  This winner will be the contestant with the most matches won.  In the event of a two-way tie, a single tie-breaking match will be flown.  In the event of a tie between three or more flyers, there will be a single elimination flyoff with byes as necessary.

7.2    The junior award winner will be invited to accompany the team to the world championships.  He will have the duties of assisting the team in any way he can, including pitting, setting up equipment, flying practice matches, or as required.  He will have the same status on the team as the three mechanics funded by the team selection committee.

7.3    Funding – The junior award winner will receive a minimum of $600 from the team fund.  If the amount of money available for team members exceeds $2,400, he will receive an equal 25% share with the other three team members.  If the entry fees taken in from Junior/Senior entrants exceed either of the above figures, he will receive all the money taken in from Jr/Sr entry fees.  (Also see 3.5c.)

7.4    Alternates – The second and third place contestants will be alternates.  If none of the top three take the trip, the award will carry over to the next program.  If the winner also wins a regular place on the team or a job as an AMA funded mechanic, the award will go to the first alternate.

7.5    Matching – The Jr/Sr entrants will be matched the same as all other contestants.

* The document entitled “World Championship Teams and Procedures Governing the Academy’s Sponsorship of FAI Teams” describes the standard by which all team selection programs are governed.  Any items not specified with a team selection program will be covered under the “Procedures”.  In the event of a dispute or discrepancy, the “Procedures” will take precedence over a team selection program.

MEARS MAZDA VOLVO LUBBOCK, TX

MEARS FORD LINCOLN MERCURY BROWNWOOD, TX