Re: Junior Team Selection contest announcement
> sent to Bob Brown, my district VP...
AMA: Bringing Modelers Together
Sounds like a great mission statement, but sometimes bureaucracy and
rules do get in the way of bringing modelers together. That was the
case at last years Free Flight Nationals when a barley publicized
change to late entry cutoff prevented several people that travelled
large distances to compete to be turned away from flying with cash in
hand. Up until 2007 one could enter a F/F event the morning of the
event. However the FAI guys began cutting off entry the day before
to facilitate pole position scheduling for flying in rounds. This
was not a problem in non-FAI events, but was adopted as policy for
all F/F events to be consistent in 2007.
The CD was not happy about it, the fellow modelers were not happy
about it, and guys affected by it were in disbelief. However the
rules were rules, and since a precedent had been set, the rules had
to be followed and enforced the rest of the way. The fact that this
particular situation did not involve rounds nor warrant such policies
was of no matter.
I am a firm believer in the AMA. I have been a member for as long as
I can remember, and have a son who was a member by the time he was
two weeks old. I believe that the AMA WANTS to bring modelers
together. I also know that it is a large organization that needs to
follow the rules and bylaws set forth. Proof that the AMA wants to
do the right thing? The late entry cutoff for non-FAI events was
changed to accommodate late arrivals again in 2008. Good for the
NATS management for finding a way to continue to bring modelers
together as accommodatingly as possible. That brings me to the point
of this letter, and a similar situation still in process that can be
fixed before someone has to sit out.
As you know there is an issue with the unfortunate loss of three of
the Junior Indoor Free Flight participants in the team selection
process. Unfortunately the current rules do not allow for a
participant to be added at such a late date. Obviously the rule is
there for a reason, and a precedent has been set. However, this is a
very different situation. F1D is a very challenging and specialized
event in all accounts. Finding motivated and qualified participants
in the Junior program is not easy, especially when they graduate away
every several years. I could go on and on about the success of the
Junior FID program here, but I am sure you are aware of it.
Instead I would like to focus on my viewpoint of this, which I feel
is very applicable. In 1988 the very first Junior Free Flight World
Championship was held in Poland. As a young Free-Flight competitor I
applied for the team. Being the first Junior World Champs, no formal
process was even in place for a Junior F/F team. Based solely on
application I was selected as and alternate rather than a fully
funded member by the AMA. News of this travelled to my family and
friends, local AMA members, and my local EAA chapter. A fundraising
effort was established by my local EAA chapter, chapter 45 of
Pittsburgh PA. Enough funds were raised through donations to
completely subsidize for my trip to compete as a member of the F1B
team. We still did not have a full team, but I became a member of
that first team to represent the AMA at a World Championships for
Juniors.
I say without hesitation that this experience changed my life. The
experience of travelling outside of democracy for the first time is
something I will never forget. I forged friendships with team members
I cherish to this day. I discovered the depth of model aviation on
that trip, and how it bridges cultural gaps that are greater than I
ever imagined. I will never forget standing in a field at dusk
having a disjointed but very clear discussion with the members of the
Russian, German, and Korean teams about the differences in being a
teenager in our own environments. Some of my fondest memories a teen
took place during that week.
I implore you to find a way to allow a third motivated junior to take
place in this event. I understand there are rules for the Open class
team selection process, but I also understand what it is like to
attend (and almost not attend) a World Championship event as a young
adult. As important as a team spot may be to an adult, it is
character building and eye opening opportunity for a young flier.
For the open fliers, there will be other chances to compete. For the
Junior fliers, a life changing opportunity may only come around
once. If at all possible please find a way to send one of our
deserving young modelers tom compete with like-minded teens from all
over the world for a truly life changing experience. Don't let this
opportunity go to waste, Bring Modelers Together.
Respectfully,
Jim Buxton
AMA 75154
Columbus Ohio
Received on Wed Jul 16 2008 - 08:39:07 CEST
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