Team Selection for F3J

A discussion paper prepared by Terry Stuckey

November 2002

During 2002 the BMFA/SFTC has been made aware that the method of the F3J British team selection
is flawed and have asked me to put together a number of suggested alternatives for a fairer means of
selection. The present method has been in place since the first World Championship in the UK 1998.
This method has chosen the top three flyers from the F3J League after the 4 from 6/7 rounds of competition.
This has produced good teams but has not produced “podium” position results for individuals or the team.
We have a choice, stick with the method we have and expect reasonable results or “up the game” and produce
a new system to select team members capable of top positions in the world of F3J.

I do not have the simple, quick fix solution and wish to put to the flyers of the F3J League a variety of suggested
alternatives to form the basis for discussion and debate with the view that the flyers should be responsible
for a preferred solution. The new selection process will form the basis for the team for the World Championships
2004 in Canada.

Below are five different suggested alternatives for you to consider. It may be that a combination of bits from
each may result in a better and fairer system. It is for you to determine.

They are: (in no particular order)

1. The selection method should include results from the League and the results from 2No two-day events
that include fly-offs. The two day events may be Interglide and the BMFA British Nationals alternately other
events could be scheduled one mid way through the competition season and the other at the end.

The division of points could be 80% from the League and 20% from the Two-day events.

2. The selection method should use the existing league events with a six (or number to be decided by the CD
on the day) man fly-off at the end of the 5 round competition. The two 15min. or three ten min. fly-offs should
be awarded additional points similar to F1 motor racing to be added to the league scores.

3. The selection method should use the existing league events with five rounds to be flown.
The difference would be the inclusion of an additional slot made up of the top six flyers.
There would be three additional slots during the day, one in the early part of the competition, one at the mid comp,
mid-day time and one at the end of the day. Hopefully with three types of thermal conditions.
The six flyers would be determined from the preceding competition (Fly-off 1) and from the preceding
round for (Fly-off 2&3). Points will be awarded similar to F1 motor racing and added to the league scores.

4. The selection method should be made up of three Euro-tour events including Interglide and the league.
The point scoring could be made up of 80% league and 20% Euro-tour league results.
A similar system of selection is used by the Germans.

5. The selection method should use the existing league with all results to count with one discard.
ie 4 from 5 / 6 from 7 etc

These alternative methods of team selection are some of the possible answers to the many people who
have questioned the "unfair" method of team selection during the last two years.
It is vital that you the F3J flyers respond in a positive way for the benefit of the BRITISH TEAM for World
nd European Championships. I am open to other suggestions that could put in place a fair selection method
of team members for the future.

For those of you who feel strongly about the British Team performances over the last few years of WC
and EC the need to talk is imperative. The change in the team selection process will have implications
upon the League structure and method of running the events, therefore the new system MUST be in place
with all flyers aware of the new system at least 6 weeks before the start of the new competition season.

FOR THE BENEFIT OF BRITISH F3J REPRESENTATION GLOBALLY WE MUST ACT NOW AND PUT BRITAIN
BACK ON THE F3J MAP

Terry Stuckey