Falcon,
Happy to help as much as I can, below are the answers to your questions.
Since this is not an IMAC sanctioned event, we do not have to be worried about how our format will affect regional points. It is a local only series, and attracts many people who do not want to spend the time, and money to compete in a series that requires travel. We attract entrants from from about a 150 mile radius from the field. It is a great family venue, right on the beach, and adjoining Sea World, so guys can bring the family for a fun day. We do get many IMAC competitors, and many do end up moving on to compete in IMAC events. If you want your one day events to be part of the IMAC series, you will have more complicated issues to deal with.
Here is a link to an article about the series that Max wrote for the Flying Giants Leading Edge.
A Winter’s Weekend in Southern California
All classes?
We currently offer three classes, Basic for the beginners, Sportsman, and Intermediate. We have people who fly Unlimited (and even Invitational) in IMAC, who fly our Intermediate class. I fly Sportsman in IMAC and Intermediate locally. Great practice for me flying a class up, against great pilots.
How many rounds?
We have a large turnout, usually 20+ pilots,. We want to give the local club fliers who don't compete some flying time in the morning and afternoon. So, we start at 10:00am, and try to be done by 2:30. This limits us to two rounds of two sequences, and a freestyle contest during the lunch break.
Unknowns?
Currently we fly only knowns, we are thinking of adding an Unknown for the highest class. They would get the unknown in the morning, and on the second round, fly one unknown, and immediately fly another known. We'll see how this works out.
Timing requirements?
Scoring?
We score just as you would at an IMAC event. Two judges, same rules, and scoring program. We drop only one sequence.
Sanctioning?
We are our own event, so no sanctioning. We do keep series points, for year end trophies. Surprisingly, we draw a pretty good spectator crowd, so we get good support for prizes from industry sponsors. I think the venue, and freestyle help with this.
Class limitations (3 or more pilots per class or class not offered)?
Never had to face this, as our events are very well attended. I think it would be an issue if it were a sanctioned event, particularly in the higher classes. Our event gets pretty even distribution between the classes.
How many pilots?
A normal event has about 20 entrants, and we have had as many as 30.
Thanks again for sharing your contest format
Your welcome, feel free to ask for more detail if needed. I'm always glad to help.