[GoldenEagle]

Well guys, I have been following this thread and chewing on my tongue (or fingers) to keep from tossing in snappy responses to some of what I've read. But, when I see that CD's are not following the published contest rules and that Regional Directors are not willing to enforce those rules, I feel very disheartened about the direction we are allowing IMAC to go. Restrictive entries and "special" rules allowed for a select few do more harm to the grassroots of our organization than the organizers are willing to admit.

The IMAC contest guidelines clearly state that ALL contests MUST follow ALL of the rules in that document in order for regional points to be awarded and that they cannot even be called "IMAC" contests if they don't. My conversations with a member of the national IMAC BOD confirms this and I have received assurances that actions will be taken to enforce these rules. Of course, the BOD cannot prevent anyone offering a contest from doing anything they dream up, but the approval for awarding regional points and listing as a legitimate IMAC contest can be withheld. And, just to be exact, "AMA sanctioned" is not an excuse to ignore the IMAC guidelines.

If we want IMAC to continue its' growth, especially among the new folks who may get the impression they will get less than fair consideration in our contests, this has got to be resolved.

On another question recented posted, awarding additional points according to the number of pilots that attend is already hurting smaller contests. We have had withdrawals from this season's preregistrations because of pilots at the top levels being unwilling to attend a small contest. Again, from where support is needed the most - retaining contests and pilots in areas that have fewer IMAC members - we request action from our leadership necessary to correct the situation.

Chris Tomberlin
SE ARD Alabama
IMAC