Discussion: "A"

How about the word "ranking" or "national ranking"?

Yes. I wasn't sure what the new/correct term was; I also thought about "sanctioned". Though to use "sanctioned" before sanctioning is actually obtained might seem presumptuous! ; )

Oh man...now I really have to magic an extra week of holiday from somewhere...

Mikell, would you be interested to host 2018 Western States Champs as part of your planned Festival? I remember you hosted in past and rules are very simple. Please let me know. Thanks, Sergey
P.S. Unless, of course, you have more grandiose plans to host USA Champs :)

Sergey, I'm not interested at all. I haven't seen anything at past events that makes me think it adds anything, or draws extra attendance. As far as I can tell, it just means an extra set of awards and a longer awards ceremony--which somehow, I don't see as a plus. ; )

However, it's not my decision to make. This event will be a joint effort and really RMOC will be heading it up and doing the majority of the work. So if you want to pursue this, you should contact RMOC, and probably the best person to talk to would be the president, Doug Berling.

It wouldn't be an issue if you use the Rick Worner awards ceremony, which is: Awards? Oh, if you won one, go see Sergey.

You're right--if someone wanted to pony up some money for Western State Champs awards, and bring them along, and be ready to hand them out if someone went to see them, that would be just fine.

As an aside--though most people will care little, if at all--J-J and I have seen pretty much eye-to-eye for a long time as concerns awards.

Stampede awards have had a tradition of excellence, though.