Discussion: Red Sox / Yankees

a few weeks ago there was some [verbal] discussion of an open/elite Boston - NYC competition. I'd like to restart that so we don't forget. the idea was to get a friendly rivalry going between areas with a relatively dense population of M21s (and F21 if anyone's interested). eligibility is determined by closest to residence, e.g. boris=NYC.

some items to discuss: would it be a series? a single event? a couple events/year? woutld it be separate or piggy-back on local/A meets?

I think eventually it would be great to arrange separate B-level (without the other courses) events, since what we really need is more opportunities for good competition, not additional awards at existing events.

Are the Giants or the Blue Jays to be excluded due to a travel budget cap?

no, I could imagine that the Hamilton crew would be interested despite the fact that they are quite a bit further away.

I think eventually it would be great to arrange separate B-level (without the other courses) events, since what we really need is more opportunities for good competition, not additional awards at existing events.

USOF Rules do allow for an A meet format with only the "elite" courses (Rule 3.4.8). Allowing the competitors to get ranking points, and holding the events to a good standard, may be enough of a reason for some of us from the wrong coast to show up (see Giants).

Here some propositions I would like to see happened:

I do not think we have to organize an A-meet, at least right now,
otherwise it will kill a good idea in the beginning – too much labor.

Here are some dates and possible format of the proposed matches:
Spring: Memorial Day weekend in New York area (Harriman SP) – sprint (3.0 km)
Classic (~9-10 km for men and 6-7 km for women), Relays,
And Labor Day Weekend in Boston area – same format.

Sprint – preferably park race - ~15-18 min winning times, same course for men and women, start intervals 1 min, men group starting first, immediately followed by women.
One person can cover setting course and printing (drawing) maps, taking care of start and finish.

Classic – 60-80 min winning times, start intervals 2 min, males start on odd minutes, females on even, courses are designed to have similar flow over terrain, some common controls to minimize setting labor

I have a feeling that NY area will have to import some women (Pavlina, Victoria maybe
In order to be competitive in team races, considering relative depth Boston area has)

I know that everybody would like to compete, so it will take some looking for outside help to conduct preparation and setting. I will talk to some DVOA and HVO people who may agree to help.

Another issue is fees, shell we charge any, may be create some prize fund, or mapping fund. Ideas are welcome

Greg Balter

Reading some past threads and the current one it is clear that several elites in North America would like to encourage elite competition and to see events more similar to what we would expect at an international championship (sprint, short, a longer classic, relays, etc.). Then there are others that suggest that there are not enough elites to make it worthwhile. Chicken and egg perhaps? Look back at the AOL thread and read William Hawkins rationale for the AOL. He suggests inter-region competition. Take the AOL and encourage a club to hold the odd relay or some other team competition and I think you have what you want.
Deciding on the events is important. They need not be WRE but rather the events that many people are expected at. Last weekend the Ontario Champs drew the best non-APOC2002 Canadian M21 field of the year. The US and Cdn teams should begin a serious (non Attack Point) discussion about nailing down a series for 2003.

Mike is right: the most important thing to get people to travel cross country for an event is the expectation that everyone else will be there! Again, that's a chicken and egg problem unless there's advance planning of a series. Lots of people seem enthusiastic now, which is good.
How about basing a series around the US and Canadian team trials for WOC, the US and Canadian champs, and two other weekends?

Just tell me so I can post it at AOL web site (http://velichko.home.mindspring.com/aol/) to motivate people. So far I have for the next year:
- USA Short/Long Champs in May (most probably USA Team Trials);
- Canadian Champs in August?;
- USA Classical Champs in CA.

Probable candidates so far:
- Ontario Champs?

The site of the 2003 Trials has not been determined.

Sergey
Ask Ken if he could add a link to AOL on Attackpoint so that it would be easier for others to locate it. (sort of marketing initiative)