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That's right folks, your dream autocross job is available, you could be an instructor as your work assignment!
We need instructors for the first run group, our problem with that is pre-running the course disqualifies a driver for championship points...

However; I'm willing to bet that there are some seasoned drivers out there that wouldn't mind giving up champ points for a chance to instruct, and if instructing knocks out a work assignment, that just sweetens the deal.
If you are one those drivers, please send me a PM (private message) through this message board.

If novices are requested to run in groups 2-5, this would eliminate the issues.

Katy Nicholls wrote:If novices are requested to run in groups 2-5, this would eliminate the issues.

True. However, after a great deal of debate, we decided it was better to have the Novices run with their normal group. Among other things, this will give them the ability to develop relationships with the people they hope to compete with.

KJ Christopher wrote:

Katy Nicholls wrote:If novices are requested to run in groups 2-5, this would eliminate the issues.

True. However, after a great deal of debate, we decided it was better to have the Novices run with their normal group. Among other things, this will give them the ability to develop relationships with the people they hope to compete with.

With the intent of improving our Novice/newbee relationship, and development of new members I have a suggestion.

Thought the concept quoted above sounds good, I believe in reality it's the worst time. I don't commonly see people walking up to those with the novice "N" on their car and saying "Hi I'm so-and-so, welcome to the class, let me help you".

As a new suggestion on the table, and likely the next to be cast aside... now that women and open run separately again, maybe the "novice" could run when women's classes run, that way at least half of the classes would have open class (same class) drivers available to assist on any given day.

The flip side of this coin of the statement quoted above would be their "future" class members could be their instructors, which is precluded when their running with them. Add to that MANY members like to concentrate on their driving during their run group, and don't want to be social butterflies while their checking tire air/temps, mentally reviewing their runs, and needed corrections ect. I realize there are exceptions to this group, I being one of them... I would not place us as the majority.

While I realize we have many qualified drivers to instruct across many classes, I think most newbies would gell best, and more likely stick with us by developing that instructor/student relationship with their potential classmates, vs. just any qualified person arriving with helmet in hand, while the future class is running.

A different approach might be a compromise between the two, thou more complex. Those attending their first don't know 1-3 events, would run as I suggested above with an assigned instructor from their class, then after that period move to regular class scheduled times. Now they know at least a person or two in the class, and the mentioned concept would work better.

Just food for thought

Have a Novice line in the first run group.
Time Only drivers run first to help sweep the track.
After top class drivers and TO finish run 3 they can instruct.
Instructors can move to the 2 driver line if needed.
Time Only drivers can instruct as work assignment.
TO instructors can get home early if they want.
Win Win.

Doug,

If I may add to your list.

This has to start at Registration. Anyone getting a 600 number has to be screened and directed. Why are we assuming a new person has a clue.

The sponsoring club has a lot on their plate. If other clubs are looking to grow there numbers what better time to introduce them self's.

I can be accused of expanding the framework of the class I run in, but at least I trying to help when someone shows up.

I have noticed that some drivers have not gone down the path of getting a points card. We are not doing a good job of selling the benefit to them. What are the benefits?

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions folks...I really think that we don't need to make this any more complicated, as I already have folks who have volunteered!

Please note that this request is for the May 3rd Champ Event

We may do this again if successful, but for now it is just the next event.

David Barrish wrote:Doug,

If I may add to your list.

This has to start at Registration. Anyone getting a 600 number as to be screened and directed. Why are we assuming a new person has a clue.

The sponsoring club has a lot on their plate. If other clubs are looking to grow there numbers what better time to introduce them self's.

I can be accused of expanding the framework of the class I run in, but at least I trying to help when someone shows up.

I have noticed that some drivers have not gone down the path of getting a points card. We are not doing a good job of selling the benefit to them. What are the benefits?

This has to start at Registration.
Anyone getting a 600 number as to be screened and directed.
but at least "David" is trying to help when someone shows up. (thank you)
:ibrightdea: We are not doing a good job of selling the benefit to them.

Presumably, if you instruct in the first group you'd get your average, right?

I like Craig's suggestion to have the Novices run in a separate group with the ladies for the reasons he has suggested. Some of the run groups move quickly enough (at least in the two driver line up) that there isn't time to socialize. Most of the time, I don't even know what time the other ST folks are running. I'd be more than happy to help - just not during my run group.

Robert Puertas wrote:Presumably, if you instruct in the first group you'd get your average, right?

Oh I mentioned that at the meeting and I uh.....it wasn't shot down but put aside for the time being.

There is no provision to allow averages for those who volunteer to instruct in the first group.
If you do volunteer, please know that you will not receive any championship points for the event. Your regular runs would be Time Only.

sounds like a cool plan. Go for it Ken, go help instruct!

David Barrish wrote: Doug,

Anyone getting a 600 number as to be screened and directed. Why are we assuming a new person has a clue.
Yeah, like that Isley person.

The sponsoring club has a lot on their plate.
A big issue with a lot of this is we keep adding to the responsibility of registration. They are already overwhelmed at times. KJ being there certainly helps, but a number of things were missed at the last event. We may be moving toward a more fixed registration crew (enough people so it's not the same 4 at each event) rather than the individual clubs handling it.

Right, that's why I wanted to try this, no impact on registration, no additional rules or complications.

Steve Glusman wrote:When I work in Tech, I always try to screen out the new folks with 600 numbers or those who look lost. Tech is also a good place to di it....but i was still under the impression we allowed Novices to run any time....did we formally eliminate that option ????

Steve G

Never was an option as far as I remember. Been talked about, but the run-with-your-regular-class has been the standard.