Dav, I disagree that an entirely negative example was set. Night-time activities around the bar acted as a pressure valve for pilots after each day’s responsibilities, intense concentration and stress had been lifted. We are all human. I’m disappointed that you did not mention the excellent airmanship and professional behaviour of all pilots during each competition day; a very safe competition was achieved despite challenging met conditions and the general inexperience of pilots. Surely this is an example to be proud of?
Further, I would argue that it was a positive and good natured atmosphere; there were no drunken brawls or violence to speak of. One need not look far to see examples of this kind of behaviour coupled with drinking in the wider community. Like Tom, I don’t believe that alcohol consumption affected safety, just performance. Caleb Kookaburra Precision Drinking Team -----Original Message----- From: "Dav" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "'Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia.'" <aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net> Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2006 10:53:09 +0930 Subject: RE: [Aus-soaring] WC team Mark said: >perhaps for lots of attendees Joey Glide is more about having fun >with friends than about the actual competition...?) Call me old fashioned, but I thought competition was what a contest was for. >When 90% of the pilots attending the comp aren't flying competitively, >maybe that doesn't matter so much (see next comment) Then as I said a regatta/camp style event might be a better option? > I also firmly believe that junior events should be alcohol free during the > event after experiencing the last Joey glide. >Well, gee, that'll see them flocking to the event, won't it? It won't make any difference to under 18's, of whom 16, more than 30% attended the last Joey glide Mark as it is *illegal* for them to drink. Unless you think they should be drinking underage? Mark, do you think drinking alcohol still at Midnight before a flying contest day is appropriate? Incidentally I am not a wowser; I don't mind the odd drink or 3 myself! Just not during competitions by relatively inexperienced pilots, where dehydration is an ever present and very real danger. It's the example set to under 18s and as a father I feel it is totally appropriate that I comment about this matter! And yes some people define fun as drinking Caleb. My concern is the example set for under 18s! When you are a father yourself you may understand my position more. I hasten to add it was drinking very late at night rather than a few around the bar after flying I thought inappropriate. On 3 occasions I had to get out of bed to turn down music which was rattling the walls of my caravan 20 metres away after midnight!!!!! Perhaps a 10 o'clock bar service curfew for competitors would be more acceptable rather than a total ban? Perhaps a separate event for under 18's with the emphasis on coaching rather than competition would be the go, they are my main concern in this. Fact is the top placed people at the last Joey glide did not drink much at all during the comp indicating they were there to compete on the contest days, and not party until the end. They wanted to compete and did, strongly. Regards All Dav _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
