All, I probably shouldn't have made this an essay question survey. It is very difficult to quantify the responses. So, here is my best take on the answers to the survey. First, let me say that there were many contradictions within individual responses. On the one hand and team would say that weather wasn't important to them and would then say they didn't schedule any events where a dray suit might be needed. Or, they would say they preferred one big event in the middle of MAISA instead of two smaller events in the north and the south. Then, they would say travel was a major concern, something that would be eased with several events.
1. Are there enough events in the current schedule to allow you to produce a good and full schedule for your team? Almost universally, it was felt that we have enough events right now. There was some disagreement on fleet events vs. team racing events. Most who were not in favor of more team, races were those who have not done them. 2. If not, what weeks in both the spring and the fall are lacking sailing opportunities? This question was, then of no importance. 3. The spring is slowly being given over to team racing, both 3on3 and 2on2. Has this left a genuine need for other fleet racing events? The response here was all over the place. Some felt team racing was hurting fleet sailing performance while others felt it was helping. Many of the smallest teams, particularly those who couldn't run good practices didn't have much interest. There was absolutely no consensus. 4. How important is it for your team that we try to schedule north events early in the fall and late fall events in the South? For both question #4 and #5 the answers were generally that it wasn't important, but then several said they simply didn't schedule where wet or dry suits were needed, thus, closing off much of the schedule to them. 5. In like manner, how important is it that we schedule early spring events in the south and late spring events in the north? 6. Would it be better for your team if there were two small events on a given weekend, one in the south and one in the north rather than one big event somewhere in MAISA? In other words, will it serve the small teams better to have multiple small events on the same weekend rather than a single big event? As noted above, here there were contradictions. Many felt they preferred big events, but then decried the problems with travel. Others who said there were enough events, then said they wanted more events to allow them to send out two teams on a weekend. 7. How important is weather to the scheduling your team does? Again, generally, it was not as important as keeping travel distance low. Do you have other comments you would like to offer as to the improvement of our schedule of events? Nothing really new turned up here except that several wanted to have a constantly up-dated schedule available on line. As the MAISA web site gets overhauled, perhaps this can be included. My take: Everyone seems to have something they like and some things they don't. All seemed to think we are going in the right direction and all appreciate the opportunity to have a say. My impression is that if we keep moving in the direction we are now, we are doing what the majority want. There were several who wanted to see a schedule that was better suited to their school's particular schedule, but in that regard, we simply can't accommodate everyone and that was acknowledged. In short, there were no great revelations and we can have some confidence in what we are doing. As always, all the MAISA officers will appreciate any specific suggestions. Many thanks to all the teams who responded. Dan Winters Scheduler **************Big savings on Dell XPS Laptops and Desktops! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1219799634x1201361008/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fad.doubl eclick.net%2Fclk%3B214133440%3B36002254%3Bj) _________________________________________________ maisa mailing list [email protected] http://www.collegesailing.org/mailman/?listname=maisa
