Nationals, Split Comp Bites!

This one has got to me
Here is a copy of my email to AKSA.
Perhaps if we adopt the 'CarlBevo strategy' of a mass of emails like this we could possibly see kiter-power achieve a realistic, sensible revision of the plans for 'our' 06 Nationals.

Hi Emma
Dont like to complain BUT ........
Could you please pass on my vote of disapproval at the seemingly ludicrous decision to have a split venue event for the 06 Nationals.
I cannot understand how such a scheme could even be contemplated let alone discussed and adopted.
As a keen comp spectator/volunteer I would almost certainly travel to any venue in Australia but 2 venues ?... so far apart ???
I find this all very difficult to comprehend ??????
My opinion is that Gero 05 - despite being so remote for most - has raised the standard and level of interest in 'the Nationals' to a previously unprecedented height. This move for 06 will not only negate the whole of that much needed leap forward but put the event a whole step backward.
With the level of discontent evidenced last year over the 05 event being so remote (understandable) I would have thought that compensating for, and capitalising on, that discontent; in combination with the increased interest level created by Gero; could be very easily and very effectively achieved by coming back with a HUGE nationals in the most centrally accessable area of Aust as possible.
Surely this is the ONLY logical follow up path to adopt ?

I thought it was AKSAs roll to 'promote' all aspects of our sport. I see this move doing exactly the opposite.
I only hope that a wave of discontent can/will bring about a revision of this planning before it is too late.

Forgive me if I am missing something here but really ............FNQ to the south coast .............1 event ....... come on ???????

quote:

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Originally posted by waveslave

How about a compromise?
Hold the Nationals in SA at Cactus.
That's suitably remote enough and equally inaccessible to most parties concerned.

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Hey Milehigh,

It's not about East versus West, never was, it's about getting both comps in the one spot..... somewhere. As for each state having a turn, great idea as long as both events are at the same venue, it has already been in : (Schick event; Newcastle and Palm Beach, NSW 2001), (Brighton Beach, Melbourne 2002), (Gold Coast, Queensland 2003), (Cronulla, NSW 2004), (Geraldton, WA 2005).

If we follow that theory, it is either the turn of Adelaide or Robe, SA, or even Tassie! Now there's food for thought

That gives me an idea!

Hold the wakeystyle comp at a cable park somewhere !That way you won't get skunked with the wind !

Hold the wave contest on the Gold coast.You can't go wrong !

Someone to run the event??

How about the AKSA, they have plenty of funds ! I believe it is something like $23,000.00??

Hello Awaken,
This sport has no cred. It's a rag-tag affair that's a safety hazard to all other beach users. The presence of kiters at the beach is at best, barely tolerated by the masses.

Stay low profile if you are chasing any kind of longevity with this gay sport.
Sub-culture status is so much cooler than semi main-streaming.

wtf waveslave? what vb said.

AKSA has been watching this thread for some days now, while consultation and opion were sought from all committee members. This notice is to clarify AKSA’s decision making process and the reasons behind the decision to split the Nationals into two disciplines (Wave and Freestyle) and hold those events in two separate locations.

History: Last year the AKSA national were held in Geraldton and run by WAKSA. The decision to allow WAKSA to run last years Nationals was made in 2003 or early 2004 before any of the current committee were their positions. The decision making process for that decision is unknown. Although the current AKSA committee had faith in WAKSA and their ability to hold a good event, it was recognised that AKSA’s lack of involvement in the early stages of the organisation of the previous (Cronulla) Nationals was partly to blame for some deficiencies in that event. AKSA wanted to ensure the 2005 Nationals would be widely well respected by its competitive members from around the country, and so created the Competition Steering Committee (CSC). The role was to create a forum for feedback from the organisers and to the organisers of the Nationals, to increase the likelihood of a well received competition format. To some extent this worked, although the lack of procedures by which the CSC was operating led to tensions between the CSC and the organisers, and ultimately reduced effectiveness. After the Nationals, the CSC has laid dormant while the operating procedures are reviewed, discussed and put into place. This process has almost finished.

AKSA Nationals 2005 – review.
The Geraldton Nationals, from AKSA’s perspective was the most successful competition in its history. The number of competitors was up on previous years, despite Geraldton’s isolation and the widespread ill feeling towards the Nationals concept after the 2004 Cronulla event. The general response from the competitors was strongly in favour of WAKSA’s management of the event despite some major changes from previous years. The decision do split the event in to wave and freestyle was very well received. The introduction of the modified Priority Buoy System and associated judging system was extremely well received by judges and organisers, and although the system receiving mixed reviews from competitors, it was certainly approved by the majority of competitors. The Geraldton Nationals showed to AKSA that competitor support and interest in the Nationals is as strong as it ever has been. It was noted by many that a criticism of the event, although hard to find, could be that the weighting system was not widely consulted, and that the individual place getters of wave and freestyle did not receive the accolades and recognition they deserved. All focus was on the overall winner with none for the discipline winners. In the context of the event being the first of its kind, this is an understandable oversight. Another potential criticism was lack of sponsorship funding. The process of making the decision not to chase sponsorship was never made clear to AKSA, however the success of the event overshadowed any lack of prize money or high cost to competitors and there was no significant level of grumbling from competitors regarding this issue.

AKSA Nationals 2006 – Current situation
Word was spread at the Geraldton Nationals that AKSA would be making the location and organising committee decisions for the 2006 Nationals in much the same way as these decisions are made for the Olympics, ie to receive bids from interested parties, weigh up the options, and make an announcement. The AKSA January newsletter announced this process formally and said the final decision would be announced at the AGM. This date was set to allow organisers sufficient time to prepare for a major event. Most experienced event organisers would suggest that less than one year for a major event of this kind is short notice, so AKSA didn’t want to delay the decision further. In the months before the Geraldton Nationals we had hoped the obvious candidate would be presented and be able to attend Geraldton and learn from the event. This didn’t happen and we moved on.

In the weeks leading up to the AGM only two parties had suggested they wanted to organise the nationals. Groups from St Kilda and the Sunshine Coast were keen. In a general meeting held in association with the AGM, the AKSA Committee discussed the options and recognised that it was important to have two disciplines separate from each other. This decision was based on observations of our members and recognition that there are a significant number of members who specialise in one or the other discipline, especially on the east coast where locations and sections of coast often have only flat water or only wave locations. As the sport and its participants develop, the riders skills and equipment are becoming more specialised, and fewer riders are able to be highly competitive in both disciplines. So it was agreed there should be separate events as pioneered by WAKSA in Geraldton. This decision sat comfortably with Andrew Regan (vice President) who drew on many years experience in Windsurfing and similarities in the development of that sport. It was also supported by Mike Walker (president) through observations in the development of competitors and competitions around the country. Every other committee member present agreed with the logic and the decision was unanimous.

Discussions then turned to a location and organising committee. It was then recognised that the Nationals, being the peak event in the sport, need to be open to as many competitors as possible, and run in such a way that is as fair as possible. The fairest system is a full double elimination draw with the latest contest rules used in Geraldton. Some modifications and evolution of the rules may be expected. A maximum draw of 64 competitors, (plus other divisions of possibly another 40 competitors) will lead to an event with around 100 competitors. History has shown that completing a full double elimination draw of this size, in a window of one week, is difficult on the east coast in good conditions. Neither the Gold Coast or Cronulla event achieved it. East Coast winds generally don’t kick in until midday. 7 half days of wind is barely enough time to get through the heats for one competition. So it was recognised that to hold both wave and freestyle competitions separately in one location, would require a window of at least one and a half, but realistically two weeks to give a fair chance of a result in both. It was immediately agreed that two weeks of competition back to back was a bad idea for a variety of obvious reasons and discussions down that line ceased.

The option of re-combining the two disciplines was discussed again with pros and cons of separation looked at more closely. The cons were chiefly convenience based issues. Difficulty for some competitors to get to both events and the potential that they be unable to do so; extra effort with the limited pool of resources in the sport of organising two events. On the other hand the pros of splitting the event were widely varied: attracting competitors who specialise in one discipline and may not enter a combined competition; presenting the national media two peak level events; promoting the sport at peak level in two different regions; potentially increasing sponsorship dollars drawn to the sport; increasing overall attendance to the nationals; elevating significance, accolades and recognition of the champions of the different disciplines; encouraging the natural diversification of the sport; increasing the pool of experience within the sport of peak level event management; and others. After this closer assessment of the pros and cons of splitting the event in two, it became an easy decision for the committee to vote on. Again the decision was unanimous. It then became obvious to allow both bidding parties to accept responsibility for the nationals and to hold flatwater freestyle in the proven location of St Kilda, and The Wave event on the Sunshine Coast.

AKSA’s responsibility to its members, to ensure the event goes well had historically been abdicated to the event organisers, however the committee agreed this was not the best management principal and it was agreed that a document would be delivered to the organising committees which outlines the minimum performance requirements of committees organisng the nationals. The announcement of the winning bids would be postponed until this document was created and could be delivered simultaneously.

The decision and minimum performance requirements were delivered officially to the bidding groups and both groups are currently carrying out their responsibilities to AKSA members. The location decision has been made and will not this year be changed. AKSA is confident that these events will be well represented and lead to a positive development of the sport. The decisions and decision making processes will be reviewed on approach to and after the next season, and they will amended accordingly for 2007 Nationals planning.

As stated in the most recent newsletter, it is possible (but still up for discussion for the CSC) that there will be 3 national champions; a wave, freestyle and an overall champion based on the combination of both disciplines. This decision has not been discussed or finalised. Most other sports don’t combine these sorts of results to achieve an overall National Champion, but AKSA will take advice from the CSC and do what’s currently best for the sport

AKSA generally doesn’t discuss this sort of issue on internet forums as it can be very inefficient use of time, the respondents on the forum are often anonymous, and often not members of AKSA. For example a time consuming check of this thread reveals that only 12 out of 20 opinions definitely come from AKSA members. Also, the convenient nature of forums leads to unthought-out questions, and instantaneous emotional responses that often need not ever be raised. Forums are very entertaining and a valuable form of communication however, the large member based association that AKSA is, would be better served by direct email feedback. It is nice to finally get some feedback from people regarding an issue we need to resolve – however in this case it’s too late. If members have queries, suggestions or any sort of feedback in the future, please make your first point of contact with your local association or AKSA directly via email through info@aksa.com.au. .

Lots of words and vague reasoning that IMO doesnt make alot of sense

I find these explanations contradictory and the decisions made counter-productive to the development of this sport. I feel these decisions will serve to only distance the two diciplines and the riders

You may as well forget about the overall champ as you will never get an accurate result where all the potentials are not present just those who are able to attend both.

It seems a small majority are backing the current plans while the mass opinion is being ignored. There needs to be a better mechanism for facilitating member input into the decision making process as all members have been in the dark until a final decision was made,

- not very diplomatic and not a true reflection of member based opinion, these decisions seem to have been made by a very limited number of people and not in a transparent manner

What about the next year are we going to have the feestyle in Cairns and the waves in WA theres no clear pathway for the future?

I will respond in more detail directly to AKSA but will take the time so as not to be influenced by emotion -

Though I think AKSA's position is not inline with the masses

If one thing should come of this it should be that aksa needs to look at its communication channels with the state associations and the kiters... after all aksa should be about the kiters...

It has been a long read...whew, got through that one.

The issue is a tough one.

I feel that for a few years the "event" could be held at one location and run by the State orgs. on a rotating basis. Get the local community, inculding press involved and make a multi-year committment.

Just make the show bigger and better and then you can think about moving it around...the people will come.

That's my two cents worth.

Great wind in paradise again today....everyone out, I'm exhausted. But keep up the insightful comments and positive forward looking attitudes please.

Hoo Roo,

Nick

PS I would have to agree with the above that this forum is a valid place for ASKA to read commentary. AKSA can of course choose only to read emails from Members. Sure Luarie could flag the Members.

With so much "spam" these days, using an ASP is certainly most convenient and it is free

Firstly I would like to thank Mike W for taking the time and trouble to let us know what is happening and how AKSA made thier decisions .

After being involved in the planning and decision making of the last Nats I am only too aware that we live in a world that is far from perfect or fair for that matter .

I think everybody would prefer a better solution but if nobody puts up thier hand to do the work then you have to be practical.

Based on Mike W's post I think that AKSA have put in a lot of work and considered all thier options .
Better to have two well run events 2000 km's apart than one that turns out to be a mess .

I think everybody should also remember that all the work will be done by volunteers that WANT to HELP not by employed proffesionals that HAVE to WORK .

I am also dissapointed that this is the way that it is going to be and am far from happy but do accept that people can only work with what they are given .

I wish everybody involved all the best .

Regards
Mike Bergman

Hi Mike and the AKSA Committee,

I have to agree with most of the sentiments of Mike N, Steve McC and Carl. I too appreciate the work and effort AKSA has put into the organisation of the sport and also thank you for replying on behalf of AKSA, however, there are a few problems that are now obvious.

By splitting the comps, you will have to abandon the title of overall champion. As you say in windsurfing if you split the disciplines, there can no longer be an overall champion. This is a pity as the sport really is too young to be split up and have substance enough to stand on it's own feet in each dicipline. This will draw a distinctive line down the middle of the sport.

If you do choose to have an overall championship, it bites that the West Australians who wish to attend both for an overall title will be at a huge disadvantage now that you have made a decision which is "final". The first two places from every division (Opens, Masters and Womens) except juniors were west Australians. How do you reckon this is fair for them?

By splitting the venues and seperating the disciplines you are going to kill off the waves discipline as most young riders are into freestyle on the east coast, you will have pretty poor numbers at the wave event which is a great pity as this is the newest and most challenging area of the sport today and if the location is right, can be good for spectators. Surely there is an alternative!

It seems wrong that an association representing the views of all of it's members should ignore, and not at least consider the needs of it's members or what they want. You have our email addresses and can send a questionaire in less than ten minutes and then assess the results at a meeting with input from the state associations. At least then we would have a well thought out decision with the best interests of the masses in mind. It's called democracy and it works well.

There has to be a better way of communicating with the members to make the decisions that effect us directly. Like Steve says, utilising the forum is a great way to get a feel from the mass population of kiters as to what they want.

You guys are there to represent and act on behalf of the kiters and in the best interest of the kiters in ALL parts of Australia. As Steve said, decisions can be changed and better solutions sought that will appeal to the majority of kiters, not the majority of committee members.

We need to work towards a more favourable decision for all. We still have around 9 months to come up with a great nationals, your decision will be measured against the Geraldton event yardstick and will be how you will be remembered. Please do not unravel the good work done by the WA team as mentioned by Steve by splitting the event venues. We are all counting on you to be the democratic voice of the kiters. Reread the postings, they are the voices of your members and they don't agree with your decision.

I know it's hard to make the right decisions all the time and you will cop flack on most things you do, remember I've been in your shoes, but I think it in everyones best interest for you guys to reconsider your "final" decision.

Best winds,


The un-anonymous,

Darren Marshall
(Also sent to AKSA via email)

and i guess.... judging on our comments and the timeframe for the NATS decision this year.... these comments may possibly make it into the decision for the 2007 nationals

THE AUSTRALIAN KITESURFING NATIONALS: SPONSORED BY JETSTAR

All fair points, but basically, if you want a National Titles with a good turnout and you hold it in two separate places 2000kms apart then you will get a poor turnout. I am astounded by the fact that seemingly normal people even came up with this idea. 2000kms!!!!!!

As much as we would like it to be, kiteboarding is not the multi million dollar enterprise it may well one day be. Most competitors work in real jobs, earning real money, with real families to pay for. Basically, if this goes ahead there will be bugger all people show up to the events, both competitors and spectators. And if AKSA think they have a headache now, wait till the s%^tfight following the comp as to who won because so and so didn't show up. Only in Australia would people even think of hyphenating a competition with 2000kms - amazing! If this goes ahead I will be absolutely the first and last time - no-one will ever attempt it again. I realise this has bought up the transparency aspect of the organisation, and generally I am on the side of the AKSA with this one - it is a bugger of a job doing these commitee things. It is hard to get people's opinions and then to make democratic and acceptable decisions. But I would have thought this one was a no brainer....


Good luck to ya