1. Introduction
1. This system has been developed to allow the USA NCA to select eligible, class participating members for restricted events.
   Due consideration was given to class growth, participation and traveling restrictions.
2. This version of the system will be effective on 1st January 2008.
3. Ranking system will run continuously so can be applied at any time.
4. The ranking as of 6 months prior to the restricted event will be used for determining allocation of places.
5. Skippers wishing to participate in an international event must complete an expression of interest as explained in Section 9 below.
   

2. Skipper Eligibility:
1. Ranked skippers must be AMYA members in good standing at the time of any ranking regatta to qualify.
2. Nationality requirements will be in accordance with the relevant ISAF regulations, (presently Section 19.2- 2007 ISAF Regulations-3693).
   
3. Event Eligibility:
1. A ranking event shall be posted on the US NCA site 90 days prior to the first day of the event, except under unusual circumstances when an event may be posted to the USA NCA website 60 days prior to the first day of the event as determined by the NCA secretary at his/her discretion.
2. Event shall be at least a 2 day regatta.
3. Event shall utilize the current US IOM Notice of Race and SIs. Any deviation to either shall be pre-approved by the NCA Secretary and posted at the time of the initial NOR posting.
4. Minimum Event Measurement shall take place, including but not limited to: Certificate check, keel weight, all up weight with each rig, and a legibility check on Sail Identification. A float tank is strongly recommended; however, the class is aware of the logistics issues. A float tank is mandatory for National Event Measurement.
4. Ranking Events
1. Qualifying events must be between 18 months and 6 months prior to the date of the restricted event.
2. Ranking is effective six months prior to the first day of racing of the restricted event.
3. Any ranking event in progress on the day of the cutoff will have its results counted in that counting period.
4. By default, every Regional regatta & the USA National will be a ranked event unless specifically requested not to be included.
5. Events within Canada may be utilized within the Ranking system. 
6. Events held in Toronto will be deemed part of Region 4, Kingston part of Region 1 due to the close geographical proximity.
7. There will be no restriction on the # of ranking events, all ranking events must be approved by the class secetary prior to posting
   

        The first three tie breakers will only utilize regattas within the relevant time period.

7. RD Ranking points   
   

1. If requested in writing prior to the event start, the Race Director, if not sailing, will be awarded average points, which will consist of the average of their scores over the ranking timeperiod.
2. Only one average result within the relevant time period will be applied for the individual's total ranking score.
3. The average score will be recalculated after every event.
4. Location of the event will be be deemed as a race sailed within that region.
9. Expression of interest
   1. Expression of interest forms will be available on the USA NCA website
   2. The form shall announce a closing date for when all applications need to be received
   3. Forms received after this date will be placed on a waiting list 
   4. Within 14 days of the announced closing date for the receipt of application, the NCAsecretary will confirm & publish the entrants
      
      Revision - 7th January 2007 22:00
      

---

FAQ

With the various discussions around the ranking system and its policies. Steve pulled together a group consisting of one individual from each AMYA Region to review the present system, propose enhancements and write up the new system where applicable.

Prior to reading the FAQ it is assumed you have read through the Rules

What were the Objectives

• Balance without compromising the following:

  • Determine the top IOM USA sailors, presently active in the Fleet, so when entries are limited the ranking system will be used to allocate slots

  • Encourage travelling outwith the home region while recognizing the constrains for some individuals

  • Reward & recognize those that are RD's

  • Recognise & encourage local regattas

Why the urgency to make any required modifications now?

If we are to allow participants sufficient time to plan and get organised for a major event, then we should confirm their slot 6 months ahead of the first day of the competition

The ranking time period is 12 months, therefore races up to 18month prior to the event could be included.

For the 2009 World championships we are potentially within the ranking window

Where did 3 events come from as the requirement

• last year only 3 individuals travelled to four or more ranking events

• 12 people participated in 3 events

• Therefore 3 was seen as being able to attract a reasonable population while allowing those that needed or wanted to attend more could still do so. The belief is that now 3 regattas is a more achievable target the participation will increase

How does the scoring work

There were two elements here that had to be addressed, the regatta score and the distribution of points within the fleet.

Regatta Points

In the previous system there was a “weighting” applied to the regatta.

This consisted of the number of base points, 100, 125, 150, 175 or 200 points depending on the perceived difficulty in winning the regatta

 

Then the number of entrants was added to give a total # of points for first place.

The issue here was that the point allocation had to be determined, was perceived as subjective and open to debate

 

In the revised system the total number of points is driven by the # of entrants as this is believed to be the primary driver for difficulty in winning the event. As per the chart below

# of starters	1st Place Scores
< 21	150
21-30	180
31-40	195
41-50	210
51-60	225

Basically starting from a base of 150 points,
once the # of entries reaches 21-30 starters the available regatta points are multiplied by 1.2

once the # of entries reaches 31-40 Starters the available regatta points are multiplied by 1.3, etc.

20 Boats and below the base of 150 points is used.

Point Distribution

Here the present system is utilized, basically dividing the total available points by the # of starters.

Below is an example showing scoring across different fleet sizes

Base Points	150		150		150		150
# of boats	36		29		15		45
Multiplier	1.3		1.2		1		1.4
Total points for 1st place	195		180		150		210
4th place scored	179		161		120		196
10th	146		124		60		168
15th	119		93		10		145

What happens to ranking for restricted events in 2008 & 2009

For the 2008 Europeans the present 2007 system will be utilized
For events in 2009 the revised system will be utilsed and will pull in the events from 2007 as required, these will be scored retreospectivally per this system

 

What will be the first event to use this system

Florida followed by Dallas

How often will the results be updated

Revised results will be posted on the NCA website within 20 days of a ranking event