[NCNCA] Proposed BAR/BAT changes

[kenhernandez at comcast.net]

For a number of years I ran the NCNCA web pages and the BAR/BAT program. I enjoyed working on both projects. Last year I needed to steer my day job in a new direction with better opportunities for advancement. In order to obtain that objective I needed to give up my duties as webmaster and BAR/BAT coordinator to concentrate on my career. Roger Marquis has done an excellent job of taking over as NCNCA webmaster. I placed the duties of BAR/BAT coordinator in someone else's hands. I gave them all the excel files and macros I was using to automate the process. For reasons I am not aware of, the BAR/BAT program floundered. 

Casey has proposed some changes to make the system easier to maintain in 2007. I agree with limiting the number of events that are counted towards BAR/BAT. I do not agree with his plan to change the BAT to eliminate BAT categories. I believe most teams are more interested in the standings by category rather than by teams with more than 40 licensed riders and teams with less than 40 licensed riders. I think most teams concentrate their efforts on specific categories. Teams are more interested in their standings for men and women Elite 1/2, Elite 3, Elite 4,  Master 35+, 45+, and 55+. I know some teams use these standings to maintain and secure sponsorship for their teams. 

I have since achieved my goal and have obtained a new position at my place of employment. If eliminating BAT categories is a matter of making less work, I would be willing to resume coordinating BAR/BAT. The purpose of BAR/BAT was to encourage more people to race. Reducing the number of ways teams can quantify their achievements will not encourage more people to race. In fact, it may encourage clubs/teams to limit the number of licensed riders on their club/team to stay under the 40 rider limit so they don't have to compete against the mega clubs.

If your team has any opinions on this matter please reply to this message. I plan on attending the NCNCA meeting this Monday to vote on keeping BAT categories in the program. If your team feels the same way, have your team delegate attend the meeting to vote as well. 

Ken Hernandez
Valley Spokesmen Racing Team
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