US Open reg system letter

[pk-ripper]

I posted this in the sticky thread earlier today but I would like to make sure we

keep this issue going as the registration comes to a close. Please read...

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Over the last 10 years, the US Freeskiing Open, started and owned by

Mountain Sports Media, has become the premiere event for park and pipe

skiers in the world. Part of the reason for this is that Mountain Sports

Media has done a good job fostering its growth and promoting the event.

Another reason for this event's "premiere" status is that it is truly an

"Open" event where young and undiscovered skiers are allowed to compete

and routinely showcase next-generation talent and excitement.

However, the 2008 Freeskiing Open will be less authentic.

Mountain Sports Media - the owners of Skiing, Ski, Warren Miller and

Skinet -- and event producers Mountain Sports International (MSI)'s new

lottery system for gaining entrance into the 2008 US Freeskiing Open is

unfair and inaccessible for many of the best young skiers in

the world for the following reasons:

* It is no longer a true "Open" event because most people will

never have the chance to qualify or gain "open" access. Instead, people

will be chosen at random through a lottery. And most "up-and-comers"

will be excluded even from qualifying.

* The lottery system is biased in that it allows as many entries

for each person as possible for $5 per each entry, unlimited.

those with more money, time and computer access stand a greater

chance of entry than those with less. This means that, unlike a true or

pure "Open," there is little chance that the best undiscovered skiers

will be able to compete.

* The lottery submission fees are non-refundable. They are also not

credited toward your entry fee if you're selected. This is unfair to prospective

competitors. So, for aspiring young skiers who are spending all their savings

on additional lottery tickets, it’s loose-loose scenario for the entrant if they

do not win a spot.

I realize that there is no single, perfect solution. But there are alternatives that

are more fair and feasible. Some suggestions:

* Identify or hold more qualifying events

* Hold more qualifying heats

* Make regional or resort spots available to coaches, programs and feeder events

* On various websites, make alternative forms of access to entry

available. (ie. If you don't gain entrance in the lottery, you can go to

these events or you can submit entry resume with references, etc.)

Moving forward, I would be more than happy to help implement any of the solutions

to keep this event as successful as it has been in the past.

Best regards,

Paddy Kaye

Rossignol Team manager

 

[bp.lando]

thanks for bringing another in industry opinion out, the system is definately flawed this year hopefully next year it will all be worked out

 

[papasteeze]

What surprises me is that I would think that Copper would want as many as possible to enter and attend the event. As a parent, I respect my sons desire to want to attend and participate the best he can. For that reason, I am willing to make that week a ski week vacation for my family regardless of how he might place.

As it stands now, there is a very good chance that we will not be going, because he will not get selected. Is it really that difficult to add an additional heat or two this year and revisit it next year for a different qualifying format?

 

[snowbladesforlife]

Qualifying events seem like a waste though since talent would be skewed.  Most of the kids who would qualify from the midwest, or bumfuck nowhere would get straight up dominated by the kids who didn't even qualify in Summit County.  They should just not allow to kids to enter who have no chance at all.  They should just be shit talked so hard at the Open if they suck, that they wouldn't ever come back again with their mediocreness.  Then their tires slashed and car shit on, this could easily become surfing.  

 

[eastchris]

Well written. I agree that the system this year is defiantly flawed and needs vast improvements. With the new lottery systems many deserving people could and will be left out. Also the unlimited ticket rule just makes it so people with more money have a better chance which is not fair. Hopefully the system will be put back to normal for next year.