Everything you need to know about

Competition Formats

but didn't know who to ask

RC Help Articles are especially written for people new to the Race Committee. This article deals with the manner in which an Event is conducted and competitors vie with one another in groups.

There are four recognized formats:

• All Race

• By Fleet
• Fleet by Class
• Fleet/Class by Division (abbreviated Flt/Cl by Div).

For the All Race format, everyone competes together regardless of their Fleet, Class or Division. This format is used mostly for smaller Events but if combined with a scoring system that allows recognition and awards by Competition Group (Fleet, Class or Division), it can be used for larger Events as well. The other formats are used for larger Events to make racing more enjoyable and to spread the recognition and awards around. For the By Fleet format, everyone in the same Fleet competes and are scored together. For the Fleet by Class format, everyone in the same Class within the same Fleet competes and are scored together. For the Flt/Cl by Div format, everyone in the same Division within the same Fleet and Class compete and are scored together.

Be sure to include your Event's Competition Format when you write your Notice of Race. Also make sure, in the interest of competition fairness, that your Competition Format remains consistent within the discipline and if at all possible, between the disciplines as well. If you divide part of your groups in any way, then the resulting Competition Format is inconsistent and competition fairness is compromised.

There are times however that you might have to combine some of your Competition Groups to create a valid group (e.g. when there are less than six competitors in a group). If this is the case, then restore consistency and thus competition fairness by forming a new group and awarding points based on the number of competitors in the new group, i.e. combine your Men's Division with your Women's Division for a new Coed Division or combine your 35 Masters Division with your 40 Senior Masters Division for a new 35 Masters Division. Make sure you maintain the new Division throughout the ranking period and award points based on the number of competitors in the combined heat or start rather than the number of competitors in each original group. This will accurately reflect the competition value and maintain the integrity of the groups.

If you select the Fleet/Class by Division format, then make sure to offer an Open (All Age) Division in addition to your specific Age Divisions. If you have a large Open Division, then offer a Masters Open Division as well. This is the only situation where the Open Division and Masters Open Division are valid and viable Divisions. It gives competitors who like to race everyone regardless of age or weight a chance to do so.

If you're just starting a racing program in your area, keep it simple and use the All Race Competition Format but be sure to select a scoring system that allows you to give recognition and awards by Fleet, Class or Division (see RC Help Article on Scoring Systems). Meanwhile, remember that an Event conducted properly is more fun for everyone! Best wishes for a successful racing season.

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