Scottish Relays Handicap

[andypat]

2/ First team comprising three novices (however defined).

One year we also had an individual prize for first back on leg 1, which led to some very aggressive and exciting racing.

Not sure how realistic some of Graeme's selections are (given we cant seem to get prizes for the categories as they currently exist)

I do think we could better cater for adult novices in the relays but not sure how likely a a team of 3 novices on TD5 would be to actually finish- maybe have something like a TD3 sprint relay where clubs could put novices alongside juniors if they dont have enough for a team?

Like the idea of a prize for 1st back on leg 1 too!

[SeanC]

I'm not sure adult beginners would be so keen to run with the juniors. You might be better off just offering a long TD3 mass start/trail challenge course for individuals (and anyone else who can't find a team)? Most clubs wont have enough adult newcomers to make a team as you say.

[Jethro]

Not sure you need to worry about prizes - better posssibly to put a little work into the commentary. I am not criticising this years, it was very good in comparison to some previous years, but could be far more informative about team postions at changeover, names of runners etc etc. I am sure lots of people/teams would be perfectly happy with a mention on the run-in rather than a perhaps meaningless prize.
I personally thought this was one of the best relays I have competed in in recent years. A proper mass start, well planned challenging but fair courses, some good head to head racing and well laid out changeover/assembly area with plenty of atmosphere. Just need to find some way of making it possible for the commentary to be able to give details of team positions at the changeover.

[andypat]

I'm not sure adult beginners would be so keen to run with the juniors. You might be better off just offering a long TD3 mass start/trail challenge course for individuals (and anyone else who can't find a team)? Most clubs wont have enough adult newcomers to make a team as you say.

Thats pretty much what I meant. Currently Adults cant do TD3 as its only a junior race. A TD3 course starting with the adults was what I was suggesting but would also be suitable for juniors for clubs who didnt have enough for a competitive team. I wouldnt make it long TD3 though - winning time on Orange for Individual was over an hour as it is! And I'd keep it as a relay - after all the whole point of the day is for people to feel part of a team.

[awk]

Why not just have a TD3 relay, with prizes for teams made up of all juniors (and others if required, e.g. all 'novices', however defined)?

[Big Jon]

Not sure you need to worry about prizes - better posssibly to put a little work into the commentary. I am not criticising this years, it was very good in comparison to some previous years, but could be far more informative about team postions at changeover, names of runners etc etc.

Perhaps something for SOA to consider doing as a central task - produce commentary software and advice on how to use it (for all timing programmes). This would save each year/event having to re-invent the wheel! Then a commentary team could practise beforehand and be much more prepared and informative on the day.