| As of the 1999 FWRA board meeting
the seven skill classes have been replaced with ten skill classes. The intent is to
provide a narrower handicap group for each skill class, enabling each racer to progress
through each skill class at a quicker rate and to minimize the difference in times between
a racer at the top of their class and a racer at the bottom. This, opens the possibility
for a lower seed racer to win the class on a "Good Day". In addition, the skill
class handicap breaks will be the same for both men and women. In response to the
"aging" of the participating racers (based upon demographics of
racers from all leagues during 1998-1999 season) the number of age sub-classifications has
been reduced from four to three. Below is a table which shows the current skill and age
breaks. |
| Skill Class |
MEN |
WOMEN |
|
S0 |
00.00-18.99 |
| S1 |
19.00-25.99 |
19.00-25.99 |
| S2 |
26.00 – 32.99 |
26.00 – 32.99 |
| S3 |
33.00 – 39.99 |
33.00 – 39.99 |
| S4 |
40.00 - 49.99 |
40.00 - 49.99 |
| S5 |
50.00 – 59.99 |
50.00 – 59.99 |
| S6 |
60.00 – 69.99 |
60.00 – 69.99 |
| S7 |
70.00 – 79.99 |
70.00 – 79.99 |
| S8 |
80.00 – 89.99 |
80.00 – 89.99 |
| S9 |
90.00 – 104.99 |
90.00 – 104.99 |
| S10 |
105.00 + |
105.00 + |
|
| The age sub-classification is intended to divide
racers by age within each skill group to minimize the numbers of starters in a skill
class. The racer's age as of November 1st in the start of the race year is
used. |
Age
Sub-Classifications |
|
| Juniors |
0-17 |
| Open |
18-49 |
| Vet |
50 + |
|
| The net result of this
restructuring of racer classification will be more competition in each class and a
"leveling of the playing field" for men and women of all ages. Prior to the
beginning of the 1999-2000 season each of the league chairmen and league statisticians
will be reviewing their respective database and determining the skill re-classification
for every racer. There will be some confusion at first, however we will do our utmost to
make this transition as smooth and painless as possible. All of your support and
understanding will be greatly appreciated. |
|
