Since its inception in the late 1970s, the Northwest Rules process has been coordinated by Flying Lines. John Thompson serves as the unofficial rules coordinator, keeping track of the rules and conducting elections to add to or update the rules.
When someone has an idea for a new Northwest event, or wants to propose a change in existing rules, this is what happens: The person submits the idea/proposal to Flying Lines via John Thompson. If necessary, John will assist in putting the proposal into the standard format for Northwest rules. He may assist in drafting the formal proposal to make sure it accomplishes what the proposer has in mind.
Once the proposal is drafted, it is published via Flying Lines. In the past, this was via the printed newsletter; now it is via the web site. Along with the proposal is published an explanation of the purpose of the proposal.
Then there is a period of comment, usually a month or two. The FL Northwest message boards are a good place for this discussion to take place.
After the comment period, the proposer may want to make modifications to the proposal based on the comments received. If so, usually another comment period would be allowed.
After the comment period, a ballot is published, and time left for voting. Any Northwest CL modeler who has participated in the affected catgory in the past five years as a contestant or official can vote on the proposal. Voting will be conducted by e-mail or snail mail. This method allows the coordinator to verify that each person votes only once.
After the voting is complete, results are announced and the new rules are posted on the web site.
Any Northwest CL modeler can make rules proposals, provided that the proposer has participated in the affected category as a contestant or official within the past five years. "Category" is defined as the general type: Combat, Aerobatics, Speed, Scale, Navy Carrier, Racing. "Northwest" is defined as being a resident of AMA Dist. XI or British Columbia.
Rules listed as "provisional" are rules that have not been voted on; These are initial rules used informally and will be subject to a formal vote for acceptance or revision at some future time.
For more information on Northwest rules, contact the coordinator, John Thompson.
New Speed event has provisional status See introductory article Rules below
Event is now Profile Stunt Full story
Updating pull test, line size and length Full story
This page was upated Jan. 6, 2012