A simple idea for "ability based"

Than_Bogan

1) When each skier signs up, they indicate their opening pass. (One downside of this idea is that I think they'll be forced to stick to that.)
2) Group skiers based on opening pass. For example, just order them from easiest opener to hardest opener.

It's not perfect, but it's so simple that maybe it's worth trying.

Background: We've just resumed summer pole vault meets. In that sport (and also high jump), everyone in the competition who wants to attempt a certain height has to do it while the bar is at that height. The bar never goes back down.
So it's very natural that the way to organize some groups just for practical purposes is by opening height.
However, a consequence of this is that vaulters of similar skill level are participating in the competition at the same time, without making any direct attempt to group by ability.

This is cool for me personally (well, when my knee isn't injured...) because there is no other obvious "division" where I'd be against anybody at a similar level. In "old guys," I'd be competing with folks who have vaulted their entire lives and are far better than I am. Younger males start out much worse than I am for a while, but when they start to get it, they rocket past me.
BUT the best high school girls are right around my level. So this grouping by opening height let's me see if I can beat some of them on that day. And certain of them seem very motivated to beat an old man (though others don't care at all).

Does it make sense for slalom? Not sure. But does create ability groups without much effort.

Horton

I do not think opening pass is a good way to make groups. It has little to do with skiing level.

LeonL

well if you've got a skier who can run 38, they're not likely to start at 15 off. However they could and then the plan is shot.

MISkier

@Horton and @LeonL, we have at least one skier here that can get into 38 off and will start one speed increment below his max and at the 22 off length. I have seen him start at 15 off on occasion.

adamhcaldwell

I like it.

Just stick to a 4 pass max off your average as a requirement for a starting line length.

klindy

I think @Than_Bogan 's point was it's a starting point. A simple way to set it up. I'm sure no way is fool proof. Let's not overthink things.

Horton

Why not just use USA waterski handicaps to make the groups? Average high score mean something but starting pass is arbitrary.