Late Entries

[John]

I have had lots of interaction with Tower Officials, Nomination Secretaries in relation to AIDKA Clubs.

One of the subjects that has arisen on numerous occasions is that of "Late Entries" and how they might be handled.

Most AIDKA Clubs have tended to have a "Local Club Rule" that historically accepted late entries and placed the drivers at the ROF for the 4 Heats and in the grid based on accumulated points for the Final.

Then came along a computer system that followed the AIDKA Rules and ROF was found to place the drivers ROF for the complete event as it related to drivers moving to a higher powered class.

So what is the answer?

There are ways to operate as per the Local Club Rule using the computer system but I am starting this thread for some discussion on the subject.

I usually ask why the drivers are placed ROF. The common answer is to deter the Late Entries.

A few alternatives to promote some discussion...

1. Don't accept any Late Entries.
2. Use the ROF for the 4 Heats and the Final.
3. Put the drivers in the draw as per normal but charge a late entry fee.

My comments to kick off the discussion...
1. Obviously Late Entries are not accepted for the larger Title events and drivers have learnt to get them in on time or miss out. For Club events we don't want to turn away drivers if possible but at the same time why should we place additional work on the Nominations Secretary and Tower Officials?

2. The grid draw takes no longer to complete with the drivers placed as ROF or in the grid but if they entered as ROF then let them be ROF for the 4 Heats and Final as a deterrent. If they do not like being ROF for the complete event it may be sufficient deterrent for them to enter on time in the future?

3. As mentioned the grid draw is exactly the same regardless of whether a driver is entered normal or ROF. If the Club is prepared to accept late entries up to a final deadline such as the morning of the event then why not simply charge a larger fee for late entries. This will benefit the club with the additional funds raised and not place any additional burden on the officials. If the drivers do not agree wit the additional fee then they may elect to enter on time?

For the records I don't compete but have had a lot of experience in assisting Clubs in this area.

Look forward to some good discussion and getting other ideas for you all.

[Kart 16]

I like the late fee idea. If drivers don't want to pay this fee they can opt to start rear of field for the meeting like as per usual. Could only be like 5 dollars that means a $20 nomination but I think that this is a good idea. Hopefully some clubs start doing it.

Obviously they wont be in the program as that is pre-printed but at least they will still be in the field.

Nice Idea.....

[tom]

The idea of nominations closing Monday is to give the clubs an idea of numbers.

This is important to plan the amount of food for the canteen, as well as what trophies are required.

I don't mind the idea of a late fee, just needs to be high enough so that people don't abuse it. If a club tried it and started at $10, and too many people were nominating late, they could always raise it to $20 etc..

[John]

I actually don't agree with Late Entries but can appreciate that some Clubs don't want to turn away drivers.

The suggestions I posted to kick off discussion are what I have often provided to the various Clubs that have contacted me.

When the computer system was implemented back in 2000 the WA clubs found that because the grid draw process only took a few minutes they accepted entries on the morning of the event. The problem was that the drivers started to all leave it until the last minute to turn up and enter making it an hectic time for the officials.

I am aware of the requirement to have the entries in ahead of race day so that printed programs and catering requirements can be managed such as ordering of food items.

I think that having the entries deadline on the Monday prior to the event is a good idea and I am sure that any drivers missing the event due to not nominating on time will generally change their ways for subsequent events.

The work done by the Nominations Secretaries, Tower Staff and not to forget Grid Marshalls is all made a lot less hectic if the nominations are closed ahead of race day.

Some Clubs feel that they are obliged to "pamper" the drivers but from the perspective of the officials associated with this side of the organization I believe that the responsibility to enter on time needs to be placed back on the drivers.

This has been pointed out in other topics but I must say it again. A lot of drivers do not appreciate the amount of work completed by "volunteers" prior, during and after race day.

Keep up the good discussion.

[Kart 22]

This is a nice idea.... The fee needs to be high maybe double normal nomination as this will stop too many people from just rocking up on the day.