Re-igniting the Weight Class debate...

[Jeff Miller]

Of course the other way would be to just use existing classes and cut some out - I have a feeling that way would piss off people though. Some will be completely unaffected, while others will feel shafted.

ie 65kg,70kg,75kg,80kg, 90kg, 110kg, 110kg+
The 220's(100kg) might be pissed here? Any 220's want to answer this?
I'd be fine with this I guess (I'm an 85kg guy so it would affect me, but I could drop to 80kg if I had to).
This is similar to Eric Rousin's suggestion, but I added breaks in the low end - it's too big of percentage weight changes for those guys. The lowest weight is 65kg - might be acceptable - Will?

edit: The reason I prefer adopting the Nemiroff + 105kg class for example (or one of the others IPF, Olympic etc.), is that it is a proven standard, and everyone would have to make adjustments, so we'd all be in the same boat together. If we just arbitrarily cut classes from the existing system, as shown above, the people that lose their ideal class will fell like "Why me?!!" where as the lucky others have no change, which detracts from the overall benefit. Especially for those not going to Worlds.

[Jeff Miller]

I like this idea, but I'm wondering how much those attempting to qualify for a lower weight class would like it. Because luck of the draw can be a major factor, it could be discouraging to be eliminated by after two matches against heavier competitors. A lower claibre lighter weight puller could finish ahead when this probably would not be the case if the lower class was offered.

Agreed. That's why I don't like this. Everyone the same size as each other - now compete.

[Will Sarty]

Yeah that's a good point Jeff

[Eric Roussin]

Here’s a way I’ve come up with to fill up Team Canada for Worlds if different weight classes are used at Nationals. Hopefully I can describe it in a way that isn’t too complicated.

For the sake of the example, let’s say the Nemiroff classes + 105 kg were adopted for Nationals (63/70/78/86/95/105/105+ kg). The pullers who compete in these classes would be competing for a spot in the following WAF classes:

• 63 kg class competitors would be eligible for the 55, 60, and 65 kg classes at Worlds
  
• 70 kg class competitors would be eligible for the 65 and 70 kg classes at Worlds
  
• 78 kg class competitors would be eligible for the 75 and 80 kg classes at Worlds
  
• 86 kg class competitors would be eligible for the 80, 85, and 90 kg classes at Worlds
  
• 95 kg class competitors would be eligible for the 90 and 100 kg classes at Worlds
  
• 105 kg class competitors would be eligible for the 100 and 110 kg classes at Worlds
  
• 105+ kg class competitors would be eligible for the 110 and 110+ kg classes at Worlds
  

The first place winners of each class at Nationals would be able to pick any class they wish, among the classes for which they are eligible. After this happens, the WAF classes will have 0, 1, or 2 spots spoken for.

Then, the second place winners of each Nationals class would be able to pick among the remaining classes, starting with the 105+ kg second place finisher and moving down to the 63 kg second place finisher (based on the assumption that the heavier puller will tend to be a bit stronger than the lighter puller, and thus should be able to pick his class first). At this point, more classes will be filled, though a number of classes will still have one or two open spots.

Then, the third place winners of each Nationals class would be able to pick among the remaining classes, starting with the 105+ kg second place finisher and moving down to the 63 kg second place finisher (based on the same assumption as described above).

The process would repeat until all classes are filled. Competitors who do not manage to get a spot in their preferred class should mention their interest in case someone decides at the last minute to not go to Worlds.

This selection would need to happen soon after Nationals, and competitors should not be able to change weight classes once they commit to one.

Is this process clear? Could it work?

[Will Sarty]

That makes a lot of sense. Classes look sensible and should be full at nationals instead of 3 or less, espeicially in the lighter classes

[Jeff Miller]

Thanks Eric - nicely done!

[Andrew Grant]

The process is clear and it could work.

It may not result in the best team or everyone being happy. For example, the second place finisher in the 95 kg class may not be more deserving of the 100 kg Team Canada spot than the competitor that finishes third in the 105 kg class.

I think it would be neat to have everyone declare their intentions to attend worlds long before nationals. If we had a registry of those that actually wanted each positon on Team Canada then it may be possible to settle some of the disputed positions through other means, such as a supermatch outside of nationals.

[Eric Roussin]

It wouldn't be perfect. However I think it could be a process that best combines fairness with manageability. We'll have to see what other ideas are out there.

A team for Worlds needs to be assembled rather quickly after Nationals, and there may not be time to organize supermatches to determine eligibility. Would the supermatch occur at Nationals? If not, it would be difficult to expect two competitors from different parts of the country to meet up again soon after Nationals.

You're right, it would be fun to know ahead of time if people plan to attend Worlds if they qualify. I can say that for myself, I have no plans to attend Worlds for many years until my kids are significantly older. But I do want to try to get more National titles.

[Jeff Miller]

Once you follow the system through after nationals and find all the desired World's participants, all these people should have a meeting to discuss possible position swapping if any positions are disputed. The ball would be in the court of the person who earned that spot through this system. Most armwestlers I know are pretty nice and understanding, so this would probably go real well.

Andrews idea is good for registering the desire to go to worlds, and what anticipated class to compete in. This would help people strategize as to which class to enter to give them the best chances of getting to Worlds if that what his/her goal is. Or discuss with competitors/friends which class would be better to enter (a team mentality).

[Andrew Grant]

I'm thinking more about for the years when worlds isn't close by and there isn't a lot of interest, but it seems that we haven't been sending full teams to the worlds.

I was thinking that some of the disputed positions could be settled much earlier in the season. Often there isn't two people in each class that are actually wanting to attend worlds. If we knew this ahead of time it might motivate someone to step and commit to filling the position. Team Canada could be a lot stronger if we had a full team assembled well ahead of the world champsionships