Hello FS Competition Lovers: Kurt Gaebel here. The NSL was mentioned several times. Please allow me to add bits of information. First of all, it is very encouraging to see how productive and friendly this discussion has been. It makes me feel comfortable enough to join. I have met with USPA representatives several times, officially and unofficially, with and without Larry Hill, beginning in 2001 when Alan Metni joined to help at a meeting in Eloy. I have always offered cooperation to advance the sport together. There was some success when we synchronized the dive pools between Intermediate and AA Class, plus Collgiates and A Class. It did not materialize in other significant moves. Unfortunately. The league directors and myself understand very well the difference between the situation at the USPA Nationals and the league structure. We know that there are several teams that just want to go to that one event and have fun. However, the situation has never been different at the NSL Championship/SkyQuest. There have always been "guest teams", which were very welcome and treated as well as all other teams, including NSL News coverage. Some "guest teams" had already competed at league events of the regular season and just did not qualify according to the eligibility rules for NSL medals. Other guest teams just came to compete at this one event. The only difference is the fact that the teams that participate throughout the whole NSL season can win NSL medals, the trophies and other prizes. We try to reward the busier teams for their efforts. Other participating teams just compete at the NSL Championship/SkyQuest and have the same situation as they have at the USPA Nationals. There is even nothing in the way to recognize the eligible winner of the NSL Championship as the NSL Champion (with all the benefits) and the overall winner as the national team. Of course, there is always the option to require the future national team to go through the whole season, which has many additional benefits. It would take too much space to explain all that. I just want to make sure that everybody knows: the NSL door has always been open for teams that are not officially eligible for medals, awards and prizes. Last not least, most of the teams at the USPA Nationals have already been competing in the regions anyway. The benefits of real competition practice is nothing new any longer, and all the teams in the USPA medal positions are obviously much aware of that. I don't think you would have to twist too many arms to make teams follow any additional qualification rules, similar to what the NSL has been doing. However, it is not necessary at the moment, it would work either way. Teams can use the regional league meets to practice or not, and then they can compete at the NSL Championship/SkyQuest - for medals, trophies and prizes - or just for fun. Hope to see many more teams in the future :-) Cheers, Kurt By the way: the NSL News and NSL-TV would be glad to cover the event in Ottawa next year. I hope we will be invited. I would also be glad to provide any input for the even management to make it a great 4-way and 8-way event.
