Anachronist

Wow, there are so many citations for all that information I don't even know where to begin.

An ounce of judgement is worth a metric ton of experience in preventing (not dealing with) accidents. Particularly in a sport where good judgement is sparse. There is far too much emphasis on jump numbers and not enough on learning how to do things properly and safely. This leads to people feeling entitled to participating in activities that they will probably never be mentally prepared for simply because they "have enough jumps." If you use arbitrary jump numbers to try and classify ability the system has failed before it is even implemented. Focus needs to shift to attitude, training, and preparation; not "you've survived x-number of jumps so you're cool."

Good read for sure. I have some disagreements with imposing arbitrary jump restrictions as I've seen 500+ jump wonders that have a hard time tying their shoe without endangering someone else. And 100 jump folks with more than enough sense to start more complicated flying. But that aside, one thing that isn't mentioned is a true sense of accountability, if you live, there aren't really any consequences for your bad decisions beyond a harsh talking to (maybe) usually a soft talking to, and if you really really messed up you get grounded for the day. There needs to be harsher punishment for blatant stupidity and if you create a situation that was life threatening (above and beyond normal jumping) "Goodbye, you'll never jump at (insert DZ) again, you're permanently banned." And it needs to be much easier to get grounded for a day, or week, or month. There is too much tolerance for the chronically stupid, the careless, and the arrogant. It is the behaviour of this small group of people that is affecting everyone else, so get rid of them.

More and more regs won't save stupid people from being stupid. Don't punish the masses because of the transgressions of a few. I know many 200+ jump retards that I wouldn't dare fly with. There is far too much emphasis on jump numbers in this sport and not enough on common sense and competence. But common sense and competency can't be logged in a cute little binder so that is out the window for most, unfortunately.