Questions about 2010 Nationals

[Neff]

I have two things I'd like to discuss about Nationals 2010 with regard to the Spin Top freestyles.

1)  Am I correct that in past years the freestyles are open to fixed or bearing?  Possibly in part because of a lack of competitors?  I could (and will) write why I think it would be much better to have two divisions like at Worlds.  Before I go into that, I wanted to confirm that's the way it is, what general consensus is about it, and who's the person in charge that would listen to requests for a change?

2)  Playing surface.  It was discussed in a previous thread bringing puzzle mats for the competition.  I am way so in favor of bringing our own surface, just not that surface.  I bought some puzzle mats for my basement and I quickly put them back in the box.  When a top lands sideways, even at medium speed, it shoots off very fast.  So i'm imagining that surface on the Chico stage, and a top landing sideways could get damaged anyway because it will shoot WELL BEYOND the playing surface, or even at a person, or heaven forbid, A JUDGE. 

So, carpet? A low pile carpet? Carpet does has disadvantages - if the player drops the top but it's still spinning on the ground, carpet significantly reduces the precious time the player has to "save" it and keep going.  Still, I think carpet is the lesser of the three evils (concrete being the third).  Obviously, nobody is going to take a roll of carpet with them on a plane, so I was thinking about purchasing carpet in Chico and donating it to Bob, if he has a place to store it.  We could of course discuss size and type of carpet, but I'm not sure if anybody agrees?

[ta0]

Last year was the first time that Worlds was divided into two divisions, with two titles. Before that there was only one freestyle and you were free to use whatever combination of fixed tip and bearing tip tops you wanted. The idea was to do the same with Nats but because of some "logistics" (few competitors, one traveling trophy, one spintop nats champions-display trophy at the yo-yo museum) it was decided to have an overall national champion, even though 1st, 2nd and 3rd places were to be given in each style. I think the idea is that as the sport evolves there may even be more divisions, like has happened with yo-yos.

There is talk of having our own mini-stage separate from the yo-yo competition at worlds. There are two reasons for this. First, each year there is less stage time available as yo-yos take more time. Second, we have different requirements such as tops not liking concrete.

Alan is the contest boss right now but I think we are all open to suggestions, specially now that there is plenty of time.

[Neff]

There is talk of having our own mini-stage separate from the yo-yo competition at worlds.

I saw discussion of this about nationals, but at worlds too?

I think I generally see both sides of the coin regarding two divisions versus one.
One division:  Supreme Ruler of Top Spinning easily defined, stage time easier to fit into yo-yo contest.
Two divisions:  Judging not so apples and oranges, more stage time for tops!

I really like the idea of two divisions with 1st 2nd & 3rd, and for those that compete in both, best cumulative score = Supreme Ruler of Top Spinning.

[ta0]

There is talk of having our own mini-stage separate from the yo-yo competition at worlds.

I saw discussion of this about nationals, but at worlds too?

Sorry, I meant Nationals not Worlds.
In fact, a few weeks ago Dale told me he wanted to discuss this with Alan.

[ta0]

Last year there was at least one request to change the format at the last moment. It is now the time to suggest changes. I specially would like to hear from any potential competitors at either nats or worlds (e.g., Mike, Darren, Mark, John, etc). Thanks!

[Darren Kim]

I like the idea of "padding" the stage, and I like the idea of our own stage, because it seems like yo-yo takes up 99% of the time any ways, and that would allow us to perform on our time.
The different divisions is cool.

[Neff]

Thanks for the input!  I hope more people give their two cents on this, whether they plan to compete or not.

[the Earl of Whirl]

Yes, rubber pads/mats on the stage mean the top will hit them and fly off.  I like putting an inexpensive indoor/outdoor carpet on the mats.  This keeps the tops from flying off and still gets some cushion to protect the tops.  I know this just adds to all the set up.  Sorry.

It's too bad that the nationals don't seem to care much about tops.  They seem to go with what has the most interest.  Maybe they will pay more attention to us if we show them that there are more contestants? 

[Neff]

I guess it would add to set-up Mike but it would be lighter and more portable than a roll of carpet or a stack of carpet tiles.  It would protect the tops better too.  I've got 24 2'x2' puzzle mats that look like the image below that I could donate to the cause.


Mike, what do you think about two divisions?

[jim in paris]

hi folks
you know i won't be there either for worlds or nats........///////

material
i would go for buying a piece of carpet on the spot
the ones used in exhibits and so on , are really thin and often come coated with a transparent plastic for protection before use
thats at the same time soft enough to absorb a strong shock and flat enough for getting the top back from the floor
comp
nothing much  to say about a comp in which spinning top is considered mostly as a sport : the rules go with that idea and 2 divisions seem the right option considering today's level
besides that : a sport ladder is a must
and why not a AP category with show , accessories,big tops , costume,rascals, and etc.... i'm sure mike could act the blond topcycle



my 2 euros
(§ 1.3913 against euro = dollar up,euro down )


jim

[Watts' Tops]

Just two questions--  Where and When?  If at all possible, I would love to be at the Nationals but do not have the required info.

[Neff]

Nationals is usually the first weekend of October in Chico, California.
Worlds is usually in mid-August in Orlando, Florida.

[Dick Stohr]

Web site for Worlds 
http://www.worldyoyocontest.com/

Web site for US National
http://www.nationalyoyo.org/contest/index.htm

[the Earl of Whirl]

Chris,

I don't mind two divisions.  I was surprised that we didn't have more participants in each division.  Maybe this year will be different?

I also have those same mats.  They seem to work out pretty well, imho.

[Spinningray]

I spoke with Thad today about some ideas for the 2010 National Spin Top Contest.

He is looking into the possibility of creating a wooden platform 12' x 8' (three 4x8 sheets of plywood) supported by 2x4's and then covered with outdoor carpeting (minimal cost). It could be located opposite of the main stage. The small stage area would serve as the backdrop. This would be the official location of the yo-yo ladder, spin top trick list, diabolo freestyles, and spin top freestyles. The one-minute qualifying freestyles could also be held there (if required). There would be a defined schedule so that people would know when to watch the events that interest them and the contestants would know when they need to be ready to perform. The platform could be stored at the Bird in Hand warehouse for use every year. The sound system could be a boom box under the judges table. We would need a volunteer to run the timer and music.

I think having two freestyle divisions (fixed tip and bearing tip) is still appropriate.  We found that the fixed tip freestyles from Worlds and Nationals last year scored consistently higher than the bearing tip freestyles. One-way bearing tops will only be allowed in the fixed tip division since you can add spin to the top. We may need to create a one-way bearing tip division someday if they become popular.
There will be 6 freestyle medals available. Three places for each division. The person with the highest combined scores (fixed and bearing) will be the National Spin Top Champion and receive a trophy cup, the National Spin Top Contest Top (10" traveling trophy top), and have their name engraved on the museum trophy. If spin tops ever become popular enough, we may need to have separate trophies in the museum.

The spin top trick list division will continue to be "pick your trick" format. I'm still not sure of the age divisions. There were some last minute changes last year. I will make sure we have that nailed down in the next couple of months and have Thad get the website updated early this year. Hopefully, 2010 will be the best contest yet.

I am always open to any comments or suggestions. Anything we can do to make the contest more fun and less stressful will help participation.