UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS
Handicapping can be frustrating when you need a certificate quickly or want a certain handicap but do not know how the process works. The following outline will describe the process a Certificate Application goes through. This will give you a better understanding of how and why things happen.
TOC
Table Of Contents
THE STANDARD BOAT CLASS (not necessarily the same as the yacht at your club)
Processing or Changing Certificate Application:
Problems with Certificate Applications
Standard Boat Class
THE STANDARD BOAT CLASS (not necessarily the same as the yacht at your club)
The Standard Boat (as described in the Handicappers Manual) is the basis for the handicaps that are generated for each Certificate. This database consists of the Boat class eg: C&C 27, Standard Handicaps (FSSP & NFSSP) and the measurements, which can be obtained either from the manufacturer brochure or by getting the measurements directly off the boat. The measurements must include the J, I, E, P, Length Overall, Length Waterline, Draft and Beam measurements, as well as Displacement before a boat class can be added to the database.
An Initial SP Assignment must be established by a district, submitted by the District Chief and entered into the database before a certificate application with that boat class can be processed.
Individual Boat
THE INDIVIDUAL BOAT
Every boat is entered into the database along with specific details on the individual boat’s characteristics such as the Jib and Spinnaker sizes, and type of prop. This information is then retained in the system for transferability from one owner to another.
People
PEOPLE
Owners, handicappers and contacts information is stored in the database for use in generating certificates and handicapper lists. Mailing addresses, phone numbers, PHRFLO position and club information is kept on file.
Certificates
Certificates
The Certificate Application Form is the datagathering instrument used to get data on the Owner and Individual Boat and to derive an Adjusted Speed Potential (ASP) for his/her boat.
All the information and possibly measurements, indicated on the application form are entered into the DMS (Data Management System). From the Individual Boat Data, the program uses the Standard Boat Class information to calculate any adjustments that may be necessary. This process is exactly the same, as you would do if you used the Handicapper’s Manual to get an adjusted SP for a boat in your fleet. The only difference is that the outcome cannot be changed without changing the measurements given on the application or in the Standard Boat Class data.
Processing or Changing Certificate Application:
Only through a registered PHRFLO Handicapper can a Certificate application be processed or changed. The administration must receive a current application form from a handicapper.
New or Changed Certificates
Any owner wishing to apply for or change a certificate must use the Application Form to do so. All relative information must be included on the form to expedite processing. If the change is due to the purchase of a new boat, this must also be submitted on an Application form.
NOTE: For New Applications and New Boats areview of the Standard Boat List (SP List) is necessary to ensure the correct Boat Class is indicated. Many variations to the same class can cause an incorrect Boat Class being entered and a subsequent incorrect handicap.
Certificate Renewals
On or about February 1stof each year, PHRFLO administration will send each main Handicapper a list of expired Certificate holders for their Club. The Handicapper will be required to renew Certificates (which will be racing/renewing) for the upcoming season for their club online. Certificates renewed online will be held as “Renewal Pending” until the administration updates the main database.
Certificates
Once the necessary information is received, the Certificate information is updated and uploaded to the PHRFLO web site. Certificates are maintained in a pdf format and may be accessed/viewed by any Lake Ontario Handicapper.
Rush Certificate
PHRFLO may not be able to issue a cert for new class of boat if a completed application form is not received prior to 30 days before the event. In this case a “Rush fee” may be charged.
Problems with Certificate Applications
No Valid Yacht Class
If an application is received for a boat where there is no established Standard Boat class, the Certificate application cannot be processed. The Application Form will be returned to the local Handicapper with a letter asking that the vessel be provided with an initial handicap, and then resubmitted.
Lack of Information
When filling out the Application Form, keep in mind that the only information that can be entered is what is given from the boat Owner and/or the Handicapper’s measurements (the more information the better). Remember, even though the local Handicapper may know the vessel in question is a Standard Boat, PHRFLO does not.PHRFLO has to consider that all boats are different and must be treated as such. Also, by ensuring that the
Owner has confirmed all measurements prior to processing, we avoid unpleasant discrepancies when and if a handicap appeal occurs.
Standard Boat Info.
Standard Boat Information
Establishing or Changing Standard Boat Handicap:
Only through a District Chief or Central Council can a Standard Boat handicap be assigned or changed. The administration must receive an Initial Assignment form with the approval of at least 3 District Handicappers, representing 3 different members. Minutes from a meeting listing changes to handicaps will be sufficient notice for modifying a boats handicap.
If a Handicapper has a boat that requires handicapping, he/she should contact the local District Chief. The District Chief will arrange to hold a District meeting to have a handicap established.
It is advisable to come to a District meeting prepared with some information that can be used to establish a fair and equitable handicap.