I personally didn't think the Sportsman sequence was too hard. I think the goal should be to show up and make an attempt. I wouldn't stress the box too much on a newcomer, nor would I stress scoring very much. It is perfectly fine to get zeros. It was my goal during my first year to try not to get zeros. I didn't think about the box until later. Judges during my first year were awesome at giving me little pointers, and when I was ready they started bringing up the box. If eliminating the box in Sportsman really draws more people, then I am fine with it.

My overall thought is that if people are nervouse or scared, it's because we are sending the wrong message. Flying model airplanes should be fun. Going to a contest is a lot of fun when that is your goal. I had less fun last year because I was too focused on perfection and not getting there. This year I started off with lots of zeros in my first contest, but felt great about making wind corrections and just happy to be out at the field with a good group of guys. I personally would rather take a zero knowing I made good corrections but forgot to roll, than get a sloppy 6.

Our message to the new guys should be to just show up and give it a shot, and don't worry about scores or boxes. That was the message to me a few years ago, and it was the right one. I was told as long as I can safely take off and land, I am in good shape.