AMA dues had to at sometime go up. After all, everything else does.
The current AMA EC has been after Contest Directors for some time. After all the CD enjoys a certain area of supremacy that few others have the opportunity to do. On his Contest Days he, the CD, reigns supreme. He can make decisions, run the entire show, and is the BIG BOSS.
As a retired airline captain, I remember the authority of a Captain as the best part of the job. Of course the weak ones shunned their authority while the strong ones not only used it wisely but for the safety of their craft, crew, and passengers.
The strong, proficient CD enjoys basically the same authority and the large responsibility that goes with such authority. Respective Management has problems with such underlings, as management cannot control the daily endeavors of either of the AC or the CD.
Some years ago, CDs after the first year, and doing the job correctly, were automatically designated LEADER MEMBERs. Then the wonderful Ex. Council robbed the CDs of that simple little reward.
Several years ago some EC members wanted the authority to punish any CD -- on the spot -- for some EC Member's perceived wrongdoing. As one that about 1980+/-, had initiated the first program to assist CDs with their responsibilities, I was offered a chance to work on that project. Of course my study threw all the problems and solutions right back into the EC's lap. Of course, as expected, my study was filed in the round circular file.
A definition of a CD has been formulated that bestows shame on the AMA for it's simple rhetoric and lack of actual definition. In no way does it define what a Contest Director really is.
Without researching, some 3-4 years ago the EC VOTED to rename Contest Directors "Event Directors", I notified D, Brown that a change in AMA Bylaws would be required for such action.
He agreed the motion was out of order. You will not find any mention of the repeal in the minutes of any successive meeting, but the change was never enacted.
I have CDed 2 to 4 events per year for many years. I get a *free* membership, but donate well over a $100.00 to AMA's programs each year.
Now, IMO, the reduction for free active CD memberships is a slap-in-the-face to those people that work so diligently to do AMA's Bylaws prescribed objectives of promoting model aviation and all the stated objectives referenced to model airplane competitions, plus recognition of leadership. Why must these persons so willing to promote the sport be so continuously harassed by the AMA EC?
It is not the money. The money is NOT a topic of discussion. It is totally a matter of principle and recognition for service performed.
I do NOT support that action as prescribed by the EC. As in government, the EC finds the numerically lesser group and picks on them, because the majority membership will not hold the EC accountable for unjustly domineering the smaller unit.


Horrace Cain
AMA 539 CD, Leader
Candidate, Executive Vice President, AMA
NOW is the HOUR to place "OUR" back before AMA -- "OUR AMA"