As a SPA newbie myself, I have learned a few things... such as: don't try to remake the organization. They have a very specific mission statement and they tend to resist suggestions for changes to the "rules". SPA is not looking to "evolve" with the times. We're stuck in the 60's and early 70's and we like it that way. SPA members are a very friendly and social group, but don't "flame" the email group with off topic issues or inflammatory topics such as politics or religion. They will needle each other endlessly, but politics and\or religion, or arguments about changing the rules really frost some members. Go to as many SPA contests as you can. That's where the organization really shines.... I'm currently building a SPA legal model for the up-coming contest season (my first). Go to the website... they have lots to good stuff there. As I make more mistakes with SPA, I'll update my advice.

ChiefK