Sailors you'd like to punch in the nose

[Matagi]

Remember that this is where he is going to sail. At eye level.

To me that isn't even instant karma. That is future karma.

 

[jack_sparrow]

They simply need to have a more quantitative disabled selection criteria... like pensions should be handed out not according to age... but dependant upon the measured distance between your nut sack and the ground.

 

[wingsailor]

The ignorance and bias of individuals participating in this thread is overwhelming. Most have forgotten what their mothers or kindergarten teachers told them, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Especially if you don't know what you are talking about. It is better to appear ignorant and keep your mouth shut than to open in and remove all doubt.

I know Dee and can tune into the label "Bald Ego" and the fact that many folks may not like Dee. I know that for some people, he is difficult to like. I can understand this personal dislike many have for him. Over his 60+ years of elite level racing, he has kicked a lot of butts and may not have been gracious about doing so. I know many sailors who have received honorary degrees from the Antonin Scalia School of Law (A.S.S.O.L.) for their exceptionally abrasive personalities and Dee may be one of them. Some of these folks are the best racing sailors in the world. The point is that you can hate the individual but need to respect the individual's qualifications, achievements, eligibility and position.

If any of the people posting on this thread (who also seem to have received honorary degrees from the Antonin Scalia School of Law) want to know something about the qualification/Classification for the Paralympics, I suggest you review the information on the US Sailing web site: USSailing - Race - Race Officials - Classifiers The information about Disabled Sailing Classification on the US Sailing web site is virtually identical to the information on the ISAF (now "World Sailing") web site: Sailing - Sailors - Disabled - Competition Both these sites have "Master Lists" that post the level of disability of the athletes. The criteria for determining Class (level of disability --- 1 to 7) may be viewed by clicking on the Functional Classification System button. The Paralympic 2.4mR One Design eligibility requires a Class 7 (minimally disabled - MD) or lower Class. Some competitors are severely disabled.

Dee Smith had his Functional Assessment and Classification (Class 6 / Status R) assigned by the ISAF (World Sailing) Disabled Sailing Committee Classifier Panel at the ISAF World Cup in Miami. A US Sailing Classifier was present at the Functional Assessment and submitted the US Sailing completed classification forms to the Chair of the Classification Committee. There is no question Dee is a person with a functional/physical disability and is qualified to compete for a position on the US Disabled Sailing Paralympic Team.

The video interview is factually correct. Dee did not consider himself "Disabled." Lots of folks with functional/physical limitations do not consider themselves "disabled." There is still a degree of social stigma and bias against persons with disabilities in some cultures and in the hearts of some Americans. The Paralympic coach understood the criteria that qualified an athlete with a disability to compete for a spot on the US Sailing Paralympic team. What coach would not want the best sailor, with the qualifications and eligibility to race, to be on the Team? What real American would not want the best qualified eligible sailor on the Paralympic Sailing Team in Brazil?

 

[shaggy]

No one here is debating weather the qualifications put forth to be on the team are met(they suck, we all agree), we are debating the fact that a professional sailor (he gets paid to go offshore and do AC stuff) in the able bodied world, would have the gall and low morals to actually take the spot and solicit donations that could go to an actually disabled sailor. The fact that a legitimately disabled sailor could now be missing out on the opportunity to go forth and represent his/her country in the Paralympics is attrocious. The rules should be changed, but anyone dipping their toe in both worlds deserves to be ridiculed and booted in the nutz.....

 

[Dawg]

you guys would not believe how many out here sailing blokarts know about DD and what is going on. none have a good op about him

I met someone out here at the blokart worlds, who is a US director of a Paralympic Sport. They even know about what is going on with DD and Betsy. we will be talking and i will be giving them names and numbers to confer with. You never know who you will bump into.

There may be light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[Bcam]

What real American would not want the best qualified eligible sailor on the Paralympic Sailing Team in Brazil?

One whose momma taught him right from wrong.

 

[bigrpowr]

The ignorance and bias of individuals participating in this thread is overwhelming. Most have forgotten what their mothers or kindergarten teachers told them, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Especially if you don't know what you are talking about. It is better to appear ignorant and keep your mouth shut than to open in and remove all doubt.

I know Dee and can tune into the label "Bald Ego" and the fact that many folks may not like Dee. I know that for some people, he is difficult to like. I can understand this personal dislike many have for him. Over his 60+ years of elite level racing, he has kicked a lot of butts and may not have been gracious about doing so. I know many sailors who have received honorary degrees from the Antonin Scalia School of Law (A.S.S.O.L.) for their exceptionally abrasive personalities and Dee may be one of them. Some of these folks are the best racing sailors in the world. The point is that you can hate the individual but need to respect the individual's qualifications, achievements, eligibility and position.

If any of the people posting on this thread (who also seem to have received honorary degrees from the Antonin Scalia School of Law) want to know something about the qualification/Classification for the Paralympics, I suggest you review the information on the US Sailing web site: USSailing - Race - Race Officials - Classifiers The information about Disabled Sailing Classification on the US Sailing web site is virtually identical to the information on the ISAF (now "World Sailing") web site: Sailing - Sailors - Disabled - Competition Both these sites have "Master Lists" that post the level of disability of the athletes. The criteria for determining Class (level of disability --- 1 to 7) may be viewed by clicking on the Functional Classification System button. The Paralympic 2.4mR One Design eligibility requires a Class 7 (minimally disabled - MD) or lower Class. Some competitors are severely disabled.

Dee Smith had his Functional Assessment and Classification (Class 6 / Status R) assigned by the ISAF (World Sailing) Disabled Sailing Committee Classifier Panel at the ISAF World Cup in Miami. A US Sailing Classifier was present at the Functional Assessment and submitted the US Sailing completed classification forms to the Chair of the Classification Committee. There is no question Dee is a person with a functional/physical disability and is qualified to compete for a position on the US Disabled Sailing Paralympic Team.

The video interview is factually correct. Dee did not consider himself "Disabled." Lots of folks with functional/physical limitations do not consider themselves "disabled." There is still a degree of social stigma and bias against persons with disabilities in some cultures and in the hearts of some Americans. The Paralympic coach understood the criteria that qualified an athlete with a disability to compete for a spot on the US Sailing Paralympic team. What coach would not want the best sailor, with the qualifications and eligibility to race, to be on the Team? What real American would not want the best qualified eligible sailor on the Paralympic Sailing Team in Brazil?

go fuck yourself.

 

[Keith]

No one here is debating weather the qualifications put forth to be on the team are met(they suck, we all agree), we are debating the fact that a professional sailor (he gets paid to go offshore and do AC stuff) in the able bodied world, would have the gall and low morals to actually take the spot and solicit donations that could go to an actually disabled sailor. The fact that a legitimately disabled sailor could now be missing out on the opportunity to go forth and represent his/her country in the Paralympics is attrocious. The rules should be changed, but anyone dipping their toe in both worlds deserves to be ridiculed and booted in the nutz.....

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[Nick G]

The ignorance and bias of individuals participating in this thread is overwhelming. Most have forgotten what their mothers or kindergarten teachers told them, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Especially if you don't know what you are talking about. It is better to appear ignorant and keep your mouth shut than to open in and remove all doubt.

I know Dee and can tune into the label "Bald Ego" and the fact that many folks may not like Dee. I know that for some people, he is difficult to like. I can understand this personal dislike many have for him. Over his 60+ years of elite level racing, he has kicked a lot of butts and may not have been gracious about doing so. I know many sailors who have received honorary degrees from the Antonin Scalia School of Law (A.S.S.O.L.) for their exceptionally abrasive personalities and Dee may be one of them. Some of these folks are the best racing sailors in the world. The point is that you can hate the individual but need to respect the individual's qualifications, achievements, eligibility and position.

If any of the people posting on this thread (who also seem to have received honorary degrees from the Antonin Scalia School of Law) want to know something about the qualification/Classification for the Paralympics, I suggest you review the information on the US Sailing web site: USSailing - Race - Race Officials - Classifiers The information about Disabled Sailing Classification on the US Sailing web site is virtually identical to the information on the ISAF (now "World Sailing") web site: Sailing - Sailors - Disabled - Competition Both these sites have "Master Lists" that post the level of disability of the athletes. The criteria for determining Class (level of disability --- 1 to 7) may be viewed by clicking on the Functional Classification System button. The Paralympic 2.4mR One Design eligibility requires a Class 7 (minimally disabled - MD) or lower Class. Some competitors are severely disabled.

Dee Smith had his Functional Assessment and Classification (Class 6 / Status R) assigned by the ISAF (World Sailing) Disabled Sailing Committee Classifier Panel at the ISAF World Cup in Miami. A US Sailing Classifier was present at the Functional Assessment and submitted the US Sailing completed classification forms to the Chair of the Classification Committee. There is no question Dee is a person with a functional/physical disability and is qualified to compete for a position on the US Disabled Sailing Paralympic Team.

The video interview is factually correct. Dee did not consider himself "Disabled." Lots of folks with functional/physical limitations do not consider themselves "disabled." There is still a degree of social stigma and bias against persons with disabilities in some cultures and in the hearts of some Americans. The Paralympic coach understood the criteria that qualified an athlete with a disability to compete for a spot on the US Sailing Paralympic team. What coach would not want the best sailor, with the qualifications and eligibility to race, to be on the Team? What real American would not want the best qualified eligible sailor on the Paralympic Sailing Team in Brazil?

Agreed. I have raced with (across oceans) and against Dee since a teenager (now 57) and have seen him make some amazing calls that come out of nowhere. He may not be ingratiating himself with all of you but he has achieved a level of excellence in the sport we all love that the rest of us can only aspire to. Call him what you like, but he is one hell of a sailor!

 

[hobot]

The ignorance and bias of individuals participating in this thread is overwhelming. Most have forgotten what their mothers or kindergarten teachers told them, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Especially if you don't know what you are talking about. It is better to appear ignorant and keep your mouth shut than to open in and remove all doubt.

I know Dee and can tune into the label "Bald Ego" and the fact that many folks may not like Dee. I know that for some people, he is difficult to like. I can understand this personal dislike many have for him. Over his 60+ years of elite level racing, he has kicked a lot of butts and may not have been gracious about doing so. I know many sailors who have received honorary degrees from the Antonin Scalia School of Law (A.S.S.O.L.) for their exceptionally abrasive personalities and Dee may be one of them. Some of these folks are the best racing sailors in the world. The point is that you can hate the individual but need to respect the individual's qualifications, achievements, eligibility and position.

If any of the people posting on this thread (who also seem to have received honorary degrees from the Antonin Scalia School of Law) want to know something about the qualification/Classification for the Paralympics, I suggest you review the information on the US Sailing web site: USSailing - Race - Race Officials - Classifiers The information about Disabled Sailing Classification on the US Sailing web site is virtually identical to the information on the ISAF (now "World Sailing") web site: Sailing - Sailors - Disabled - Competition Both these sites have "Master Lists" that post the level of disability of the athletes. The criteria for determining Class (level of disability --- 1 to 7) may be viewed by clicking on the Functional Classification System button. The Paralympic 2.4mR One Design eligibility requires a Class 7 (minimally disabled - MD) or lower Class. Some competitors are severely disabled.

Dee Smith had his Functional Assessment and Classification (Class 6 / Status R) assigned by the ISAF (World Sailing) Disabled Sailing Committee Classifier Panel at the ISAF World Cup in Miami. A US Sailing Classifier was present at the Functional Assessment and submitted the US Sailing completed classification forms to the Chair of the Classification Committee. There is no question Dee is a person with a functional/physical disability and is qualified to compete for a position on the US Disabled Sailing Paralympic Team.

The video interview is factually correct. Dee did not consider himself "Disabled." Lots of folks with functional/physical limitations do not consider themselves "disabled." There is still a degree of social stigma and bias against persons with disabilities in some cultures and in the hearts of some Americans. The Paralympic coach understood the criteria that qualified an athlete with a disability to compete for a spot on the US Sailing Paralympic team. What coach would not want the best sailor, with the qualifications and eligibility to race, to be on the Team? What real American would not want the best qualified eligible sailor on the Paralympic Sailing Team in Brazil?

go fuck yourself.

Took the words right outta my mouth.

 

[Bcam]

The ignorance and bias of individuals participating in this thread is overwhelming. Most have forgotten what their mothers or kindergarten teachers told them, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Especially if you don't know what you are talking about. It is better to appear ignorant and keep your mouth shut than to open in and remove all doubt.

I know Dee and can tune into the label "Bald Ego" and the fact that many folks may not like Dee. I know that for some people, he is difficult to like. I can understand this personal dislike many have for him. Over his 60+ years of elite level racing, he has kicked a lot of butts and may not have been gracious about doing so. I know many sailors who have received honorary degrees from the Antonin Scalia School of Law (A.S.S.O.L.) for their exceptionally abrasive personalities and Dee may be one of them. Some of these folks are the best racing sailors in the world. The point is that you can hate the individual but need to respect the individual's qualifications, achievements, eligibility and position.

If any of the people posting on this thread (who also seem to have received honorary degrees from the Antonin Scalia School of Law) want to know something about the qualification/Classification for the Paralympics, I suggest you review the information on the US Sailing web site: USSailing - Race - Race Officials - Classifiers The information about Disabled Sailing Classification on the US Sailing web site is virtually identical to the information on the ISAF (now "World Sailing") web site: Sailing - Sailors - Disabled - Competition Both these sites have "Master Lists" that post the level of disability of the athletes. The criteria for determining Class (level of disability --- 1 to 7) may be viewed by clicking on the Functional Classification System button. The Paralympic 2.4mR One Design eligibility requires a Class 7 (minimally disabled - MD) or lower Class. Some competitors are severely disabled.

Dee Smith had his Functional Assessment and Classification (Class 6 / Status R) assigned by the ISAF (World Sailing) Disabled Sailing Committee Classifier Panel at the ISAF World Cup in Miami. A US Sailing Classifier was present at the Functional Assessment and submitted the US Sailing completed classification forms to the Chair of the Classification Committee. There is no question Dee is a person with a functional/physical disability and is qualified to compete for a position on the US Disabled Sailing Paralympic Team.

The video interview is factually correct. Dee did not consider himself "Disabled." Lots of folks with functional/physical limitations do not consider themselves "disabled." There is still a degree of social stigma and bias against persons with disabilities in some cultures and in the hearts of some Americans. The Paralympic coach understood the criteria that qualified an athlete with a disability to compete for a spot on the US Sailing Paralympic team. What coach would not want the best sailor, with the qualifications and eligibility to race, to be on the Team? What real American would not want the best qualified eligible sailor on the Paralympic Sailing Team in Brazil?

Agreed. I have raced with (across oceans) and against Dee since a teenager (now 57) and have seen him make some amazing calls that come out of nowhere. He may not be ingratiating himself with all of you but he has achieved a level of excellence in the sport we all love that the rest of us can only aspire to. Call him what you like, but he is one hell of a sailor!

Professional sailor - amateur human being.

 

[Remodel]

What real American would not want the best qualified eligible sailor on the Paralympic Sailing Team in Brazil?

One whose momma taught him right from wrong.

POST OF THE YEAR!

Well said Bcam.

 

[wingsailor]

"Professional Athletes"

Most of the people posting in this thread seem to lack a basic understanding of what it takes to be an Olympic/Paralympic level athlete. The US Paralympic Sailing Team is not a Junior High School popularity contest. Most of the athletes sailing at an Olympic/Paralympic level internationally are "professional" or semi-pro sailors. All these athletes are highly motivated, dedicated, focused individuals that spend an extraordinary amount of time preparing themselves and their equipment (boats). This focus and dedication is sometimes associated with unusual personality foibles. Several of our America's Cup skippers provide excellent examples, but then being part of an America's Cup effort/campaign is also not a popularity contest.

An Olympic/Paralympic campaign is a full time job. European athletes may have a government "job" or funding as part of the government supported Olympic/Paralympic team. Unless an American athlete is a Trust Fund kid, or dependent of a "One-Percent-er," he or she needs private funding to wage an Olympic/Paralympic Campaign and cover the rent while doing so. US Sailing provides partial funding (money for regatta expenses) for athletes on the US Sailing Teams. The members of the Teams and all athletes training/competing are on their own for general living expenses. Some American sailors work at companies (marine related or otherwise) that support their efforts and allow the time off for training and to compete at major regattas. A few, like Dee, are self-employed professional "hired guns" who pay for their own living, training and equipment expenses. Once an athlete makes the American Sailing Team, US Sailing kicks in funding for racing expenses and the athlete raises private funds to cover the other costs of living during the campaign. In reality, all Olympic/Paralympic athletes are "hired gun" professional athletes.

 

[wingsailor]

WHAT IS CLASSIFICATION?

With the exception of a few individuals, folks posting on this thread seem to lack knowledge abut the selection process for the US Disabled Sailing Team or one of the first steps, "Classification." If you are interested in knowing something about Classification as regulated/sanctioned by the International Federation/World Sailing - Disabled Sailing Committee and the American Governing Body/US Sailing before posting another uninformed opinion, read the following:

​

[SIZE=24pt]Classifiers, Classification, [/SIZE][SIZE=24pt]Class and Status[/SIZE]

​

[SIZE=14pt]Classifiers:[/SIZE]

Classifiers are the US Sailing Officials responsible for the classification of disabled sailors in the sport of sailing. Individuals with both medical and sailing knowledge such as Physicians, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and other allied medical professionals trained in the US Sailing Functional Classification System (FCS) for sailing are eligible to become classifiers.

[SIZE=14pt]Classification:[/SIZE]

The purpose of classifying athletes is to "level the playing field" and rank persons with disabilities on their function and performance of sailing tasks. This ranking of sailors is like the ranking of athletes in other sports such as weight classes in wrestling.

The US Sailing Functional Classification System measures the sailor's ability in order to:

• Enable fair and equitable competition at all levels, for mildly, moderately and severely disabled sailors;
• In some vessel formats, encourage crews of mixed disability, from mild to severe, to compete together and complement each other;
• Only measure functional limitations caused by physical disability;
• Not be affected by the sailing skills, training or talent of the participant.

[SIZE=14pt]Class:[/SIZE]

Classifiers perform a head to toe "Functional Assessment" of the disabled athlete's Range of Motion, Strength and Co-ordination using the forms and criteria found in the US Sailing Functional Classification System and Procedures Manual (the "FCS Manual"). The Classifier also observes the athlete as he/she performs a "Dock Test" followed by a "Sailing Test" and scores these tests using the criteria in the FCS Manual. Based on the score established using these Functional Assessment tools the Classifier determines a sailors total point score between 0 and 330.

The FCS manual divides these 330 points into seven (7) "Classes." Class designation from 1 (most disabled) to 7 (minimum disability) primarily apply to the Three-Person Keelboat format. This format does not specify gender but does set a total sum limit of fourteen (14) Class points for the three-crew persons.

As a general rule of thumb, an athlete with quadriplegia is assigned a Class 1 rating. An athlete with a high paraplegia (virtually no trunk stability) is designated Class 2. An athlete with a low paraplegia (has trunk stability) is designated Class 3. Class 4, 5, & 6 are designated based on the Functional Assessment score. Minimally Disabled athletes are designated Class 7.

[SIZE=16pt]Appendix A5 Rating Chart for Class, FA points and FD/FS points[/SIZE]​

US Sailing Functional Classification System and Procedures Manual – Page 38​

[SIZE=14pt]Class [/SIZE][SIZE=14pt]FA [/SIZE][SIZE=14pt]FD/FS[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt] 1 [/SIZE] 0-160 [SIZE=10pt] 1-10[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt] 2 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]161-205 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]11 - 15[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt] 3 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]206-240 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]16 - 19[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt] 4 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]241-270 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]20 - 21[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt] 5 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] 271-280 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]22[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]6 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]281-300 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]23[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt] 7 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]301-320 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]24[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Ineligible to compete [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]321-330 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]25[/SIZE]

​

The Functional Assessment test point totals determine the athlete's Class (1 – 7). However, the Functional Dock and Sailing Tests may be used to help determine the Class for athletes on or very near the break points between Classes. For example, an athlete with a high paraplegic disability placed in Class 3 (210 points) but a low score on the FD & FS tests (12) could be moved down to Class 2.

At this time, US Sailing permits sailors with a physical disability to compete, but excludes sailors only with intellectual disability. US Sailing recognizes that the Special Olympics offers athletic competition for athletes with only intellectual disabilities. The only sensorial disability allowed for competition is impaired vision (see FCS Manual Appendix A6). All sailors must have at least minimum disability, as defined in the FCS Manual, to be eligible to compete.

Disability solely due to mental, psychological, physiological causes, or pain, including the effects of aging or a physical condition such as obesity, are not considered eligible for competition. US Sailing National Classifiers will not consider these factors if a sailor also has a physical disability.

The disabilities of some athletes, e.g., double A-K amputee, do not change over time. The disabilities of other athletes may increase and/or decrease over time. The athlete's Class assigned by the Classifier is a snapshot in time and, over time, the assigned Class of some athletes will change.

[SIZE=14pt]Status:[/SIZE]

The US Sailing Classification Panel shall assign a “Status” for all "Class" designation points from 1 (most disabled) to 7 (minimum disability). US Sailing National Classifiers shall award one of two types of Status for sailors at the time of classification:

Class Status New/Review:

The US Sailing National Classification Panel shall assign a Class Status NR to First Appearance sailors that have an unstable or fluctuating impairment of function. This status is valid for all US Sailing National Events, however the sailor must be Re-Classified (Reviewed) by the US Sailing National Classifier Panel at the next US Sailing sanctioned event where Classification is offered.

Class Status New/Confirmed:

The US Sailing National Classification Panel shall assign a Class Status NC to First Appearance sailors that have a stable or non-fluctuating impairment of function. A Functional Classification “Benchmark,” such as an above knee amputation, is a typical example. The functional limitation is not expected to change. This status is valid for all US Sailing National Events, however the sailor must be Re-Classified (Reviewed) by the US Sailing National Classifier Panel at the First Appearance during a new Paralympic Quadrennium, where Classification is offered.

A US Sailing National Classification Panel shall assign Class Status NC to a sailor if an International Classification Panel has evaluated the sailor (during the current Paralympic Quadrennium) determined the sailor’s Class will not change by assigning an IFDS Status “C” (Confirmed) to the athlete’s Class.

US Sailing does not charge a fee for the National Classifier’s Functional Assessment of a sailor. However, the sailor must pay the US Sailing administrative data entry and master list maintenance fee of $50 before the sailor is eligible to compete. This US Sailing administrative fee is a one-time charge per Paralympic Quadrennium. No additional US Sailing administrative fees are charged for Re-Classification (Review) for the remainder of the current Paralympic Quadrennium.

Note: IFDS recognizes only Status New (N) for any sailor classified by any National Classifier and will require Re-Classification prior to the sailor’s First Appearance at an International competition, if an IFDS International Classification Panel is part of the event. There is no charge for the IFDS Functional Assessment however; IFDS charges an administrative fee of €50 Euros at the First Appearance in each Paralympic Quadrennium.

[SIZE=14pt]Summary:[/SIZE]

The main functions of sailing are:

[SIZE=12pt]· [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Ability to see while racing (vision).[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]· [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Operating the control lines and the tiller (Hand Functions);[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]· [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Compensation for the movement of the boat (Stability):[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]· [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Ability to move about in the boat (Mobility)[/SIZE]

Those functions are evaluated by any one or combination of:

[SIZE=12pt]· [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]A functional assessment (Functional Anatomical Test – FD);[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]· [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Observation of standardized simulated sailing functions (Functional Dock Test – FD)[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]· [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Observation of the sailor during competition and/or training and/or out of competitions (Functional Sail Test – FS).[/SIZE]

The main function of the US Sailing National Classifier is to perform a Functional Assessment of the athlete, then fairly and equitably assign the athlete a "Class" and a "Status."

 

[wingsailor]

Appendix A5 Rating Chart for Class, FA points and FD/FS points -US Sailing Functional Classification System and Procedures Manual – Page 38
The spread sheet in the post above did not copy properly - See data sheet below:

[SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=14pt]Class [/SIZE][SIZE=14pt]FA [/SIZE][SIZE=14pt]FD/FS[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt] 1 [/SIZE] 0-160 [SIZE=10pt] 1-10[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt] 2 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]161-205 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]11 - 15[/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt] 3 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]206-240 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]16 - 19[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt] 4 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]241-270 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]20 - 21[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt] 5 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] 271-280 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]22[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt] [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]6 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]281-300 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]23[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt] 7 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]301-320 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]24[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Ineligible to compete [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]321-330 [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]25[/SIZE]

The Functional Assessment test point totals determine the athlete's Class (1 – 7). However, the Functional Dock and Sailing Tests may be used to help determine the Class for athletes on or very near the break points between Classes. For example, an athlete with a high paraplegic disability placed in Class 3 (210 points) but a low score on the FD & FS tests (12) could be moved down to Class 2.

At this time, US Sailing permits sailors with a physical disability to compete, but excludes sailors only with intellectual disability. US Sailing recognizes that the Special Olympics offers athletic competition for athletes with only intellectual disabilities. The only sensorial disability allowed for competition is impaired vision (see FCS Manual Appendix A6). All sailors must have at least minimum disability, as defined in the FCS Manual, to be eligible to compete.

Disability solely due to mental, psychological, physiological causes, or pain, including the effects of aging or a physical condition such as obesity, are not considered eligible for competition. US Sailing National Classifiers will not consider these factors if a sailor also has a physical disability.

Now you know.

 

[Monkey]

The ignorance and bias of individuals participating in this thread is overwhelming. Most have forgotten what their mothers or kindergarten teachers told them, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Especially if you don't know what you are talking about. It is better to appear ignorant and keep your mouth shut than to open in and remove all doubt.

I know Dee and can tune into the label "Bald Ego" and the fact that many folks may not like Dee. I know that for some people, he is difficult to like. I can understand this personal dislike many have for him. Over his 60+ years of elite level racing, he has kicked a lot of butts and may not have been gracious about doing so. I know many sailors who have received honorary degrees from the Antonin Scalia School of Law (A.S.S.O.L.) for their exceptionally abrasive personalities and Dee may be one of them. Some of these folks are the best racing sailors in the world. The point is that you can hate the individual but need to respect the individual's qualifications, achievements, eligibility and position.

If any of the people posting on this thread (who also seem to have received honorary degrees from the Antonin Scalia School of Law) want to know something about the qualification/Classification for the Paralympics, I suggest you review the information on the US Sailing web site: USSailing - Race - Race Officials - Classifiers The information about Disabled Sailing Classification on the US Sailing web site is virtually identical to the information on the ISAF (now "World Sailing") web site: Sailing - Sailors - Disabled - Competition Both these sites have "Master Lists" that post the level of disability of the athletes. The criteria for determining Class (level of disability --- 1 to 7) may be viewed by clicking on the Functional Classification System button. The Paralympic 2.4mR One Design eligibility requires a Class 7 (minimally disabled - MD) or lower Class. Some competitors are severely disabled.

Dee Smith had his Functional Assessment and Classification (Class 6 / Status R) assigned by the ISAF (World Sailing) Disabled Sailing Committee Classifier Panel at the ISAF World Cup in Miami. A US Sailing Classifier was present at the Functional Assessment and submitted the US Sailing completed classification forms to the Chair of the Classification Committee. There is no question Dee is a person with a functional/physical disability and is qualified to compete for a position on the US Disabled Sailing Paralympic Team.

The video interview is factually correct. Dee did not consider himself "Disabled." Lots of folks with functional/physical limitations do not consider themselves "disabled." There is still a degree of social stigma and bias against persons with disabilities in some cultures and in the hearts of some Americans. The Paralympic coach understood the criteria that qualified an athlete with a disability to compete for a spot on the US Sailing Paralympic team. What coach would not want the best sailor, with the qualifications and eligibility to race, to be on the Team? What real American would not want the best qualified eligible sailor on the Paralympic Sailing Team in Brazil?

Sorry, but accomplishments don't mean shit without morals. Your friend has the accomplishments, but seems to need to recalibrate his moral compass.
Any respect for his past achievements has been lost, based on his current actions. Keep on arguing about technicalities, if you think that helps. It doesn't.

 

[Snaggletooth]

I woud paunch Ishmalle, riten the kissere, yeah, thast rite!

Ime am stikken with teh cleffere man from Fucctofino, bange zoome!

 

[wingsailor]

History of Classification - Not about rules for selecting the winner of a Junior High School Popularity Contest

Some folks posting on this thread have no concept regarding what Classification is, how it is done, where it came from and where it may be going. If you are interested in more than just posting ignorant, subjective, uninformed rants about the fundamentals of the disabled sailing team selection process, read the following. Then, if you want to post an stupid subjective rant (or personal attack), at least you will be posting a stupid informed rant.

[SIZE=16pt]History of Classification[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]IPC (International Paralympic Committee) Classification History[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Dr. Ludwig Guttmann founded Paralympic Sport as an extension of the rehabilitation process in the 1940s. Questions were raised in the 1950s about whether the sport regulation bodies should improve fairness by dividing sports for the disabled into Classes. This division would help to ensure equal competition opportunities for – at that time – athletes with higher and lower spinal cord lesions. The answers to these questions were the beginning of the development of impairment-based systems of classification. Sport classes paralleled the medical model of a rehabilitation hospital. The classification system designed by medical providers was structured with separate classes for people with spinal cord injuries, amputation and those with other neurological or orthopedic conditions. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The Paralympic Movement Authority allocated the athlete a Class based on their medical diagnosis. This Class was valid in all sports offered. Because of this medical stove pipe methodology, an athlete with a lower limb paresis due to a spinal cord injury was prevented from competing in a wheelchair race against a double above knee amputee - despite both having fully functional upper bodies with which to propel a wheelchair.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]Sport drives classification[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]As the Paralympic Movement matured, Sport, rather than medical rehabilitation, drove the focus of Classification. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]In the 1980’s, driven by the demands of the Olympic and Paralympic Games’ organizing committees, classification transitioned from medical to functional classification to reduce the number of classes in different sports. The Functional Classification System that evolved is still used in many Paralympic sports today. Only the medically based classification system used for athletes with [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]visual impairment remains today. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The main factors that determine class in functional classification are how much an athlete’s impairment impacts on sport performance. As a result athletes with lower limb paresis due to spinal cord injury are now able to compete together with double above knee amputees in wheelchair races. Despite both athletes having very different impairments, functional classification establishes the impact this has on either of them propelling a wheelchair is limited and about the same. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Functional classification is sport specific because any given impairment may have a significant impact in one sport and a relatively minor impact in another sport. For example the impact of a below elbow arm amputee in swimming is greater than in running. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Event organizers favored functional classification as it reduced the complexity of events. In 1989, the organizers of the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games – the International Co-ordination Committee of World Sports for the Disabled (ICC and a pre-cursor to the IPC) and the Organizing Committee - signed an agreement which stipulated that all sports at the Games were to be conducted using sports specific functional classification systems. This decision greatly accelerated the transition to functional classification systems. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]At the time of this decision, many sports had not begun to develop functional systems. Given the short timeframe and absence of relevant scientific evidence, the classification systems developed were based on expert opinion. Within each of the sports, senior Paralympic classifiers (including doctors, therapists, athletes and coaches) led the development of the new systems. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]Paralympic classification today[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Since the widespread adoption of functional systems of classification, Paralympic Sport has continued to mature rapidly. An athlete’s classification had a significant impact on the degree of success they are likely to achieve, and the concept of functional classification, based on performance, was questioned. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The Movement recognized the need to revisit classification and in 2003 the IPC Governing Board approved a classification strategy which recommended the development of a universal classification code, giving direction for the future of Paralympic classification. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The Paralympic Movement approved the IPC Classification Code in November 2007, which defines Paralympic Classification as “accurate, reliable and consistent sport focused classification systems”. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Future outlook[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The Paralympic Movement is committed to the development of evidence based classification systems, so that athletes who enhance their competitive performance through effective training will not be moved to a class with athletes who have less activity limitation (as they would in performance classification system), but will be rewarded by becoming more competitive with the class they were allocated. All Paralympic Sports and candidate Paralympic Sports must have classification rules and regulations which include processes and procedures to allocate sport classes that are in compliance with the IPC Classification Code.[/SIZE]

Now you know more...

 

[hobot]

Well, at least there's one apologist out there so Mr. Smith has that going for him.

 

[couchsurfer]

.

.....the apologist doesn't get it. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. <_<