Well here we are again, the continual discussion on what can be done to revive sound quality competition in Australia.

There have been a number of attempts to develop formats in recent times in this country. The funny thing is, there doesn't seem to be a shortage of enthusiastic members of the industry and even enthusiasts wanting to compete.

So, why can we not get it going? I believe the answer is simple. Not enough support from the retailers to host events, everyone running around putting their time and effort into developing their own unique formats, and not enough time getting on with organising events and simply making it happen.

What we need to do is simply band together and make this happen! I personally do not care what the format is named or who developed the judging format. It shouldn't be about the fame and glory some people want to attract for getting the scene going again, which to some appears the priority.

Grant Stapelton and Bruce Emblin developed a format that was given to CAAASCA to use, which was a simple back to basics approach. Exactly what was needed, however we still cannot get enough events to give the format a kick start.

I make this invitation to the following people especially to join in this forum and see if we can get some discussion happening.

Grant Stapleton, Bruce Emblin, Sen Yee, Bill Hanson, Bill Leighton, Neil Matthews, Damon Dupriez, Representatives from the major car shows, Chris D'Rozario, Michael Suckling, and any other ex-IASCA / CAN people.

And for the record, one of the above referred to CAAASCA [CAASQ] volunteers as "overpaid know-all tryhards". Firstly, CAAASCA volunteers are unpaid, with only their expenses covered. They are not tryhards, they are all enthusiastic motivated and trained judges who are simply getting off their arses to make it happen. Something that if we all do, the sound quality scene in Australia will be revived and possibly even begin thriving like in the days of early IASCA and CAN.

With some banding together of many of the above people, working together with Australia's car show scene, the support of the retailers, and especially the support of the enthusiasts, we CAN make this happen.

I'm interested to hear from people what they think the first priority is in reviving the competition again?

Examples of topics that need discussing:
Format - settling on one of the many available?
Organisation - which existing group to run and maintain the management, or the formation of an entirely new organisation?
Location of events - purely at rotating retail outlets around the country, or only the major car shows?

Let the discussions begin.

[ August 03, 2003, 11:52: Message edited by: Marc R ]

I don't really know who or if this would work, but can we organise a meeting in each state with invitations sent out to these guys (and competitors, contacts taken from IASCA members etc) minutes taken and collated.

At these meetings discuss:

- Level of interest within the industry (retail,
manufacturers and event organisers).

- Format adopted (inc classes, need a list of formats including rules books etc).

- Proposed calendar (how many events etc)

- Zones (if required, maybe not at first, possibly we need a revised set of rules for more remote or country areas)

- Cost impications (someone shoud even draft some sort of "business plan")

We need:

- A national organisation which breaks up into states, and if required zones within the states (city / country), and enthusiastic voluneers under these people.

- EQUIPMENT.

- TO ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING..

Great suggestions XHELL, a good idea.
I am happy to volunteer myself to look after Victoria and co-ordinate this.

As I said, I don't personally care whether it is the existing [CAASQ] format that is used, as long as it is a format that has the support of competitors.

I do however think that CAA would be best suited to the management and co-ordination of what ever it is that may come out of these meetings.

If we can get a loyal volunteer in each state to start working together, share our contacts and organise a meeting, we are taking a step forward. I am happy to begin organising the first Victorian meet if people think this is the right way to go?

For a start, y not include an SQ Comp in your store opening. I was dissapointed to see only SPL

Because there is simply not enough time to organise it unfortunately.

SQ requires far more promotion at the moment than [CAAdB] SPL competition, and with the CAA Meet on the Friday night, setup on saturday, grand opening Saturday night, and [CAAdb] on sunday.....where would it fit in

On top of that the car park is not big enough to accomodate both at once I think.

Hmmm i dont know much about the old sq formats as i wasnt even a licenced driver back then...but from what i have read and heared if sq is to be revived its needs a totally new identity with a totally new set of rules (such as caasq) to try and get away from any blood that was spilled in the past. Even as a sq newbie i found the caasq rules easy to understand, follow and adhear to

Totally agree with you... I find the rules easy to understand too, but i should think that the fire-estinguisher bit is a bit too much IMO.