Discussion: Possum Trot scoring system ?

We, the course setter Mike Shifman and I, are considering a modified scoring system for the Possum Trot http://ptoc.org/trot/ this year. In order to mitigate the stigma of DNF, we want to abolish DNF's.
Normally, you are allowed to skip 2 controls in the Possum Trot. We want to arrange the results by placing those who skip only 2 at the top, followed by those who skip 3, followed by those who skip 4, etc. What do you think?
The next problem is how to award points for the Possum Trot Standings http://ptoc.org/trot/PTStand.htm . How about having the top Possum Trot Standing score for those who skip more than 2 controls be 80 points, or some percentage of the average of the scores of those who only skipped 2?

- Dick Neuburger, Possum Trot Meet Director

I think the idea of making the PT open to those who may not be able to complete the whole thing (i.e. all but 2 controls) is a good idea and one that is more inclusive. It also removes the extremely levelling penalty of only 10 pts for DNF (skipping 3 or more) .

As for the 2nd proposal : a good idea but skipping 3 and having 80 pts is pretty high up in the ranking .. that corresponds to 14th place which is quite high in the field for this event.

I'm generally in favor of more lenient scoring to produce a more inclusive ranking/standings list. But is this event drawing anyone who is not a die-hard orienteer? Maybe it could be, and not having DNFs could (hypothetically) help broaden the appeal.

How about having the top Possum Trot Standing score for those who skip more than 2 controls be 80 points, or some percentage of the average of the scores of those who only skipped 2?

What about each additional control skipped yielding a deduction of 5% or 10% from the points that would otherwise have been earned. For example, if I skip 5 controls (thereby placing behind everyone who skipped 4 or fewer controls), I might place 35th, which would normally be good for 59 points, but this would be reduced to 100% - ((5 skips - 2 skips) x 5%/skip) = 85% of the normal value, or 50 points.

Should we take the concern about DNFs as a sign that this year's course is especially gnarly? ;-)

Beware.. the last PT at Bluff Woods (in 2005) we had over 900m of climb in 15 k (>6% ) so you will get your money's worth !

Wow, and I thought I took this stuff too seriously.

I think make the change if you want. I don't think it will keep anyone away who has experienced the fun of the Possum Trot weekend, and if it might attract some new folks, great.

I thought maybe you were going to change the overall standings and re-order them based on average points earned per appearance....

Nice try, Peter. I get to beat you at something, don't I?

I must say Dick, this is a novel way to publicize the Trot...asking some innocent, but controversial question on A/P a week before the event. Look at the flurry of spirited discussion, and from some of the luminaries of the sport, no less! Got to remember this gambit for our next Chicago event....

Works for relays, too...

Thank you for your suggestions. We will go ahead with the new scoring system, but have not yet decided on how we will calculate results for Possum Trot Standings. And yes...this event is especially gnarly!