The 2017 Worlds in Brasilia have two world championships, one for
the national team members and one for women. This is unusual. In the past when
there has been a separate women's world championships it has not been in
conflict with the overall world championships. It has taken place in the off
year and usually paired with the rigid wing championship in order to make the
combined championships economically viable.

This year CIVL has set it up so that there is now a conflict for women who make
their national teams. Should they fly in the World Championships or in the
Women's World Championships which are taking place at the same time and same
place with reduced tasks for women? They can't fly in both at the same time
because the tasks are not the same.

Now normally when we have women flying in our competitions we provide an
additional trophy as a way to recognize the women's achievements. They fly the
same tasks as everyone else. This is also possible in category 1 competitions.

In order to encourage and support women, teams coming to the Worlds can have six
national team members plus one or two slots designated specifically for women.
All the women can also score for the team or not based on the local rules. The
top finishing women would get a trophy in recognition of her skills and if eight
women from four countries participated, the top finishing woman would be that
year's Women's World Champion.

If women make the national team, that's great. They don't have to choose to fly
in a separate competition. All the pilots fly together and compete against one
another. The highest placing woman is the women's champ.

I would hope that CIVL and the meet organizers reconsider their setup and
combine the championships along the lines that I have presented here.