I wrote to Max:

First, I have nothing what so ever to do with the naming of the
"Flytec World Championship." I am just making the name of the meet known through
the Oz Report.


Second, I suggest that the best course of action would be to address with Steve
Kroop and Jamie Shelden why they have chosen to name the meet the "Flytec World
Championships." You and Flip may have something to learn from speaking with them
directly and not harassing me about their name.


Third, CIVL has already dealt with this issue previously ten years ago and now
automatically sanctions the Paragliding World Cup series. Seems to me that the
word "World" is a bit flexibly used by CIVL already.


Fourth, I certainly agree that the 200 people who give a fig should not be
confused about who is the "real" world champion.

Max wrote above:

I think it is really for you to decide this - remember that the
Code is only a set of guidelines. Surely the question is rather: Is there any
reason why the Director of the official Class 1 World Championship should not
observe the elementary ethical principles set out in the Code?

My response is:

Hmmm?! Now that you put it that way, of course not.


But, when you actually look at what the "Code of Ethics" says then it is not so
clear what one should do. The language is very imprecise and really refers to
"Conflicts of Interest," which don't seem to apply in my case.


What we need are very specific examples of behavior that represents a "Conflict
of Interest."


What I really find reprehensible (and unethical) here is Flip's implied threats
to me using his implied power as the CIVL President. Did he act ethically? I
don't think so. He should have dealt directly with Steve and Jamie and left me
out of the discussion totally. I still have not received his apology.

Max wrote above:

With respect, I think that literal interpretation of this
small-print will not move us forward if you reject the basic premise that, by
accepting a major job in a FAI-sanctioned World Championship, you are implicitly
agreeing to act in a way that is not detrimental to the aims, objectives and
ethical standards of FAI.

My response is:

Of course, I agree to act in an ethical fashion, but I agree to do
that every day of my life. For example, every criticism I offer to the FAI/CIVL
is meant to counter actions by FAI/CIVL officials that are detrimental to the
aims of the FAI/CIVL.

Max wrote above:

Flytec is a commercial company. It has no democratic right to set
itself up as a body authorized to designate a World Champion. As you or somebody
on your site rightly pointed out, this is a matter between FAI and Flytec. All
that Flip Koetsier was doing, as far as I can see, is pointing out to you that
you have responsibilities towards FAI as Director of the Class 1 Worlds.

My response is:

And what might those responsibilities be? To not make pubic the
fact of the existence of this meet? That seems to be Flip's contention. Do you
agree with him?

Max wrote above:

Let me ask you (Davis Straub the contest director designate, not
the OZ-Report Editor) a simple question: Do you accept that it is in the
interests of the entire world hang gliding and paragliding community that there
should be only ONE World Championship in each Class/Category, and that this
Championship should be the one that is duly sanctioned by FAI/CIVL?

My response is:

Yes, in both
of my roles.