2011 IWCA Membership Survey - Suggestions

Compiled by Byrn Watson

1. Have all shows use all IWCA Divisions/Categories

2. Have a handicapped level for challenged carvers

3. Promote more fish carving competitions

4. Bring the Michigan (North American) show back to Michigan

5. Expand the Web-site with tutorials and more pictures of carvings

6. More ribbons in novice events.   It creates enthusiasm

7. Help each show expand

8. After 3 or 4 wins carvers should bow out

9. More freedom on rules. Most birds are too much the same

10. A Chicago show would be great

11. Stay away from a Masters Class (too exclusive). Compete with the best

12. Judges should not judge their students work

13. Continue with the web-site and newsletter

14. Enforce the IWCA rules that already exist

15. Keep the rules simple and understandable so judges may use them wisely

16. There should be a rule that allows one person to carve and another to paint

17. A list of individuals willing to judge local shows would be helpful

18. Self-righting rule unnecessary for IWCA Style Birds

19. Self-righting, carved nostrils, raised wings rules should be eliminated.  No one can see them from a distance

20. Eliminate “home town” judging

21. Continue to provide uniform standards for all shows

22. Encourage new & existing carvers to enter shows by:

22 a. Providing opportunities to learn, free or low cost seminars, etc

22 b. Provide for all carvers work to be recognized (not just the big guns)

23. New point system for Novice and Int. Decoritive carver of the year. Song bird carvers at disadvantage

24. Better coverage to get news out about carving. More in perhaps unconventional publications

25. Comment section on web-site

26. For Carver of thee Year, limit award points to 3 pieces per carver per show

27. Less rules and support more classes

28. Open monthly question and answer section on website

29. Review rules for fish on base, resins, plastic and Plexiglas

30. Encourage more decorative carving divisions in shows

31. IWCA rules should accommodate regional styles

32. Open an expert level so less talented carvers complete against one another, not against the professionals

33. Show results should be posted on the Net. Competition Magazine only details with Best of Show in Open levels

34. IWCA should be using Facebook

35. Reach out to smaller clubs to help them

36. Use Apps for demos and carving instructions

37. IWCA & World rules should match up.   See about making this happen

38. Do not change the self-righting rule.  All decoy division to self right

39. Highlight that carvers must read rules and judging criteria

40. Get close working alliance with the Ward Foundation

41. Develop traveling show for Best of Show work

42. Find a place for Decoy Makers who don’t wish to compete

43. Promote with Decals & Patches

44. Acknowledge the collectors and sponsors that support the carvers

45. Keep politics out of decisions

46. Too wishy, washy. The rules are there. Stick to them or change

47. More use of web for communication

48. Keep improving the judging