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Walter & Group...
[GH] From Bill Kiester ...
Gordy,
If the intent of task 2 is to ellicit a "over your opposite shoulder" cast , Phil Gay, or a "across the body" cast Dusty Sprague it would appear the task wording must be more explicit. It is clear from her writings and her video tape that she can cast over her head with body lean and make the horizontal cast on the off side. A cross body cast is a much more difficult process at least for me.
I would not swear to it but when I tested for MCI with Dusty Sprague I think I used the Joan Wulff method.
Bill Keister
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[GH] From Dave Barron :
Gordy
As for task 2
I have tested candidates that have preformed the task 3 ways. One was to move the rod tip just over their head on the opposite shoulder , the other way was to reach across their body to the opposite shoulder and the third way was to lean at the waist far to the left (for a right hand caster). After they have preformed the task I ask them why they did the cast that way and ask what the advantage were to doing the cast that way. I then ask them if they can do it another way. What I like to see is the rod tip over the head on the opposite shoulder. I look for ease and confidence in performing the cast. I also see how close the candidate can cast to the ground or water without hitting the ground and water (this is not part of the task but I just want to see what they change to, to accomplish the task). I like to have them cast at vertical, 30 deg’s , 45 deg’s 90 deg’s (or waist level) and then at about 105 deg’s. I believe that is the way that you also test.
Dave
David Barron
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[GH] Dave,
Yes. My own practice is to accept either the cross body or the cross head method as long as the other stated expectations are met and the task is completed with ease as a good smooth demonstration as for students. I do so, because the exact style is not specified.
The cross body works because the specified distance is only 40 feet so it isn't difficult to achieve sufficient casting stroke and casting arc.
In my view, both methods are over the opposite shoulder and as such are, "on the opposite side of the body".
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[GH] From Ally Gowans :
Hi Gordy,
I think that when someone is tested to confirm that they are at Master’s level they should not be struggling with their casting. Instructors are often confronted by clients whose activity is restricted for one reason or another and they must be able to adapt their teaching accordingly.
Test 2 should be the least of candidates worries, if asked to demonstrate a different style of off-shoulder casting or asked to modify a style they should be quite capable of doing so. (And the same goes for all the tests).
Time and time again I have seen people present themselves for tests when they are not ready. My ideal candidate is the one whom I would have no hesitation in recommending to my most important client.
The other side of the coin is the examiner and like candidates they too vary enormously in experience and ability. This is not a criticism of the FFF it’s a more general observation from many years of experience with several organisations. Governing bodies have to take responsibility for these differences and as far as I am aware all of them are taking action to address it by re-certification programs, examiner training etc.
Finally there is the problem of personality clashes between candidate and examiners. This is a very difficult one to address with certainty and sometimes the personality argument is used as an excuse by candidates for performance that is otherwise lacking. A good candidate will be capable of displaying knowledge and ability to the extent that there is no room for doubt that they are of Master quality. This means that in addition to satisfying the specified requirements they know how to use that vital 3 seconds of first impression to sum up the examiners and adjust their behavior to “connect” with them and get the job done. The examiners must be capable of doing that too because as experienced instructors we must be able to relate to people from all walks of life and get the best out of them.
Best wishes,
Ally Gowans
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[GH] Ally,
To promote the idea of having examiners on the same "wavelength", members of the MCI Testing Committee spent hours giving demonstrations of the tasks at the Conclave a couple of years ago. The BOG's and several Masters observed and entered into lively discussions.
A recommendation was made to prepare a video rendition of these tasks. That has not yet been done.
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[GH] From Jim Valle :
Gordy and Group,
For all the MCI Candidates … keep things in perspective!
On all this Please keep in mind this is about teaching and how it looks to the observer regardless if it’s an examiner, a student or a crowd. This is not a hard task and it would seem to me that a master should be able to do this task in many ways, don’t forget as an instructor you may have to demo the students way and show the awkward and perhaps suggest a better option.
As an examiner I wouldn’t have a problem with any style however I might ask… can you do that another way? Or, how do you teach off shoulder? Or what are the advantages and disadvantages of each style? A master should know.
I would also add that in my experience it is never just one task that causes a candidate to fail, it is an overall performance that doesn’t quite measure up.
I just thought that some of this can be taken the wrong way or give the wrong impression which can add a lot of unnecessary anxiety to the process and by the time you get to the exam all of this has built up to an overwhelming insurmountable obstacle. So don’t psyche yourself out of a good performance. None of these tasks are impossible just a higher level of casting and teaching.
Hope this helps,
~ Jim ~
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[GH] From Bill Toone :
Gordy, as the chat group is going through the tasks on the Master's exam I wanted to weigh in. Not on the individual tasks but the process of becoming a master as I am afraid some will feel an internet discussion of the test or a particular task is sufficient for them to achieve their goal. While the chat group and it's discussions are certainly helpful, more is required for part of becoming a Master is the path of learning and self-discovery regarding the knowledge necessary. This includes ample experience: both in teaching and on the water, reading as much as you can absorb on fly casting by multiple authors, working with other CIs and MCIs, hands on work with a mentor and at least one run through of the exam in the presence of a Master or BOG (preferably some one other than your mentor).
There is a reason there are so few Masters. While some of this can certainly be improved by this chat group and the discussions that follow, it must be used in conjunction with the hard work, learning and discipline needed to achieve the goal. There is no easy path in the journey.
Bill Toone
Editor in Chief, Flyfisher
FFF Master Certified Casting Instructor
Instructor/Guide, Yellowstone Fly Fishing School
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[GH] Bill,
Agree !!
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