The Honour System
(Internet Published) Oct 2000
All Tippler contests are judged on educated guesswork, because no kit of
Tipplers can ever be under 100% watch for all of the specified time. They go
out of sight and only God in his infinite mercy knows precisely what they do
when they are out of sight. Me -Well, I accept a well-educated conclusion,
but after years of experience do not claim infallibility. In fact I make
about 20 mistakes every day and before noon. Example, I make out a shopping
list for groceries so as not to forget items, then find that I've forgotten
to put the list in my pocket! I sometimes forget to take the money!
On the official system, most of the watch is a matter of honour and educated
guesswork. No court of law would uphold the evidence of Tippler observations
under existing rules. Educated guesswork by an extremely qualified guesser,
I do accept. I have nothing to say about the unqualified witnesses. That is
political dynamite and I value my own health.
I could get the signature of a witness to the fact that I ran a 3 minute
mile or ate 33 bananas, or spat 25 feet against the wind - No! No! No! It's
all about honour and I do support the honour system. My rules are simple.
The contestant must swear that he has kept watch on his Tipplers. He has
reported his time of release and the time that his first bird dropped. He
must swear that he has not frightened or prevented his kit from dropping and
that he has managed to get all of them down and inside on that contest.
He must also declare that any man can visit him by appointment only to asses
the credibility of management and an exhibition fly. Therefore, the honour
system man has to accept responsibility for his claims and he must be
accountable and subject to investigation. I set an example and I do declare
that any man can come and visit me by appointment and see what I claim to be
doing. Such a man will be a very honoured guest if he comes unarmed and
alone. I do what I say I do. I don't need signatures and witnesses. I
couldn't eat more than 3 bananas and my spitting isn't all that good. The
official system is far more serious.