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With just over one week to go before the 15th Annual BC Championship Forklift Rally we spoke with John Gilder who has managed the event since 2003 and asked him what sticks out as the most unique part of the event from his perspective."The differing ways operators approach the competition. Over the years I've learned there's more psychology to this event than I ever would have ever imagined." says Gilder, "For example, the order in which the operators compete. We allow them to compete in whatever sequence they wish and some interesting dynamics come up around this. Some operators just want to get out there and get it over with, while some want to watch a other operators go first so they can see the problem areas and refine their strategy."
"Both strategies have their pros and cons. For those competing early in the day they have less time to get nervous but they can miss seeing how others deal with the more challenging aspects of the course. For those who compete later in the day, they get to see how others deal with the course but this can also lead to them being too cautious or over-thinking during their run."
"Another interesting aspect is how people deal with competition, some thrive on it, others less so, for example we have operators who are great in the workplace but will get nervous in front of the crowd. Others who may not be as accomplished in the workplace but can tune out the audience can do better in the competition because they are more relaxed."
So how do all of these things affect the outcome? Is there a single strategy that works the best?
| Gilder states, "After the event each year I review the scoring sheets and written tests looking for patterns, ways we can improve the event, how operators performed, was there a question on the written test that everyone got wrong (or right?) and I've found there no single formula for competition success. What works well for one person doesn't work at all for another.
"I have found one constant for failure though," he says, "the competitor who comes to the Rally bragging about how good he is. Generally, those guys don't do well." |
"Actually, now that I think about it there is a constant for success, it's the quiet guys, they don't brag or make a big deal about things, they just get the job done. Those are the ones you have to watch out for." jokes Gilder.
The
B.C. Championship Forklift Rally began in 1997 as a venue to promote forklift skills and safety in a fun and competitive environment and is presented by the
Canadian Material Handling & Distribution Society (www.CMHDS.org), a registered non-profit industry association representing the Warehousing & Distribution community in British Columbia, Canada.
The
Forklift Rally is comprised of four divisions - Narrow Aisle Reach Truck, Power Pallet Jack and Sit-Down Counterbalanced (Electric) and Sit-Down Counterbalanced (Propane) with separate obstacle courses for each division being run simultaneously during the event. Competitors are required to manoeuvre through a precision driving course and are judged on time, course accuracy and tasks such as Forklift Basketball, Bowling & Soccer. In addition, operators are required to complete a multiple choice test based on WorkSafeBC regulations.
Winners are determined by combining the course time, the number of course demerits and the number incorrect answers on the written test. The operators with the lowest overall scores are declared the winners and share in
cash prizes of over $3500.00.
Date(s):May 5th, 2012
Venue:Cloverdale Agriplex
Contact for booking / more info:John Gilder - 604-999-2979 - Email:
Admin@ForkliftRally.comwww.ForkliftRally.comPhotos from previous year's events are available for download from www.flickr.com/photos/forkliftrally/Forkliftaction is a proud supporter of Forklift Rally 2012. Read all the highlights from last years' competition Here