The real experts meet in the jousting arena and test the prototype knights' helmets in action – using blunt jousting lances, of course. It soon becomes apparent which solutions are acceptable and which are not. The visor of one helmet jams after the first round, and another helmet is severely dented. The helmets that perform best are used to define the initial requirements for the standard.
A number of working groups (WGs) are set up within the technical committee. Each project is assigned to a working group. When a new topic is presented to the standards committee it is either assigned to a suitable group or a new group is created for the purpose. Experts work together on the text of the standard in the working group. The experts are seconded to the European working group by the various national standards organizations. They may present their own expert opinions, and unlike the delegates on the technical committee [see Space 11] they are not bound by the position agreed upon in their national mirror committee. The experts are however advised to check back with their national mirror committee, as their proposals may otherwise be rejected there at a later stage.
