Tournament nominations

[Casual Observer]

There have been a number of tourneys where people nominate then withdraw and in fact it is an ongoing issue. It stuffs up prize funds, affects sponsors (if tourney has them) affects squads and so on.

Why can't the following occur?

Nominations are only received with a non-refundable deposit that covers the prize fund portion of the entry fee. Once your nomination and deposit are received only then do you get to choose a squad. If you withdraw then the deposit is not refunded and the withdrawal does not affect the tourney prize fund. This would not only get deposits in early and secure prize money but it would stop people who have no idea if they are available or not from nominating for a squad just to try and secure a place in that squad in case they can make it. I know people are going to say that doesn't happen but it does.

Or, do we just leave it as is and have another system that doesn't work?

[Schmicko]

I think when most people nominate for a tournament, they have full intentions of attending, however, circumstances change and people sometimes have to pull out. And generally there are reserves to cover any vacancies.
If you enforce a mandatory deposit, people may wait until just weeks before a tournament to nominate.. Or not at all.
If I was a sponsor, I wouldn't be too excited to see half filled squads 3 weeks away from the event.
The more interest shown by bowlers at the beginning, entices more bowlers to be at the tournament, also, it gives u a better idea on prize fund.
Would you pay a seasons worth of prize money to your weekly league treasurer incase u pull out mid season because circumstances changed? Just so the prizefund doesn't change too much?

[Roysa]

I agree with Smicko.

Some people have work commitments that unfortunately require people to be flexible. If these people lost their deposit even once they wouldn't be inclined to nominate for future tourneys.

If the issue was that people are missing out on bowling due to drop outs from full squads then that's not ideal but if the issue is mainly reduced prize funds then the question has to be asks is it really a big enough issue to call for mandatory deposits.

[Casual Observer]

There are a number of issues, one of them being prize funds.

Even if the deposit became non-refundable a month out from the tourney or something would be better than it is now.

There is always a certain squad people all seem to want to bowl. It fills up in no time yet by the time tourneys come around a number of those people don't bowl. Squad choice should only be allowed once the deposit is paid. Fair on all. Let me put it another way. How many people don't go to tourneys because they can't get in the squad(s) they want?

Centres cater etc for these tourneys. Other arrangements are made based on entries.

There current system obviously doesn't work as it allows this to happen.

[JIMBOB]

I would believe it is up to the individual tournament to decide to do this. The tournament entry form can stipulate this as a requirement if they want to & I believe some do. On a side note I do feel sorry what has happened to Deano with all the late withdraws at Mildura. I'm sure it will be a goody though and hopefully won't deter him doing it all again next year.

[magpi17]

I am a bowler that this thread attributes to, I absolutely look forward to bowling tournaments and as such place my name in as soon as I can. BUT my position with my company does not allow me the luxury of a magic ball and as such there are times I am called out that require me no give, it may be to investigate an incident or conduct a breath test or just cover for a colleague that rings in sick at any ungodly hour. I do attempt to give as much notice as possible but nothing is more disappointing as having things packed and planned then getting that call.
On another tone I normally nominate in early squads and I am yet to bowl in a full squad!!
The thing I have found out in many circles is the lack of consideration for the shift worker, I have done shift work for 34 years, not the normal 8 hour shift but the anytime of the day for up to 12 hour type.

[mickyd213]

I am a bowler that this thread attributes to, I absolutely look forward to bowling tournaments and as such place my name in as soon as I can.

I don't think you're alone there Neil... I think that most bowlers would make every effort to make it if they put their names in but situations change which might or can't be controlled...

The thing I have found out in many circles is the lack of consideration for the shift worker, I have done shift work for 34 years, not the normal 8 hour shift but the anytime of the day for up to 12 hour type.

I'm in the same boat... 12hr rotating shift. We can't run short staffed as we are a major hazard facility and as such are pretty much on call 24/7. Sometimes we know in advance that cover is required but 90% of the time we are called and given less than an hours notice.

[CHIN]

I used to work afternoon/night shift every weekend for nearly 10 years. If I wanted a weekend off to go away bowling I woulud organize time off or someone to cover my shifts 2-3 months in advance so I could organize reasonable airfares and only then enter the Tournament. Wasnt that hard to do.

If your a definite starter wheres the problem paying a deposit to secure your spot. If you know you may have a problem getting time of work put your name down and take your chances of getting bumped to another squad if all the other bowlers in squad have secured there spot by paying there deposit.

When the last time there has been a totally full tournament with reserves waiting that didnt get a run, 199?. Senior tournament excluded.

[magpi17]

mickyd213
Yeah shift works a b, I'm a freight train driver but I'm also the depot trainer/manager so when it goes pear shaped I'm it.
It makes even the weekly leagues hard.

[magpi17]

This is fine on a rotating shift, I do not know what my shifts are until the middle of my second weekly cycle. If I had a rotating shift I wouldn't miss a single tournament or sports series but I can sign on anywhere between midnight and midnight and have a 8 to 12 hour shift, in my game there are no certainties but if I wait to put my name down late there's accomodation to book and travel to organize. in my position I am the last resort so if someone puts in for leave then I work.
Oh for the simple life!

I used to work afternoon/night shift every weekend for nearly 10 years. If I wanted a weekend off to go away bowling I woulud organize time off or someone to cover my shifts 2-3 months in advance so I could organize reasonable airfares and only then enter the Tournament. Wasnt that hard to do.

If your a definite starter wheres the problem paying a deposit to secure your spot. If you know you may have a problem getting time of work put your name down and take your chances of getting bumped to another squad if all the other bowlers in squad have secured there spot by paying there deposit.

When the last time there has been a totally full tournament with reserves waiting that didnt get a run, 199?. Senior tournament excluded.