Ban Tourney Directors from AZB
- Thread starter JumpinJoe
- Start date
Hmmm...
I've run many a tournament for my local pool hall without ever receiving much more than a thank you from the proprietor or the patrons. I've exclusively done it because I love the sport we play and want to do as much as I can to promote the future of the games we all love.
Unfortunately, I have to agree with you that most tournament directors are just another set of vampiric teeth sucking all they can out of the game and it's players at every opportunity. I don't know of many tournaments above the local level that don't have roughly 1/4th of the paid entries being placed in the pockets of directors for "running" the tournaments or room owners via greens fees. It's a sad state that is rapidly killing off the amatuer level competitor's tournament chances.
Running a tournament isn't hard work! It can be monotonous and a bit stressful at times, but in no way does it warrant receipt of 25% of all paid entries IMO. I believe if payment in any form is expected that it should be taken care of as a business transaction between the room owner and the director without ever even considering taking any of the tournament entry fees away from the competitors prize funds.
Oh well, opinions are basically worthless unless they envoke thought from a reader. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree, I hope this gets your wheels turning and maybe brings about some change in the ol' tourney business. When I see "regional" level events with less than 16 players and payouts that don't even cover expenses for the "winners" it makes me realize that a change is in order for sure!
Take care and happy hunting folks...
Edit: Oh thanks Joe, now nobody will ever know why I wrote this novel! LOL Oh well, I typed it so I'm leavin' it!
I've run many a tournament for my local pool hall without ever receiving much more than a thank you from the proprietor or the patrons. I've exclusively done it because I love the sport we play and want to do as much as I can to promote the future of the games we all love.
Unfortunately, I have to agree with you that most tournament directors are just another set of vampiric teeth sucking all they can out of the game and it's players at every opportunity. I don't know of many tournaments above the local level that don't have roughly 1/4th of the paid entries being placed in the pockets of directors for "running" the tournaments or room owners via greens fees. It's a sad state that is rapidly killing off the amatuer level competitor's tournament chances.
Running a tournament isn't hard work! It can be monotonous and a bit stressful at times, but in no way does it warrant receipt of 25% of all paid entries IMO. I believe if payment in any form is expected that it should be taken care of as a business transaction between the room owner and the director without ever even considering taking any of the tournament entry fees away from the competitors prize funds.
Oh well, opinions are basically worthless unless they envoke thought from a reader. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree, I hope this gets your wheels turning and maybe brings about some change in the ol' tourney business. When I see "regional" level events with less than 16 players and payouts that don't even cover expenses for the "winners" it makes me realize that a change is in order for sure!
Take care and happy hunting folks...
Edit: Oh thanks Joe, now nobody will ever know why I wrote this novel! LOL Oh well, I typed it so I'm leavin' it!
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You know, I'm in this to promote pool as well but the sponsors don't fork out money to help with expenses they just donate product.
With me though, I don't take any percentage of the auction and I'll I do take is $10 per player. Nothing else!
What sucks is when the poolroom doesn't help advertise. I've drove to a few tournaments last year just for an 11 or 12 player tournament. So those tournaments I went in the hole. When pool room owners call me to do a tournament. They know I do a good job and I advertise all I can. To me time is money and with gas at almost 4.00/ gallon... Well you see my point
With me though, I don't take any percentage of the auction and I'll I do take is $10 per player. Nothing else!
What sucks is when the poolroom doesn't help advertise. I've drove to a few tournaments last year just for an 11 or 12 player tournament. So those tournaments I went in the hole. When pool room owners call me to do a tournament. They know I do a good job and I advertise all I can. To me time is money and with gas at almost 4.00/ gallon... Well you see my point
Ouch!
Yeah puttin' yourself out like that and then losing money on the deal is harsh to say the least. Everyone is tryin' to get by with this horrid economy we are stuck in and the effects are showing up in the limited tournament fields everywhere. The worst part about it is that after everyone takes their little piece of the pie from the entries what's left for the players? Basically nothin'! I stopped playing in the larger regional events because of the financial drain and unpredictablity of it. The last tournament I went to had roughly 100 entrants, yet if you didn't place in the 7th/8th tie or above you had absolutely no way of making a dollar! It used to be the "gamblers" who I thought had more heart and fortitude, but with the situations nowadays I believe it's been totally reversed. Ya gotta have balls of steel to drive a substancial distance, pay for room/board for three days, take down 8 or more stone cold champions all to make a few hundred bucks? Now that's what I call gamblin'! Oh well, I guess I've finally become what I hate...a nit! :thumbup:
I hope the scene turns around for you and everyone else's sake for sure. Best of luck and thanks for your efforts to make a difference as well!
Yeah puttin' yourself out like that and then losing money on the deal is harsh to say the least. Everyone is tryin' to get by with this horrid economy we are stuck in and the effects are showing up in the limited tournament fields everywhere. The worst part about it is that after everyone takes their little piece of the pie from the entries what's left for the players? Basically nothin'! I stopped playing in the larger regional events because of the financial drain and unpredictablity of it. The last tournament I went to had roughly 100 entrants, yet if you didn't place in the 7th/8th tie or above you had absolutely no way of making a dollar! It used to be the "gamblers" who I thought had more heart and fortitude, but with the situations nowadays I believe it's been totally reversed. Ya gotta have balls of steel to drive a substancial distance, pay for room/board for three days, take down 8 or more stone cold champions all to make a few hundred bucks? Now that's what I call gamblin'! Oh well, I guess I've finally become what I hate...a nit! :thumbup:
I hope the scene turns around for you and everyone else's sake for sure. Best of luck and thanks for your efforts to make a difference as well!
Running Tournaments and Leagues is a truly thankless job, and gets overlooked by all.
Most Players think you are here for their pleasure and benefit, without understanding the time, effort and commitment that is required to becoming a routine Operator to promote the games.
I have been doing most of our tourney's (York, Pa) for free, but have been requesting that the establishment for which I am bringing business to with our events, at the very least, cover my food and drinks.
That is until recently.
I am to the point that a charge fee is necessary. I mean, in all likelihood, we are one day employees of the establishment - promoting and turning a profit in their registers.
My only concern with charging the establishment a fee is, after accepting it, am I still allowed to compete in the event.
If I accept payment, does that make me ineligible?
I will NEVER take money from the purse or auction ... that is 100% reserved for the event. However, a flat fee, or greens fee is appropriate.
Most Players think you are here for their pleasure and benefit, without understanding the time, effort and commitment that is required to becoming a routine Operator to promote the games.
I have been doing most of our tourney's (York, Pa) for free, but have been requesting that the establishment for which I am bringing business to with our events, at the very least, cover my food and drinks.
That is until recently.
I am to the point that a charge fee is necessary. I mean, in all likelihood, we are one day employees of the establishment - promoting and turning a profit in their registers.
My only concern with charging the establishment a fee is, after accepting it, am I still allowed to compete in the event.
If I accept payment, does that make me ineligible?
I will NEVER take money from the purse or auction ... that is 100% reserved for the event. However, a flat fee, or greens fee is appropriate.
I run two tourneys at a bar in West Phoenix.
Thursday 9-ball and Friday 8-ball.
I dont get paid per se (free bar tab), but all the money from the players goes into the prize fund, and the owners add 100% to it.
I also pay additional slots that most tourneys dont, and limit it to 24 players since there are only 2 tables. We get between 20 and 24 on the Friday tourneys.
I have a few locals (the ones who think they should win every week) whine and complain on how I run the tourney. However, most people who come from elsewhere to play say I do a great job, especially since I don't require you to be at the table sitting and waiting for your turn. If you are out back in the huge outdoor section of the bar, I will go and find you.
The reason I like running this tourney is because its not cut-throat, but we still have good players come and they enjoy the competition, the live band, and its something extra to do with a GF/BF on a Friday night.
Thursday 9-ball and Friday 8-ball.
I dont get paid per se (free bar tab), but all the money from the players goes into the prize fund, and the owners add 100% to it.
I also pay additional slots that most tourneys dont, and limit it to 24 players since there are only 2 tables. We get between 20 and 24 on the Friday tourneys.
I have a few locals (the ones who think they should win every week) whine and complain on how I run the tourney. However, most people who come from elsewhere to play say I do a great job, especially since I don't require you to be at the table sitting and waiting for your turn. If you are out back in the huge outdoor section of the bar, I will go and find you.
The reason I like running this tourney is because its not cut-throat, but we still have good players come and they enjoy the competition, the live band, and its something extra to do with a GF/BF on a Friday night.