Memorial Tournaments

[fast&loose designs]

So I'm sure you all play in memorial tournaments here and there, all of which are held in memory and celebration of the life of a fellow loved pool player who has passed on. These tournaments are very popular, and attract crowds from all over to show their respect for their buddy.

My question is this: is it crazy for me to think that some of the money from entries/sponsors, or both, should go to the family of the fallen friend?

In my area there are quite a few that I can think of (I live in Southern California). After asking around, apparently none of the money paid, or money made from sales, etc., go to the family. I would think at least the FIRST (assuming there are others that follow annually, which is usually the case) event should help the family pay for funeral services and such. I'm not talking all of the money - maybe take out what the green fees would have been, or a percentage of entries?

It simply seems to me that some of these events, even without consciously knowing or having the intent, take advantage of the player's name in order to attract more players, and therefore more sponsors/vendors/sales.

What do you think? Does your local memorial tournament help the family? Do you think they should, at least initially?

 

[fast&loose designs]

Really guys? Over 100 of you have at least looked at this thread. It almost seems like you don't want to admit you play in these memorial events and never thought the deceased's family should be helped at all. In my opinion, most, if not all, memorial tournaments will never help those except its players entered in the event, and it's sad.

 

[westcoast]

If the family needs it, then perhaps yes a portion of the proceeds would be a nice gesture

 

[JB Cases]

So I'm sure you all play in memorial tournaments here and there, all of which are held in memory and celebration of the life of a fellow loved pool player who has passed on. These tournaments are very popular, and attract crowds from all over to show their respect for their buddy.

My question is this: is it crazy for me to think that some of the money from entries/sponsors, or both, should go to the family of the fallen friend?

In my area there are quite a few that I can think of (I live in Southern California). After asking around, apparently none of the money paid, or money made from sales, etc., go to the family. I would think at least the FIRST (assuming there are others that follow annually, which is usually the case) event should help the family pay for funeral services and such. I'm not talking all of the money - maybe take out what the green fees would have been, or a percentage of entries?

It simply seems to me that some of these events, even without consciously knowing or having the intent, take advantage of the player's name in order to attract more players, and therefore more sponsors/vendors/sales.

What do you think? Does your local memorial tournament help the family? Do you think they should, at least initially?

No I don't think that money should go to the family. It depends on the stated purpose of the event. If it's to raise money for someone or something then absolutely. If it's just simply to keep the memory of a great person alive then no need to hand out money.

I also don't think that anyone is using a deceased player's name with the intent of attracting more players and I kind of doubt that pool players in general would say they are going to an event just because of a player's name unless they really wanted to honor that person's memory.

 

[Cuebuddy]

Really guys? Over 100 of you have at least looked at this thread. It almost seems like you don't want to admit you play in these memorial events and never thought the deceased's family should be helped at all. In my opinion, most, if not all, memorial tournaments will never help those except its players entered in the event, and it's sad.

We have had several Benefit tourneys here in Colorado and I know they were put on to help the player and their family. Tom Ross and Danny Madina are two I can think of right now.
For me a memorial tourney is more for the friends to get together and have a little fun in someones honor. Sure a few players will win something and hopefully the room owner will make a buck but to me its more of a celebration of someone in our "pool family" and a way to keep them in our memories.

It is good for our pool community and I would think the player that we are honoring would want it that way.

 

[fast&loose designs]

No I don't think that money should go to the family. It depends on the stated purpose of the event. If it's to raise money for someone or something then absolutely. If it's just simply to keep the memory of a great person alive then no need to hand out money.

I also don't think that anyone is using a deceased player's name with the intent of attracting more players and I kind of doubt that pool players in general would say they are going to an event just because of a player's name unless they really wanted to honor that person's memory.

Exactly, no one intends for it, but I can't help but feel like the venue and top shooters benefit more from the event than anyone. Just a thought that has been bugging me. For instance, the Swanee is being held next weekend in honor of Jay Swanson, but I can guarantee less than 1/4 of the players know who he is. I don't think every memorial tournament should benefit a family, but if one of my buddies passed away and I held a tournament honoring him, I would do my best to help his family pay for a funeral and burial, and not award the venue with the most of the profits (like I said, at LEAST the first time around).