Tipping the Tournament Directors
- Thread starter GG11
- Start date
As a TD, I never expect tips. I appreciate them when they are offered.
I always tipped when I played and the TD did a good job.
I always tipped when I played and the TD did a good job.
I've never tipped a TD but considering what they have to put up with, I'm not against it.
I will say that in all of the places my travels have taken me, it seems the folks in NYC tip people more than other places. Mailman, bldg super, etc. I've always found that interesting and never knew why exactly. I understand the concept of tipping people for a service rendered but that's generally reserved (in most places) for people that make below min wage & rely on tips as a means of income like bartenders & wait staff.
I will say that in all of the places my travels have taken me, it seems the folks in NYC tip people more than other places. Mailman, bldg super, etc. I've always found that interesting and never knew why exactly. I understand the concept of tipping people for a service rendered but that's generally reserved (in most places) for people that make below min wage & rely on tips as a means of income like bartenders & wait staff.
There are lots of dos and don'ts when it comes to this. Here's a list one can use:
1. Tipping Tournament Directors applies to tournaments held in a bar or poolroom, not at Valley Forge, Las Vegas, etc.
2. Tipping should only be done when cash prizes are given, not for qualifiers or for cash prizes that are meant for qualifier purposes.
3. In tours, as opposed to single events, it is considered not just customary but good practice to tip. Those borderline rulings like walking in two minutes past the deadline might be overlooked if you've tipped recently. In single events, they simply fail to have enough frequency to create customs so tipping shouldn't even be anticipated.
4. Tipping is reserved to top finishers, not all cash finishers. Typically, first place should tip approximately 10%. Second place should also tip but can leave whatever they want. If a deal is made, the tip should be worked out in the deal.
5. Unlike a waiter in a restaurant, the Tournament Director does not work for tips. In fact, even though it may be considered customary, it is not necessary. If a player fails to tip, nothing should be said about it. The rule of thumb is, if they win often enough, they will eventually catch on.
However, even though I've typically tipped in the past, I'm not 100% certain what I would do in a scenario where the tour director was also a participant in the field (as is typically the case in Joss events and Predator events). If the tour director finished high in the event, my tip may be less. However, finishing in the finals of a Joss or Predator event isn't going to happen for me any time soon but I'll gladly ponder such a predicament when the situation presents itself.
I also do not know what would happen in a major professional event like the U.S. Open. I would venture to say tipping is not common.
Most tournament directors and their assistants would just as much appreciate a hand shake and a 'thank you', if they indeed provide a good or above average service in running the tournament.
I especially like it when the TD provides clean tables and wiped down balls to compete with in the final money rounds.
Why wait for the players to ask for a clean table and balls?
I especially like it when the TD provides clean tables and wiped down balls to compete with in the final money rounds.
Why wait for the players to ask for a clean table and balls?
While I agree with you, it is important to have a properly run tournament, a 64 player field may only yield one or two tips. The "review=tip" concept should not rest on one person's shoulders. The tip is for providing a venue to make money. If you didn't like how the event was run, you don't return.
If I could get a few byes straight to the finals... I would GLADLY tip 70%! Hear that finnegan??? 70%!!!
Thank you for brightening my day. Very funny.
I agree with Jude. I can't believe I just said that.
I plugged those words into the search tool and got 42 hits. You're not alone.
what? anyway, i would say if the td wants a tip, just take it out of the pot for yourself if you feel you deserve it. i dont think td's should be tipped by players as it may put a bias for future calls in a tournament toward the "guy who tips me." players should always take it all and not tip, if you wanna do something nice by some people a drink and even include the td, but dont tip him, that my advice.
I've ran a MILLION tournaments that were smooth and efficient, and I've never expected or accepted a tip for my efforts.... WAIT!! I've never been offered one either 
I've run a bunch of tournaments and have been tipped out about 75% of the time here in AZ. I always tip 10% if I get 1st or 2nd place.
There are many tournaments in Arizona, and I'd say about 50% of the winners tip the TD. Now if the TD is also the owner of the bar or manager or something, then I don't do it.
Most small weekly TD's only get peanuts from the establishment if anything at all. Tipping out $20+ bucks to them is more than appropriate.
I've heard some TD's complain or root for certain players in the finals because they know a few players that don't tip.
It's not any different than tipping out your Poker Dealer for winning a big pot.
My only question is "Why wouldn't you tip?"
There are many tournaments in Arizona, and I'd say about 50% of the winners tip the TD. Now if the TD is also the owner of the bar or manager or something, then I don't do it.
Most small weekly TD's only get peanuts from the establishment if anything at all. Tipping out $20+ bucks to them is more than appropriate.
I've heard some TD's complain or root for certain players in the finals because they know a few players that don't tip.
It's not any different than tipping out your Poker Dealer for winning a big pot.
My only question is "Why wouldn't you tip?"
Lol
I am a TD at two diffrent weekly tournaments and help run the brackets at 2 others. I HAVE NEVER BEEN PAID FOR THESE SERVICES!!! PERIOD!
The assumption that TD's as a whole are paid just disgusts me. That is half the problem is that alot of players, especially lower level players, do not understand that alot of the reason TD's do what they do is for the love of the game.
Hell I create close to 500 dollars a week in business to a bar I run a weekly in and I cant even get him to kick in a 100 for a year end final. Let alone recover the tables or anything.
I know as a TD i spend close to 200 dollars a week of my own money making sure these things happen and it irritates me that some people have no appreciation for what we do
I am a TD at two diffrent weekly tournaments and help run the brackets at 2 others. I HAVE NEVER BEEN PAID FOR THESE SERVICES!!! PERIOD!
The assumption that TD's as a whole are paid just disgusts me. That is half the problem is that alot of players, especially lower level players, do not understand that alot of the reason TD's do what they do is for the love of the game.
Hell I create close to 500 dollars a week in business to a bar I run a weekly in and I cant even get him to kick in a 100 for a year end final. Let alone recover the tables or anything.
I know as a TD i spend close to 200 dollars a week of my own money making sure these things happen and it irritates me that some people have no appreciation for what we do
if a td is considered management he is not entitled to a tip. you can if you wish give anyone you want money if you feel like it. if he is a service person who is serving you than a tip may be fine. tipping 10% is admirable but figures out the same as one out of ten tournaments, the prize fund goes to the td.
in this world everyone seems to have their hand out if you are fortunate. you do not have to fill that hand.
in this world everyone seems to have their hand out if you are fortunate. you do not have to fill that hand.
What about if the TD is getting $3 per player from the house in a $10 tourny??? should you still tip???
When I run tournaments, Few Options comes into mind if I want to make something on the side without any hassel as long the players don't even mind.
1. Daily tournaments $11, $1 goes to you for running the tournament smoothly. Sometimes $1 goes to the waitress.
2. Ask for any deals with the Bar if you can get a tab or pay for your entry fee.
Tipping is not really needed if you gave someone a lucky draw and lasted to the finals, then I, the TD would joke around and ask for something just cause he got a lucky draw.
Other than that. No ask.
1. Daily tournaments $11, $1 goes to you for running the tournament smoothly. Sometimes $1 goes to the waitress.
2. Ask for any deals with the Bar if you can get a tab or pay for your entry fee.
Tipping is not really needed if you gave someone a lucky draw and lasted to the finals, then I, the TD would joke around and ask for something just cause he got a lucky draw.
Other than that. No ask.
I only tip when Jay Helfert is the TD. Guy is the best
if i ever win a tournament i'll consider tipping