Tournament player's oath

[Jim J]

A different thread got into the topic of paying pros in cash as opposed to paying with a check, which is generally easier for TDs. The comments got me thinking that as our sport grows we, as tournament players, have to be willing to put our needs below those of the tournament staff.

In fact, maybe this oath should be mandatory:

"I understand how tough it is to run a tournament and I will move heaven and earth (and not complain about it) to do whatever the TD wants, needs, or chooses."

You want to pay me with a check? That's fine. Pay me in nickles if you want.

Need me to start on a different hole with a different group than what was posted? You got it.

Need to reschedule a round? Just tell me when and where I need to be and I'll run if I have to and I'll show up with a smile.

Need a sandwich? A beer? A shoulder rub? Let me set my bag down and I'm on it.

Without people willing to run tournaments, we're just a bunch of hosers tossing toys in the park (not that there's anything wrong with that!). If we really want great events we, as players, have to do everything we can to lessen the work strain on those who are doing the heavy lifting and knock off the griping.

[General Scales]

A different thread got into the topic of paying pros in cash as opposed to paying with a check, which is generally easier for TDs. The comments got me thinking that as our sport grows we, as tournament players, have to be willing to put our needs below those of the tournament staff.

In fact, maybe this oath should be mandatory:

"I understand how tough it is to run a tournament and I will move heaven and earth (and not complain about it) to do whatever the TD wants, needs, or chooses."

You want to pay me with a check? That's fine. Pay me in nickles if you want.

Need me to start on a different hole with a different group than what was posted? You got it.

Need to reschedule a round? Just tell me when and where I need to be and I'll run if I have to and I'll show up with a smile.

Need a sandwich? A beer? A shoulder rub? Let me set my bag down and I'm on it.

Without people willing to run tournaments, we're just a bunch of hosers tossing toys in the park (not that there's anything wrong with that!). If we really want great events we, as players, have to do everything we can to lessen the work strain on those who are doing the heavy lifting and knock off the griping.

Yeah, it's amazing how many people bitch about this and that when it comes to tournaments and their directors. Yet, these are the same people that sit at home during work parties or always have something else to do when there is course work that is needed.

I thank EVERY TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR! Regardless if I agreed or disagreed with things that happened during the running of their tournament. Otherwise, as stated above, we'd be adults hucking plastic toys through the woods.

[CMC206]

I would like to add: Stop cheating and Shaving strokes. Or I will count my score to the best of my ability's.:merlin:

[emmarose]

i agree with and totally appreciate these sentiments... i've enjoyed every tournament i've played even those that had some hinky moments or snafus or whatever...

... i too am more than willing to provide a td with delicious snacks (i'm not a big sandwich person), i almost always have an extra beer that i can share... but i ain't gonna be rubbing nobody's shoulders... just wanna be clear on that...

and i have no problem with checks or cash... nickels would just be silly, tho...

[Bad Finger]

A different thread got into the topic of paying pros in cash as opposed to paying with a check, which is generally easier for TDs. The comments got me thinking that as our sport grows we, as tournament players, have to be willing to put our needs below those of the tournament staff.

In fact, maybe this oath should be mandatory:

"I understand how tough it is to run a tournament and I will move heaven and earth (and not complain about it) to do whatever the TD wants, needs, or chooses."

You want to pay me with a check? That's fine. Pay me in nickles if you want.

Need me to start on a different hole with a different group than what was posted? You got it.

Need to reschedule a round? Just tell me when and where I need to be and I'll run if I have to and I'll show up with a smile.

Need a sandwich? A beer? A shoulder rub? Let me set my bag down and I'm on it.

Without people willing to run tournaments, we're just a bunch of hosers tossing toys in the park (not that there's anything wrong with that!). If we really want great events we, as players, have to do everything we can to lessen the work strain on those who are doing the heavy lifting and knock off the griping.

Sounds like these TD's need to hire a few beer cart girls.

[emmarose]

Sounds like these TD's need to hire a few beer cart girls.

... i understand girls are cuter... but really they should have the opportunity to play in the tournament as there are so many more boys in this sport... beer cart boys i think is the way to go... :p

[Skookum]

Beer cart robots? Cause we certainly don't want them playing (ehhm... Borg...)

[TYVEK]

The TD's should deffinately get respect for a good job done, although not every TD does a good job. i appreciate a well ran tournament and the effort put forth from a organized TD. much thanks goes to them.

one thing we must not forget is that without players there would be no tournaments. if players have a gripe or concern it is best that the TD listen and try to remedy the problem or else the PLAYERS (the ones that really matter) will not attend a tourny run by that person again.

The TDs are here to provide a service to the players, not the players trying to provide service to the TD. it is in the best interest of EVERYBODY if the TD does the best that they can do to provide the best tournament experience possible for the players without whining and complaining about not getting this or that in return.

[General Scales]

The TD's should deffinately get respect for a good job done, although not every TD does a good job. i appreciate a well ran tournament and the effort put forth from a organized TD. much thanks goes to them.

one thing we must not forget is that without players there would be no tournaments. if players have a gripe or concern it is best that the TD listen and try to remedy the problem or else the PLAYERS (the ones that really matter) will not attend a tourny run by that person again.

The TDs are here to provide a service to the players, not the players trying to provide service to the TD. it is in the best interest of EVERYBODY if the TD does the best that they can do to provide the best tournament experience possible for the players without whining and complaining about not getting this or that in return.

It's the age old question, what came first, the chicken or the egg? By the way, the answer is neither. It's the bacteria and cells that came along and combined in the right matter to form one or the other.

[Scott]

I'm not sure if the orginal post was meant to be taken at face value or if the author was being sarcastic. The phrase "and I will move heaven and earth (and not complain about it) to do whatever the TD wants, needs, or chooses" seems a little over the top to me.

I think it is important for all players to understand the amount of time, money, hard work, and sacrifice a TD gives to each tournament. I don't think the average player truly understands that.

On the other hand, there would be no tournaments without players. I think many TDs tend to forget this.

As a TD, I try to think of the players as my customers. I base many decsions not on what I want to do, but what I think would best serve my customers. What do they want?

To me, there is nothing worse than poring a bunch of energy into a tournament and then have someone call you out in the players meeting. Have a problem? Talk to the TD on the side, quietly, after the event if possible. Politely explain why you were dissatisfied and perhaps some resolution can be found.

[Ol' Bob]

... but i ain't gonna be rubbing nobody's shoulders... just wanna be clear on that...

Yeah, not always cool.










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[Jim J]

I'm not sure if the orginal post was meant to be taken at face value or if the author was being sarcastic. The phrase "and I will move heaven and earth (and not complain about it) to do whatever the TD wants, needs, or chooses" seems a little over the top to me.


Not meant to be taken at face value (can't get a crowbar under heaven or earth), nor intended to be sarcastic because the intent is/was genuine. Just meant as good, old-fashioned internet hyperbole.

And yes, players should be seen and treated as customers as should the sponsors, volunteers, clubs, vendors, park managers, etc. They all have needs and demands that the TD must balance or bad stuff ensues.

I'm not saying there's a huge problem out there with TDs getting bad-mouthed. I just want to cultivate a culture of gratitude.

[Bad Finger]

... i understand girls are cuter... but really they should have the opportunity to play in the tournament as there are so many more boys in this sport... beer cart boys i think is the way to go... :p

I'll gladly drive the beer cart, as long as there are no Mr. Pinks in the crowd! I'll even make it a BBQ and Beer cart! However, if there truly are more boys playing, wouldn't it be wiser to hire to support the demographic makeup? (kidding!)

[Jonny Roc]

Not meant to be taken at face value (can't get a crowbar under heaven or earth), nor intended to be sarcastic because the intent is/was genuine. Just meant as good, old-fashioned internet hyperbole.

And yes, players should be seen and treated as customers as should the sponsors, volunteers, clubs, vendors, park managers, etc. They all have needs and demands that the TD must balance or bad stuff ensues.

I'm not saying there's a huge problem out there with TDs getting bad-mouthed. I just want to cultivate a culture of gratitude.




I just want to cultivate a culture of gratitude.:angel::cheers::trophy: And that is one of the things I personally love about you Jim!!! I appreciate your reflection.

[emmarose]

However, if there truly are more boys playing, wouldn't it be wiser to hire to support the demographic makeup? (kidding!)

... hmmm... true... i do know plenty of cute gals what don't play golf and would rock a beer cart... however, they pretty much don't golf 'cause they're married with kids... one of the boys did just learn how to open beer bottles for guests, tho, so it could work...