[Tanya Spence]

I am starting this thread partially because of recent frustration but also because of my experience in the past year. I can't figure out if it's just the cliquey Seattle way of doing things or if something else is going on and we need to reach out.

I've started to play in tournaments but am finding it difficult due to some logistical issues as well as certain ladies divisions not having enough registered in order to have trophies or payouts. When there are not enough in a division I have also been made to play in the mens division for non sanctioned tournaments or have had to play my rounds with 12yr old boys or the mens beginners.

What can we do to get more ladies to play?
Or... What can we do to make sure that the women players that do sign up for tournament don't feel like they are put in a weird position for choosing to show up and play? Why should they be penalized for getting out there?

When it comes down to it I am going to play. I've signed up for several OR events because they have a lot of ladies playing. I am still signed up for WA tournaments but everytime I end up worried about not enough ladies registering, being contacted by TDs that tell me I can Play but won't receive payouts or trophies, or told that I have to play in a different division. I've also been contacted and offered a refund. That's no fun. It makes me feel like they dont really care if women play or not. I want to just be able to sign up and play without having to wonder all the time.