WA State Championships - August 29-30 - Washington Events

Ken Smith · #1 August 17th, 2009, 02:04 PM

Got this e-mail from Lowell this a.m. Also, Gordy K. announced this during the Jet Wash Open this weekend:

Come join us for the 34th annual Washington State Disc Golf Championship! Sponsorship discs still available:
Champion & Star Boss, Champion Destroyer & Xcaliber @ $16! Glow Champion wraith and destroyer @$20!
Support the World's Oldest State Disc Golf Tournament & have a great time too!

See the attachment for details.

Lowell

Fantasy Flights Disc Golf
23301 66th ave W
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
fantasyflights@comcast.net
(425) 670-2548

Ok. I guess I need to rant a bit. Most people who know me realize I'm not a ranter. However, even The Cannon needs to rant from time-to-time. Due to the last minute notices as to when this tourney is, I can never play it. This year is no exception. The weekend of 8/29 is packed for me. I really wanted to play this. I figured it was in October, as is typical (?). I know Lowell doesn't get on this forum, and Gordy (and Tuffi with her e-mails) is good enough to give people a heads-up. For folks that aren't married and particularly kid-less (and perhaps job-less) this may not be as big an issue. For us 40+ guys with lots of responsibilities and commitments outside of DG, this is very frustrating. For a disc golf tournament as old as this (the oldest from what I hear), there has to be more hoopla and more promoting!!

Come on Washington, what the hell! Not everybody is in Lowell's circles, and won't hear about any rumblings prior to the formal announcement. Can I encourage any commentary from WA/OR players ... Sam, Gawain, WA elderstatesmen/women? Is it just me ... I just don't get it.

all2common · #2 August 17th, 2009, 02:11 PM

When is it? I assume the 29th from your rant, but I didn't see the attachment either. If it is the 29th and 30th, then I can't make it either.

I'll be huking plastic off Mt. Bachelor...

SMOKIN JOE · #3 August 17th, 2009, 02:16 PM

my guess is that they want it as laid back as allways, I don't believe it's ever been a well publisized event, back in the days that I went ,Miller told me when it was, I think only washingtonians can win the trophies anyway, that's my guess

Ken Smith · #4 August 17th, 2009, 02:21 PM

All 2 Common: There was no attachment sent by Lowell. Gordy provided the flyer, but people who weren't at the tournament would be able to read the flyer due to the lack of attachments. Yes, it's two rounds at Steilly on 8/29, and two rounds at Terrace on 8/30.

TreeLove · #5 August 17th, 2009, 02:22 PM

The 3 keys to disc golf event success: promotion, promotion, promotion. The definition of promotion has changed drastically over 30 years. Flyers, signs, postcards & word-of-mouth have been replaced by web sites, email, text, forums, etc.

From my wife's work (project management): "One hour of planning saves 20 to 200 hours or more of implementation." You just can't start your work on a disc golf event early enough. I can name several successful ones for which planning begins well over a year in advance.

The only way to accomplish such bodies of work is through teamwork. The tournament director's job becomes one of management and delegation. A strong volunteer network is essential. Such a network can be strengthened through the formation of clubs, regular meetings, and other forms of networking.

Event added to calendar

Ken Smith · #6 August 17th, 2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMOKIN JOE

my guess is that they want it as laid back as allways, I don't believe it's ever been a well publisized event, back in the days that I went ,Miller told me when it was, I think only washingtonians can win the trophies anyway, that's my guess

Smokin: I hear ya. It makes no sense to me that it's laid back ... it should be touted. Oh well, I've blown my load. Better get back to work here.

Ken Smith · #7 August 17th, 2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreeLove

The 3 keys to disc golf event success: promotion, promotion, promotion. The definition of promotion has changed drastically over 30 years. Flyers, signs, postcards & word-of-mouth have been replaced by web sites, email, text, forums, etc.

From my wife's work (project management): "One hour of planning saves 20 to 200 hours or more of implementation." You just can't start your work on a disc golf event early enough. I can name several successful ones for which planning begins well over a year in advance.

The only way to accomplish such bodies of work is through teamwork. The tournament director's job becomes one of management and delegation. A strong volunteer network is essential. Such a network can be strengthened through the formation of clubs, regular meetings, and other forms of networking.

Event added to calendar

Very well put. I guess you answer my question in your last paragraph. Is there an emoticon for a big SIGH!

TYVEK · #8 August 17th, 2009, 02:52 PM

This past weekend while at Jet Wash was the first i had heard about the championships for this year. i was a bit suprised when i saw that it was ONLY 2 weeks away!! i have only been playing for 1year and 9 months and i didnt have any interest in playing this tournament last year because it just seemed like small unorganized event. it sounds the same this year. when i think Championship event, i think BIG everything! we should be treating this thing like a A tier event! not a c tier or lower.

Maybe somebody else needs to step in and take over the planning of the event. i think it should be promoted two months in advance and updates and reminders given at tournaments. if this tournament was PDGA sanctioned and treated like a true championship event, then i and alot of others would actually show interest, but as it now it is just MEHH, oh well i missed it again.

i dont mind ranting with you Ken.

Tim · #9 August 17th, 2009, 02:54 PM

Ken, I agree with you. I made comments about the WA championships earlier in the OR States thread. Rather than type it over, I'll just quote myself:

Quote:

I hear ya. I can't speak to the OR tourney, but as for WA, I'd like to see it promoted more and drawing more people in. But Lowell's been running it for years, and its fairly small, low key and relaxed, which apparently is the way he wants it. I have no problem with small low key tourneys, but it's not the way I envision a state championship. It's not my tourney though, so not my call.

Oh, BTW, I just added a link to the flyer in your post, hope you don't mind.

Mystjava · #10 August 17th, 2009, 03:36 PM

& It makes it tough for the WDDGA players to join in since we're having our tournament on the 29th at Riverside Disc Golf Course. SIGH! Oh well.. perhaps next year!

SMOKIN JOE · #11 August 17th, 2009, 04:00 PM

an open weekend would be nice to obtain all posible washingtonians

Ken Smith · #12 August 17th, 2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TYVEK

This past weekend while at Jet Wash was the first i had heard about the championships for this year. i was a bit suprised when i saw that it was ONLY 2 weeks away!! i have only been playing for 1year and 9 months and i didnt have any interest in playing this tournament last year because it just seemed like small unorganized event. it sounds the same this year. when i think Championship event, i think BIG everything! we should be treating this thing like a A tier event! not a c tier or lower.

Maybe somebody else needs to step in and take over the planning of the event. i think it should be promoted two months in advance and updates and reminders given at tournaments. if this tournament was PDGA sanctioned and treated like a true championship event, then i and alot of others would actually show interest, but as it now it is just MEHH, oh well i missed it again.

i dont mind ranting with you Ken.

Thank you for your perspective. It helps me get the perspective of others.

Ken Smith · #13 August 17th, 2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim

Ken, I agree with you. I made comments about the WA championships earlier in the OR States thread. Rather than type it over, I'll just quote myself:

Oh, BTW, I just added a link to the flyer in your post, hope you don't mind.

Don't mind at all, Tim. Well, one day I'll play in it. I just don't see a lot of pride coming through with this event.

Scott · #14 August 17th, 2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMOKIN JOE

an open weekend would be nice to obtain all posible washingtonians

It doesn't sound as if the organizers of either state championships (OR or WA)are truly interested in determining who the best player from the state is. It sounds as if they are running it because.... Well, I guess I have no idea. Ego, I suppose.

REDFIVE · #15 August 17th, 2009, 04:51 PM

Championships should be sanctioned and promoted properly. They should also be played on courses that challenge a golfer to the fullest. I played last year and there weren't many more than 12 to15 pros, if I remember correctly. It was fun but didn't have a championship feel. I probably won't play this year due to the short notice. I might play in the future but really think the tourney could be improved. I am not going to go too far into detail about what I think should happen because the TD isn't here to listen. For those who plan to attend have fun!

douglaselvis · #16 August 18th, 2009, 08:17 PM

I would've loved to attend the championship match for WA state. 2 weeks notice, ugh! No juniors, Ugh. No reg posted until Ken, not a TD of this event, posted a link to it.
How can this be called a WA State Championships? Are only the best in the NW invited to this? Does one have to be "In the know" to go? Do they only take the cream of the NW crop for this Tourney? How many WA events do you have to play? Can anyone start a WA State Championship series? I understand that this is a long term/old-school event that should be left as-is but should it be called the WA state Championships? If so, what are the perimeters for this event? Living in WA and coughing up $55 makes you eligible to play? Not trying to be snotty just don't understand this tourney and would've loved to be part of it and with 2 weeks notice. no dice.

papatart · #17 August 18th, 2009, 10:55 PM

Hey all! I think that maybe a good, deep breath is in order here. I see many posts where people are complaining about not being in the know about this event. I am right there with you, but I am going to put most of that fault right on myself.

I too am 40++ and with wife and very young kids along with a job that includes working weekends. If I had been a little more pro-active a few weeks ago I could have easily been in touch with Lowell via phone or e-mail to find out when everything was happening. If there is something that is important to YOU and YOUR schedule, then do like I should have done and find out by investigation. I spent a bunch of time at Worlds this year trying to find out what the date of next years Worlds will be so that we can start planning now. Didn't just sit around, wait and then complain that nobody did my work for me.

Lowell has been running this thing for the last 30 years. He, the tourney and the courses it is held on deserve the respect of the players. I am proud to say that my name was added to the trophy and will always count it as an important part of my career as a disc golfer.

See you at the event!

Scott Papa
2008 Washington State Champion

douglaselvis · #18 August 19th, 2009, 07:32 AM

Like I said, I am not trying to be snotty or disrespect the Toureny nor the individual that runs it. And I most certainly do my homework when it comes to planning/investigating. I am right now booking hotels/flights to be in Sandusky ,Ohio next year for worlds and in Rochester,NY the year after.

What I believe, in my case is that you have a "State Championship" event that doesn't get the publicity it deserves and is an event on the Down-low. There isn't a WA State Championships website and it's not even on the TDGPA site as of today.

Scott, you personally know the organizer of this event so you are "In the know" which is great and makes it easy for you to do your homework. Maybe part of my homework will be to be hangin' at Dalaiwood more often! Dubs on Tuesdays still???

papatart · #19 August 19th, 2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by douglaselvis

Scott, you personally know the organizer of this event so you are "In the know" which is great and makes it easy for you to do your homework. Maybe part of my homework will be to be hangin' at Dalaiwood more often! Dubs on Tuesdays still???

yeah, I know Lowell but that doesn't mean I knew this was happening. I am trying to say that I was just as blindsided by this as anyone, but I should not have been if I would have done my homework like I normally do...shame on me.

Is it low key? Yeah, but in the states I have lived in this is kind of the norm for State Champs. Heck, Illinois States was huge, but the only place you ever found out about it was the boards at the course. This was before websites so that was it. Granted, times have changed, but some things will always just kind of stay the same. That's cool...I like old school.

papatart · #20 August 19th, 2009, 11:41 AM

Ooops, yes, doubles still on Tuesday at 6:00 pm.