Quote:
Originally Posted by 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 every time 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 don’t 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.
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That is so unfortunate. Even if just one or two women sign up they should be welcomed with open arms, and allowed to play in their own division. I realize that with small numbers they would have to combine cards, but women should not be forced to compete with men. Also even with one or two they should always get a payout. I mean they paid into the tournament just like the guys right. If women are feeling like they are not welcome they probably won't come back.
Scott is right a lot of the women now playing tournaments in our area started out playing the Chick Flick monthlies, and also their first tournament was the Chick Flick two day event in August. Like me my first disc golf group thing that I attended was one of the monthlies, and later that year my first tournament was the very first Chick Flick tournament in 2008.
The monthlies are super easy low key just the ladies getting together to throw a few rounds together. To make it even easier this year we picked the 3rd Sunday of every month that way everyone knows when the monthly will be, and then we just pick a different course every month. Facebook, the disc golf scene, and this site are excellent ways to get the word out. Also one thing we do for our two day event is we make up business cards to carry in our bags to hand out to any ladies we see on the course. You guys up there could so that for monthlies. Also posting flyers are a good way to get the word out too. It would be awesome to see more ladies up north playing in tournaments.
It really also comes down to someone, or maybe a few someones who are willing to put in the time to beat the bushes. It's a lot of work, but it is worth it to see all the ladies out there playing in the events.
Cindy
May 9th, 2011, 12:27 PM
How can we improve the Western WA womens disc golf community?
