Charlotte Disc Golf Association

Mike "Big Screen" Kemp    October 10, 2011 at 10:17pm

Received our shipment Friday for Lincoln Logs : Lots of goodies Fly Dye Nuke's and Buzzz SS's, CryZtal Z Challengers and Buzzz's. Hope to see you all on Sunday

Jason Lord    September 26, 2011 at 3:51pm

Last reminder, we will be meeting tonight at the city hall!

111 E Lawrence Ave # C
Charlotte, MI 48813-1573

Please wear your cdga apparel, after the presentation we will be heading over to Riedy's for grub, sponsored by CDGA. Meet in the parking log behind city hall at 6:45 p.m. with an empty belly and a smile on your face.

Leslie Charles    September 25, 2011 at 3:57pm

Just can't resist letting my Charlotte disc golf buds know that I'm speaking in town on Tuesday Sept. 27. (See the post from yesterday on my Facebook page tagged by Connie Sweet). 6 - 8 PM at the Senior Center (it's free!). My topic is entrepreneurship and Iw ill also facilitate a panel with two MI brewery executives. Free microbrew samples, too.

Jason Lord    September 24, 2011 at 2:31pm

remember meeting Monday night 6:45 behind city hall. wear your cdga shirts and bring you appetite.

Jason Lord    September 21, 2011 at 11:48am

All disc golfers that attend the meeting with us will be rewarded with a Pizza and Pasta dinner at Reidy's after our presentation at the meeting. We will be asking the city to devote more resources to maintanence (mowing/clearing) the back portion of the Lincoln Park Disc Golf Course, and to ask permission for them to allow us to perfom some of the work to save them some $$. All we ask of you is that you show up with us to show your support for our efforts - we'll do all the talking! The ... more

All disc golfers that attend the meeting with us will be rewarded with
a Pizza and Pasta dinner at Reidy's after our presentation at the
meeting. We will be asking the city to devote more resources to
maintanence (mowing/clearing) the back portion of the Lincoln Park
Disc Golf Course, and to ask permission for them to allow us to perfom
some of the work to save them some $$. All we ask of you is that you
show up with us to show your support for our efforts - we'll do all
the talking! The more that come the more of an impact we will have
with the council.

Please meet us in the parking lot behind City Hall in downtown
Charlotte between 6:30 and 6:45 PM. City Hall is located at 111 E.
Lawrence Ave (accross from Hungry Howies Pizza) Immediatly following
our presentation we will quietly file out of the council chambers and
head over to Riedy's. We are first on the agenda (after the normal
formalities of the meeting) and we should be heading tro Reidy's by
around 7:30.

Jason Lord    September 16, 2011 at 7:07am

Wanted: Disc Golf Players to attend the Charlotte city council meeting Monday September 26th. Reward: Free pizza and pasta @ Riedy's Pizza right after CDGA presentation.

Chris Smith    September 9, 2011 at 10:45pm

I can't believe that I am jumping in the middle of this but here goes... As a guy that used to run a different league as a volunteer I do know that there are three main struggles in a volunteer organization. In no particular order they are communication, volunteerism, and delegation. When you are running the show, you at least have an idea of everything that is going on. You tend to assume that other people have this same level of knowledge. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of effort to ke ... more

I can't believe that I am jumping in the middle of this but here goes...

As a guy that used to run a different league as a volunteer I do know that there are three main struggles in a volunteer organization. In no particular order they are communication, volunteerism, and delegation.

When you are running the show, you at least have an idea of everything that is going on. You tend to assume that other people have this same level of knowledge. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of effort to keep the members of the organization as informed as you are (in fact it could be a full time job). In reality, you can strive for everyone to know everything and you would be really well off to get half of the people to hear half of what you are trying to communicate. Without communication people will feel out of the loop and assume whatever they want to assume.

There are three types of people in every volunteer based organization. One type seeks out a volunteer opportunity. They ask what they can do to help out. This type is a rare breed and you will typically find that they are very busy people. A second type is willing to help with specific tasks if they are asked to do so. This is actually the majority of people in most volunteer based organizations. They are not seeking out things to do, but they are willing to do specific things in order to help out (you have to ask directly and not in a group). The last type just will not volunteer. They are interested in taking whatever is presented but have other things to do when it is time to give back. These people can be very frustrating but when you realize who they, are you just move on and try to find someone else to help out.

Delegation is amazingly important and often times overlooked. The current board consists mainly of the volunteer-without-being-asked type. If they assume that everyone else is the same way and no-one is volunteering without being prompted then the board members will find themselves doing everything and burning out (I am speaking from experience here). I know that there are times that just doing it yourself is easier. But asking others to help (specifically asking a single person if they can do a specific thing) really can work wonders. It will give the new volunteer a sense of ownership in the club (more than just paying their fee). It will show him or her that there is a need. And potentially it will shift that person a little closer to the type that will just offer their help next time they see that it needs to be done again.

I don't know the history of the CDGA. I am a first year member as well. I do know that there are a lot of plans and that they are trying out a lot of new things. My only recommendation is to keep an eye on each of the three points above as you implement new things. Tell people about the new thing, ask someone to help out with it, and try to delegate as much of the work as possible.

As a couple of examples, if you create a google group to share information with members, you may want to ask someone (non-board) if they can make an announcement at leagues (where you will find the most members) that it exists and possibly have something to hand out or collect email addresses to help people get connected to it. If you are planning to do some work on the course, ask specific people if they can do the work or if it needs to be repeated assign each card at leagues a week or month that they are responsible to get it done. And last but not least, make sure that you have discussed and agreed upon club news before you post it on a public forum.

Just my two cents,
Chris S.

Patrick Fulkerson    September 9, 2011 at 2:20pm

Since you dont know me, I'll let the Pat thing go, for the future I request as humbly as I can please use Patrick. I am not a board member, I also hardly play. I show up to assist because no one else was available. I apologize if I do not seem friendly I show up do whats asked and leave. As far as meetings, Have you taken the inititive to ask when the next meeting is? I know Jim showed up to the last meeting with some great ideas. Also your concerns are exactly what needs to be exp ... more

Since you dont know me, I'll let the Pat thing go, for the future I request as humbly as I can please use Patrick.
I am not a board member, I also hardly play. I show up to assist because no one else was available. I apologize if I do not seem friendly I show up do whats asked and leave.

As far as meetings, Have you taken the inititive to ask when the next meeting is? I know Jim showed up to the last meeting with some great ideas. Also your concerns are exactly what needs to be expressed respectfully at a meeting and bring these things up. Constructive critisim is also nice, general ****ing on the boards doesn't help anyone.

It's nice you know what needs to be done, why haven't you offered to do any of the help at the last couple tournaments or leagues? Knowing is nice, action is a lot better.

As a member for a while, I apologize for your first year seeming unfriendly, though its a two way street, you show up on tuesdays play and don't ever say anything to me either. I know for a fact everyone on our league is generally friendly and well manored (I may be the exception here as its no secret I've butted heads with a few people).

As far as the nominations and votting taken place every year, How come? We don't elect a president or any government position in america on a yearly basis...How can a board member accomplish long term goals, if we change them every year. From my understanding due to the board being as new as it is and just getting on its feet and completely organized they are sticking with the same people for another year to implament all the plans they have been working on this year. Again I believe nominations and such will continue the following year. Though again I am not a board member, nor hold any more weight on my opinions than you do.

and as a side note, I am sure I've asked you for ace pool at least a couple times =P.
The clubs still growing, and learning.

larry j    September 9, 2011 at 1:08pm

well pat i dont agree as a new member i have been told nothing. i dont even know when these meeting are taking place. i know nothing pat. as a member i should be told these things. Im adult along with others that are part of this association and i feel that im left in the dark about stuff. I feel that things are not told to members. people shouldnt have the power 2 elected themselves beacuse they think its ok. this issues could have been put to a vote or talked about at a meeting . plus i also ... more

well pat i dont agree as a new member i have been told nothing. i dont even know when these meeting are taking place. i know nothing pat. as a member i should be told these things. Im adult along with others that are part of this association and i feel that im left in the dark about stuff. I feel that things are not told to members. people shouldnt have the power 2 elected themselves beacuse they think its ok. this issues could have been put to a vote or talked about at a meeting . plus i also have ran golfing outings before i know wht needs 2 be done. last week was the first time that you actually said more then "do u have a card". As a first year member i feel that people have not talked to me or been that friendly. i think that nomination should take place every year plain and simple. also pat i dont care about the past i care about the future of this group and the this sport.

Patrick Fulkerson    September 9, 2011 at 10:57am

I am baffled by your approach/attitude larry. You make it sound sound like these guys are not doing a good job. Frankly they got the job last year as they are the only ones trying to better the club anyway even as just members they helped out, did stuff to improve the club because they wanted it to improve. From what i can see they are still the only ones doing stuff for the club to better it. Getting sponsers, showing up hours early to set up for tournaments, mowing some the course with push mo ... more

I am baffled by your approach/attitude larry. You make it sound sound like these guys are not doing a good job. Frankly they got the job last year as they are the only ones trying to better the club anyway even as just members they helped out, did stuff to improve the club because they wanted it to improve. From what i can see they are still the only ones doing stuff for the club to better it. Getting sponsers, showing up hours early to set up for tournaments, mowing some the course with push mowers, talking with city council, park rec board..ect and these people did all this before even asked or required by there positions. And you say these people make you sick....people who **** about people busting there asses in there free time to make your disc golf experience the best they can make it makes me sick. The job they posses is not a popularity contest its a comment to help the club regardless of the **** people give them. My opinion theres not a single person not already on the board putting in the effort to get nominated for a spot anyway. Another thing to realize is this is the first year this club has had board members it use to be ran completely by one couple and they did amazing, so it will take some time before a club gets its style and groove going. Your opinions matter they listen to all suggestions complaints and comments. Just make them constructive and show up to the board meetings to express your opinions. ****ing just to **** solves nothing.

larry j    September 8, 2011 at 10:21am

wht really wht. do we live in cuba. honestly this is bs and wht no one else matters. well this really sucks shame on those people for doing that. so my thoughts dont matter nor do those of others. honestly why would this happen are these people worried that others cant do the job. this makes me sick.

Jacob Hanley    September 8, 2011 at 9:22am

@larry there wont be any nominations for board members this year...they "self elected" themselves for another year

larry j    September 8, 2011 at 7:59am

when are the upcoming year nominations being held havent heard anything about them since the middle of the season

Keith Aten    September 7, 2011 at 10:00am

ATTENTION ALL DISC GOLFERS

This weekend at states Jeffrey H Schwass had his golf bag stolen frm his home.
We will be posting the contents and we what your help in finding the low life that took this. All discs have his name on them.

Also a basket was stolen aprox the same time from his yard.

Patrick Fulkerson    August 6, 2011 at 4:11pm

Who has a Leopard, or a shark in their active bag? Exactly.. not very many. So yes your right chris the box comes with discs generally un-used by the average player.. It does have an Aviar though.. =P

Ken Long-Old Man    August 6, 2011 at 2:55pm

Chris... starter set is just three discs in a box. Driver mid and putter. Hope this helps.

Chris Smith    August 6, 2011 at 12:06pm

Thanks to Ken and Patrick. This is tough for me because I throw mostly found discs. If I pick one up without a name I throw it for a while and see if I like it. If I do then I leave it in my bag.

@Patrick, I'll be sure to throw a comet in his starter pack.

@Ken, I know it's dumb but I always think of the starter packs as being full of discs that they can't get rid of individually.

Ken Long-Old Man    August 6, 2011 at 8:56am

To Chris Smith. Why don't you buy a starter set for the senior. Like at Dunhams. Let him get used to those and then he can take the reins from there. Just a thought.
K.

Patrick Fulkerson    August 5, 2011 at 10:19pm

I have helped a lot of people start up. I always make my choices based on how they throw. On average you can never go wrong with a Comet its a straight shooter, and shows you their throwing style naturally. If they are hyzering a lot I then recommend moving to stratus / glide / Meteor.

If they are anhyzering a bit, then move them over to a Rock / Buzz / Orc.

They beauty of disc golf is the many disc and styles of throw. So that's the best I can offer with out witnessing the shooter myself.

Chris Smith    August 5, 2011 at 9:45pm

Let's say you were going to pick up three new discs for a friend that has just started playing. He is of retirement age, currently a ball golfer being converted, has only thrown a borrowed archangel and an avair so far, and currently drives equally forehand and backhand (his max distance is currently and respectably just past the big tree on 8). What discs, weights, and plastics would you pick up for his starter set?

If this is not an appropriate topic for this group I can always move it to my wall. Just let me know.

Thanks in advance.