Hi Mike, great question! This year we’re experimenting with a more limited set of divisions to hel ...
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Hi Mike, great question! This year we’re experimenting with a more limited set of divisions to help keep fields fuller and more competitive. For amateurs, we’re offering MA1–MA4 and FA1–FA4, plus MA65+/FA65+ as “senior” divisions, and MJ12 for youth. On the pro side, it’s MPO, FPO, MP40, and FP40.
Looking at past results, divisions like MA40, MA50, and MA60 often end up with just a few players, even though those same players could just as easily compete in MA1–MA4 against players of a similar skill level. By consolidating, we’re aiming for bigger cards, deeper competition, and stronger trophy/payout structures.
It’s really just an experiment, and we’re open to feedback. From your perspective, what’s the benefit of having an MA40 division when those players could be in MA1–MA4 instead?
Jeff and all, as I responded in your Google form above, having an MA3 division with 30 players is no ...
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Jeff and all, as I responded in your Google form above, having an MA3 division with 30 players is not necessarily better than an MA/FA65 card with 3 or 4 players. There is also the social aspect: playing with card mates about your own age can be more comfortable and fun, regardless of their relative abilities. It's about choices. An older player with a certain rating isn't required to sign up for the appropriate age division. They can, and often do, choose a non-age-protected division for just the competitive reasons you mention. I am not sad when I see an MA65 division with only 3 players, I am glad the choice was available. As an experiment, why not offer all age-protected divisions with the stated policy that any division not having a minimum will be moved down to the next lower age division? That way you open yourself up to surprises: an unexpected MA/FA70 card with 5 players that would never have occurred if just one MA/FA60 division was offered to cover the old folks. That could make your event special and memorable for the players involved. Your field is not just a set of people with ratings. A tournament is a competition, of course, but the fun and comfort of the players needs to be part of the mix. As someone who plays in a lot of tournaments and will be eligible for MA70 next year, I would be inclined to skip an event that only offered rating-based divisions.
Michael Sullivan Aug 14I mentioned the social aspect also in the email. Usually if there is limited age protected they'll do 40 and like 55...
Thanks Will and Mike — you both make great points about the social side of age-protected divisions ...
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Thanks Will and Mike — you both make great points about the social side of age-protected divisions. I know for a lot of players, the camaraderie is just as important as the competition.
I’ve seen other TDs consolidate divisions that don’t meet a certain minimum, and I think you're right, that could might be a good alternative to just not offering them at all. That way, the choice is still there, but we can keep divisions competitive if numbers are low by consolidating. I want you to know I’m taking this feedback seriously and will factor it in before making any final decisions. I appreciate you guys taking the time to share your thoughts.
Looking at past results, divisions like MA40, MA50, and MA60 often end up with just a few players, even though those same players could just as easily compete in MA1–MA4 against players of a similar skill level. By consolidating, we’re aiming for bigger cards, deeper competition, and stronger trophy/payout structures.
It’s really just an experiment, and we’re open to feedback. From your perspective, what’s the benefit of having an MA40 division when those players could be in MA1–MA4 instead?
I’ve seen other TDs consolidate divisions that don’t meet a certain minimum, and I think you're right, that could might be a good alternative to just not offering them at all. That way, the choice is still there, but we can keep divisions competitive if numbers are low by consolidating. I want you to know I’m taking this feedback seriously and will factor it in before making any final decisions. I appreciate you guys taking the time to share your thoughts.