Here's my take about what could be improved assuming you don't fundamentally change the format or timing of each comp:
Open/Classics
1 Have 4 time slots per comp instead of 2. Peter did do this in the end but of course would have helped everyone if they knew before the day itself.
This will make fewer machines in use at any one time and fewer players in the area.
Do not allow the next groups to start before their alloted time as this just delays the first groups.
2 Cordon off the area during comp time to avoid any members of public playing. If it's clearly signposted they know it's out of bounds so won't get upset if asked to leave a machine because it's needed for the comp. Can open it up for public play in evenings or after comps finished
3 Use different lettering for the player groups between Open and Classics eg Open A-H. Classics L-S
4 Have machines pre assigned on the score cards rather than drawn from hat each time. This will speed things up as you can play a machines that's free (assuming your opponent is too). Also means it can be worked out so you don't play same machine twice.
5 Give double byes to winners of groups and single byes to 2nd to give some advantage for a higher group finish
6 Hold any playoffs after ties for group position on Sat not Sun. Notify players they must be available after end of their qualifying in case needed for playoffs.
7 I don't believe matchplay software would help as all ones I've come across require one round to be finished before next one starts. This will cause lots of delays as always waiting for longest game before anyone can start new round!
Having said all of above I think Peter and the Raisons did an amazing job pretty much single handely running the comps and Peter furthermore supplying the vast majority of the machines. I agree it would be better if they were spread from more sources but a lot of donors do not wish their machines to be used in comps and not available for public play. So not an easy task for Peter to source these and can think he decided to supply most as the easiest and most pragmatic solution in the end. With more time and co-operation next year this could be resolved.
League Finals
1 Have 2 separate banks of machines for A and B finals
2 Have dedicated time slots to play your 5 machines. With 2 hour slots in Open/Classics this could all be done in the 2 hour slot you're not playing in Open/Classics and could certainly complete all qualifying on Saturday if not playoffs too.
3 Have a back up machine in case of machine faults/failure
@NeilMcRae to answer your queries:
- regional leagues had WPPR points awarded in past but now in order to qualify you need to have some head to head play. Hence playoffs in A and B finals after5 game qualifying. No easy way to have play offs in league as you either need a separate meet or hold at last meet when not all players may be attending.
- league has always been 4 balls (since inception in 2007) and was deemed to be a 1 ball compensation for lack of extra balls being awarded. Why change when been fine for 12 years?!
Cheers
Greg
Open/Classics
1 Have 4 time slots per comp instead of 2. Peter did do this in the end but of course would have helped everyone if they knew before the day itself.
This will make fewer machines in use at any one time and fewer players in the area.
Do not allow the next groups to start before their alloted time as this just delays the first groups.
2 Cordon off the area during comp time to avoid any members of public playing. If it's clearly signposted they know it's out of bounds so won't get upset if asked to leave a machine because it's needed for the comp. Can open it up for public play in evenings or after comps finished
3 Use different lettering for the player groups between Open and Classics eg Open A-H. Classics L-S
4 Have machines pre assigned on the score cards rather than drawn from hat each time. This will speed things up as you can play a machines that's free (assuming your opponent is too). Also means it can be worked out so you don't play same machine twice.
5 Give double byes to winners of groups and single byes to 2nd to give some advantage for a higher group finish
6 Hold any playoffs after ties for group position on Sat not Sun. Notify players they must be available after end of their qualifying in case needed for playoffs.
7 I don't believe matchplay software would help as all ones I've come across require one round to be finished before next one starts. This will cause lots of delays as always waiting for longest game before anyone can start new round!
Having said all of above I think Peter and the Raisons did an amazing job pretty much single handely running the comps and Peter furthermore supplying the vast majority of the machines. I agree it would be better if they were spread from more sources but a lot of donors do not wish their machines to be used in comps and not available for public play. So not an easy task for Peter to source these and can think he decided to supply most as the easiest and most pragmatic solution in the end. With more time and co-operation next year this could be resolved.
League Finals
1 Have 2 separate banks of machines for A and B finals
2 Have dedicated time slots to play your 5 machines. With 2 hour slots in Open/Classics this could all be done in the 2 hour slot you're not playing in Open/Classics and could certainly complete all qualifying on Saturday if not playoffs too.
3 Have a back up machine in case of machine faults/failure
@NeilMcRae to answer your queries:
- regional leagues had WPPR points awarded in past but now in order to qualify you need to have some head to head play. Hence playoffs in A and B finals after5 game qualifying. No easy way to have play offs in league as you either need a separate meet or hold at last meet when not all players may be attending.
- league has always been 4 balls (since inception in 2007) and was deemed to be a 1 ball compensation for lack of extra balls being awarded. Why change when been fine for 12 years?!
Cheers
Greg
