Tourneys: Why do people TD and Volunteer?

[spinachd]

I just played my first tournament recently (Mad City Open). I had a blast and I felt that it was a great value. Even before winning anything I received goods whose retail list prices probably exceeded my entry fee. But honestly the experience itself was worth the entry fee (not to mention gas and hotel). I've run a lot of paid running races and I don't get near this level of value.

But at the end I heard so much complaining about payouts.

I guess I don't know much about the internal workings of the tourney scene. Why does anyone run them? Is someone making a bunch of money? If so why are there volunteers?

 

[Halcón]

The love of the game.

 

[HybridZombiw]

The love of the game.

^ That short and simple. I love volunteering for anything DG related and it has its benefits here and there, but overall its worthwhile especially if you want to promote and spread the game to future players and so on.

 

[JC17393]

There are a lot of suckers in disc golf. We call them TDs.

 

[DavidSauls]

Good questions. A lot of us TDs ask them all the time.

 

[DiscChainBasket18]

my hat is off to them in gratitude! as I would not want to deal with all of that!

 

[Martin Dewgarita]

For the chicks.

 

[DavidSauls]

I guess I don't know much about the internal workings of the tourney scene. Why does anyone run them? Is someone making a bunch of money? If so why are there volunteers?

No one's making a bunch of money.

Depending on a number of factors, someone may be making some money, which may go to the TD, local club, or course improvements. (I don't personally know of any going to TDs, other than vendor-run events, but it's possible).

Or not, depending on fixed expenses, payouts, and attendance.

 

[goosefraba1]

The club typically makes some money... which typically goes for course improvements.... or to buy stuff for a new course operated by the club.

 

[DavidSauls]

I just played my first tournament recently (Mad City Open). I had a blast and I felt that it was a great value. Even before winning anything I received goods whose retail list prices probably exceeded my entry fee. But honestly the experience itself was worth the entry fee (not to mention gas and hotel). I've run a lot of paid running races and I don't get near this level of value.

But at the end I heard so much complaining about payouts.

Just speculating, but perhaps the TD decided to pay out more in players packs than prizes for finishing high.

Short of donations specifically targeted as players packs, it tends to be one big sum for payouts, a portion of which goes to players packs, the rest going to prizes. Bigger players pack, less prizes, and vice versa.

 

[The Last DJ]

Many times tourney directors are disc golfers that can't play for some reason. Maybe an injury requires some time off and what better way to stay in the scene than help out with a competition?

 

[Ripper]

I never understood it. It's a lose, lose situation. Allot of time with no positive gains, and tons of negativity.

 

[Photoguy]

It should also be noted that, while tons of DG players are REALLY into tournaments, organized competition just isn't that important for some people. I'd be far more likely to help run an event than to play in one. It would be more fun for me allow other people to do something they care a lot about (play in a tournament), or to raise money/awareness for a club, than to compete myself.

 

[DavidSauls]

Sometimes it's a matter of wanting to play in a tournament locally, and knowing the only way it's going to happen is if you do it yourself.

Sometimes it's a disc golfer who travels around the area playing tournaments that other people run, and figures he'll give back by running one himself.

Basically, it's the same premise as hosting a party. It's much easier and less stressful to go to parties that other people host. Why do it yourself?

 

[WhiteyBear]

Clubs, and DG'ers in general, need to make the mental change that TD's and volunteers deserve to get paid for their time.

Most people have zero clue how much effort it takes to run a well-oiled tournament, especially when no one helps and volunteers for the whole event.

Oh wait, this already happens, it's called anything that DD runs....


So, case in point, if you go to a DD event, you support paying the TD's. Thus, in turn, you need to pay TD's who aren't DD.

 

[ejvogie]

Just speculating, but perhaps the TD decided to pay out more in players packs than prizes for finishing high.

To quote my local TD,

"Putting less money (or merch, or scrip) in more hands makes more people happy."

Unless, of course, you win AND you're a greedy bastard.

 

[CaptainAnhyzer]

I never understood it. It's a lose, lose situation. Allot of time with no positive gains, and tons of negativity.

If it's done right, there is no negativity.

I run them for the players. Because I love to see people get together and compete for the win. And I've been selling out for a few years now so I must be doing something right.

 

[DavidSauls]

Clubs, and DG'ers in general, need to make the mental change that TD's and volunteers deserve to get paid for their time.

To quote my local TD,

"Putting less money (or merch, or scrip) in more hands makes more people happy."

We're not there yet.

 

[WhiteyBear]

We're not there yet.

I'd argue the opposite. We ARE there now. You don't wait until you are "there" to make this change, otherwise the pig is already fattened and you try to change an even more greedy mindset. Establish the principles now, rather than trying to do it tomorrow.

 

[threevok]

Basically, it's the same premise as hosting a party. It's much easier and less stressful to go to parties that other people host. Why do it yourself?

For the coins in the seat cushions and nobody's lampshades fit you better than you own.


I've only played a few tournaments but I thank the TD in person and follow up with a thank you email.