09-09-2011, 03:54 PM
Interesting ideas.
How would this actually influence the statistical averages of grades? Potentially you could have quite a few players who are only getting some of their games graded during a season, and as a result their new grade won't actually reflect how well/badly they played in the season. Fewer games would mean a less reliable grade, and I can foresee this causing problems with estimating player's actual strength; and thus deciding which sections they are allowed to participate in. Is it a realistic concern, or would your system be able to accommodate it in some way?
I don't think getting rid of the magazine is a good idea. I'd rather see it marketted more so that more people want to buy it. Perhaps a stall with lots of the latest editions in tournaments would be a good idea, or a large advert on the website. I'll have a think about that, but there isn't any real reason why it can't sell more copies.
The grading book is probably essential, because most clubs won't have access to a computer in their clubhouse to look up grades.
More adult training would be a very positive thing, as well as more training in general. I'd suggest that a few of the largest clubs take this on in their areas. Edinburgh CC and Hamilton spring to mind. Perhaps each of these could host training events on non-club nights, where players from the local areas (irrespective of club) could come along and pay a small amount to access it. Sporadic training events throughout the country/calendar are unlikely to ever have a major impact. Perhaps a 6-week training seminar, one night per week at a cost of £2/night, at one of these central venues, or something along those lines, would work?
How would this actually influence the statistical averages of grades? Potentially you could have quite a few players who are only getting some of their games graded during a season, and as a result their new grade won't actually reflect how well/badly they played in the season. Fewer games would mean a less reliable grade, and I can foresee this causing problems with estimating player's actual strength; and thus deciding which sections they are allowed to participate in. Is it a realistic concern, or would your system be able to accommodate it in some way?
I don't think getting rid of the magazine is a good idea. I'd rather see it marketted more so that more people want to buy it. Perhaps a stall with lots of the latest editions in tournaments would be a good idea, or a large advert on the website. I'll have a think about that, but there isn't any real reason why it can't sell more copies.
The grading book is probably essential, because most clubs won't have access to a computer in their clubhouse to look up grades.
More adult training would be a very positive thing, as well as more training in general. I'd suggest that a few of the largest clubs take this on in their areas. Edinburgh CC and Hamilton spring to mind. Perhaps each of these could host training events on non-club nights, where players from the local areas (irrespective of club) could come along and pay a small amount to access it. Sporadic training events throughout the country/calendar are unlikely to ever have a major impact. Perhaps a 6-week training seminar, one night per week at a cost of £2/night, at one of these central venues, or something along those lines, would work?