I'm still at a loss to understand what some people see as wrong with the current system, what damage it being done by it, who is being hurt by it, or why the alternatives proposed fix these problems.
I'll share my perspective. I'm sure there are others, but this is how I see it...
Planning
> If we stick to trophy/merch for AM payouts, it would be nice to know ahead of time which divisions to order prizes for. Around here, I believe we generally payout the top 1/3rd in each division.
...Ok, so pre-registration will address part of the issue, but not all of it.
Payout
> Assuming we plan ahead of time to order trophies for all divisions, but half of those divisions aren't populated with players, the trophy expense becomes a line item on the (financial) TD report and detracts from the total purse used to payout everyone (AMs & PROs).
Diluted Competition
> As others have stated, winning a division of 4 people is not as meaningful as winning a division of 10, or 20, or more.
*Keep in mind that the PDGA model is to foster competition.
Integrity of Competition
> In my opinion, giving people the choice of a division is (somewhat) like giving them a choice if they want to win or lose. I could play open and donate, or I can play Advanced and have a chance at 'cashing'. If people are always placed in a division of their 'equals' the competition improves.
* Again, we're assuming a competitive model for sanctioned events.
User Experience
> As a TD it is far easier to organize a few large divisions rather than a larger number of smaller divisions. By reducing the number of divisions, the TD has less administrative work and can focus more on user satisfaction at the event.
Whining
> This is the #1 reason I can't run events anymore; I just don't have the patience for people complaining in this arena. If you've attended, or run an event, you've heard people whining for one reason or another. If divisions are larger, I believe there is more of an understanding or expectation that decisions are made for the greater good, which people are generally ok with. If you have a handful of smaller divisions (5-10 people in each) then I've experienced people within those divisions wanting different treatment (starting hole, picking their card, etc.). I think most TDs try and accommodate the players to increase user experience, but this is a slippery slope. If you comply, other divisions want special treatment. If you do not, you're a 'jerk TD'.
Some of this is out of convenience for the TD, but I think all of it is a positive movement for the sport. Until we transition from volunteer organizations to paid entities, we need to consider the local club, volunteers, etc. on equal ground with the tournament participants when determining how to organize these events.
Though I don't entirely agree with the original article, I do think this is a positive conversation!:hfive: