[gvttc general] Club Communication - Saturday Open Play & Expectations

[ANDRE MARONIAN]

GVTTC,

Recently, there’s been a few incidents escalated to Club Officers based on Saturday Open Play that is cause for some concern.  I’d like to use this time to both clarify Saturday rules and the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all players.


Saturday Open Play Rules
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There are three open play types
Table 1 - Generally reserved for Over 1800 level play with a King Of The Hill format.  There's no limit to how many times the winner stays on.  Normally there is no list here but you ask who’s on deck.  Players on this table know that there is high risk you will be waiting a long time between losses to get back on to challenge the king of the hill.
Tables 2-4 - Intermediate to top players tend to gravitate there.  These tables are run by either calling winners or a list depending on how many players are on standby.  Players get two matches in a row regardless of a win or loss and then must give up their spot.  They then sign back up on the list.  We ask that you don’t sign up on multiple lists at the same time.
Tables 5-9 - Beginners to Intermediate players tend to gravitate there.  These tables are run by either calling winners or a list depending on how many players are on standby.  Players get two matches in a row regardless of a win or loss and then must give up their spot.  They then sign back up on the list.  We ask that you don’t sign up on multiple lists at the same time.  If a player categorized as an intermediate or top player signs up on this list, they should play both their matches no matter who the opponent. 

The official (abbreviated) rules of open play state that anybody can challenge another player or sign up on either open play sheet if there is a large waiting list (minus the king of the hill table). That said, there's always been an unofficial division of one side being for less experienced and the other side being for more experienced. Players reserve the right to sign up for either list playing against more experienced players as a great way to learn and a spirit that should be fostered within our club.  Anyone that signs up on a list should go into it understanding that some matches will be more competitive and some will be less but the expectation is that you play them both no matter who the opponent.


Player Conduct
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We recognize there are many levels of play but the best players had a first day, first year, and looked up to top players.  When I first started, even though I was just beginning, the top players created a nice environment for me and, from time to time, would hit with me even though it provided no value for the top player.  Those moments caused me to want to both remain a player and want to be like them.  If they would've looked down upon me and/or didn’t want to hit with me because it didn’t help them, I may not be where I’m at today.  A rating doesn’t make the player!  If you love this game you want this club to grow.  The more we welcome and assist in a new players growth, the more we’ll have here long term.  Obviously we want competitive play but there’s always a better player than you and they could take that same position.  When you’re at Open Play, you need to sign up at appropriate tables and know that some matches will be more competitive and some will be less competitive but ALL matches build the club.  I’m confident this will be the last time we’ll need to address this.

Sincerely,
Andre Maronian
President, GVTTC
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