As we launch our 40th Anniversary season this week, we are announcing a fundamental change to our play date format.
The current play date format will be divided into two 90 minute blocks (9:00AM-10:30AM and 10:30AM-12:00PM for morning sessions or 1:00PM -2:30PM and 2:30PM-4:00PM for afternoon sessions). The first block will primarily contain pre-scheduled matches (for Level I and II (A&B) skill sets, which may include crossover skill-set matches) though pre-scheduled matches may also extend into the second block. The second block will primarily be for Open Play which will enable ad-hoc foursomes to be organized, accommodate all walk-ins (those who have not registered), include members with medical and mobility challenges (Level III skill set), and those members from Block 1 who wish to continue playing.
In the way of background and considerations leading to this change, our group’s current age profile reflects that 10% of our members are over 90, and about 40% between 80 and 89. As our group has aged, many have encountered medical and mobility issues which have compromised their games and pose significant challenges to the Captain in managing the pairings process.
Recognizing these facts and to ensure the play date meets expectations of all members, we will use a four game format for Level III players. This format will enable our Level III players to partner with a number of different members of varying skill levels. All players will rotate in and out of matches in a fluid fashion and thereby avoid having one particular game detract from the overall satisfaction of the outing. Considering the challenges voiced by the captains in hosting a play date along with the compelling facts regarding our aging demographic coupled with future inevitabilities, we feel the play date format change is necessary and timely.
The play date format change is aimed at improving the play date experience for all members, and help the Captain by simplifying the dynamics of pre-scheduled matches, diverse skill levels, court rotations, wait time, and walk-ins. These changes will also inject a degree of operational standardization across our 17 captains in discharging their duties as Host Captain. We will continue to monitor this change and may tweak it over the course of the season to achieve a “win-win” for all members.
The change also preserves the mission of GOBs which is to provide competitive play to its members. I believe this change accommodates our diverse membership while extricating the Captain from being a micromanager and serving more in the intended capacity as a host welcoming guests (who are all expected to comply with house rules).
With any structural change, there are typically operational changes that accompany the new direction. Here are our slate of operational changes:
1. All sign-ups should be made 24 hours before the play date. Same holds for cancellations. You have the ability to cancel your sign-up on the system. Please use this feature in consideration of the challenging job our Captains have in effectively managing a play date. If you must cancel within the 24 hour window, when pairings may have already been finalized or need to make a last minute cancellation, please let the Host Captain and me know immediately.
2. Each member should arrive at least five minutes before their assigned start time to avoid a last minute disruption and support the Host Captain in his dynamic scheduling role.
3. All walk-ins are welcome. These members will be accommodated at 10:30AM for the morning session and at 2:30PM for the afternoon sesson. Walk-ins will be assigned to an ad-hoc foursome by the Host Captain.
In addition to these operational changes, we have also tweaked the Sign-up/Registration Form. After you access the Schedule and click on the Club name of a particular date, the registration form that pops-up now has a feature at the bottom of it that allows the member to indicate the Block that they desire to play in along with a self-rated skill level. We ask that the following guidelines be used in judging your skill level:
Level I–Highly competitive, balanced and mobile player with a consistent game. Typically plays in either the #1 or #2 position in FCTL.
Level IIA–Has good racquet skills and enjoys competitive play. Players at this level generally have good mobility and are fairly consistent.
Level IIB–Players at this skill level are relatively less mobile and less consistent and enjoy a more social game.
Level III–Players with limited mobility which compromises their game but possesses basic skills conducive to a recreational game.
As you complete the registration form and advance to the bottom of it you are provided 10 unique choices to select from as follows (the form on the system is still being edited to reflect the list of choices below):
Block 1, Level I
Block 1, Level IIA
Block 1, Level IIB
Block 2, Level I
Block 2, Level IIA
Block 2, Level IIB
Block 2, Level III
No Preference, Level I
No Preference, Level IIA
No Preference, Level IIB
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO COMPLETE THIS SECTION OF THE REGISTRATION FORM. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED USING THE ORIGINAL FORM FOR THIS COMING WEEK DON’T WORRY WE WILL BE ABLE TO MANAGE AS THERE ARE LIMITED SIGN-UPS. WE WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH ALL THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED REGARDING YOUR SCHEDULED PLAY TIMES.
The selection of the preferred Block and Skill Level choice will provide the Host Captain with very helpful information that will be used in planning the overall play date. Once he finalizes the play date pairings process along with time slots (Block 1 or 2), each registered attendee will be contacted by email to confirm their ‘reservation’.
If there are any questions about Skill Level or any part of this communication, please contact me. We appreciate hearing from our members, as we’re committed to providing a pleasant experience for everyone.
FYI, we have also launched an invitation-only Membership Drive across our clubs targeting Level I players. The captains have been very involved with this initiative and we are poised to extend about 40 invitations beginning this weekend. These individuals will help to rebalance both our group’s age and skill level mix.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Best,
Jim