Week 116 - The Figures Tell The Whole Story

[Andy]

The column two weeks ago was all about getting results from events. I was bemoaning the fact that with some clubs results seem to take a very poor second place to everything else.

As I said at the time, it

[stuessenhigh]

WOW...

THANK GOODNESS...at last, someone brave enough to tell it like it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been keeping the same thoughts to myself for ages and ages, basically for fear of being shot down in flames for 'speaking out'

I've nothing against clubs making a profit at events, ...but ONLY if they put it back into the sport.

It is simply wrong in my opinion, to be making a profit and just sitting on the money. There are so many good uses for that money, like sponsoring a rider to compete on the world scene etc etc....or simply enhancing the club with better facilities or coaching sessions etc.

Thank you Mr.Rapley. You are officially my hero!

Edited May 3, 2009 by StuEssenhigh

[copemech]

Being of unsound mind and body, I am still a bit confused about all this scoring that Rappers is complaining about?

As it seems some of you guys do things differently, such as having the observers take the scores, then turn in late after the trial, as compared to holding your own cards, and turning in per lap or per total event.

This first scenerio suggests that no one knows anything untill everyone has left and things are tallied, sending results later! (or it was done, yet everyone left), which is the case?

I cannot imagine huge delays on internet postings by the clubs, even in the worst of circumstance, but I do agree that if there is that much of a problem in doing the counting, then someone needs to pay more attention, or consider a change in their format to allow better feedback to the riders.

Yes, clubs need to profit, big time! Clubs and members really need to be thinking about buying or leasing land!

[trickymicky]

I'm not sure why the above should offend anyone, although some clubs still give out trophies which together with engraving costs would reduce any surplus. I've never asked my local clubs, but have always assumed that organisers take reasonable expenses for travel and telephone etc. Giving up time and effort is fine but i wouldnt expect them to be out of pocket.

That said, i'm sure lots of clubs have accumulated substantial sums and have no real plan of what it could be used for. Indeed my local club, Leicester Query no longer organises events yet still has a substantial bank balance. Maybe if a few local clubs pooled assets, they could purchase some land.

[stuessenhigh]

Trickymicky and copemech...

here-here!..buying land is an excellent way to spend the surplus, and even if a club cant afford it on their own, they could club together like you've suggested, or even try to rent some land.

[bilc0]

I would say the surplus money should go towards paying observers and people involved with the club proper wage's for the work they do.I don't think a packet of biscuits is going to do it anymore.

[copemech]

I would say the surplus money should go towards paying observers and people involved with the club proper wage's for the work they do.I don't think a packet of biscuits is going to do it anymore.

I do understand what you are stating here, yet on a club level(as ours is split morn and afternoon) we must score for each other, or at least a sufficient portion get picked to man the sections for the others. Knoledgable offspring and spouses often help out as well. Even half the day sitting in the heat or cold or rain can be a lot. Makes a LONG day for a rider!

When we go off tho other clubs events, it is their responsibility for the most part, unless some volunteer, which they will if needed.

I cannot imagine the problems in soliciting outside observers, as there just seems to be too few true fans that would like to participate.

In a National event, it takes all the sponsoring club members plus others from the region to man the sections, which is a big deal!

Need two per section, 15 sestions per day, 2 days, attending with hawk's eyes for about 8 hours or more.

[bilc0]

as there just seems to be too few true fans that would like to participate.

This is it,im sure we all know atleast 2 people from outside the sport that won't come along and observe for nothing but im sure we all know atleast 2 people from outside the sport that will come and observe for

Edited May 7, 2009 by bilc0

[totalshell]

mike's point i believe is that results of some trials are not made readily available within an acceptable timescale.. and more to the point as a paying customer he's looking for a bit of customer service.. a bit like doing your exams at the end of term but not finding out how well you did until you've done another term.. ( which can unfortunately be the case metaphorically speaking)

some clubs excell and there achievements should be use as all other organising clubs to understand how they do it. in todays world sould all results be sent via email / club website? or alternatively as the late Norman Pickles once reminded me why should i spend 500 quid on something the royal mail do for 25p (he was a postmaster after all!!) either way just because the sport is amateur doesnt mean that we cant do a professional job.