Fall Playoff Schedules 09

[Natalie Lowe]

Here are the Playoff Schedules. Please mark the dates on your calendar. Thanks!

[Maria]

Just a reminder that I work on Sundays and until that day, i will not know if I will make it by 3:00. I know I can be there by 4:00, so let me know if this is a problem.

[Dart Geek]

Why are we having playoff on week nights?

[Maria]

just to piss you off

[Dart Geek]

I knew that everyone was against me...have I been just kidding myself that people actually liked me??? Wow, thanks for opening my eyes to that fact.

[jmdutton3]

Louise- I wouldn't complain as much for a weeknight playoff match over the fact because of that I possibly have a chance to be playing 6 playoff matches in 7 days. That is stupid!

[Dart Geek]

What I see in the schedule is that we have December to play our matches in. Yes, we would be ending our seasons and then playing a week or more afterwards...but wouldn't it be better than playing on a weeknight? And, there is a semi-final mixed match on Thursday!!!!! Um, spring season in our semi-final we were there from 7:00 PM until 2:00 AM. I am not working at this time but what about the players that work? I am sure that they would not want to turn around and wake up to be at work at 8:00 or earlier after staying up that late. I believe that there needs to be a change on the schedule for our playoffs and it needs to happen ASAP. I will talk more to my Ladies, A and Mixed but I think that all of them will be in agreement when I say that playoff matches need to be on weekends instead of weeknights.

Let your voices be heard people...this is important!!!

[csowder]

I understand that scheduling playoffs is very difficult considering that several people are playing on different playoff teams. However, I am not looking forward to the possibility of playing a mixed playoff match at Volcano's on a Thursday night. Not sure what the alternatives are though.

[Maria]

I do not have a problem doing playoffs during the week. As a matter of fact, I have suggested this several times. This is what I did in New York, Dallas, and Arlington. I understand that alot of people don't like it, yet they play DDA or MDA that have their playoffs during the week. I could be wrong, but I think FWDA use to have playoffs during the week, but changed it so it wouldn't conflict with MDA or DDA playoffs. (As I said, I'm not sure about this), And again, alot of the people who complain about this play for DDA and MDA, so why is it ok to play their playoffs during the week, but if FWDA wants to do it they have a bird?

I hate having playoffs on the weekend. Especially in the summer.

And, not all of us get weekends off so it is just as hard for people like me to be out until 2 am on a friday or saturday,and then have to go to work the next day. Granted I may stay out to 2 am sometimes, but it's my choice to do so.


I have to say that I love it, and I know there is going to be alot of negative feedback, but lets also hear from the people that like it.

Thanks

[jmdutton3]

I understand where all of the frustration is coming from. This should have been brought to everyones attention before hand, and I believe, should have been voted on instead of just throwing a curve ball our way. The funny thing is that last year at this time it was the exact opposite. I didn't play Ladies League City Cup until December 19th!! Which was well over a month after the season ended. It was horrible and it turned out that only 3 of us could even show up to the damn thing( the other 2 planned a vacation prior to the playoff posting, understandingly assuming that we would be finished with fall league all together). I am pretty neutral on whether playoffs are played on weeknights or weekends, however I think it could be a little more spread out. I also feel that again, this should have been brought up as a possibility before the season even started. Thanks, Kayla

[Dart Geek]

It was brought up at the CPB meeting but we (as a group) said, let's see how the season works out and let the board take it from there. I guess I should have been more proactive about it at that time and said NO PLAYOFFS DURING THE WEEK. I see my A team tonight...I will have more input tomorrow and the next day from my other team members.

[Natalie Lowe]

We sat at a board meeting and worked on the dates. Because there are so many divisions, they overlap. The deal is, it seemed to have hurt teams in the past to hold for so long. The Thanksgiving Holidays fall in there and it was worked out that no team would have to hold for 2 or 3 weeks. I don't have any problems rescheduling them further into December. But the last voices heard were it was BS to have to hold for 2 or 3 weeks before the teams get to play their playoffs.

Either way, if you all want to reschedule and can get the teams to agree to hold, We don't have a problem switching them. We tried to get the most efficient playoffs done and eliminate any one division from having to sit and wait. It seems that it was brought up that teams waiting lose their momentum.

Sorry this has caused some grief. Connie & I worked hard to accomodate all the divisions without any team holding. This was the only possible way to do it without gaps.

Ladies, Cricket, and Mixed are the only ones that caught a weekday. Unfortunately, Ladies was tough. They had the most complaints from many that it was horrible to have to wait until December. The Mixed can't have all Saturday's because of the Thanksgiving Holidays. The Cricket playoff match was played on a Monday in the summer, and it ran rather smoothly and did not end too terribly late. We thought it would be ok, to allow them to finish before the Holidays instead of making them wait.

[jmdutton3]

In all honesty, this set up for playoffs at this time of the year is a good idea. I am really big on holidays and since I have kids, I have alot of hectic things to do in December for X-mas time. Maybe, I said maybe, the Fall season could be the only season that is played during the weeknights, and perhaps Spring and Summer could be the way they were originally.....? Just an idea. Also, the possibility of it being a little more spread out in the future may not be such a bad idea. Playing that many crucial matches so tightly just might result in a drop of teams for the Spring season. We dont want to get too burnt out. Unfortunatley, there is no conclusion that will make everyone smile, but as an association we can try to get pretty damn close:). Thanks, Kayla

[Dart Geek]

Nat and I talked last night and I am going to go through the different teams in the leagues and the dates and see what I can come up with to be good for everyone. (I will NOT schedule anything on Thanksgiving!!) I also suggested that what we might want to do in the future is stagger the leagues at the beginning of the season so that one league starts earlier than the others so that there will not be an issue at playoff time of everyone playing thier matches at the same time.

Let's see what we can do and we will take it from there.

[notbil]

Our playoffs in Calif. were Monday night, and when I was in Ohio it was Tues. and Wed. Like you said alot of people work on weekends, have their kids on weekends or other plans. As long as you have time to make plans for it then it shouldn't matter what day of the week you have playoffs.

[PFCJoker]

http://img1.jurko.net/avatar_3629.gif

[Dart Geek]

Not to sound like a bitch...but I am sure it will come across that way....we need to think outside of box and do things our own way. I don't think that we should look at other dart associations and base our desicisions on what they do. We need to look at what our players need and want and base our decisions on what we want. And I know that there are several players that do not want to play on a weeknight. Especially a semi-final or cup match.

[Maria]

Listen, if you fully understood my post, I said that FWDA used to have their playoff matches on WEEKNIGHTS, but changed it. Again, I am not sure about this but it is what I have been told. The reason for the change was so our playoffs wouldn't interfere with anyone elses.

I AGREE that we should not accommodate other dart associations.

HOWEVER, if they didn't make these accommodations, we would've never had playoffs on weekends to begin with.

Listen, I understand you are not happy with the situation, and maybe some of the people on your dart teams aren't happy either, but I think before anything gets changed, we need everyone to give their opinion. I don't think 10-20 people who aren't happy is a good enough reason to change things. There are over 200 active members in FWDA, and I know we won't here from all of them, but we need to hear from a majority before anything gets changed.

Just my opinion.

[pelligrini]

Playoffs have usually been on weekends as far as I can remember. Some time ago playoff matches were the best of 33 games. (3 sheets) Doing one of those on a weeknight would have been tough. I'm really glad we don't do that anymore.

[notbil]

It is getting a lot harder to schedule playoffs on the weekend because. (1) Many of our players travel to out of town tournaments. (2) ADO comitments, some of our nationals are about the same time as playoffs. (3) Our local pubs sometimes have other plans for the weekend like tournaments, bands, karoke and other funtions. (4) We also have some single parents who get there kids on weekends. (5) Weekends are usually family time for a lot of us. (6) Some of us have to work on weekends. Bottom line is you will never make everybody happy. For me, I would rather play on the same night as my normal league night, I am already used to it and I don't have to clear my schedule for a whole weekend. The majority of playoff matches that I have played in have ended early enough, not always but most of the time. I just wish I was back in Texas and playing on the weekday or weekend was my biggest worry. Good Luck

[notbil]

1 more thing. Unlike other associations who have only a few divisions and can schedule a little easier. We have alot of divisions which is good, but they tend to interfere with each other so that come playoff time like J says, you might play 5, or 6 days in a row. If your on 2 or 3 teams like, Mixed, A, Ladies, and or cricket and your in the playoffs, you can say goodbye to the next 3 wkends. So, you need help, options, ideas. Heres a few. Somebody said stagger the divisions. I would start mixed early or late because mixed players usually play on other teams, that would help a little. Put a poll up on the web site, if 30% of the players want weekdays then schedule 30% of the playoff matches on weekdays. Ask all the divisions if they could handle at least 1 weekday playoff, this would help in all of your scheduling and give everyone some insight on how good or bad it would be.

[jmdutton3]

I agree with everyone's input in some way. Bill, your ideas are really helpful and I think should be considered. Even though you are so far away!!lol. Louise, you are simply saying that you didn't see a problem with the way the playoff schedule was originally, and basically "why fix something that isn't broken". Makes sense. Maria is just stating that she hasn't been too fond of it all along, but didn't feel the need to complain about the fact that it wasn't the most complimenting set up for her schedule. Everyone has good reasons and they should all be looked upon, and most importantly, we need more input! C'mon people..... :) Thanx, Kayla

[sanewcomer]

playoff matches should be played on the night of play when it gets down to the last few matches friday nites for semis and sunday afternoons for the finals we should go back to te best of 33 for the finals lol

[Ron]

I would be in favor of shortening the time that it takes to play a match in the playoffs. If we have to play two scoresheets, then maybe we could eliminate the best 2 of 3 in the singles or play on two boards or eliminate one of the 4 player 801 games. It's hard to keep from getting the yawns when you spend so much time at a match or to keep rhythm if you have to wait so long between games that you play in. Weeknight matches would not be so bad if you didn't have to spend 5+ hours in the bar and then turn around and do again 2 days later should you win like on the weekends. Playoffs can be beat you down!

[dlpool]

Ok, playing the devil's advocate: Why do we have to have playoffs after every season? Why can't the team who has the best stats at the end of the season just be the winner?? Jill :eek:

[dlpool]

BTW - I like Ron's suggestions. Jill

[jmdutton3]

I'm all for trying to find out some way to make playoffs shorter. There really is no need for the 801 game in the middle of two sheets. Out of all the teams I have been on, whichever team is in the lead usually lets people that didn't play as much on the first sheet to get them in the game. The team that is losing typically stacks it trying to closen the gap of the lead. This game is truly useless in deciding who has th better team. Keep it at the end. If you don't play the middle 801 then that is 10 games on sheet one and 11 games on sheet two with 801 deciding the match if it comes to that and then it would be purposeful. First to 11 wins. I also like the idea about playing singles on two boards. It will also help speed up a match. I also do prefer to play on weeknights instead of weekends as well. Just not 6 matches in 8 days. That is the part that I think is ridiculous. But if we were able to make the playoffs shorter I don't think we would have a problem with people when it comes to playing weeknights. 2 hours a sheet would be 4 hours and if you start at 7 you should be done by 11 to 11:30 in which most players stay at the bar till then anyways, not all, but most. That is my two cents worth. Jason

[Dart Geek]

I have sent Natalie an email that has two different playoff schedules that I thought would be good for MOST players. What I suggested to her, is that next season if we have all of the leagues ending at the same time to stagger the beginning of the season so that you will not run into this same situation.

The other big thing about this playoff is Thanksgiving. So, we may have to play the first weekend of December instead of Thanksgiving. I am looking out for those players who work the next day...a lot of players work on the weekdays. I know that everyone is different in the schedules that they want. Can we please everyone??? NO, I don't expect to. Also, I do not think that a semi final mixed match should be on a Thursday night when the first round is on a weekend. That doesn't make any sense at all!!

As far as making the playoff matches shorter...I am all for that!! But, when it is two really great teams fighting for the "CUP" then it is going to be long no matter what you do.

[smadigan]

I do not remember a mixed playoff being on a Thursday and that is my fault because I would have discussed this at a board meeting. I knew about the Monday Cricket because they were finishing their sheets quickly. I am not fond of this Thursday playoff schedule and I strongly encourage that the board discussing this.

[cmgarner]

Okay, let me throw in my two cents. I work nights. The only nights I can play are Monday, Saturday and Sunday. The only days I have to spend with my son is Saturday and Sunday so I am very protective of that time. One of my players works Saturday and Sunday during the day and gets off at 6:30. Another of my players works 2 jobs and her time is even more limited. Another of my players has her children every other weekend and thats when she schedules family time. Can you accommodate our schedules??

As for the bars; we have to make our schedules months in advance. We have bands, karaoke, birthday parties, pool league, pool tournaments etc. When league schedules are posted, I discuss the tentative playoff schedules with Natalie so that I can try to keep the calender open for whatever playoff slots are given to Maxines. Holidays are especially rough as we have company parties going on as well. We work very hard to squeeze everyone in. When the board hands out the playoff schedules these dates are then factored in. If you change the schedules now, you are going to run the risk of having other events that may take priority over your playoff match.

Just something to think about.

[smadigan]

I do not think people are really asking to change things at this point as they are asking for the board to rethink this for the future. I understand that we will not be able to accomidate everyone but before big changes are made lets look at it some more.

At this point if there are any changes it will have to be made with the teams and that has to be approved in which they will have to take the risk of having other events. That is why we do not encourage changing playoff schedules.

[Dart Geek]

Connie...you know that we cannot please everyone. I think that it is good if we "TRY" to and if the board cannot then the captains can come together and reschedule the playoff match that is good for both teams w/o interferring with the next playoff match for that league.

I believe that something needs to be done about this now. That is why I have talked to Natalie and sent her some other options. If I did that all in vain then why did I go through all of the research to give her other options??? So that it can be talked about and then next season we will change things???

[cmgarner]

Louise -- that was the point, no matter what you or anyone comes up with, someone is not going to like it. You have to look at the big picture and do whats best for the majority. Thats all anyone can do.

[Dart Geek]

Connie, I know that not everyone is going to be happy. Outside of EVERYTHING else...do you really think that a semi-final in mixed on a Thursday night is the "best" thing for those players?

[cmgarner]

Lets here from the Mixed players???

[DartDude]

I have never posted one of these before. But the problem I have is I work on weekends. I can play in the league as I am off work in time to make it to the matches however having the playoffs in a time different from when the normal league plays (maybe I am alone here) but it makes it difficult when the playoffs are a different time then regular league matches. I would think the weeknights would be easier as it is just a continuation of what we are already doing. Maybe start a little earlier if need be to avoid running late. But this way everyone who is playing league should be able to make it to playoffs as it is nothing different other than the length of the match ... IMHO

[jmdutton3]

I'm just answering Connie on the fact that I do prefer to play my match on Thursday so that I can play in a dart tournament on the weekend. However, I am open to changing it to accomodate others if it within reason. For example, I don't mind playing Sat. if we start it at 3 instead of 7. That is also if the bar doesn't mind. I also go with what my own teamates want as well. To me it is an all for it or leave it the same. For this season it is just going to have to be a wait and see ordeal and who teams are playing and if they want to change it take the proper steps and do so.

Jason

[trip20]

Everyone has made good points and I feel okay with what we have, because waiting for a long time between the end of the season and playoffs stinks. Jason did bring up a very good point Thursday that would at least make the match shorter. I think we should consider eliminating 801 on the first sheet and having a single 801 match on the second sheet if there is a need for a tie-breaker. The 801 match at the end of that first sheet often ends up with the leading team putting in a somewhat weaker team. Maybe that is by-design and is what people want, but in my opinion it has little affect on the outcome and makes the match last 20 or so minutes longer.

Mike Pirrone

[jmdutton3]

I just want to voice one more thing. The fact that having a "Mixed " semifinal on a Thursday shouldn't have been a big deal. If you look at the playoff schedule, the Cricket league CITY CUP is on a Monday. The arguement is that ;it was that way in the summer, but that was only because the players decided to change it so everyone could be there. It was NOT sheduled that way. Also, the other arguement that Cricket league makes sense to be on Monday was that- it's cricket and will be over faster!!! I dont think so. Unless everyone vowes to not play the point game, which isnt going to happen. The last reason we were given, was that last years was over with early. Well, this season is very tight and has three really solid teams. Matches averaging with 7-5 and 8-4 wins. Also, Monday night is famous for what...... Monday night football!! I think I've stated enough. So, in the future, please if you have a complaint about "Semifinal" match on a weekday, please have a valid list of reasons. But- call me crazy, I am not suggesting to change the Cricket Cup match!!! Natalie has had enough stress over this- just a thought for next season:). Thanks, Kayla