Ø The
popularity of this type of tournament is based on the groups in each band being
equal. So to avoid the situation of
players not being available the draw must be done on the day. The aim should be
to try to ensure that once players have started their event they do not have to
wait around whilst other groups in their band are still playing.
Ø
When doing the draw the things to look at are the
number of players, the number of tables and how much time is available. Once
the size of the total entry is known, the next step is to decide on age groups
and/or ability bands. It is worth remembering that good 11 year olds will enjoy
and learn more from playing good 13 year olds, rather than playing beginners of
their own age. So ability should be the criteria, not age.
Ø
In calculating the number of players in each
band, two things must also be remembered,
Ø If
possible a band should consist of groups containing an equal number of players.
The aim is to give players a minimum of 5
matches.
Taking an example of 60 players on 12 tables.
Having 4 Bands of 15 players would mean a distinct probability that all 12
groups would finish at roughly the same time and cause problems and delays in
organising the second round of groups.
The following would be a better choice, Band A 12 Players = 2 groups of 6, Band B 15 = 3 of 5, Band C 15 = 3 of 5 and Band D 18 = 3 of 6. This equates to 11 Tables
The second round would then be Band A 12 Players
= 3 of 4 (3 tables, 4 matches per table ), Band B 15 = 5 of 3 (3 tables, 2
groups per table), Band C 15 = 5 of 3 (3 tables, 2 groups per table) and Band D
18 = 6 of 3 (3 tables, 2 groups per table).
Based on the size of groups in Band D plus time for administration the time required should be about 7 hours
It is very difficult to give the exact time that
any group will take to be played but as a general rule groups of players of an
equal standard, whether weak or strong will take longer than those of mixed
standards. It is therefore better to arrange the bands so that Band A has the
smallest number of players
|
Playing Time Chart |
||||
|
Players In Band |
Groups In band |
Number
Tables Required |
Games per Table |
Average Playing Time |
|
25 |
5 |
5 |
10 |
2.5 to 3.0 |
|
24 |
4 |
4 |
15 |
4.0 to 4.5 |
|
20 |
4 |
4 |
10 |
2.5 to 3.0 |
|
18 |
3 |
3 |
15 |
4.0 to 4.5 |
|
16 |
4 |
4 |
6 |
1.5 to 1.75 |
|
15 |
3 |
3 |
15 |
4.0 to 4.5 |
|
12 |
2 |
2 |
15 |
4.0 to 4.5 |
|
10 |
2 |
2 |
10 |
2.5 to 3.0 |
|
8 |
1 |
1 |
28 |
7.0 to 7.5 |
|
4 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
1.5 to 1.75 |
|
3 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
0.75 to 1.0 |
Note:
When addition tables are available time required
for groups of 6 or 8 can be reduced by playing on 2 tables.
If possible it is advisable to appoint a steward
to look after each band to ensure that players are available to umpire or play
when required.