For all of us about to embark on another season of fabulous tournaments: here's a self-created top ten list of tourney etiquette:
10.) The door-ways are for going in and out of the gyms. They do make a great place for a conversation, especially when seeing one of our friends from another club or discussing how cold the biscuts and gravy were this morning, but maybe keeping the paths open for everyone's use is best.
9.) The aisles are for walking up and down the bleachers. See No. 10. Of course you found an open seat, right where you want it. It's not a seat, it's a path for everyone to use. Maybe your lap is just as good as a step, but let's not take chances.
8.) Yes, that "Please move away from the mats so others can see" announcement really does apply to you. Sure, you're only going to video tape for three 1 minute periods, and sure little Jimmy always wrestles better when mommy or daddy is laying on their side looking him in the face yelling "shoot the half, shoot the half", but others can't see.
7.) Yes, that "Please sit down in front announcement" really does apply to you. See number 10.
6.) Dont start 1.5 hours late. We all know there are many good reasons to delay a start, but a good fair tourney shouldn't have much of a delay. If you are redoing things you are penalizing those that did things right, not those that did things wrong.
5.) Give out medals at the tables immediately after the final matches. Sure a crowd of 80 kids and parents in front of one table is a lot of fun and who gets tired of asking "do you have 10 and under 79# yet", but no matter how you do it, it's impossible to quickly hand out medals unless it's at the mat. A 45 minute wait at the end of the day for something little Billy really wants is too long.
4.) through 1.) Heck, maybe I am not that fussy after all. Can't think of any more.
But the season has yet to begin...
