Hey Coaches and Tournament Directors

Could anyone give me some information on Bracketing Programs. We are getting ready for our tournament and have discussed doing the bracketing on the computor. If anyone has used any programs or software and has had good results with them...I would appreciate the name of the program/company/software...anything would help us do some research.

Thanks!

I can honestly say that in all the years I have been around wrestling the only kids tournament that I have ever seen that used computer bracketing with any luck at all was Buhler's tournament when Mike Juby did the brackets. Usually when you see someone trying to do bracketing at a kids tournament with a computer it is a sign that you should turn around and go home. It is going to be a long day.

Thanks. We have experienced that also. Just didn't know what most of the clubs were doing.

RWC,

The only program I am familiar with is the one used by most of the high schools here in KS. The problem most encounter with it are the following:

1. One computer/printer and operator can handle approximately 3-4 mats. So you would need additional computers for any more multiples of mats.
2. Those 3-4 mats MUST run first available as opposed to how we typically do it in kids.
3. Once you have in effect seeded (locked) in the entries for the tournament, you cannot make any changes without all the brackets being renumbered by the computer. If you've not printed anything out prior then this isn't a problem. But, if you want to add a kid or even change a name at the last minute then all brackets will be renumbered.

While all this sounds not worth the trouble I believe otherwise. For the experienced user there are ways to make this program work even for a kids tournament. The one big obstacle is getting parents/coaches to accept the first available mat as opposed to how we currently do it. This program is IMO excellent and should be used more by clubs that are capable. It allows you to send results immediately to the net among other things.
I would recommend if you intend to use any program for your tournament that you start a year in advance learning it and teaching it to others.
I believe Mr. Salyer can furnish you with the name of this program in question if you want to look into purchasing a copy.

Our tournament director has a program that he uses for our tournament. It has worked out well. You can contact him via email at rgwalter@ptsi.net, his name is Bob Walter..

Thanks,

Kim

Mike Juby would be a good one to get a hold of. I'm with the Buhler Club and we've never had a problem with the bracketing. It's a good computer program. Think about it and give him a call or email.

We use Tournament Plus. You can find details at http://www.BrownBagData.com or you can get there from a link on our tournament website http://www.MarshwoodWrestling.com .

Lots of different views about using computers, but we have been running a large tournament with this program for over 10 years. It really boils down to what you feel comfortable with.