USA: Regional Contest Entry w/ Drop Outs

On Aug 13, 10:24*am, John Cochrane
wrote:
The underlying issue is participation. If 50 people were signed up to
come, losing 10 at the last moment wouldn't be such a big deal. And 50
makes for a much more profitable contest, and a better use of CD,
scorer, and other volunteer time.

I don't have easy answers. Raising fees and more nonrefundable
deposits sounds like a way to get to 6 person contests where everybody
shows up, not very appetizing. How to make contests more appetizing,
so that everyone in the region wants to be there, is the big question

John Cochrane BB

John emphasizes an important point related to this topic. The Rules
subcommittee looks very hard at issues related to participation, cost
being one significant issue. We also know we need to keep organizers
viable.
As to making it appealing, let me note some of the things the
Dansville gang does very well.
Friendly site with no cost camping, showers and lots of room.
Usually 3 organized meals to keep folks together.
Rookie training course for newbies with active coaching- This began at
this site about 20 yr ago.
Very experienced contest staff ensuring good tasking and few if any
glitches.

Barriers to entry- perceived or real(perceived has a significant
affect becoming barrier to real participation) are important and we
all need to look at eliminating or at least reducing them.
It's worth noting that these folks put a good bit of work into getting
ready for this contest and that, plus some money they won't recover,
goes down the drain.
UH