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Post by Scott Lewis on Jan 27, 2015 21:02:39 GMT -5
I'm new to the game so this may be something that has been beat to death in the past. I've been to 3 tournaments (NH, ME, RI) in the past 4 months and had a great experience at each. I have two kids (daughter 13 and son 15) who would like to pull but it seems giving table time to kids is not the norm (with the exception of Laconia last fall).
I've seen many families with children at these tournaments and I would like to know what it would take to offer them a match or two. Like anything else in life (business, politics, sports) our kids are the future. I understand possible time constraints but believe consistently adding a kids match (official or unofficial) at each tournament will solidify the family atmosphere and pay for itself in the long run with a new generation of pullers.
Thoughts?
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Post by John Milne on Jan 27, 2015 21:07:21 GMT -5
I can only say to keep being vocal about it to your promoters. Email them or call them ahead, post online that you're showing up with (ages and numbers) of kids. Sometimes the promoters will do something small for them or even host a kids class. They are fairly common here in Ontario.
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Post by Scott Lewis on Jan 28, 2015 13:29:47 GMT -5
That may be the key, John. Thanks man.
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Post by James Worke on Jan 28, 2015 14:09:01 GMT -5
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Post by Michael Wells on Jan 28, 2015 20:32:54 GMT -5
I love this sport more because my kids/teens pull with me and go to practices. It's awesome! Youth classes don't occur as much as I believe they should tho
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Post by Scott Lewis on Jan 29, 2015 19:17:15 GMT -5
Looking at the areas where kids matches are more common, it's beginning to appear the lack of is more of a New England thing. I'm really hoping the promoters in this area will embrace the idea. I do believe that for it to work there needs to be consistency. The kids should be able to expect table time at each tournament. Even if it's something as casual as "who wants to pull."
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Post by Michael Wells on Jan 30, 2015 13:49:02 GMT -5
I agree
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Post by John Milne on Jan 30, 2015 15:22:44 GMT -5
Generally the kids are the ONLY ones in the place that don't try to cheat  Perfect and easy setups, rare false starts too. They're great fun to watch and you can see real development in them at every tournament. Some tournaments (here) are known for having regular children's classes and we get huge numbers. Sure a promoter does not make much (if any) profit but I do know some parents travel because it gives their children a place to compete. It's also nice to have returning "Champions" each year. We've had some graduate into the adults class as well so the investment is paying off. Just keep piping up Mr. Lewis. For the record it wasn't always like that here. It takes someone to push the idea and make some effort. It looks like your number is up sir...you now have the floor. |
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Post by Nate Gagnon on Jan 30, 2015 22:56:54 GMT -5
Scott, you spoke and I listened, bring your kids to 2015 Maine States--see you then!!
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Post by Scott Lewis on Jan 31, 2015 15:56:54 GMT -5
John Milne, thanks for the encouragement.
Nate, they are coming; and thank you. I know it's somewhat of a new push for more opportunity for the kids and it may take some time to build the numbers; but it needs to start someplace. I really believe, with consistency, this is the best thing we can do for the sport. We'll see you in a few weeks.
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Post by John Milne on Jan 31, 2015 21:50:01 GMT -5
Let us know here how it went
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Post by Nate Gagnon on Feb 1, 2015 1:34:04 GMT -5
John why don't you come see for yourself  |
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Post by Steve Bryant on Feb 1, 2015 17:53:18 GMT -5
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Post by Scott Lewis on Feb 1, 2015 20:25:49 GMT -5
Just showed my daughter this video. I won't repeat what she said but I think her Justin Bieber and One Direction posters are coming down.
Thanks for posting. Definitely an inspiration to the kids.
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Post by Steve Bryant on Feb 1, 2015 21:13:19 GMT -5
Now that's funny!!!!!
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