The recently concluded Winternational tournament raises a few questions in my mind that I thought I'd put on the open forum to get the views of others. 
The $45 fee seemed a bit steep but the prospect of some good squash had between 30-35 players sign-up to participate across all the divisions. The promised food and drinks were some apples/ bananas with cold cuts and bread thrown in on Saturday. No water or Gatorade or juice except for some ridiculously large and unwieldy bottles of apple juice, most of which remained unopened. The prizes were gift-cards not even up to the value of the entry fee. Even the balls were reused match on match if new balls were not specifically asked for. The organizer did not ensure referees were identified and assigned or enforce the 'loser to ref' policy so some players even started their matches without a referee.
Now granted that most of us do not play for the monetary reward or the food. The question I ask myself is if it is too much to expect that a tournament is decently organized? One that encourages participation and draws new blood rather than be a money making proposition for the organizer? After all we are all paying a pretty penny for the privilege of playing. Now I don't know the economics of how a tournament works and how much it costs to organize. But in my naive eyes, I would venture, that even with new balls for every game, Gatorade/ Water/ Chips, promotional spend and decent prizes etc etc I can't imagine it would run more than a couple of hundred bucks leaving more than enough 'profit'. This isn't even counting higher participation due to better organization, promotion and prizes. With most players being from the MAC anyway, it isn't much incentive to pay to play with the same people you play regularly anyway.
I don't want this to come across as a rant but more for constructive discussion on what can be done. An organizer has every right to expect some recompense for his effort but a minimum standard is needed. It is indeed a thankless task organizing things BUT given the enthusiasm of squash players, if help is needed then all thats to be done is ASK. We need to encourage, promote and generate interest for Squash in Minnesota.
Raising a voice
Hello fellow Squashers,
Having just read the "Anonymous" postings I feel it personally necessary to "raise a voice”…
I think it is a daring venture to set up a site that allows “Anonymous” postings. Initially I thought that users should be made to login to avoid malicious postings as suggested, however, I think that might be a great dis-service to the rest of the squash community. It is a unique privilege that people can express their opinions without feeling like they would be “black-balled” from the MN squash community if their opinion was not popular. I think the MSA gains valuable insite from this form of solicitation. However, this “freedom of speech” comes with great responsibility and I would remind those posting anonymously to do so in a constructive and tactful manner, as not to ruin valuable feedback that others might want to share. The consequence of not posting responsibly will be that users will be made to sign on to post, revealing the users identity (as mentioned). Should that happen, helpful/constructive suggestions may not be heard thereby eliminating that function of the website. Should postings read malevolently and without substance, it should be left to the administrator to delete the post.
Having said that, I would like to take a moment to express my personal gratitude for all the work that goes in to running the MSA, the one day tournaments, the tournaments, the website, and all the communication that is sent out. We all have full-time jobs and family commitments out side of our squashing hobby/passion and the people that go to the board meetings, set up tournaments, and give of their time should be applauded. To the tournament directors, teaching professionals, volunteers, and all the MSA board members – THANK YOU VERY VERY VERY MUCH!
Personally, I think the tournaments are excellent and showcase some great squash - except when I play!
Thanks and see you on the courts,
Pat O’Shea
MN Squash Enthusiast
Thoughful Reply
Pat,
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I completely agree with your feelings regarding anonymous postings, as well as the responsibility that comes with that privilege. That being said, I think that lewd postings should be dealt with. This is something that the website administrators/MSA board will need to consider.
Tomás
Winternational Squash tournament
Since many of the comments on the forum seemed to be directed at me personally, I wanted to put in a few words. First, for those that did play in the tournament and were not satisfied with their experience, I want to extend my regrets. I am always committed to provide a professional and exceptional service to all members and guests at the MLTAC. I hope there is a chance in the future to discuss anyone’s concerns about MLTAC tournaments and to make sure everyone’s experience at MLTAC is always positive. Constructive feedback is always welcome and I will take the suggestions on the forum to heart as I plan future events.
For those who did not play in the tournament but were disappointed that courts were not available Saturday morning, the early round robin for intermediate players went on as scheduled and courts were available until 10:00 that morning. Moreover, I remind MLTAC members that the LifeTime clubs offer a number of squash courts around the metro area, including the Arena Club which is only a few blocks away from MLTAC. During the tournament itself, those not competing are always welcome to come and watch the matches and enjoy the company of other squash players.
A note is in order about tournament budgets and finances. I do not put on tournaments to earn money, either for myself or for MLTAC; these tournaments are run because I believe they are an important part of a successful squash program. Indeed, most of the tournaments I run, including the 2008 Winternational, are money losers primarily due to the enormous amount of time it takes to put on such an event and the income I lose because I can’t give lessons during tournament week. In the past, we were able to provide a catered meal, with alcohol, for less than $50 per participant. In the past few years, however, as food and beverage prices have risen, I have had to make difficult decisions about what a $45 entry fee can support. Having previously received much feedback from tournament participants wanting entry fees to remain low, I have elected to make the changes necessary to keep the price the same.
I observe that this entry fee pricing is very much in line with other non-volunteer run tournaments, both in town and around the country. Regional tournaments these days typically cost participants $65-$80, which usually includes a T-shirt, pizza dinner party and glass mugs for prizes. National championship tournaments (which are run by a committee of volunteers) and major regional tournaments like the Windy City Open cost around $150 per entry.
In short, I would hope that those thinking about playing in a tournament do so for the fun and excitement of competing, and not to find a bargain at others’ expense. It’s a chance to meet new people and cheer on your friends; to see where your game is at, reward your improvement and reveal opportunities to get better.
Arturo Manzur
Squash Professional, MLTAC
Winternational Tournament Director
Squash Tournament Benchmark
I would like to encourage all singles players to come and watch the Minneapolis Club doubles tournmanent. It is an extremely well run tournament with a ton of excitement, comaradarie and great squash. It will give you a chance to learn and watch the game being played at a high level. We have the top two doubles players in the nation in their age group. So come and watch a match or two and support squash in Minnesota.
My 2c's
I do agree that the quality of the tournament has degraded in recent years as I remember fondly the first time I played in this tournament (probably 2 years ago)! However, I still give Arturo the credit for running the tournament. It's a a huge task being a Tournament Director and Arturo could have reached out and asked for help to make it a successful event. Regarding to the prizes, I wish that Arturo could give more thoughts to make them more enticing!
I am not interested in the economic issues of the tournament and am more interested in knowing how this tournament can further promote this exiting game. As a member of the MLTAC, I have no qualms that the tournament takes away the courts' availability! Hey, if one likes to play, then either sign-up for the event or schedule the times around it.
My suggestions:
1. The Tournament Director needs to make an effort promoting the event to all squash clubs in the state (I do not know if there are flyers posted at the SLP Life Time, Lakeville Life Time, Commodore, Minneapolis Club, Rochester AC, ...).
2. If the event is at the MLTAC, then it should also be listed on the MLTAC website (under the Squash/Tournament section), sign-in desk.
3. Contact potential sponsors, donors, local vendors, etc ... for prizes, foods, etc ...
4. Collect feedback from participants regarding the event.
5. New ball for every match.
6. Since not everyone knows how to track scores as a referee: Have an intro to scoring before the start of the tournament (1 hour) so that all players know what to do when they referees a match.
Stephan Kieu
(this is my personal view and does not reflect the view of the MSA Board)
"Anonymous" Postings Inappropriate, Cruel, Contrary to Squash
Dear Friends,
I am appalled. Our community is debased by these "anonymous" postings, and the MSA should not permit them on the web. Arturo has helped raise the level of squash in Minnesota for years, and deserves respect and common courtesy. Should anyone have a complaint, speak with Arturo directly.
John O'Brien
Commodore Squash Club
651-228-0501