Tourneys
Topic: T9B American 8ball Barnsley

"However, even with this approach people will be put off by the thought of having to pay in advance so I don't see you getting the numbers."

This is the big issue isn't it? To get the numbers players are looking for guaranteed money in the field and this only comes from pre-paid entries. If you do pre-pay though you risk having to play if the numbers aren't great. Maybe pre-play or no play could be applied with a drop-out clause if numbers don't hit an acceptable mark. This could vary from player to player depending on how local they are to the venue too. A low turnout may not effect a player that is on the doorstep of the venue but could make it impossible for a traveling player to even cover their costs. It'd only be to the benefit of the game if a standard was applied nationally.

BTW,

I'm glad you had fun Lee. Yes, that doesn't sound like much of a contest does it!

This is the first time this has ever happened at a T9B event and it was a comp organised at very short notice. Prepaid has been tried before and il look into trying it again however the problem is players no if the numbers are short and they turn up on the day we cant really turn them away. The same as if they prepay they could still always pull out the evening before and the tournament would still have the same situation

You're right Phil. This is why I think if pre-pay was done you would have to be ruthless and refuse people trying to pay on the day entirely. If you had a set of rules and procedures regarding what happens if a player pulls out people would know where they stand. All you would need is a players postcode and for them to declare a minimum number of players that they will compete against from the full field. If 24 hours before the event the numbers aren't what they wanted, offer a full refund. At least if nothing else this will stop unnecessary expense for players! If this becomes a standard here in the UK the serious players will have no choice...