KDGA 06??? What do you want to see?

[smitty]

Don-

You may be right. It may turn people away in some places.

I just don't understand why people that play several events don't sign up? I can see people in Norton who are only going to play the Norton event not signing up. What about the person that plays several events?

[_dm4]

Here is why I joined...

1. It was worth the money in cool stuff (t-shirt, KDGA mini, barbeque, end of year banquet, etc...

2. I was going to a few events and I could see that I would have some points if I joined (I am smart enough for that).

3. It was a way to get my wife to let me go to more tourneys!!!!!!!!!!! This one by far pays for my KDGA membership and then some!!!!!

4. I had friends in the KDGA (and still do!).

[Schoen-hopper]

The KDGA package you get for your $25 is a heckuva deal. The people who have supported it over the years have helped the KDGA develop a good reputation. Taking $2 from non-members (at non-PDGA events)would help remind players that the KDGA is dedicated towards growing the sport in Kansas. Sure it's a negative motivation, but if we were to give more positive motivations (cool stuff for members), we'd have to up the entry. I like the idea of keeping it cheap.

[Sandman]

I just don't understand why people that play several events don't sign up?

How many years have you been in the kdga???

[phall]

I am one of those people who play in a few tournaments, but who has not joined the KDGA. From my perspective, I feel that I am being forced to join all these different clubs (PDGA, KDGA, Pratt) to play disc golf, and if I don't join then I'm not really a "supporter" of the sport. And on top of that, if I don't join I'm going to get charged extra if I do want to play in a tournament.

I played in 5 tournaments in 2004 and 5 more this year. I hope to play in Hays and Hutchinson when those tournaments come up. I have enjoyed these tournaments and the friendships that I have made. I like the fact that I can play in a KDGA tournament and be accepted even though I'm not a member. That says a lot for the character of the people who run the KDGA.

If the KDGA is really committed to developing this sport, maybe they should focus more on tournament tournout instead of KDGA membership. As people play in tournaments and get a chance to meet other players, then they might be more interested in becoming a member. Just keep in mind that not everyone who plays in a tournament will want to become serious about the sport. Charging an additional $2 is a mistake and I think it will hurt the tournouts.

Now, after saying all that, I want to ask this question. Is it worth it for someone to join the KDGA if all they can do is go to some of the local tournaments? Lets say someone can't go to the barbeque(sp?) in Beloit or the end of the year bash. Is it still worth it?

[smitty]

How many years have you been in the kdga???

Every year since 2000.

Don and Pat-

Thanks for your insight. In order to make changes that benefit as many people as possible, we have to know what people are thinking.

Pat-

I don't know if it is "worth" it for you to sign up, if you are only playing a few local events. We have some people who have signed up and have 0 points, meaning they have yet to play a tourney.

[Sandman]

if I don't join then I'm not really a "supporter" of the sport.

I've heard this before and its TOTAL BS!!!!!!!!!!


You think turnouts are bad now wait till you tack on that extra 2-3 bucks.

Im really eager to join next year now!!!! This is ridiculous................

[Notorious ROG]

Smitty DG'ers are a different breed, they come & go, they participate & bitch, then they don't participate & bitch. Yo will never please everyone so don't try.
I joined the KDGA because I felt it was important, if you don't think it is important, that is your right and choice, but....
But increasing membership should be a goal...


the question was how to increase turnout and membership

so what are the options to do that?
don't tell us what not to do... but what should be done!

[McCabe]

Hey Sandman, Why do you hate the world right now?

[str8]

I think it is important to set a clear goal each and every year. I'd love to see new courses in state parks. No specific community benefits from it, but the state as a whole does. How cool and convienient would it be if we new we could install a course at Wilson, Cedar Bluff, or Kanopolis Lake. You can compete at a tournament and camp, fish, boat, ski, etc. This way people like me who are unable to attend tournaments can see their membership money being applied to something besides a skins game at the end of the year.

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Establish the KDGA as a non-profit. The pro's outwiegh the con's, and it will establish the credibility of the organization. I think some old timers think the KDGA is still just a way for Winfield to raise money for the Friz. I know that's not the case, but the perception is still there. Also, where is the financial spreadsheet that was suppose to be posted on this site? Many people don't like to be promised something at the beginning of the year and then never see it materialize by the end of the year. Plus, you can understand how people may become suspicious.

I know that the people who are in charge of the KDGA are honest people with great intentions and I will support what ever you all do. But that's just my two cents.

Str8

[nastyNate]

The membership is really quite simple: if you are comitted to disc golf as a sport and are concerned about it's growth there is no argument to not join. That means local, state, or national level clubs. Our sport is still in it's infancy and it will take the vision and motivation of us, the athletes, to build on the foundation that has been started. If you want disc golf to be a casual hang out, then there is no reason to join any of these groups. If however you are interested in the promotion and growth of disc golf, or even just the competitive side of the sport, then you should have a desire to do all you can to promote disc golf. The first and most obvious step is joining with others to do all that we can do. Besides, the money that is paid into these clubs through membership dues and fees gets put back into the sport.

[smitty]

You think turnouts are bad now wait till you tack on that extra 2-3 bucks.

I just don't think 2 bucks is that big of a deal? The PDGA charges 5 and people pay it. I do understand DM4 point of view, that local people wouldn't understand why or where the $$ was going.

I think the reason that turnout are down are:
1) Too many events
2) The price of gas
3) A lack of extra money

I'd love to see new courses in state parks. No specific community benefits from it, but the state as a whole does.


This way people like me who are unable to attend tournaments can see their membership money being applied to something besides a skins game at the end of the year.

where is the financial spreadsheet that was suppose to be posted on this site? Many people don't like to be promised something at the beginning of the year and then never see it materialize by the end of the year. Plus, you can understand how people may become suspicious.

Brett- I thought the same time many times this summer as I rode around on the mower. I think it would be cool to install 1 course/year. I also think that people would get mad, when the coures went in someplace other then in their backyard.

I kind of gave Rog the job of Financial director. I hope that we can get him the $$ amounts we have now, and where they are. He can then take that info and let everyone know what we have.


Nate-
Great points, now this thread may be heading in the right direction. Keep the good ideas flowing.

[Sandman]

Hey Sandman, Why do you hate the world right now?

So Im a little more opinionated than most........

[Gaijinzero]

My 2 cents.....

First of all smitty #3 that you listed "Lack of extra money" ......with that statement how can you justify charging MORE money for entry fees?!?
I have had to pick and choose alot of tournaments because of cost. I wanted to play several more events but just could not afford to. I play in the Int. and Am. divisions because I'm still learning and trying to improve and that is about my cost range. Not trying to sound pathetic , but there were ALOT of tournaments scheduled this year. That equalled alot of expense to new players.

Secondly, I joined the KDGA this year because I wanted to help build, or be apart of something that I personally love the sh!t out playing. I have told several people about it and have given out several discs to potential "newbies" that I have met, if I had them to give. Is this something anyone else that is a member of this organization or really enjoys playing this game wouldn't do.....I don't think so. Everyone that I have met at the events I have gone to this year has been really cool and helpful. I hope that continues to be the "vibe" that this organization puts out.

Lets not go charge crazy with increasing the costs for the tournaments. I, like many others, have a family and a casual round for free beats a 20-45 dollar tournament entry fee that takes money away from my family.

[Sandman]

At least somebody agrees with me........