Backgammon Tournament Director Information

DeadCube · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

Hi guys,

I have been approached to organize a major tournament in my hometown. This is the first time that I am thinking of doing such a thing and I am not 100% sure of how to go about it. In fact, the task seems quite formidable now that I think about it! There will be a maximum of 32 players in the tournament, I have been told.

I have two questions:

(a) Would it be ethical if I also played in the backgammon tournament that I was organizing?
(b) Are there any internet sites that will assist me in organizing the backgammon tournament?

Any leads or information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Blunder · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 7

First off, I applaud you in accepting to run the backgammon tournament. The more people who take the time and effort to bring this exciting pastime to the world, the better!

Now to your questions:

(A) Quite honestly, I see a problem with you organizing the same backgammon tournament that you are playing in for two reasons. Firstly, I think that there is a serious ethical element here. It boils down to a conflict of interests. How will you solve conflicts that involve your own games? If you yourself get far in the tournament, won’t people be saying that you ‘helped’ yourself to that level? The other problem I see is more practical. It is simply not fair for the other players to have to wait for you every time you are called away to solve a conflict, deal with technical tournament matters and record results. Especially if this is a major tournament – as you say – you will need all your wits about you to ensure that players get a fair go at winning the prize. I would seriously consider sitting out on this one or, if you are really keen to take part, getting someone else to run the event.

(B) There is some information about tournament organizing on the internet, although you might want to contact your city’s backgammon club for more assistance. You will need to identify whether the tournament is really ‘major’ (I’m not sure about that fact, considering the number of people that you mention taking part) or whether it is a small, friendly tournament. I know for a fact that you can find downloadable draw sheets to simply seeding players into brackets on the internet. Have fun!