PDGA TD School | Episode 10 | Check-In and Grouping
The PDGA TD School series is back with Episode 10, focusing on player check-in and grouping at the start of a tournament day. The importance of an organized check-in process cannot be overstated, as it ensures players are accounted for and can avoid penalties such as forfeiting their official place or being penalized par +4 for missed holes. In this episode, learn how to simplify the check-in process using tools like Disc Golf Scene and Tournament Central's convenient check in feature. Discover how to create player groups and manage your tournament staff with confidence. The PDGA's Tournament Director Training Program emphasizes the requirement of a check-in process for Major and Elite Series events, making it essential for Tournament Directors to master this skill. Tournament Director training is crucial for ensuring smooth tournament operations, and this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips on how to execute a successful player check-in process.
Watch PDGA's official TD School learn expert check-in and grouping techniques with pro TDs in Episode 10.
Watch on YouTubeVideo Transcript
Welcome back to our TD School video series for the PDGA's Tournament Director Training Program. In this episode we'll be focusing on what needs to get done at the start of a tournament day, more specifically player check-in and creating player groups. Having some sort of organized check-in process is important for all events. Whether you use a printed list of players on a clipboard or you utilize the cool check in tool on the PDGA's Tournament Central website, you really want to know who has or hasn't shown up to play before you send groups out on the course. Failing to do so can put you in a situation where no-shows result in a card without enough players to begin play. Check-in is a required step for players participating in Majors, Elite Series, and A tiers. For all other tiers, an organized check-in is highly recommended. Your check in can be simple, just an acknowledgement that the player is present and a confirmation of their starting hole or tee time. Or you can use check in to confirm things like ace pot participation, between rounds lunch participation, collecting outstanding fees, or distributing player pack items. Here are some helpful considerations to ensure a smooth check-in process. First, make sure the check-in schedule and location is clearly listed on Disc Golf Scene or wherever the tournament information is posted. It's important to note that any player in a PDGA Major or Elite Series event who fails to check in by the specified time set by the Tournament Director will forfeit their official place and entry fee. Players at lower tier events who failed to check in may still participate at the discretion of the Tournament Director, but they run the risk of being penalized par +4 for any holes that they miss. Fortunately, Tournament Central provides a convenient check in feature that simplifies the process for Tournament Directors and their staff. Let's take a closer look. With the check-in feature on Tournament Central, multiple tournament staffers can check in players simultaneously, making it ideal for multi-pool tournaments or events with multiple check-in points at a course. As players are checked in, their names will move from the Not Checked-In list to the Checked-In list, allowing the Tournament Director to keep track of the check-in progress. This feature also flags players who haven't checked in during the group's process. Tournament Central...
