The Birdie Bash!
THE TOURNAMENT IS THIS SATURDAY! WHOO WHOO!
I need your help!
Here's what you need to do:
SHOW UP ON TIME! Be at North Central Park at 8AM, sharp! (For those who have never been there: from the perspective of leaving UHS, continue on International south of the loop until just past San Isidro Blvd, then take a right into a parking lot next to a swimming pool. Go to the back of the parking lot and look for me.) Make sure you sign in and out if you are collecting community service hours. I hope to be cleaned up and out before 3.
Wear appropriate gear: It's going to be sunny. Bring sunblock! and a hat. You're going to be walking all over the place in a park famous for it's thorns, so wear good shoes - no flips! and crocs, be aware that thorns go through them easily. There are sections where it is swampy and muddy - don't wear brand-new-can't-get-dirty stuff.
Be prepared for your needs: There is only one bathroom in the park. There are multiple drinking fountains, but a drink container is nice. You'll be there a while. Box Lunches will be offered by Popeye's for $5, but you need to have cash and place your order by 8:30 AM that morning. You can also bring a lunch/snacks, but you are responsible for them, not me.
Be flexible: I need most of you to be spotters, which is fun. Others need to run errands, hand out prizes, guard stuff, sign people in and out. Be prepared to be called on to do whatever I need and have a good attitude, please!
What is a spotter, you ask? I'll be happy to answer that. Most of the people playing are new to the sport, and the rest of us can have some crazy throws at times. There will be several of you with each group, and you will go farther down the hole, looking back toward the players teeing off, watching as they throw. If their disc goes astray, you need to watch EXACTLY where it goes. Not just, "I think it went over there somewhere" but "It is in this specific tuft of grass right next to this tree." Obviously, you need to figure out how far your group throws and stay in a safe spot and not freak them out as they throw or make them wait on you. You are here to serve them, and keep them moving. You will also need to know the basic rules to help out in case there is a disagreement, and you need to be able to see if they hit the pole or not when they are throwing toward the basket. There will be holes where prizes can be won, and so you may be called upon to measure who is closest to the pin if it is questionable. Be honest and reach a consensus.
What basic rules do I need to know? Here goes: They throw from the tee. Where their disc lands, they throw again. The first person to throw is the person farthest back, and they should have no one but spotters in front of them, for safety reasons. Make sure you are looking back at them when they throw! I want you safe, too! If they are within 30' of the basket, they must not step forward of their marker disc, or they have to re-throw. In this tournament, we have a limited amount of throws allowed on each hole - only birdies or less allowed. Points are awarded for the following: anytime the disc hits the basket, chains or pole, you get 1 point. Getting it INTO the basket on the last legal throw (a birdie) gets 2 points and getting in on the second-to-last legal throw (an eagle!) earns 5 points. If they hit the chains on throw 1 and sink it in throw 2, they earned 3 points, if it was a par 3. You need to see if the disc bumped the post going by or just missed. They can't tell 250' back, but you can tell because you're closer, looking for it! The score card will tell you the par and the number of throws they get (always 1 less than par.) Keep them moving, hustle to your next spot, avoid getting hit and encourage good throws! It's actually quite fun to watch. You are also looking out for people acting nicely. We award a spirit award disc to the player that is the most encouraging, who helps everyone around and has the most fun. I'll need your vote.
F.A.Q.:
Can I bring a friend: YES! but make sure they read this and can follow directions.
Is there a dress code? No, but it IS a family-friendly tournament, so.. be nice.
I can't think of anything else at the moment, but if you have questions, hold them 'til Saturday, or email me at the address below.
And seriously, thanks for your help! You are indispensable in making this tournament flow and be a fun experience.
-Steve
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