Further to the information imparted on Monday 20th January about the current booking and playing situation, feedback from players and the quick poll regarding Derby Arena, it may be useful to set out where we are and what the realistic options may be for taking things forward. The aim as ever is to enable as many players as possible to enjoy playing, without having to worry about 'rules' for voting in polls or turning up at sessions (that includes potential new and returning players as well). The options are presented with some short 'Pros' and 'Cons' to give a better picture:
Current arrangement: Monday and Friday 11 a.m. sessions:
Pro: Everybody is currently familiar with them and fit them into their own schedules
Cons: Can only be booked one week in advance, so we miss out on courts on occasion. We end up with too many players as the WhatsApp polls have their limitations - not necessarily a fault - you all want to play!
Extend the sessions to two hours:
Pro: Would accommodate more players and give some players extended court time.
Cons: Same potential booking issues (at Springwood). Would not necessarily solve the WhatsApp poll issues. May lead to an imbalance - most people may still want to play at 11 and continuing after 12 clashes with Table Tennis.
Block booking at Springwood:
Pro: Would guarantee a fixed number of courts every week in advance.
Cons: Costs more than the current discounted cost which leaves us open to 'shortfall' from subs. Also cancellations must be made a week in advance (as opposed to 24 hours at present). So essentially lacking flexibility - locked into Springwood and their courts.
Derby Arena - swapping to that venue when possible:
Pro: Large number (13) of good courts etc. Free parking. Cafe.
Cons: Limited availability. Location not as convenient for some. Timing difficulty for badminton players and Table Tennis - but these can be mitigated by moving the start time at the Arena (and swapping Table Tennis there as well).
Summary
Suffice it to say, we should not really be satisfied with sticking with the first option. It restricts the number of players we can accommodate and really, the courts are only just adequate. We are beginning to see the limitations!
Extending the sessions we have tried a couple of times and we should continue with that where possible and I can include the option on future polls but all players need to be clear on which session they can play and only try to play both sessions if numbers for the first session allow (i.e. not blocking out players that can only play at 11 or players that have not played for a session or two). Playing for two hours should be seen as a bonus, not a right. Also, it would be much easier for Pete if players interested in the second session(s) could actually step up and run them (on a cooperative basis if necessary).
Derby Arena. When available and appropriate Pete will try swapping to that venue. The recent poll was overwhelmingly in favour of using it if necessary with just two players so far indicating that they wouldn't be able to play there. The number of occasions we might use it are going to be limited anyway. Indications are that players may be pleased with the level of facilities there compared to Springwood!
Block booking. For the moment, this doesn't seem viable for reasons I have indicated. The u3a Committee have discussed the situation faced by sports groups and are currently liaising with group organisers to assess matters and see if we can change things going forward.
Pete has researched various local venues recently and as of now, Springwood is still our best choice on number of courts and cost (which is key and so far no other venue apart from the Arena can match it). Schools and the University sports halls have too many restrictions on daytime use as well.