2008 Competition Changes
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:59 pm
I stole this off the PDGA forum.
http://www.pdga.com/msgboard/showflat.p ... =0&fpart=1
Here is the official PDGA document listing the changes.
http://www.pdga.com/documents/2007/2008 ... ummary.pdf
I copied it below.
What does everyone think about these changes?
Summary of 2008 Competition System Changes
1) Award points at all PDGA events including Majors.
2) Eliminate the Developmental Tier (D-Tier) and replace it with a PDGA Competition Endowment Program.
Comments:
The Developmental Tier was a great concept but the implementation was less than optimal. The new program will
be more flexible and will allow for a greater number of events to qualify including charity events and events in
developing areas.
3) Eliminate minimum payout percentage, minimum pro purse, and pro attendance from the tier requirements for
A/B/C Tiers and rely on added cash requirements.
Comments:
Making this adjustment will make the requirements for running a pro event clear, simple, and less dependant on
attendance.
4) Increase the added cash requirement for Pro B Tiers from $250 to $500.
5) Increase the cash requirement for Pro A Tiers from $1000 to $1500.
6) Add a new amateur division and adjust the ratings breaks. Please see specifics below.
Current Proposed
Division Ratings Division Ratings
Advanced 915+ Expert 935+
Intermediate 875 – 914 Advanced 900 – 934
Recreational < 875 Intermediate 850 – 899
N/A Enthusiast < 850
Comments:
Item #6 and #7 are designed to help with the “move up or move out” problem that exists in our current competition
structure. The current 950 to 980 rated player under 40 has a couple of options but does not have a home in the
current system. Their skill level has exceeded the current Advanced division but they have minimal chances at
cashing in the Open division. This modification will allow them to stay in the sport longer and provide the opportunity
to further develop their skills in preparation for the Open division. The renaming of the “Recreational” division to
“Enthusiast” is also more appropriate.
7) Allow amateurs to accept merchandise in lieu of cash when playing in Pro divisions.
Comments:
This modification is designed to complement the new amateur division and rating break adjustments. It will also allow
Amateurs waiting for the Am Worlds the ability to receive minimal compensation (in merchandise) while testing the
waters in the Pro division. This will also allow the opportunity for more women to compete and play together at smaller
events where division sizes are often a problem.
8 ) Allow tournament directors the ability to easily offer ratings based events within the current competition
framework. This can now be accomplished by offering the following five divisions that reference the PDGA Course
Design Guidelines.
Division Skill Level
Open Gold
Expert Blue
Advanced White
Intermediate Red
Enthusiast Green
http://www.pdga.com/msgboard/showflat.p ... =0&fpart=1
Here is the official PDGA document listing the changes.
http://www.pdga.com/documents/2007/2008 ... ummary.pdf
I copied it below.
What does everyone think about these changes?
Summary of 2008 Competition System Changes
1) Award points at all PDGA events including Majors.
2) Eliminate the Developmental Tier (D-Tier) and replace it with a PDGA Competition Endowment Program.
Comments:
The Developmental Tier was a great concept but the implementation was less than optimal. The new program will
be more flexible and will allow for a greater number of events to qualify including charity events and events in
developing areas.
3) Eliminate minimum payout percentage, minimum pro purse, and pro attendance from the tier requirements for
A/B/C Tiers and rely on added cash requirements.
Comments:
Making this adjustment will make the requirements for running a pro event clear, simple, and less dependant on
attendance.
4) Increase the added cash requirement for Pro B Tiers from $250 to $500.
5) Increase the cash requirement for Pro A Tiers from $1000 to $1500.
6) Add a new amateur division and adjust the ratings breaks. Please see specifics below.
Current Proposed
Division Ratings Division Ratings
Advanced 915+ Expert 935+
Intermediate 875 – 914 Advanced 900 – 934
Recreational < 875 Intermediate 850 – 899
N/A Enthusiast < 850
Comments:
Item #6 and #7 are designed to help with the “move up or move out” problem that exists in our current competition
structure. The current 950 to 980 rated player under 40 has a couple of options but does not have a home in the
current system. Their skill level has exceeded the current Advanced division but they have minimal chances at
cashing in the Open division. This modification will allow them to stay in the sport longer and provide the opportunity
to further develop their skills in preparation for the Open division. The renaming of the “Recreational” division to
“Enthusiast” is also more appropriate.
7) Allow amateurs to accept merchandise in lieu of cash when playing in Pro divisions.
Comments:
This modification is designed to complement the new amateur division and rating break adjustments. It will also allow
Amateurs waiting for the Am Worlds the ability to receive minimal compensation (in merchandise) while testing the
waters in the Pro division. This will also allow the opportunity for more women to compete and play together at smaller
events where division sizes are often a problem.
8 ) Allow tournament directors the ability to easily offer ratings based events within the current competition
framework. This can now be accomplished by offering the following five divisions that reference the PDGA Course
Design Guidelines.
Division Skill Level
Open Gold
Expert Blue
Advanced White
Intermediate Red
Enthusiast Green