but seems the closer one gets to a tournament date, maybe the EF should go down to help draw more people in? or some kind of incentive? stupid idea, i know but just throwin’ it out there. sometimes i’m not sure if i would have to work a weekend of a tournament. then i think about how much extra money i’m paying if i am able to play…
probably ain’t worth the extra effort organizers and directors would have to go through?
…scot…
It makes no sense at all unless you have a limited number of slots. Otherwise, anyone would simply wait. Airlines/hotels/theaters can do hot tickets because people who really want/need to go can’t risk a sellout before they act.
Three major goals of advance entries are:
A> do as much player entry and validation in advance as you can
B> know as soon as possible whether or not you need to look for more space, supplies or staff
C> have the cash in the bank to pay expenses
If there is no late entry fee surcharge then you’ll see a lot the entries coming in on the last day and on site, with the result that the pairing staff is exhausted from putting in the late entries the night before the tournament and the first round is delayed until all of the people are entered that were in line before the morning on-site cut-off time.
If the entry fee goes down over time then the late entry problems get worse.
If a tournament has limited slots available then I’ve seen people enter the tournament before the first flyer goes out or the tournament officially goes on the schedule.
And adding further onto Jeff’s second point about supplies - just resource. Do you have enough tables, chairs, sets, TDs, scoresheets, food (if provided) etc.?
If one needs MORE of some of those things, the venue may often charge much more for obtaining them at the last minute, if they are available at all.