Mandatory Lodging?

[softballjunky12]

On the flip side.. Park City is pretty small and last year the majority of the PC hotels were one of TCS preferred hotel. We stayed at one that was 1200 sq, 2 Bed, 2 bath, kitchen, W/D, with hot tub on deck for $179 a night... Overall, it is a great tournament and great town with good local brewery. Shame to see them leave PC!

[MTR]

Since I'm sure someone is waiting to blast me for saying this, so I will oblige you.

ASA does not do this. If this is done at an ASA tournament, it is the work of the host and quite often, the host is the town or city. If the host is a local ASA association, I seriously doubt it is endorsed by ASA. However, due to the fact that a host spends a lot of money and has every right to try and recover their expenses, I doubt ASA would intervene.

However, I seriously doubt that would permit a qualified team to be refused access to a tournament for chosing their own lodging. That would just be asking for a lawsuit. And remember, these folks have a conspiring partners in the hotels and probably the Chamber of Commerce. But sometimes, finding a hotel not included can be difficult depening upon location of the tournament.

And don't feel like you are being picked on. Some local associations (and not just ASA) do the same thing to their umpires and officers at area clinics and meetings. Many just book their rooms direct and find that with a standard AAA, AARP, etc, they get a better rate, sometime even without the discounts.

[Ace]

Since I'm sure someone is waiting to blast me for saying this, so I will oblige you.

ASA does not do this. If this is done at an ASA tournament, it is the work of the host and quite often, the host is the town or city. If the host is a local ASA association, I seriously doubt it is endorsed by ASA. However, due to the fact that a host spends a lot of money and has every right to try and recover their expenses, I doubt ASA would intervene.

However, I seriously doubt that would permit a qualified team to be refused access to a tournament for chosing their own lodging. That would just be asking for a lawsuit. And remember, these folks have a conspiring partners in the hotels and probably the Chamber of Commerce. But sometimes, finding a hotel not included can be difficult depening upon location of the tournament.

And don't feel like you are being picked on. Some local associations (and not just ASA) do the same thing to their umpires and officers at area clinics and meetings. Many just book their rooms direct and find that with a standard AAA, AARP, etc, they get a better rate, sometime even without the discounts.

How does the host spend alot of money? Doesnt ASA Pay for the fields? And even if the fields are donated, its not money out of pocket. I mean the fields would just be sitting there all day anyway, right? IDK.

[anonlooker]

Hey, at least they're nice hotels.
What got me was the Disney tournament requiring all players purchase tickets to Disneyland.
Gotta love that!!

[coolstuff]

Hey, at least they're nice hotels.
What got me was the Disney tournament requiring all players purchase tickets to Disneyland.
Gotta love that!!

Was that Disneyland (CA) or Disneyworld (FL)?

[MTR]

How does the host spend alot of money? Doesnt ASA Pay for the fields? And even if the fields are donated, its not money out of pocket. I mean the fields would just be sitting there all day anyway, right? IDK.

To start, there is the bidding process and I believe some tournaments do have a minimum bid though not as large as indicated in another post. I don't have my bid book available right now, but it isn't that large.

The host also sends a group to the the convention, often city/town employees or local ASA folks to present the offer. To promote their facilities and availability for this years vote and those in the future, the often purchase space in the trade show the first two days of the convention. As in all trade shows, they market their "product" through displays and giveaways. Some host special events such as an ice cream social, square dancing, table games or just a party. At this point, I wouldn't doubt if the expense level has hit around $30K. If they win a tournament, the host must provide lodging, transportation and usually some level of food for the ASA Rep, ASA UIC and the visiting umpires. Plus, they need to arrange for security and medical assistance at the playing complexes, a manager's meeting and if they do not own the fields, may need to pay a permit fee along with the cost of lights and field maintenance. In some cases, some of these expenses can be absorbed, sometimes not. Depends on the set-up. BTW, there are some places that really don't care whether the fields would sit empty or not, it is pay or don't play.

By now, the host is well over $35 grand. Now, let's say the fee is $350 a team and there are 100 teams. At this point, the host is even or maybe close to even and that is without taking care of their own people.

These are approximations as answer Ace's question as to expenses. No two tournaments are the same and the fees vary by tournament bid and location of the tournament itself. I'm sure there are many different fees and charges between the host and ASA and any other entity involved. This is why it is more likely the actually bid on the tournament is a municipality/town/city than the local ASA association even though most work hand-in-hand with the local agency to present a tournament as best they can.

[SSdad]

I thought the host of the tournament didn't get any of the sign up fees. That they made their money on vendors and the snack bar, etc. I could be wrong.....it wouldn't be the first time....or the last

[MTR]

I thought the host of the tournament didn't get any of the sign up fees. That they made their money on vendors and the snack bar, etc. I could be wrong.....it wouldn't be the first time....or the last

The host sets the fees, not ASA. The host must divulge all fees to be charged the teams as part of the bid. Changes can be made afterwards, but must be approved by a tournament review committee.

[Ace]

Seems weird that with all that involved, its usually the small out of the way cities that land the big tournaments.

[Judd]

IMO its absurd to tell a team where they have to stay. Like stated previously, the economy is in the crapper, and most parents are lucky to still be able to do this. Dont force them into an expensive hotel.

2nd to last overnighter we spent about $100 to shower and sleep. I said screw that. On the next trip, it was Super 8 for $50. When the team found out, they all jumped on board (one of those should we drive back and forth or just stay the night)