National Qualifier Policies Update

There have been some rumors recently regarding a new “rule” as far as participation in ADO National Qualifiers.  With some Regions struggling for participation, particularly as far as the women’s event, a number of National Qualifiers have combined the men and women.  Obviously, this is not an ideal solution (and we have separate men’s and women’s National Championships), but if it has meant that more players can compete, the ADO has allowed this.  Naturally, there have to be certain criteria that have to be met (see below).

However, this is a temporary measure until the whole playoff system comes under review at the ADO Board Meeting in August.  This will be discussed in detail, and any and all changes will be effective immediately.

Here are the full details of the temporary policy as discussed by the ADO Board :

The rule had stated that there must be at least 3 participants to compete in a National Qualifier.  We found this unfair for the 1 or 2 women (or men) that actually were in attendance to play.  In all Regional/NQ’s that I have ever been part of, if there were not enough women, we would just allow the women to shoot in the men’s event.  However, we also find this unfair, because it can also happen the other way, with 2 men and 8 women.  Does that mean the 2 men should automatically be added to the women’s bracket, or does it mean the ADO prevents the men from playing?

As you can see by this discussion, some people feel that men should play with men, and women play with women.  If not enough of one, then there is no Qualifier.  Others believe we should allow the 1-2 players to join the other event.  Some have stated that the men always allow the women to play.  Would the women do the same for the men?  Most likely not, and obviously, we cannot go one way and not the other.

So, instead of alienating the 1-2 players and saying they cannot participate, we put the decision in the players’ hands.  If the players of the eligible National Qualifier agree unanimously to allow the player(s) of the opposite gender to compete in their event, then they will be allowed to shoot.  This has to be unanimous.  It can also be done behind closed doors, and come back with a “yes” or “no” to the other 1-2 players.  If a Region has always allowed the women to play with the men, then this is unlikely to be a problem.

Here is the exact wording from the discussion :

“If there are only one or two women (or men) that the men and women vote on whether to combine the men and women and have an “Open” Qualifier.  The vote must be unanimous.  This must be done before the start of play,  If there are three or more of one sex, then they would shoot in their own round-robin.”

David Hascup – ADO President

As stated above, we are currently reviewing and rewriting the ADO by-laws and rules to include everything that needs to be included.

* * The above article is also available as a pdf file here * *

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