Post
by Andrew Hadfield » Mon Oct 22, 2012 5:08 pm
At the risk of being slightly controversial, and in reply to the above, I think it's time we all had a hard look at the price we're prepared to pay to enter races. Whilst attracting sponsors may give a quick fix, it’s hardly a panacea and it certainly doesn’t actually address the underlying issue…
Whether we like it or not, the current ‘one size fits all’ entry fee doesn’t cover the cost of running a race on Lee Valley, Cardiff or even HPP during the summer. Given it’s highly unlikely the BCU will reduce their slice of the entry fee pie, the onus unfortunately falls squarely at the feet of the people who want to race on these sites – i.e. you and me to pay more to do so.
I would propose either of the following systems:
1) A fixed entry fee (much like we have now) that covers the cost of admin, the BCU’s fee and any other non-water related expenses + a variable fee to cover the water costs; or
2) Allow the clubs that want to run races to set their own entry fee free from any external interference. This would allow far more flexibility in terms of what could be offered, e.g. classic, parallel, night slalom, parties, BBQs etc, which in turn may increase the attractiveness and retentiveness of the sport*.
The point of the above is that, in my opinion, it’s perverse that slalom paddlers cannot race on world-class courses as a result of a constraint that we impose upon ourselves.
It’s foolish to expect the BCU to impose a ‘tax’ on rafting, just as it is to think that companies are lining up to sponsor / support canoe slalom. Even if they were, and ignoring the economic climate, it would be a full-time undertaking to go out and get it and one I suspect we wouldn’t be prepared to pay for.
Before we look outside, we would be far better served by looking within, asking the difficult (but necessary) questions and ultimately putting our money where our mouths are.I for one would be happy to pay 50% more if it meant I could race on Lee Valley / Cardiff / HPP at the height of summer, when the sport can be showcased at its best and when people actually want to race / spend time outside.
Dons tin hat and awaits incoming…
*it would also allow clubs to run an event with the expectation being that it will make a profit – money which can then be ploughed back into the sport at the grass root and development levels.