How to get more armwrestlers to Nationals

[PinArm]

Recently the turnout of competitors at Nationals has been low.

Let's figure out why and list the causes in order of significance. Once the issues are identified here, with perhaps even loose consensus, we can then make a separate thread for each issue worth discussing and post ideas for solutions on those separate threads so as to keep the discussions focussed.

I'll get the ball rolling. Potential competitors:

1. are unaware of competition armwrestling;
2. are not interested in armwrestling;
3. lack an aptitude for armwrestling;
4. lack armwrestling technical skill;
5. aren't good enough to compete at the National level;
6. can't or won't spend the money to travel to Nationals;
7. can't or won't take the time off work to attend Nationals;
8. can't or won't take the time away from their families to attend Nationals;
9. are injured or ill;
10. failed to attend their Provincials or qualify for Nationals;
11. don't like tournaments because they prefer one-on-one matchups;
12. have other good tournament options contributing to other issues on this list;
13. fear an injury may impact their work or other sports;
14. lack confidence in winning or placing;
15. dislike the venue;
16. dislike a rule or two;
17. dislike the host;
18. dislike the CAWF executive;
19. dislike their provincial executive;
20. dislike other competitors;
21. feel as though they will win but the second and third place finishers will not be worthy opponents;
22. do not intend to go to Worlds;
23. no one else will be in their class;
24. dislike the weight classes;

... other reasons?

... better sequence?

... comments on these potential issues?

[Eric Roussin]

Interesting thread topic. Some of these apply to armwrestling tournaments in general, not just Nationals. Of the reasons listed, these are the ones that I've heard most often in relation to non-attendance at Nationals specifically: 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14, 21, 22, 23. I've heard 9 and 11, but not specifically related to Nationals: just tournaments in general. I would hope very few people would be deterred from attending Nationals simply because they "dislike" someone. I don't think we should spend much effort in trying to attract those who fall into categories 2 or 3.

[johnroberts]

Entry fees, air fare, accomodations, loss of work . = approximately 1000 dollars on average.

25 dollar trophies for prizes.

Money is a motovator for sure IMO

[chrisgobby]

Entree fees keep going up and quality of awards go down. By 2020, it will cost 100$ per arm to compete and the award will be 7$ medal.

[Rick Pinkney]

Entry fees shouldn't be going up again for a long time. What do you want to see for awards?

[dsteff]

John and Chris why are you guys always concerned about the cost of the trophies??? Ya its great to compete for cash , sometimes its about pride and competition. Just saying guys , go and compete for your Province or your team. Find out how you can do a fundraiser to raise some cash. And Chris I'm sure that you wont get a $7 medal at a Nationals.

[PinArm]

25. can't afford the entry fee;
26. dislike the awards;
27. perceive low prestige to competing at Nationals;

[cpshuffle]

I had a quick question. Was there a "golden age" for Nationals where there were many many competitors?

If so, why do you think it was popular at that time?

[Eric Roussin]

There hasn't really been a golden age for Nationals attendance. Two of the biggest years were 2003 (NB) and 2008 (SK). It helps that the Worlds were in Canada in both of those years

[Jeff Miller]

Entry fees, air fare, accomodations, loss of work . = approximately 1000 dollars on average.

25 dollar trophies for prizes.

Money is a motovator for sure IMO

Entree fees keep going up and quality of awards go down. By 2020, it will cost 100$ per arm to compete and the award will be 7$ medal.

These reasons sound similar in that they're money related. I'm not going to Nationals this year because of lack of money - have to agree with John Roberts here, and I would add this to me eclipses all other reasons.