Sandbagging: The Problem
Several years ago, the PDGA instituted the ratings system. One of the functions of this new system was to reduce "sandbagging", where players compete at a level below their ability to ensure being "in the cash", to rack up PDGA points, or simply to crush their opponents. At first, it seemed the ratings system was successful in this regard because the guidelines for what division a player could compete in could now be enforced by tournament directors, at least as far as the current PDGA members were concerned.
In the past couple of years, however, the PDGA board has repeatedly come up with "exceptions" that essentially encourage sandbagging. It used to be the rule that once you accepted cash, that was it - you were considered pro from that point on. You could petition the PDGA to be reclassified as Amateur in certain circumstances. The PDGA Board then made some changes that actually discourage Pro-caliber players from ever "moving up". First there was the general amnesty - that any pro who wanted to be reclassified could do it during this one-time offer period. In my opinion, this was not such a bad thing, but what followed really dealt a blow to the anti-sandbagging movement. The ratings restrictions were changed, and even Ams that compete as Pros can be awarded "prizes" in place of cash and still retain their amateur status. However, most players that compete at that level already have all the discs they need or want, they simply sell their prize winnings, and although it takes a little sales work, they have essentially cashed out.
The net result is that the Pro Open divisions have fewer competitors, which means lower payouts for them and fatter payout for the amateurs.
My Solutions
The Extreme:
Break up the PDGA into its separate Professional and Amateur bodies. The PDGA often seems hell-bent on following ball golf in every respect (including basing our "International" HQ just down the road from Augusta!). Ball golf has two distinct organizations, so why not take the next logical step? Because the current PDGA makes too much money from having the Ams included - and this is the root cause for what I call the PDGA's inherent conflict of interest. Until these divisions are split from the single organization, the PDGA will ultimately act in favor of what the Amateurs want, which is not typically best for the Professionals.
More Realistic:
- If you accept a cash payout at a PDGA event, you are considered pro from that point on.
- If you are an amateur playing pro and finishing in the cash, and you decline cash to keep amateur status, you should not be rewarded with merchandise. If its discs you want, then you should stay in an amateur division. The cash for your place of finish is awarded to the next cashing spot, on down the line.
- If you are pro and your player rating is 950(men) / 900(women) or greater, you should not be allowed to play in an amateur division. The only exception here should be granted in the cases where only one or two registered pro players are competing in the event, but there aren't enough to make a true pro division. This exception should apply to both men and women. In this case, they should be allowed to compete in Amateur divisions (according to their rating, women still having the option to play in Men's divisions), and should be given a cash payout equivalent to 80% of the prize value payout for their place of finish.
- You can still petition the PDGA to be reclassified as an amateur under certain circumstances (injury, not competing for 3 or more years, e.g.)
© 2008 Yeti
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