[Daanz-dip] In response to Sean and Peter

[Greg Evans]

				Sean & Peter, 

				Many clubs have restrictions on the basis of age REGARDLESS of whether a responsible adult is present or they have parental permission.  Most of them require supervision in some areas of the club, but have other areas which are totally off limits (usually gambling or alcohol areas).  This may be due to legal requirements, but also for the safety of the children and the comfort of the patrons.
A quick search on the net confirms this as commonplace (see the bottom of this email for examples) 

				For many clubs, parental approval and/or supervision by a 'responsible adult' is not enough.  They have paid staff on hand who will ensure appropriate behavior, safety, legality and comfort of children/patrons. 

				I do not have paid staff and I will have my hands quite full in running the tournament.  I will not have time to ensure that little Jonny isnt sneaking a nip of bourbon while no-one (including mum/dad) is looking.  I dont want that responsibility and it is unfair of the DAANZ to expect that tournament directors will provide a child-safe environment/baby sitter. 

Comments about exclusion on the basis of hair color, sexual preference, women etc are really immature.  You are both being facetious in this regard.  This is not an issue of prejudice.  It is an issue of morality, responsibility and safety.

Your comments about Bismark Cup & Masterpoint rankings are similarly laughable.  Last time I checked there were no under 16s within a bulls roar of a chance to win the Bismark.  If you are talking about the differrence between finishing 8th and 9th place - well its splitting hairs really isnt it ?  I may be denying one or two players the chance to 'improve their master point ranking' but by removing affiliation from GongCon and pulling the plug on tournaments in general, that is denying a hell of a lot more players this chance at Masterpoints.  It reeks of hypocrasy and conflict of interest.

As for this comment :-
"If you want to have a couple of social games of diplomacy with your mates, and a boozey weekend, then why does it need affilliation?"

When did I say that this is what I wanted to do ?
What I want to do is ensure the continuation of a 5 year old DAANZ affiliated tournament and maintain its position on the calendar of events worth travelling for as well as recruit new adults to the hobby who like to have fun.  If the DAANZ doesnt support this effort then I'm not sure why I am a member, because I thought thats what the organisation was about.  Have I been misled ?  If so then I will gladly revoke my membership, withdraw my proposal for GongCon and join Goffy in retirement.

Sincerely,
Greg

PS - See examples of other clubs age restriction policies below.
It took a whole 5 minutes on google to find these :-

Queensland Cricketers Club

						http://www.qldcricketersclub.com.au/page32.asp

"Children under 18 years of age are not permitted in or near the Openers Bar or the Gaming area of the Club under any circumstances."

University of Melbourne

						http://www.unihouse.org.au/subsdetails.htm

"Children and all persons under 18 years of age are permitted only in private dining rooms and a la carte and must be accompanied by parent, guardian.....Children are not permitted in the bar or lounge areas of University House."

City Pacific Doomben

						http://www.doomben.com/default.aspx?tabid=174

"...children under the age of 18 are not allowed to approach any beverage outlets or saddling enclosure."

Ipswich Jets

						http://www.ipswichjets.com.au/membership.html

"Children under 18 years of age are not permitted in any part of the gaming room."

Casey Aquatic & Rec Centre

						http://www.caseyarc.ymca.org.au/member/

"Children under the age of 16 are not permitted in the spa, sauna and steam room area."

Tura Beach Country Club

						http://www.turaclub.com.au/whatson.html

"Persons under 18 years of age are permitted in the club in the immediate company of a 'responsible adult'. Under 18's are not permitted in bar or poker machine areas. Children are required to vacate the premises by 10.00pm"


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