Ontario Events Held on Long Weekends

[Eric Roussin]

What do you think of Ontario events held over long weekends? This doesn't happen very often, but would this affect your ability to attend the event? Would you be more likely to attend because of the extra day off? Less likely because you tend to have other activities planned? Or does it not really make a difference for you? Please respond to the poll and explain the reason for your vote. Tournament directors generally stay away from these weekends, but I don't know if this is necessary.

I'm not talking about Christmas, but what about long weekends like Family Day (February), Easter (March/April), Victoria Day (May), Canada Day (if it falls on or next to a weekend), the Civic holiday (August), Labour Day (September), Thanksgiving (October).

[Steve Murray]

I voted equally because when i am healthy enough to compete it doesn't matter where the tourny is i seem to find my self attending anyways..

[Dave Campbell]

The May long weekend will be the weekend the nationals will be held on, starting in 2014.

[Al Aubin]

tiny puts a great turny every lcanada day long weekend big kids classes every year but not many armwresters show up o wait its in the west that is whats wrong i think if a long weekend and not in west and u will have good turn out.

[Marc Vachon]

I find myself busy with other events planned. Usually family oriented.

[Hugh Brodie]

No real difference to me - although the Family Day and Civic Holiday weekends are not long weekends everywhere (e.g. Quebec and the US) - could be a factor if you are holding a tournament within a couple of hours of the US or Quebec borders.

Are you referring to the possibility of having an event on the Monday of a long weekend?

[Mikel Gould]

I like this post. Eric and myself have spoke recently regarding the MGC as it falls on easter weekend this year. It works great for most because it provides an extra day for travel. Following tradition and running the event the last weekend in march has the event falling on easter weekend.

[John Milne]

Slightly more likely. It's because I'm working out of town right now.

Location is a huge factor for me as well. Timing between events (as I'm having a lot of one on one matches lately) is another.

[Ashley Maher]

I think that larger events should be held on long weekends, for example Mike Gould Classic and Provincials. The smaller events can be on any weekend provided they are adequete distance from Provincials, Mike Gould Classic, National and Worlds.

The biggest factor I take into account is how close the event is to a major event. If it is too close to a major event or too soon after, athletes competing at these events are less likely to attend.

I had to miss 2 circuit events last year during Worlds. One event was a week before worlds and one was held during the time I was away.

By missing 2 events it took me out of the running for female puller of the year, impacted team standings, and I didn't qualify for any perks that OAA offered for attending all of the circuit events held during the year.

I think that there should be no events held during Nationals and Worlds as a respect for the athletes representing Ontario, and Canada.

Thanks,

Ashley

[Eric Roussin]

I agree that if at all possible, events should not be held during the Nationals and Worlds. I think exceptions could be made for smaller local events in a fair-type setting. I’m regularly contacted by fairs/festivals who are interested in hosting armwrestling tournaments, and I don’t like turning down these opportunities to grow the sport’s exposure. Although it has happened in the past, we will do our best to avoid hosting circuit tournaments during the Worlds going forward for the reasons you’ve mentioned.