Playing venues for
major tournaments should accommodate these basic requirements:
Playing Space
This is the total space for the dart stands, the throwing area and
the area where players wait for their turn to throw. Enough space
should be provided between dartboards to minimize distraction for
players playing simultaneously and enough space for chalkers to
keep score of the match. Playing space should be free from the following
distractions: 1.) Unusually strong air from ventilation or nature
and 2.) Blinding lights from the rising or setting sun or from in-house
lightings.
The dartboards in the playing space should have readable board numbers,
convenient location of scoreboard, enough chalk and erasers. Very
important are usable dartboards with clear unbroken wires and boards
that a dart point can penetrate and not fall off. Proper individual
lightning should accompany each dartboard. If house lighting is
utilized, make sure that lighting is ample. Lastly, the dartboard
location and toe line must conform and meet very specific measurement
standards.
Sitting Space
Major tournaments are multiple days with multiple events
and players spend most of their time waiting for their turn to play.
Sufficient tables and chairs must be provided for both players and
spectators. If enough chairs are not available, budget allocation
for rental must be made. Comfort must be the primary consideration.
The sitting or waiting area should be maintained at all times. Organizers
must make sure enough ashtrays are provided, if smoking is allowed,
and the tables are regularly cleaned of used eating utensils, dishes,
bottles and other debris.
Food and Beverage Space
The food and beverage providers should have a descent allocation
of space. The eating area can be provided separate from the sitting
area. The location of the food and beverage area must blend with
the sitting area and the playing area and should not create undue
distraction and traffic in the playing area.
Special arrangements are usually made with the food
and beverage providers to have special meals called Darter’s
Special. These are the discounted special meals for darters. Arrangement
for reasonable pricing should always be made.
Food and beverage providers should be instructed
to provide courteous and optimum customer service and to maintain
a clean F & B area at all times.
Registration Space
This is the area where participants sign up and pay their entry
fees. Again, location should not interfere with games in progress.
Stage Space
This is usually the area used for the Opening and Awarding Ceremonies.
Sometimes, the trophies and other awards are displayed in this area.
The stage area is optional.
The stage area is also used for the championship
matches. The elevated stage gives a better view for spectators to
watch the finals, but this should not override the playing conditions
sometimes offered by a poorly constructed stage. It is very disheartening
to watch championship matches where players play poorly due to wrong
measurements, a moving stage and disproportioned toe line.
Merchandising Space
This is the area allotted for sponsors to promote, display or sell
their products. The specific size should be given to merchandisers
and these are usually provided for in the sponsorship package.
Others:
Sound System
Often overlooked, an excellent sound system facilitates better communication
and understanding between tournament organizers, tournament directors
and dart players. A good sound system is indispensable especially
in huge playing venues. If music is played during the tournament,
make sure these are not too loud to create distraction to players.
Ingress and Egress
Ingress is the set up of the dart venue before the tournament. The
venue must be set up at least one (1) day before the tournament.
Proper coordination with venue management should be made before
the ingress. These include the arrangement for gate pass for materials
brought in, special time arrangements, provision for additional
electrical outlets and submission of the planned layout of the venue.
Aside from the set up of the dartboards and the playing
area, the ingress also includes the set up of the streamers and
banners of sponsors.
Egress is the demobilization and clean up of the
venue after the tournament and coordination with venue management
is required. |
