Shufflin' | New members show growth of the sport
New players at any sanctioned Florida Shuffleboard Association tournament receive a new FSA lifetime player identification number. This will be permanent.
The player receives a card in case he is forgetful about life's many numbers. The good news for the Southwest Coast District of the Florida Shuffleboard Association is that 40 new numbers were registered this season, each playing in one or more of our tournaments.
At the FSA Spring Meeting on March 14 in Sebring, two other districts noted encouraging numbers. The West Coast District has hundreds of players in its Associated Leagues, some of whom occasionally also play in local sanctioned tournaments. And the Central District announced that 3500 tournament registrations this season represented growth there.
The Northern District is encouraging its players to adhere strictly to the rule of no motions or voices that could be construed as coaching or distracting during games.
In an effort to shorten games to reduce waiting, the Central District received special permission for a test next season at the district level there for a shortened practice before games. They will try 2 speed shots plus 4 more, rather than the usual 8 more. Results will be reported to the FSA at completion of the permitted test.
Central District also requested permission to try no play, no pay. That means you get no prize money, and possibly no points, if you want to leave the tournament after the quarterfinals, but before the finals are completed. This proposal was tabled until at least next October.
Also at the FSA meeting, George Adkins announced that 10-day voting to amend Florida rules must arrive 10 days before the January meeting, which falls on Jan. 18, 2016. These are only on even years, so if you miss January 8, 2016, you must wait until 2018.
A ten-day notice to amend a bylaw or Standing Rule must arrive 10 days before the second Saturday in October 2015. They go to George Adkins, and Standing Rules and Bylaws are only reconsidered once every three years. Information and forms for these notices are on the FSA website at www.fsa-shuffleboard.org.
Tournament results
FL P-23A at Fort Pierce, March 10. Ladies Consolation: 3. Pam Nurnberger-Judy Taylor. Men Main: 1. Jim Miller. Consolation: 1. Ron Nurnberger-Larry Taylor 2 Al Kaleel.
FL P-23B at Betmar, March 10. Ladies Main: 3 Joyce Marquis.
SWCD D-19, March 12 at Trailer Estates, Mixed Doubles. Main: 1. Jim Miller-Judy Taylor, 2. Bill and Pat Batdorff, 3. Larry Mardis-Alice Barlow, 4. Peter and Erika Berg. Consolation: 1. Stan and Flo Kowalewski, 2. Joyce and Mike Marquis, 3. Margaret Hartzler-Bob Cooter, 4. Gloria Hollander-Al Kaleel.
SWCD A-15, March 13 at Trailer Estates, Any Amateurs/Any Doubles. Main: 1. Barbara Young-Steve Slaughterbeck, 2. Emmons Berry-Bill Jenkins, 3. Donna Schultz-Connie Crawford, 4. Terry Schwebke-Ed Chapman. Consolation: 1. Terry McNamara-Pamela Carr, 2. David Patchkowski-Jack Morris, 3. Paula Jacobson-Jane Baldwin, 4. Ken and Kathy Laver.
Future tournaments
Tuesday is the second day of FL P-24A at Clearwater and P-24B at Avon Park, Open M/L Doubles, 75 points. Also, the second day of FL A-22A at St. Cloud and A-22B at Clearwater, Any Amateurs/Any Doubles, 75 points.
Thursday is SWCD D-20 at Bradenton, No Two Pros, M/L Division, 75 points.
March 23 is FL P-25 at Lakeland, Open M/L Doubles, 75 points.
Noteworthy
This column accords great respect and affection for Charlie and Bertie Shaffer of Golf Lakes as they deal with health issues. Bertie is a courageous and valued Treasurer of Petticoat League and both have contributed to shuffleboard in our District and in the North.
Bob Smith of Fort Myers is Chair of the Florida Masters to be held at Lee County, April 6-9.
SWCD Open Masters and District Amateur Masters is March 25-28 at Trailer Estates, not listed on some schedules.
Happy shuffling.
This story was originally published March 16, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Shufflin' | New members show growth of the sport."