Would Squad Numbers Work?

by Laurie Bird (who has to deal with the problem!)

The increase in club time trial entries over the last 4 or 5 years has seen us reach a point this season where we have full fields. This has lead to people having to arrive very early, just to make sure of a ride, or telephone/email in advance, which can sometimes make for a busy Wednesday. I have suggested the idea of regular riders having fixed numbers, so they won't have to phone in advance. I have devised a list, based on various criteria, such as how regularly members ride, whether they've paid in advance for the season, whether they normally arrive early or late (ie in the nick of time), and who they usually travel with. I've looked at last season as well as this in trying to reach decisions. Bear in mind that after just 5 events 65 club members have ridden in at least one, while 27 have paid for the season in advance. As a result a list of 1 to 50 only contains 7 blanks for occasional riders, or any private entries! To illustrate the point I have divided the members into 3 groups as follows:

Group 1 is the proposed numbers I've allocated. A quick glance will show just how difficult it is and I know some riders will be somewhat miffed as to where I've put them.

Group 2 is the those who ride slightly less often, some of whom might feel they should be in Group 1.

Group 3 is those who I believe will only ride a few times per season and probably wouldn't expect a regular number (but I could be informed otherwise).

Below these tables I've written a set of "rules" to explain how the system should work. I'm by no means convinced it's the ideal solution, but it's the best option I can suggest. If opinions are divided we may as well stay as we are as we certainly don't want to make things more difficult!

The following is a set of easy to follow rules:

1. Members who ride regularly, eg on average 3 weeks out of 4, to be issued with a regular number. These can be within the range 1 to 50. In setting those numbers members will be asked where approximately they would prefer to start. The recorder/timekeeping team will have the final decision on allocation of numbers.

2. Riders should advise as early as possible when they cannot ride, thus enabling their number to be allocated to someone else.

3. Riders issued with a regular number should arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before their actual start time, else their number may be allocated to someone else.

4. A rider who misses 2 consecutive events without making contact may risk losing that number.

5. Private entries will be restricted to 5 initially on a first-come-first-served basis. Once 5 private entries have signed-on any further private entries must wait until known club riders have signed-on and any spare places will then be offered.

6. Additional entries by telephone or email may be accepted (subject to places available) up to 4 pm on the day of the event.

7. At the finish of an event all competitors should return their rider's number to enable someone else to use it the following week should they find they are unable to ride.

8. Where possible riders who have paid in advance for the season will take priority when allocating numbers. However, this applies only in this instance and does not indicate two classes of member.

9. If entry levels fall as the season progresses it will be necessary to reallocate some of the later numbers.

If you disagree with the above, or have other suggestions, please send them to laurie.bird@btinternet.com