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@El_Stevo
So I have been thinking about this and I have read comments that have been written since last night with interest.
Given that I have been specifically mentioned - gracias a Woody - I thought I might throw my opinions in as a new(ish) player.
General (but random) thoughts-
Growing pains = growth. Growth is what people here all seem to want – so that is good - but the trick, as already has been pointed out, is to manage that growth in a way that works for everyone. It is encouraging seeing people on here attempting to sort this out.
I agree with Woody where he says that he thinks it is best to have the conversation here so it is transparent and everyone gets a sense of what the general consensus is and how it was reached.
From my experience of last night – for a winter night 18 mallets in the shuffle are too many and the result is too much time standing around in the cold. I am not sure that anyone really truly loved last night.
As a new player I have been acutely aware about how my current skill level affects the experience of more established players and this has felt a bit uncomfortable at times. I think that as the amount of people increase and the corresponding court time for each player decreases this becomes more of an issue. I am definitely keen on finding a way that will allow good players to become excellent and beginners to get good. If this turns out to be different sessions for different skill levels then so-be-it.
I would like to see this conversation continued until a consensus is reached and then publicity reflects the outcome clearly and consistently across the various sites that promote polo in Manchester. At the moment various info out there suggests – young, old, no-legs - turn up whenever we play and you shall be welcomed. It would be great for new players (or people who are thinking of coming along) to know how it all works right from the start and so choose their first session accordingly. Trying to find the right info on this thread isn't going to work.
More personal thoughts:
I have paid up for November in advance. I was happy to just pay and play as I had been but when it looked like Neil was going to have trouble getting the cash together for November in time I wanted to help out given that I have enjoyed polo so much to date. If it turns out that I am not ready for the new Thursdays once it is decided what the acceptable level is then so be it and I totally wont take it personally.
Unfortunately I cannot do Sundays and I am not sure that Saturdays are going to allow me any progression. So depending on the outcome on what is agreed for Thursday's I will either retire or think about other possible ways of getting polo time in. That might be organising sessions with a few others outside of established times on a casual basis or even floating the idea of another evening with lights if there are enough people who want to put in some serious training but aren't up to/keen on Thursdays for what ever reason.
Cheers
Steve (El Espa[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]ñ[/FONT]ole)