The Dodger
Years ago
Turin World Masters - A Master Disaster?
Turin World Masters - A Master Disaster?
I would be interested in recording the basketball experiences from the World Masters Games in Turin in August 2013.
The basketball tournament of 130 teams included some 40 Australian (18 from the Myths & Legends Club) and 12 Canadian teams.Games were spread over 7 single courts ranging from air conditioned comfort to a condemned school where only the basketball court was operational. Participants were warned not to use the water due to contamination. This was a counter point to the manual scoreboard, used because the school refused to release the electronic control box to the games organisers (at two venues). Most courts were venues of oppressive heat and humidity with no ventilation and at least one completely unsuitable with poorly maintained floors, dead spots, loose boards and protruding metal for gymnastic equipment.
Stories of Disappointment
• Extension of the playing dates from 10 August to 11 August subsequent to teams arranging accommodation and post games tours
• Major revision when most teams refused to play Sunday 11 because of hotel departure and tour commitments
• 4 Australian teams playing each other in one division
• No effective communication mechanism
• No basketball specific function(s)
• Medal hunting by European teams in recreational divisions with ex national and international players
• Games deferred because referees lunch was delivered late
• None or few semi finals or finals - most medals awarded on a home and away basis.
• No competition tables (ever)
• No results available (ever)
• No court presence of organisers evident
• 7 basketball venues with poor signage on main roads to indicate key changes of direction
• No blocking of age groups to create a sense of group identity
• Excessive time between games (up to 45 minutes)
• Sympathetic and delightful front office staff who were completely disconnected from the decision making staff
