GUIDELINES in the event of interrupted matches, disconnects, no-shows, etc.
For the last UEL Ryder Cup Russ and I came up with these guidelines we can follow if we hit scheduling difficulties. I thought it worth reposting them now, as we head into the start of the event.
(Note: there is a link to this post on the opening page of the thread for easy finding later on if needed. All important information for the event will be referenced on the first page.)
Firstly, here's the suggested process to follow in the event, in any of the four-player matches, of a no-show:
"On the no show issue with no warning message that they cant make it, then if 3 players are ready to play, the group should wait a minimum of 10 minutes for the missing player to show up. If still no show, then the player with the missing partner (Team A) tries the alternates (in their signup order) [Alternates are listed at the bottom of the Matches Sheets]. If an alternate from Team A is not immediately available, then the opposing teammates (Team B) can try to find anyone on the Team A roster to jump in to immediately play. If the 2 teammates from Team B would rather postpone, then it is their choice.
At least that way the team with a no-show can't select a "ringer" to play with.
This is only to be used as a back-up plan to allow the possibility of the match to be played since 3 out of 4 players are already there."
Here are additional guidelines to follow for interruptions, disconnects, etc.
Interruptions:
If a match gets interrupted for whatever reason, and it is not possible to finish the match with it returning to the same place in the round (in practice mode this may not happen), then the following applies: If you have finished 3 holes or less, then get back to the point of the last completed hole, still counting the scores for those holes as played the first time through. And finish through the whole 9. (e.g. you completed 2 holes before the interruption, and Team A were 2 UP; you play yourself back to the 3rd, not counting the scores on holes 1-2, and resume the match on the 3rd with Team A 2 UP, and play through to the end of the 9.)
If time factors do not allow one player to manage this option, please negotiate that amongst yourselves and choose the 2nd option (see next paragraph below).
If you have completed 4 holes or more already, then count all of the holes from the resumption as contested holes but only play as many as you need to finish the 9. (e.g. you finished 5 holes first time through, you count the results of those 5 holes, and also count the replayed holes 1-4 to get a total of 9).
Disconnects:
If someone gets booted after multiple disconnects, and it's no better when they try and rejoin, then the first step is to adjourn till the 'rain day' (if you've chosen a schedule that allows a backup)
No-shows with advance warning: In addition to the guidelines above for a no-show with no warning, here's what to do if you do get warning. Firstly, arrange to try again on the backup day (assuming you've scheduled with another weekday or weekend day available). If it happens on the second attempt as well (or if it's apparent that scheduling can't work), then you should attempt to schedule or find an alternate (using their signup order) as per the method in the guidelines above. If that is still not successful, further attempts to schedule the match will be allowed up to one week thereafter, but with the team at fault taking a 1-hole penalty into the match. If not completed by one week, then that match is forfeited by the team at fault (or halved if the fault is split).
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Note the importance of taking screengrabs after every hole, as a safeguard against disconnects etc.
It is my hope that we don't have to resort to any of these guidelines, but that depends on good clear communication and scheduling, and a willingness from all players to stick with their commitments. Thank you!