league rules

[Ophelia711]

Should there not be a rule that if a player consistently signs up for league each month and only plays less than 3 matches and does not reply to repeated invites that they should not be allowed to sign up anymore? I enjoy league very much overall but there are a few members that make it very unenjoyable and frustrating.
I had given up sending in forfeits as it takes up too much of my time to cut and paste and send out numerous invites and keep track of it all but then it seems such a waste of time to play at all.
Perhaps the rules need to be readdressed?

[Tapper_IBA]

Hello Ophelia711,


Thank you for contacting us.

To be factual, the player you appear to reference played 7 matches in December (not including the forfeit you requested and received), played 3 matches in January and, thus far, in February has played 3 matches with 4 days still remaining in the League month.

When a player plays no matches and the League is given no explanation, we do remove them.

Like yourself, players who are eligible to play in the IBA League are also upgraded IBA members. They literally pay for the privilege of playing in our special activities. Consequently, without clear justification of abuse in some form, we cannot and should not bar them from playing.

While I truly hate to repeatedly be placed in the position of defending other IBA members and League players, in all fairness, I think they deserve to have it pointed out that January and February are winter months and so far in 2010, more than 63% of the United States has been subjected to severe snow and ice conditions. Many of our members have intermittently lost internet connectivity. Even if I were inclined, I simply do not have the time to contact each player and solicit their explanations.

We do appreciate it takes a little bit of effort for players to contact each other, cc themselves, save, cut and paste to request forfeits. As a League player I have done it myself, I am familiar with exactly how much time it takes. Nonetheless, it is a workable system and not a punishment.

The Rules do need to be updated and the task is a priority on my to do list.

Cordially,

Tapper, IBA League Manager
www.iba-backgammon.com

[Ophelia711]

thank you for your reply Tapper and I do understand what you are saying. I guess i wouldn't be so frustrated if the few players that never respond were more polite about acknowleging the players that do enjoy the league and like to get their matches done when they are able.
As always I appreciate your hard work!