Late Entries

[DanceMentor]

I saw that Yolanda Vargas had posted a message about late entries. She discussed how frustrating it can be for the organizer who is already risking a large amount of debt if they don't get enough entries. And then on top of that the schedule gets all messed up when they end up trying to create Heats at the last minute to accommodate everyone.

I would assume that a large competition that is routinely profitable can afford to cut off entries at an early date and still be fine. But competition is that are a little smaller would be especially challenged.

Oh, and she also mentioned how some professionals are announcing on Facebook well ahead of the competition that they are going, but then they don't actually put their entries in until the last minute or even past the deadline.

If you decide near the last minute that you want to attend a competition, what goes through your head? Do you place a high importance on getting your entries in on time?

 

[Joe]

Late entries are the bane of my existence.

 

[twnkltoz]

I am a fanatic about entering things on time.

 

[FancyFeet]

Me too. I won't register late. And if there's early bird pricing, I register by that deadline.

 

[open_mind]

For my very first am/am competition, we registered late. Actually, our instructor back then registered us and assured everything would be fine. The reason: my partner was hesitant about entering, but I couldn't wait to try it, and after much convincing, he finally agreed literally two days before the event. We had no idea how this registration business works, our instructor did everything for us. Because it was so late, we weren't listed in the program and it took some time for the registration to find us to give us a number. They also messed up my name (and that's how I am forever listed in the O2CM archives for that competition, under a wrong name) and the whole time I was wondering if our entry was going to count. I competed with that same partner many times after that and every time we were always registered way before the deadline. Why stress so much?

 

[flying_backwards]

One of the guidelines my partner and I agreed upon when we made the partnership official was no late entries and no cancellations (when possible.) Our plan is to get registration in near the date it opens. We both like to be prepared and both feel once the commitment is made, we may as well commit to the comp organizers as well as ourselves. And our teacher has a different attitude from the day he sees the registration form onwards. It makes it more real.

Is it true you get a lower number and thus enter the floor closer to first in line? Are numbers assigned in the order of registration? I like being close to the front of the line to start waltz with the best corner.

 

[JudeMorrigan]

Depends on the specific competition. Some will assign numbers based on when the couples registered, others will randomize.

 

[dlliba10]

Many will also go alphabetically in blocks (e.g., pros get the 100s and then amateurs get the 200s).

 

[raindance]

If refund policies were more reasonable, I'd be more inclined to register not just on time, but early. Not fun to lose some entry fees over the years to family emergencies, injuries, and illness. I do try to register on time, if possible.

 

[Janson]

How many competitions do you guys have that are enter in advance? Do you have any smaller ones that are enter on the day?

 

[MaggieMoves]

I typically send them my money a few days before the entry deadline.

As for late entries? I can't say I typically feel bad for an organizer whining about it. Planning is relatively simple, and having extra people willing to enter at an additional cost is not a bad problem to have. Part of running a business (or event) in this case is the ability to adjust to a change in market demand.

As I know how much a ballroom rental costs - most of these larger competitions are more than consistently profitable. They really shouldn't be a diva as it will probably diminish future revenue.

 

[MaggieMoves]

If refund policies were more reasonable, I'd be more inclined to register not just on time, but early. Not fun to lose some entry fees over the years to family emergencies, injuries, and illness. I do try to register on time, if possible.

No kidding - I still have yet to get my money back from a competition I missed last year when I had my foot injury. On the verge of sending a letter from my lawyer as they've stopped returning my calls.

 

[Mr 4 styles]

Wife had to cancel a comp the day before. Organizer returned her money the next week. We always book 6 weeks in advance or more

 

[raindance]

Wife had to cancel a comp the day before. Organizer returned her money the next week.

I think it varies by organizer. My experience has been "sorry, no refunds" or perhaps the chance of a partial credit for the following year

 

[Mr 4 styles]

These organizers are the best...