|
The game of darts begins and ends with a handshake. But what if your opponent isn’t physically there? How do you start and end a dart match that is played via Skype? That was something that ADA members from Texas were faced with during the Darts Across the Sea event. Since 1982, this event has been ‘played’ over the telephone. A designated captain would relay the opponents score per round to the scorekeeper at their location. Now with technology everyone attending is able to view the matches with the use of webcams, laptops and projector screens. This was the first year that we used Skype and although there were a couple of times we lost connection all in all it went really well.
After England took the first win of the event, Pup turned toward the projector screen and did an air shake while chuckling and saying nice game to the faraway opponents. If you’ve never participated / witnessed a telephone match or in this case a Skype match, there are some traditional dart etiquettes that are an old habit hard to break.
Team USA ADA was defeated yet again by Team England. The final score: England 8 USA 3.
Team USA consists of American Darters Association members. The location is different every year to allow ADA members from all over the United States the opportunity to compete on Team USA. This year, 2011, CJ’s Bar and Grill hosted the event in The Colony Texas.
Although we lost, we can report that at least our members were definitely warmed up for the event! The weekend began with a Regional starting Friday night and ending Sunday. Most members participated in the Blind Draw Friday night which ended at 2am. The next morning events began at 10am and went until 2:30am. The night before our qualifier event (that determined Team ADA) ran until 2:30am! “It was great having the Southern Regional paired up with the Darts Across the Sea event but we might reconsider having them two separate events next year” stated ADA Vice President Karl Remick. He went on to say “we loved all the participation and support from the viewers from this event but you could tell that Team ADA was worn out by Sunday afternoon.” It’s not surprising if they were tired – many of the members from Team ADA were not only competing in the Darts Across the Sea event but at the same time also competing in the Mens/Womens Singles and the Draw Doubles event!!
Not only was there a lot going on in CJ’s Bar & Grill but it was also a really busy weekend in Texas. Darts Across the Sea event was held on Sunday November 6th which was also the last day of the ADA Southern Regional, Card Parlour event, Sunday football (more specifically Dallas Cowboy game) and NASCAR weekend. “We were hoping for a better turnout but it was great having everyone there that did show up. We are already looking forward to having another Regional again and hopefully very soon” said ADA Rep from North Dallas Rich Lough.
Lesson learned we need to have the Southern Regional on a different weekend. Of course every tournament you always hope for a better turnout but for having it in Texas for the first time I think it went really well. We had members travel from Wichita Falls, TX and a couple even drove from Kansas City, MO. All in all it was a successful weekend and we can’t wait to see what crowd will attend the next Regional! If you love to play darts attending an ADA championship series tournament is what you should plan for. Check out our upcoming events box at www.adadarters.com for more information.
|