Cunning Plan

Post by **AlanF** » Mon Jun 16, 2014 6:59 am

Just wondering what our ozfclass.com members think about having an online Calcutta for the National Queens? We could use it to raise funds for something e.g. the autism appeal which seems to have been "adopted" by our sport.

For those who don't know what a Calcutta is, at several (most?) Queens shoots, the leading TR A Grade shooters are auctioned, usually at an organised function on the evening prior to the finish. Each contender is assigned to their highest bidder, who pays the amount bid to the organisers. If his/her shooter wins, the bidder gets a large percentage of the total amount bid on all shooters. The balance goes to the charity. As well as the top shooters being auctioned, you can bid on "the rest", which covers the possibility of a surprise victory by someone who is not in the leading group at the end of day 2.

If it was done online, it would be done simply as a forum topic. As soon as the leaders are known after shooting finishes on day 2, I would make a list of leaders, and invite bids. Bidding would cease at a set time, say midnight EST? Bidding would be in the form of pledges, and successful bidders would be taken on trust to direct deposit the money by a certain date. The payout would be delayed until that time.

The other decision to be made is which category or categories of F-Class should we do this for? I'm going to suggest we just do one, and that it be F-Open. Even though real $ will be involved, it will be a trial, and unexpected problems could arise, so better not make it too widespread. I'm suggesting F-Open because of their high level of participation on the forum.

I look forward to suggestions, and particularly any problems which anyone may be concerned about. I am at Belmont earlier than expected so will be able to talk to the Queens organisers to make sure its not going to upset the status quo here.

If it is a success, I think it has great potential for the future, particularly for the shooters who can't get to Queens. In a way they can compete in the shoot from home. And when we get the ETs sorted and connected online, you'll be able to watch every shot as your $ go down the gurgler. But if its helping a good cause, who cares?

Alan

ecomeat · Post by **ecomeat** » Mon Jun 16, 2014 8:27 am

Alan,
I think it's a great idea, and absolutely agree that F Open is the right way to trial it, and see how it goes. Great thinking, old man =D>

Tony

Post by **AlanF** » Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:08 am

It probably wouldn't hurt to include ALL F-Class in a single Calcutta. I would expect a few F-Std and F/TR to be in the top 10, and it wouldn't be the first time if one of them finished in front! It would be a simple way of including everyone, which is always a good thing.

Alan

ecomeat · Post by **ecomeat** » Mon Jun 16, 2014 11:03 am

AlanF wrote:It probably wouldn't hurt to include ALL F-Class in a single Calcutta. I would expect a few F-Std and F/TR to be in the top 10, and it wouldn't be the first time if one of them finished in front! It would be a simple way of including everyone, which is always a good thing.

Alan

I don't know why you didn't think of that originally

There isn't much doubt that some seriously classy shooters will line up in F/TR and Std, as well as open. Looking forward to seeing this in action. You might just be starting a real fun event !