888PL TC's to return to play in regular competition

[AceLosesKing]

Caleb is a babe, though.

[TheShadz]

Awesome idea,

as long as they have there own leaderboards it'll be good I think as it add some more numbers to the away venues which is what we need atm, especially in the southern suburbs in adelaide where the numbers are dropping.

[the dols]

as much as I would love to play against tc's again, I think that this time I have to agree with mike. The work that has been put in by all to make the competition so professional in all aspects could easily be undone by a decision like this. It only takes one to destroy the integrity of the competition, so why risk it.

I guess the question is do you want a professionally run competition or do you want a social game of poker.

I am not sure that with all the prizes and money on offer these days that you can have both.

[rcon]

I guess the question is do you want a professionally run competition or do you want a social game of poker.

I am not sure that with all the prizes and money on offer these days that you can have both.

Perhaps that distinction is being made already - foundation v challenge events?

[BigPete33]

Well said mafau (rcon for those that don't know), and excellent posts Mike.

"What is it you're trying to achieve and represent?" is a question that has to be asked of the 888PL here.

There's people who just want to show up and play for fun and have drinks with mates and not give a toss if they win or lose, nothign wrong with that at all, that's why there's freerolls and I can't see any problems with the staff playing in them. Undecided on scoreboard issues though.

Challenge events either home or away are a different kettle of fish. I just don't see how you could maintain the *image* of integrity, regardless of what actually happens. Playing for money is playing for money, it doesn't matter if it's $1 or $100+ and no matter what you do if staff are competing against the general playing public, it's not going to look good at all.

[Garth Kay]

BUMP

[bennymacca]

sticky?

[Garth Kay]

Dear garth
I would like to be told why TD's cant play poker against members at the 888 venues.
I started playing in 888 league early this year and found the TD's extremely competant if fact i left one league to join 888 as I find it a very happy and safe environment.
I can say without reservation i enjoy poker immensely due to the professionalism of the TD's namely Nick, Travis. Marcus and Paul. You can see I play regularly and am a poker tragic.
I also play occasionally at A.P.L and enjoy competing on the same table as Aaron who has left.
yours sincerely

ANON

Have been sent the above email recently. Thought I would respond in this forum.

We made the decision to not allow any employees or contractors of FHG to play in 888PL events for several reasons:

1.) A minority of players were upset when they played TC's and/or TC's style of play. There were many complaints of off duty TC's not caring about the results and their style of play reflecting this, whether this is true or not is irrelevant it is simply that there was a perception of stupid play from off duty contractors because they were not playing for anything worthwhile.

2.) Also the integrity of the league is compromised when you have players participating in events that have access to 888PL equipment on an every day basis. We have had scenarios before where contractors have compromised our league and themsleves by acting in an unethical manner.

3.) There is now more prize money on offer than ever before. What other company allows their contractors/employees permission to participate in any competition, especially when the prize money each season is in excess of $250,000. Our Contractors previously could not claim any prizes or points, whilst many of the regs were fully focused on achieving points. With the sort of money involved now there is even a greater temptation for unethical behaviour and biased treatment of friends and partners from on duty and off duty contractors. I am not saying this occurs but there is a temptation there, and all we need is one accusation or the perception of chip dumping/collusion/etc.. from an off duty contractor to absolutely damage everything we have worked hard for over the last year!

I understand the want and need of players who wish to play with TC's, many of which they call friends. There are many positives and negatives to which we could argue all day. I need to set guidelines in place and a strict code of conduct, but I am wary of implementing anything that could upset everything we have built up with the launch of 888PL.

In saying all of the above, I personally and for selfish reasons, would love to be able to participate with friends and family in 888PL tournaments.

[Swanky]

Once again it would seem the stupid acts of few, destroy the fun for the many.

[AceLosesKing]

Nah, I can perfectly understand 888pl's decision to not allow TC's to play. Respect to Garth and co for taking the higher ground too and not damaging the integrity of the competition.