Disc Golf is one of the widest
serving sports out there. All ages, sizes, shapes and athletic
abilities can play and enjoy the game. We have youth, ladies, men,
old guys (like me) out side by side tossing plastic and enjoying a
walk in the park and a slight physical exertion. And I am not
bragging here (who am I trying to kid?) we are the most diverse group
of humanity gathered together with one common cause-put the biscuit
in the basket!
Many people talk about “growing
the sport” and from what I can see, it is a lot of talk. We need
to define what growth would look like and how we know we are doing it
right. I would like to suggest three measuring tools and one word of
warning.
First, growth measured by numbers is
often misleading. As a church consultant for years, I can tell you
that most church growth is lateral. By that I mean that person “A”
and their family no longer likes Brand X's pastor, moves down the
street to Church 101,,, you get the picture. It is just a lot of
people moving around, it is movement without achievement. Measuring
growth or success numerically can be a trap... think of it like
this.. lot's of teenagers have acne, but that does not mean they want
it.
Growth in disc golf should be
measured by fun, depth and eliminating agendas. Allow me to explain..
The one that has the most fun wins.
What if that was actually our training mission? To train and teach
people to have fun while playing, helping them overcome their fear of
failing or getting embarrassed? To actually show them how much fun
this can be.. and we all know it can be a lot of fun. To me, this is
one of the greatest ways to promote enduring growth of disc golf-make
it a fun experience.
Next comes depth. There is a very
useful ministry saying “you can't serve them if you don't know
them”. This is where depth comes in. We cannot be stand-offish,
stuck in our little “clicks” and just expect people the “click”
with us. The fact that they are going to a park and walking around
with often total strangers, means we need to be warm and welcoming.
Getting to know people that are new to the course, hearing their
stories, offering to walk with them, these are the future players.
We can have a lasting impact on them-for the good.
And lastly, for most disc golf
groups, tournament directors and leagues, new players are simply cash
cows to boost better payouts for ongoing events. The idea that we
need to grow the sport so that the upper 10% of players per division
can get better payouts and prizes is wrong.
Most of the players I know are
good-hearted people and love to see new people out playing. Our
focus on their success will goes miles for an enjoyable and engaging
commitment to disc golf. When we commit to focusing on the
person-working with them-for their benefit-we are finally on track.
Do I know this works? Yep, every Sunday for three years it has worked
very well. Grow it for the Good!
David Fournier
PDGA#28254
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