The issue of central contracts vs seeking the riches of the T20 circuit is only going to worsen. We know (usually) the tour and tournament schedule for the next 12 months.
Would it not be better to have a limited number of 'part time' contracts? Players can submit which NZ tours/tournaments they make themselves available for (after they account for their own T20 commitments they either have or will seek).
NZC can then see which player submissions have the most favourable terms/player quality and then offer a limited amount of these. At least we are getting some people still committing to play for NZ when they otherwise might give it away, while still providing reward to those who toil here by maintaining full time contracts.
This 'all or nothing' contract approach, while admirable, is not sustainable. Contract negotiation is standard in any employment environment, adding a tender process for competitive spots might mean NZC can extract the best value out of our very best.
The “casual contract” reference is problematic for NZC. What does that mean? Are others eligible for it? No transparency. Honestly, I’m not surprised, I’m no David White fan. Yes, he’s been at the helm during some good times but to me he’s never impressed when true leadership and clear communication has been needed. That’s exactly what’s needed here. Dylan, you’ve nicely articulated the tension between having the best players on the field and rewarding those that show the most loyalty to NZC. What’s needed, IMO, is an emphatic statement one way or the other about which way NZC is inclined when making those judgments. Even as a fan I have no idea about whether this means TB is likely to play or not. I actually don’t think that’s good enough, but imagine the suspense of being in the contracted group….
You are right, Dylan. USGA will be concerned that this year's US Open Championship has given up so many low scores. When submitting tenders to host the US Open, courses are sent a USGA briefing outlining the required course length, set-up, green speed etc., with the overall aim of having the tournament's winning score around even par. So, tomorrow expect to see pins in places that will test golfers far more than they did today. Green speed will also be increased and perhaps tee-boxes will be moved back.
One annoying commentator claim made by many during the opening round was the constant reference to the two 62s (8-under par) shot by Fowler and Schauffele as making history as the lowest in US Open history. Too many made the mistake of upping their praise to imply the two greatest rounds in US Open history. Not only is this wrong, but is an insult to perhaps Johnny Miller and certainly Justin Thomas whose record rounds were 8-under and 9-under par respectively.
I expect an even-par round tomorrow will be a stand-out round. We shall see.
The issue of central contracts vs seeking the riches of the T20 circuit is only going to worsen. We know (usually) the tour and tournament schedule for the next 12 months.
Would it not be better to have a limited number of 'part time' contracts? Players can submit which NZ tours/tournaments they make themselves available for (after they account for their own T20 commitments they either have or will seek).
NZC can then see which player submissions have the most favourable terms/player quality and then offer a limited amount of these. At least we are getting some people still committing to play for NZ when they otherwise might give it away, while still providing reward to those who toil here by maintaining full time contracts.
This 'all or nothing' contract approach, while admirable, is not sustainable. Contract negotiation is standard in any employment environment, adding a tender process for competitive spots might mean NZC can extract the best value out of our very best.
Well worth exploring this point further. Thanks.
The “casual contract” reference is problematic for NZC. What does that mean? Are others eligible for it? No transparency. Honestly, I’m not surprised, I’m no David White fan. Yes, he’s been at the helm during some good times but to me he’s never impressed when true leadership and clear communication has been needed. That’s exactly what’s needed here. Dylan, you’ve nicely articulated the tension between having the best players on the field and rewarding those that show the most loyalty to NZC. What’s needed, IMO, is an emphatic statement one way or the other about which way NZC is inclined when making those judgments. Even as a fan I have no idea about whether this means TB is likely to play or not. I actually don’t think that’s good enough, but imagine the suspense of being in the contracted group….
You are right, Dylan. USGA will be concerned that this year's US Open Championship has given up so many low scores. When submitting tenders to host the US Open, courses are sent a USGA briefing outlining the required course length, set-up, green speed etc., with the overall aim of having the tournament's winning score around even par. So, tomorrow expect to see pins in places that will test golfers far more than they did today. Green speed will also be increased and perhaps tee-boxes will be moved back.
One annoying commentator claim made by many during the opening round was the constant reference to the two 62s (8-under par) shot by Fowler and Schauffele as making history as the lowest in US Open history. Too many made the mistake of upping their praise to imply the two greatest rounds in US Open history. Not only is this wrong, but is an insult to perhaps Johnny Miller and certainly Justin Thomas whose record rounds were 8-under and 9-under par respectively.
I expect an even-par round tomorrow will be a stand-out round. We shall see.
Lewis is a genius storyteller. Can’t wait for the inside story on Bankman-Fried. Lewis was embedded over the key months it imploded.
Also, Lewis has done quite a bit NBA stuff on his podcast.