Worst case, the "advanced" players would cut the line and take over the court ignoring others ahead of them. This actually happend to me when I was new to a local club about a year ago. The rule is first come first server, everyone lines up by placing their name tags. My partner and I followed the rule and was waiting. When the match was finally over, and it was our turn, 4 "advanced" players cut in and begun to take over the court. They simply ignored us even we told them we were ahead in the line.
I normally go to the club alone. It is hard to find a regular partner because everyone has different commitment and schedule. So, I rather just go whenever I feel like it instead of going through the trouble of making arrangement. As to find partner to play a match, normally it is not an issue as the court is first come first serve. Everyone hangs his/her name tag and line up. So, you seldom get to play with the same partner. It is normally a different person each time.
These people leave a sour taste in your mouth... People like him leave a sour taste in my mouth. I used to play with a guy like that too. I didn't actually see his true colours until I was standing on the sidelines, and watching his behaviour. He felt like he was elite of the elite, (and he was like you said: doing everyone a favour by playing with them). We still play with him, sometimes when we need a 4th player, but I try not to make a habit of it. It's quite frustrating to play with people like this; only when we need a 4th player do we make an exception.
Good post Cappy! Good recommendations. One recommendation I have that I've seen work successfully is reserve a court and invite people to play. You will make friends in no time because: no waiting. Initially it may costs you some but in the end, you'll solve your problem pretty fast.
I think we need to be accepted as a member of a "social group", before get accepted as a "designated partner", when we 1st visit a club. As long as you have several buddies around, you will have an easier and easier life. However, I have to say, the problem is easier to be handled in a club, which is well organized and have enough court time for everyone. If a free or a very cheap open club, with very limited playing time for everyone, good luck.
Our club works it like this: i) If there are enough people to fill up all the courts (and people have to sit off), no singles may take place until things thin out a lot. ii) Each group of 4 are permitted to play at 20 minute intervals. (So, depending on the matchups, this could be one game or 3 games.) iii) Tuesday/Thursday: these nights are known as social nights and will have games pre-arranged. iv) Monday/Wednesday/Friday: these nights are arranged by the players only, but must include EVERYONE (name tag system). For the most part, it works the way that it should. You do get the odd spoilers though who believe they have run of the facilities. They have started asking a couple of people to moderate things, just so everyone has a chance to play so that new people aren't left out. v) Saturday/Sunday: Mostly, you arrange your own group to play with. Chances are very good that if you show up by yourself, you will not get a chance to play. I look at the weekend as 'family days', as a lot of young families are out teaching their kids how to play. This being said, there are always at least 4 other courts available to have competitive/recreational games on.
Going to Gym alone. Hi guys, I used to travel overseas and most of the times, I go to the gym alone.I remember when I was in HCMC,I went to a Gym lone and being unable to communicate in Vietnamese, I started to use sign languages.Finally I managed to find a lady who can speak very simple English,,,,Oh! Thanks god, my problem was solved. From then, I made many friends and knew alots of places to play in HCMC. U got to ask and be friendly. In China too, I go around and ask and make alots of friends and get alots of contacts to play with. Logo::::"Who dares Play" Lee
I went to all my clubs alone in the beginning, as a beginner. It was so bad... no one wanted to play with me. I always felt the unwillingness... After 2 years, everything changed. I can beat most of those people. Just as a reminder to myself, I always step in when I see a new guy/girl stands on court by her/himself.
I don't mind going to a gym alone. It allows me to have free time to myself, especially in the early hours, to just reflect and rethink how things should be done on court. Whenever I go with friends, it seems like all we do is play or rally the whole time and that time isn't being used as productively as it could be. It is however a lot more fun so it's a trade off.
Those of you who had the bad experience of being snubbed by the self professed high and mighty of badminton (especially if you are very young and just starting out), don't be dishearten, if you take in positively, the experience will make you a better man. I was in similar position when I was in primary school. The unpleasant experience taught me to be more humble and considerate to others (especially those in a weaker position). Because of past bad experience, I now never refuse to play with anyone or refuse to be anyone partner, be it small kids or absolute beginners and if I see anyone being ignored, I will invite him for a game; it make their day and is good for your soul.
