smurf
Well-Known Member
Absolutely! well done Eland Lodge. And this is a perfect example of how great the work of ERA can be.
Event Feedback Summaries are finally finished! A big THANKYOU...
- Thread starter EventRidersAssc
- Start date
Absolutely! well done Eland Lodge. And this is a perfect example of how great the work of ERA can be.
CrazyMare
Well-Known Member
Very useful - Have taken note of the ones locally that suggest good for first time horses - I have a baby who MIGHT be ready for a late BE80T next year - very exciting!
SpottedCat
Well-Known Member
Actually, I commented (negatively as it happens) on an event where I'd had a good day (2nd), but I thought the ground prep was appalling. I was the only rider to fill in a feedback form. That doesn't give people any kind of sense of whether the event was any good or not, it just gives them my opinion of the event. My personal opinion is that to be published you need at least 5 responses or more, then you are starting to get a clear picture of the event. I filled one in for every event I did partly because I think it's a good idea, partly because I wanted one of the prizes (didn't win one!)
Francis Whittington
New User
Thank you for taking the time to reply and share your thoughts with us.
There have been a number of points raised that imply that ERA UK doesnt have teeth. Over the last couple of years we have been working very hard to build bridges and create relationships and trust through out the sport. All our thoughts and views are long term. We took this view in mind when creating the feed back form. The idea was to provide constructive feed back to organisers that will be of use in helping them to develop their events. The communication between ERA and the organisers fell far short of our expectations as many organisers did not receive our letters notifying them of our decision to implement the FB forms. For this we apologies.
This year we gave the organisers the right to check the reports first. This was the first year this concept has been tried and we felt we needed the support of every party to ensure success.
We ARE representing riders of every level. As time goes on the concept of the feed back form will prove to be a great addition to eventing in the UK. This will take time! This process was always going to be reviewed this winter. We have already begun looking into changes for next year and all the thoughts that have been presented here will be a huge help.
We need to get the balance of this FB form right. If we come down too strong in anyone direction it risks upsetting the dynamics of the sport. With time we will achieve the goals set but not over night!
In order for us to provide a well rounded response to give to organisers we need to get more members filling out the forms on line. We cant provide feedback if no one has filled out forms for that event. The paper form by the secretary is a good idea, except it will increase the time it takes to compile the forms. This is why we want the online forms filled in. we are in the process of developing a program to collate the information provided. We can then create a summery from this master sheet to give to the organiser.
With a little time and patience we will still be able to achieve a great result for members. As far as the response we have received from organisers. We shouldn't focus on those that have not replied or agreed to the posting of the feedback. We should focus on those that have replied. over time more will hopefully see the benefit. Smurf, someone must take the first step, that's why we must continue!
Our sport is going to continue for a number of years with thanks to a huge number of hard working volunteers and supporters.
The man hours put into the FB Forms are vast. Some of the replies we have received from organisers have not been positive! But the majority have been very positive and highlight the need for the feedback process to continue. These replies have made that hard work worthwhile.
BE are being very supportive of all that ERA uk is doing. BE are continuously looking to help improve the sport. They also worked very hard to keep the entry increase to a minimum. ERA uk is working closely with BE on a number of points and at this moment we are preparing a paper to present to them that will act as a voice for all riders in the development of our sport using the information given to us over the last 12 months by members.
ERA believes the sport needs a solid foundation on which to build. This is why Grassroot riders must have a voice and we want to provide it.
We will continue to grow and develop as an organisation
Time and support is what we need. Your constructive views are always welcome, Thank you
There have been a number of points raised that imply that ERA UK doesnt have teeth. Over the last couple of years we have been working very hard to build bridges and create relationships and trust through out the sport. All our thoughts and views are long term. We took this view in mind when creating the feed back form. The idea was to provide constructive feed back to organisers that will be of use in helping them to develop their events. The communication between ERA and the organisers fell far short of our expectations as many organisers did not receive our letters notifying them of our decision to implement the FB forms. For this we apologies.
This year we gave the organisers the right to check the reports first. This was the first year this concept has been tried and we felt we needed the support of every party to ensure success.
We ARE representing riders of every level. As time goes on the concept of the feed back form will prove to be a great addition to eventing in the UK. This will take time! This process was always going to be reviewed this winter. We have already begun looking into changes for next year and all the thoughts that have been presented here will be a huge help.
We need to get the balance of this FB form right. If we come down too strong in anyone direction it risks upsetting the dynamics of the sport. With time we will achieve the goals set but not over night!
In order for us to provide a well rounded response to give to organisers we need to get more members filling out the forms on line. We cant provide feedback if no one has filled out forms for that event. The paper form by the secretary is a good idea, except it will increase the time it takes to compile the forms. This is why we want the online forms filled in. we are in the process of developing a program to collate the information provided. We can then create a summery from this master sheet to give to the organiser.
With a little time and patience we will still be able to achieve a great result for members. As far as the response we have received from organisers. We shouldn't focus on those that have not replied or agreed to the posting of the feedback. We should focus on those that have replied. over time more will hopefully see the benefit. Smurf, someone must take the first step, that's why we must continue!
Our sport is going to continue for a number of years with thanks to a huge number of hard working volunteers and supporters.
The man hours put into the FB Forms are vast. Some of the replies we have received from organisers have not been positive! But the majority have been very positive and highlight the need for the feedback process to continue. These replies have made that hard work worthwhile.
BE are being very supportive of all that ERA uk is doing. BE are continuously looking to help improve the sport. They also worked very hard to keep the entry increase to a minimum. ERA uk is working closely with BE on a number of points and at this moment we are preparing a paper to present to them that will act as a voice for all riders in the development of our sport using the information given to us over the last 12 months by members.
ERA believes the sport needs a solid foundation on which to build. This is why Grassroot riders must have a voice and we want to provide it.
We will continue to grow and develop as an organisation
Time and support is what we need. Your constructive views are always welcome, Thank you
avthechav
Well-Known Member
Totally agree, at least 5 otherwise the results just arent reliable....(GCSE How Science Works!!
)- hopefully any of my year 11's will be able to explain that as well in their Jan exam....sigh heres hoping!!VRIN
Well-Known Member
Can you give more information on the paper that you are going to present to BE- before you present it? If you are going to be the voice of grassroots we need to know what you are presenting and if necessary discuss it before it goes forward.
lex2501
Well-Known Member
Surely the FB forms are achieving their primary goal - providing the event organisers with feedback. Whether or not we as the riders get to see the feedback is secondary imho. Surely the main focus should be on the events improving in line with rider's opinions? Yes, it is useful for us to use this feedback in terms of planning our calendars, but hopefully by that point, the feedback will be out of date as the ideal scenario would be that the event organisers had acted on the comments and ironed out the issues that were raised.
Let's not forget that all this hard work is voluntary - sure, things can and will no doubt improve, but this is a bloody good starting point!
Let's not forget that all this hard work is voluntary - sure, things can and will no doubt improve, but this is a bloody good starting point!
icestationzebra
Well-Known Member
I provided feedback on Shelford 2 and Stafford 2 and neither of those seem to appear? I'm happy to take some time to fill in feedback forms and help ERA improve the sport but I fear that you will lose some support if people's feedback is not seen to be used. As it happened my feedback was positive with some constructive suggestions......
I understand both sides of the argument but I do sometimes wonder if some organisers wield a little too much power and that too many people are afraid of upsetting them
I understand both sides of the argument but I do sometimes wonder if some organisers wield a little too much power and that too many people are afraid of upsetting them
VRIN
Well-Known Member
I think one of the problems was that some people did not appreciate this was 'the primary goal'.
Also the assumption is that organisers should act on information that may have only been provided by a VERY small number of people - we have no way of knowing how many people gave feedback for each event. I am not sure if the organisers are given this figure??
Also the assumption is that organisers should act on information that may have only been provided by a VERY small number of people - we have no way of knowing how many people gave feedback for each event. I am not sure if the organisers are given this figure??
lex2501
Well-Known Member
This has been a really interesting debate, and I'm sure that ERA will be listening carefully. It seems that people's frustrations are a result of communication issues. Maybe I am incorrect in my assumption that the primary goal is to give the event organisers the means by which they can up their game. But for me, this is all done for the benefit of the riders, although seemingly indirectly and for that we should applaud ERA (e.g. Eland Lodge). We are losing events left right and centre so I really think this whole process needs to be a positive one and I don't think it will help anyone to damage reputations.
I agree with you that the numbers are an issue. I also think that the feedback should distinguish between the levels. All food for thought...
SpottedCat
Well-Known Member
ISZ - I agree, not only do organisers wield undue power, but people are so terrified of being blacklisted by an entries secretary (as a small number of people cover most of the events in an area), they daren't speak out. I was hoping ERA would be a platform which would resolve this issue.
lex2501
Well-Known Member
SC - Isn't that's what is happening? Our feedback is being submitted to event organisers anonymously and we can see examples of where improvements have been made as a result.
We can always read between the lines and make our own assumptions on events which haven't given permission to display results....!!
Ooh I do love a good debate
We can always read between the lines and make our own assumptions on events which haven't given permission to display results....!!
Ooh I do love a good debate
SpottedCat
Well-Known Member
Yes, absolutely Lex, but if the organisers have the power to veto publication, because the aim is to provide them with feedback not to provide riders with info, then it kind of doesn't, does it?
meardsall_millie
Well-Known Member
A couple of years ago I would have agreed with you. However, in the current economic climate it's much more finely balanced.
Organisers and riders are dependent on each other - if riders don't enter then events won't run, we won't enter if the events are poor (although accepting the argument that there are few events in some areas), etc, etc. Arguably though, even the well supported events aren't breaking even at the moment - why the heck should organisers continue to run at a loss - just for the sheer love of the sport?
I personally think some of the comments on this thread have been unduly harsh (as they often are when it comes to event organisers or BE), but in this case they're mainly directed at ERA. Whilst in principle I do agree with some of the comments, I think we need to remember that the ERA crew are volunteers - they don't have to do this on our behalf (how many of you are sticking your hands up and offering to help?) - and it's still a relatively 'young' organisation in its current form (and I don't mean the age of the volunteers....
). It will take some time to find its feet and earn credibility with the Powers that BE. It certainly won't do that by wading in, all guns blazing, and making an enemy of them.Give them a break and support them instead of slating them for goodness sake.
VRIN
Well-Known Member
TBH I don't think people are 'slating' ERA although some are indeed raising concerns.
I agree it is a voluntary organisation but they are presenting organisers with 'event feedback' on the following premise...
''For the first time, we have truly been able to connect the views of those riders competing each weekend with the organisers who put on the events. The organisers have been able to find out what the riders think of their Events and respond accordingly; this will only mean better Events for everyone in 2012.''
If we present organisers with feedback that has only come from 1,2,3,4,5....... riders, it is NOT - regardless of wether the organisation is voluntary or not - the views of a large number of the BE membership (or indeed the ERA membership) that compete each weekend and I hope that the ERA in presenting their feedback summary made this clear and did include the number of riders who actually completed forms.
However in terms of 'mis communication' re the purpose of the forms, it seems that I (and others) have failed to read the information correctly... I looked back on this website and found the following two posts..
''The new Regional Reps system is being set up, these volunteers will collect feedback at BE events. This constructive information will then be fed back to the organisers and BE to be used to develop the sport of Eventing.''
And
''We'll collate the information and liase with BE and the individual Organisers about our findings. All your comments will be confidential, no worries about ramifications if you tell the truth about your experiences at the event, good and not-so-good...!
Organisers WANT to hear what we all have to say about their events. They're rightly proud of the events that they run, and want to hear what we think, and how to improve them for us all.''
SO a 'hands up' from me and I need to read things better...
I agree it is a voluntary organisation but they are presenting organisers with 'event feedback' on the following premise...
''For the first time, we have truly been able to connect the views of those riders competing each weekend with the organisers who put on the events. The organisers have been able to find out what the riders think of their Events and respond accordingly; this will only mean better Events for everyone in 2012.''
If we present organisers with feedback that has only come from 1,2,3,4,5....... riders, it is NOT - regardless of wether the organisation is voluntary or not - the views of a large number of the BE membership (or indeed the ERA membership) that compete each weekend and I hope that the ERA in presenting their feedback summary made this clear and did include the number of riders who actually completed forms.
However in terms of 'mis communication' re the purpose of the forms, it seems that I (and others) have failed to read the information correctly... I looked back on this website and found the following two posts..
''The new Regional Reps system is being set up, these volunteers will collect feedback at BE events. This constructive information will then be fed back to the organisers and BE to be used to develop the sport of Eventing.''
And
''We'll collate the information and liase with BE and the individual Organisers about our findings. All your comments will be confidential, no worries about ramifications if you tell the truth about your experiences at the event, good and not-so-good...!
Organisers WANT to hear what we all have to say about their events. They're rightly proud of the events that they run, and want to hear what we think, and how to improve them for us all.''
SO a 'hands up' from me and I need to read things better...
SpottedCat
Well-Known Member
I'd just say that I was really surprised that my negative comments were published as I was a bit no holds barred in some of the things I said!
As far as offering to help goes - well, yes, I have volunteered help, I went to the first ERA meeting when Francis took over as chair, I made the trip to the BE AGM a couple of years ago, so I don't think I criticise without trying to be involved in improving things. I do think there are vested interests on the BE board who influence things disproportionately. And whilst I don't expect any event to do it without making money, I also don't expect to turn up to a BE100 and be charged the maximum start fee of £15 even though it appears no work has been done on the ground at all. I think that's just wrong!
As far as offering to help goes - well, yes, I have volunteered help, I went to the first ERA meeting when Francis took over as chair, I made the trip to the BE AGM a couple of years ago, so I don't think I criticise without trying to be involved in improving things. I do think there are vested interests on the BE board who influence things disproportionately. And whilst I don't expect any event to do it without making money, I also don't expect to turn up to a BE100 and be charged the maximum start fee of £15 even though it appears no work has been done on the ground at all. I think that's just wrong!
diggerbez
Well-Known Member
I don't think that its really fair to be criticising someone else's spelling and grammar when your own is not so hot
i would like to say a huge thanks to ERA for their efforts with these forms. no i don't think that they are perfect but i think that they are a huge step in the right direction...agree that there should be an indicator of how many people have submitted a form- then if its only 2 out of 400 then at least you have an idea.
i filled out lots of forms last year (i love filling out forms
) and did criticise a jump combination at one early season event- i felt that it was an unfair question at a march event for green/baby horses- with no alternative. the organiser's response was that it wasn't- that's totally fine, but i know that i will be going elsewhere for an early season run next march....so it has been very useful for me already i also won a lovely prize- so thanks for organising those as well
glitterfuzz
Well-Known Member
living and working at eland lodge, its nice to see your comments. I find it strange how different the event in April scored to the one in July as we ran both events in the same way with the same staff etc and the same people from BE! The only real difference was the time of year and the weather :S Thanks anyway, we do listen to feedback. Unfortunatley the lay out and size of the site resticts warm up areas etc but the new arena surface is amazing and will improve the SJ a lot. (and maybe one day we will get permission for another surface so we can have a seperate warm up )
)