Not really whining but I can count on some responses saying that I am. I was just wondering if there are any guidelines used while making a draw for age group racquetball. When I was much younger and healthier, I did not mind running around with players younger than me. Now that I am in my mid to late 50's, I really don't want to play with a 40 year old in age group, combined. I know, I know, If I played better I would win. If I practiced more I would win....so you can save all the sarcasm for another time. I would feel bad if I went to a tournament and played age group and due to a lack of participants I had to play a 70 year old. Not right and not fair. Not blaming the Tournament Director or anything like that. Was just wondering if their was a guideline because if I have to keep playing 40 year olds I may have to take up chess. Instead of dropping to that low of an age group maybe a round robin would be better. When I play skill division I expect to meet younger players. Just food for thought. Thanks

Well, can't you just play 50+?

I feel the same when I'm playing soccer. 19 year olds run way faster than me and it's not fair. :) I mean, I don't think they get sore!

I probably wasn't clear in my post. I signed up for 55+ and was playing 40 year olds. Just was wondering about any guidelines about combining age groups.

I personally am not aware of any official guidelines on combining age groups. What I do, and what seems to be the defacto standard around here, is if an age group(s) is not able to support itself then combine it/them in a 'do-what-makes-the-best-sense' manner and then set up the combined division as a round robin or pool play.

Sometimes, and when it makes sense (which is not too often), multiple champions are even awarded for the combined division. For example; should the 45+, 50+ and 55+ be combined, the highest finisher of the participants signed up in each age group is awarded that age group's champion.

If you have any suggestions we are all ears!