Scottish Champs & Jubilee5

[Little Hoddy]

I think the main thing that the commentators were missing was information. It is interesting to listen to when the commentators have teamsheets, radio controls and a reasonable amount of knowledge of the runners themselves/results from previous relay competitions.
I'm not necessarily blaming the girls themselves for not having the information. Probably their first attempt and I don't think it looks easy so fair play to them for having a go.
However the fact remains that you can be as enthusiastic as you like, but with nothing to talk about you are on a losing battle.

[madmike]

I think the main thing that the commentators were missing was information.

exactly - one of the things that makes Andy and Chris so good is their meticulous preparation!

[graeme]

with nothing to talk about you are on a losing battle.

Given which, I thought the girls were rather better than most UK commentators.

Jason was good, but he did get to commentate on the climax of the elite race.
When I did commentary on the elite finish at the JK sprint in Ireland, I felt, and many others said, it was pretty good. When I did the first hour of the individual I felt, and others have agreed, it was crap. Maybe we should only have commentary when there is something to talk about?
standing near to JonX is more informative than the commentary anyway...

[andypat]

SOUL points updated after SOUL3 at Banchory.

http://urbanleague.nopesport.com/scoring/

So far it looks like urban supremo Martin Ward is the only competitor threatening to take a win south of the border.

Still got BUFF prizes for Peter and Grace Molloy (FVO) Scott Fraser, Eilidh Campbell (MAROC) and ALice Bedwell (BOK). PM me if there's an event you'll be attending that I can get them to you. Obvious ones for me are CROESO, Carlisle, Compassport cup final, Strathaven. I can leave them with registration.

Next SOUL event is STAG's Strathaven event on 12 August. Expect fast running with the possibility of a wet feet option thrown in!

[awk]

I think the main thing that the commentators were missing was information.

exactly - one of the things that makes Andy and Chris so good is their meticulous preparation!

Which is all pretty much what the complaints about the BBC's commentary on the Jubilee focused on: commentary not backed with research/knowledge. Shows it applies at every level.

[Big Jon]

For decent commentary we need 3 things - 1 - a decent PA system. 2 - good commentators & 3 - good information.

The first is relatively easy, the second a bit more difficult and the third very difficult.

May I suggest that BOF invests some time/effort/money in getting a decent database of competitor info that can be downloaded by commentators at major - and minor events. With decent info held centrally then more people are likely to step forward and attempt commentating.

[The Cumbrian]

Just back last night after extending our stay N of the Border (with three great days Corbett bagging in sunny Ardgour!) and a big thanks to all the team who brought us Jubilee 5. We really enjoyed it (despite not having great results), the 5 events in an extended weekend was a great mix and a challenge.