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People who compete in lower ability levels to better their odds of winning

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ChrissyRyan:
People who compete in lower ability levels to better their odds of winning.

Such as a handball player who competes in a lower ability tournament tier to increase their chances of winning
as they would be competing with less talented players.  While some controls can mitigate this, it is easier done by some than it should be. 

Not fair!  Have you seen this done?

Perhaps if a boxer lost one more pound to compete in a lower weight category that is reasonable, I am unsure.

But in a club tournament (not an open tourney, but where there are ability tiers) to deliberately hide your true abilities prior to the competition seems unethical.

ChrissyRyan:
I think some people just like to win even if they play opponents that they should easily defeat.

Does not seem like a fair competition.

Chrissy

Sephirah:
Fair competition is a bit of an oxymoron. Never underestimate people's desire to win, at anything. Some of it is commercial... you see "Champions" at whatever, all the time, protected and defending their title against people who have very little chance of winning it, just so they can keep raking in the sponsorship money and the ad revenue.

It is, I feel, why there's a big hoo-hah going on about trans people in sports right now. Because some people just don't like to lose and it makes them feel better to know there's someone or something else to blame other than themselves.

The Olympics nowadays is a far cry from what it was when it was invented back in ancient Greece.

Misato:
Fairness in sport is an illusion. The competitors with access to money have an advantage because they can get equipment, trainers, even time to dedicate to workout and practice. In team sports money also buys high quality teammates who likewise very probably had a personal financial advantage over others. It’s why salary caps are a thing.

It’s not wrong. Just the way it is.

Maid Marion:
I agree, it is never fair.  Rose shows are typically dominated by professionals and retirees.
I've been competing for years against guy who won all over the US and has been in dozens of newspaper articles.  He has a chapter in a book on rose competitions!  But, he shook my hand and said it was my turn next year.  He won Queen, yet again, but I beat him in two other classes.  He is showing signs of cognitive decline, not unusual for his age.

My edge in competitions is doing the work and sharing information.  I get feedback from my friends on how well stuff works for them.  I just assume I can stay one step ahead of everyone else! ;D

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