Here are my thoughts on the direction for the MFCA convention.
 

The MFCA’s mission statement says: Assisting the miniature football hobbyist by promoting miniature football, educating the public and providing an association which recognizes and supports the diverse coaches and leagues.
In every decision that is made, I feel that we must always look to this statement for the MFCA’s direction.

With that in mind, here is what I will recommend as the plan for future conventions.

First I think that Canton should be an annual event every first weekend of August, but not necessarily the MFCA Convention site. Instead, I would like Canton to be a “MFCA Reunion” with its focus on Fellowship, Football and Fun. Competition would take a back seat at this event and all the focus would be on getting together and enjoying miniature football mixed with real football. It would continue to host a CPC contest and a skills contest and would also still have the kids tailgate event with PFUFA at the HOF, HOF enshrinement and HOF game. This would be an annual tradition which honors our past and the game that we get our inspiration from. This event would focus on the promotion aspect of our mission statement as we would continue to build our relationship with the HOF and the PFUFA Tailgate event along with setting up a tent display at the Parking Czars where 1000’s of people pass by every day. We would have coaches volunteer to man the tent and promote the hobby just as we saw the odd table football game doing this last year.

In order to work in line with the other aspects of our mission statement, support and assist, the actual MFCA Convention would then be moved to either a June or September date with a regional based rotational schedule that would use established tournament and or league events from across the U.S. and coordinate with them. The MFCA would bring its dollars to secure a larger venue where the convention could be held and would feature the local areas event as the headliner along with our own MFCA CPC games and skills competitions.

For example…AGAIN JUST AN EXAMPLE:
Year 1: Held in conjunction with the Dixie League finals in June (Southeast)
Year 2: Held in conjunction with Eric and Daves Open Run in September (Pacific West)
Year 3: Held in conjunction with the NEFL Championship Game in June {Northeast)
Year 4: Held in conjunction with the Mid Ohio Championship Game in June (Great Lakes)
Year 5: Held in conjunction with the CBSMF in Vegas (Southwest)
Year 6: Held in conjunction with the Beltsville Bash (Mid Atlantic)
Year 7: Held in conjunction with the Mid America Melee (Great Plains)
Year 8: Held in conjunction with the Bama Blast in June (Southeast)

New events such as Texas, Virginia, Michigan or others could also be mixed into the rotation. Just as the NFL moves its Super Bowl to different cities helping to build their economies, we would take the convention to support the different leagues and tournaments and thus fulfill to a degree the support and assist portion of our mission statement.

The CBSMF has been a necessary and great partner for the last 2 years, but it is large enough and strong enough to support its functions without combining with the MFCA. As we all know, Miggle may or may not have another convention. If they do not, then it will be up to the MFCA and the CBSMF to continue on with a national presence for the hobby. I think that it is important for both the CBSMF and the MFCA to move our events as our members span across the U.S. and we need to serve the entire membership. It is also just as important that the CBSMF and the MFCA coordinate our events in a timely fashion to allow as many coaches as possible to attend each event without forcing our memberships to have to choose one or the other. The West deserves some effort on our parts to get an event in their neck of the woods. If the CBSMF goes to Vegas this year and the MFCA would come next year per the above plan, we will have started to preserve the balance needed to truly unite our memberships from one coast to the other.

Please post your responses to this idea. I believe that this plan would not only promote our hobby in other areas, but would help many of the smaller tourneys to get a chance to shine and show off their events with increased turnouts and viewers.

So Wolf what your saying is that every year there would be an event in Canton Ohio ( a reunion) type of event where the focus is fellowship, then the MFCA would hold their event at a different location every year in conjunction with league finals. So in essence there would be 2 different MFCA functions every year, one a reunion, one an event. Interesting to see how the membership feels about this.




RD

Gee, you mean I could of said all that in 2 sentences...:D

I could not agree with you more Wolf
 

I dont post much anymore, the reason for not posting is it seems that most post begin with good intention but turn into something that is very negative. I wanted to put something out their with all this talk about location, Wolf is correct in his post with moving locations around to cater to all masses that contribute to the Hobby that we all love.
My attention is the same as wolf and that is to move it each year to different locations one reason is to show support to the coaches that are part of this league and give them a little spot light of hosting this tournament. This give them a sense of fellowship that we all talk about on this site, a sense that they are a part of the league and not by a website or phone calls and emails.
I have made some great friends from this Hobby, met some unbelievable people it is a brotherhood like I had when I played football for Saginaw Valley.

Wolf I love your Idea.

Greg Hardmon

Wolf,
I completely respect your vision for the hobby and the MFCA; what you have accomplished (with the help of others) is amazing! I do, however, think your initial vision is correct. Combining with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game is a match made in heaven. Somehow we need to align more closely with the Hall and have a tourney outside with the masses looking on like they do at the Fanblitz (Steeler's Draft Party).

I think a true tournament, in conjunction with a membership drive and fan-friendly environment event (like a kickoff tourney, winner gets a prize) would take the Convention to a whole new level.

Other tourneys are great, but they are what they are...other tourneys! This is something unique and GREAT!!!

Just my thoughts,
Mark Klingbeil

Thanks Greg. I think that the hobby needs to have at least 2 feature events every year. Miggle use to be one of these and highly supported, but nobody knows if they will have another one. If they drop off, the CBSMF moving around and the MFCA moving around can continue to deliver that 2 big event per year schedule. Then it is just up to our two organizations to coordinate on a yearly basis so that we don't step on each others toes. Dixie for the MFCA in 2011 and Vegas for the CBSMF in 2011 would paint a nice picture followed by the MFCA in LA in 2012 and the CBSMF in Detroit or other venue of their choosing in 2012. Sounds like a fair way to get this party started.

thmbsp$ thmbsp$ thmbsp$

I WOULD LIKE THAT
 

COACHES,

I would like that,

1)dixie/vegas

2) la/detroit.

etc etc etc.

Only 1 question though, can other tourneys hold off until there year comes up.

unless coaches want to travel 4 or more times per year then fine.

If reunion in canton, can you still get tickets for the game. enshrinement, etc etc.

how about a may /sept split or a CONCRETE 4 MONTH SEPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MFCA AND CBSMF TO HOST SAID EVENTs.
Its like the olympics, what country will be the next host country.

thanx
mantaraydre

Great idea!
 

Supporting other leagues.

Wolf, you done it again buddy
 

Excellent idea ppls$

Norbert Revels

Sounds great.
But willl coaches be able to afford travel to 2 events so close together?
There is money and time off from work that could be deterents.:(

Do you mean the CBSMF close to the MFCA or the MFCA Canton Reunion close to the MFCA Convention?

No matter what we do, travel expense and time away from work and family is an issue for all of us. The trick is devising a plan that allows the most coaches to attend the most events while helping to promote a region of the country and what they have to offer from a miniature football standpoint.

Any ideas that will help us achieve that are welcomed. The plan I announced is the starting point and this may evolve into something completely different.

I think we're missing the obvious here. You said it yourself. Miggle may or may not be there in the future. Sooooo,,,,, why not combine the two into a joint MFCA/Miggle tourney? Held the same time in late January, guys should be able to attend both Miggle/MFCA and Canton in August.

Miggle can still offer it's games in one room of the Embassy Suites while the MFCA games can be done in another. Or, both in the same room, but on seperate sides. A lot of guys go to Miggle and get taken out in the early rounds anyways, so now they would have another chance to play in the coaches point tournament.

And if Miggle does bow out and not have any more conventions, then we can fill in the time slot and have both conventions 6 months apart. Just a thought.:mtcnts: :hmmmmm:

If i am right in what you said, the Canton (Reunion) event will always be in August, same time every year. THen the other (Competition) event will be sometime during the surrounding months of June - September. THat may be too close to the steady date of August.

Now Al's idea would be optimal, and is something we have discussed before.
THe canton event would be the huge summer event, and the Miggle is the winter event.

If we all decided to attend, and or help out, i am sure the miggle would go on.

Unless things change from Miggles perspective, sharing an event with them will not be a possibility.

If Miggle does drop out, then this would be a perfect time slot for either the CBSMF or the MFCA to take over. In either case, I think the MFCA will still be looking at moving the convention to other cities.

Good idea
 

Lynn sounds good. I like it so far.

2 MFCA events in 1 year!!!!!!!!!!
 

Sounds great.
If we would have to choose, which one would you go to? For me it's a no brainer.........Canton and me have a special bond!

So we would be back to having to pick again. But in the big scheme of things every region would get some love by having an MFCA convo in their backyard.

We all need to voice our opinions because the clock is already ticking. You don't plan events on the fly...like Jerry Rice said in his speech, preparations for the next season started the day after the previous ended.

Do we move, and if so where would the first location be?

I need to get a poll going for this! mgngcrz mgngcrz :confused: :rnt;

Nat'l

Wolf

I like having convention in different parts. I emailed ya about this as well. I'm sure that Wolf & the BOD will come up with a solution. I too am interested in seeing what all the members thinks about this.

Two conventions sounds like a big task for the MFCA, I hate to see anyone spread too thin. What has been created in Canton has been really special and yet I understand guys out west and in TX that can be a tough trip because you really need to plan ahead for it. Miggle tournament was very successful in moving around, maybe MFCA convention can be too, but ouch...I love the current location and it definately has me torn because I'm not sure that 2 national events for this organization is realistic.

I love having both the Miggle "hotel" format and the MFCA convention format spaced 1/2 year apart as it is. It seems to me that maybe more support of regional tournaments would be a great thing for the hobby, and I can totally understand creating a stand alone CBSMF tournament or playoff. Not long ago there used to be Buzzfest and Sea Wall Brawl for example that were great draws, along with the Open Run out west and the Shootout tournament in TX, Beltsville, and the Bama Blast to name a few. The Miggle tournament in January is always very well supported, and for good reason they put on a great show, its a good tournament, and its in January and that seems like a good time to get away for a weekend. If for some reason Miggle is a no go this year then that leaves a big hole. Any way I know I am rambling and maybe I haven't even made a point but I want to say Wolf you are the man and you have my complete backing, thanks for addressing a tough topic.
Joe

just my opin
 

coaches,

I would like to see the Mfca and the cbsmf exist for 1 more year in canton/cleve. Then reveal plans for the future while in cleveland during the awards ceremony.
I have always been a fan of having the convention event in the same hotel ballroom than to drive to a seperate local. There was a certain intimacy at the hotel in new philadelphia. What if we moved it to cleveland (embassy suites) .
and ended all tourneys saturday. sunday we ll drive to canton for an entire day of tailgate fun starting maybe at 2pm. since hotel checkouts are around 11am.
Those who want to get a cheap motel room for just one night can do so in canton ( pre planned way in advance of course). Some folks just go home after the induction ceremony and don't stay for the game. If coaches are bringing their families, this gives them a chance to explore cleveland a bit.
rock and roll hall of fame., restaurants, etc etc. cleveland brown practice is an option at the stadium.

IF THE E-SUITES ARE REASONABLE.

1 MORE YEAR

MANTARAYDRE

I think E-Suites
 

Need to confer with some very secretive people in the know. I shall start that dialogue and see what we can come up with.

You guys are making some great points. The input is VERY appreciated!! Please keep the conversation going. I think at this point of the conversation it is a safe bet that the Stearn Center is out of the planning. I too feel that a hotel would better serve our needs. Lets hear some more. I will be in Madison, WI leaving today at noon and won't check back in till Sunday evening. I'm going to a all day beer tasting!!$br#$br#$br#$br# I should have a clear head after that...mgngcrz

im in agreeance with your suggestion Wolf...
 

What I don't like is that economically I will most likely only be able to attend 1 of the events a year between the MFCA, CBSMF and the reunion. However, this does accomplish the goal of bringing 3 major events do a different region each year accomodating as many members as possible. Great job once again with your selfless approach and doing what is best for the hobby.

DEAD ON TARGET for the MFCA........great job Wolf!!!!!!!!!!!!thmbsp$ thmbsp$



Geno H

what i think might work
 

I've enjoyed reading the comments - lots of great suggestions. Here is one that I'd like some feedback on. I would like to have one MFCA regional event and one national event per year. I think this would make it as easy as possible for coaches to attend both events each year. We already have the regions nailed down as far as what the MFCA recognizes. We could crown a regional champion or take the top two from each region and they could play in a national championship at the national convention. Each region could play with their own set of rules that they are accustomed to and the national championship would have a rule set that would rotate from year to year on a schedule determined by the board. That would give the top coaches from each region a chance to show case their talents in different rule-sets. The first year the national ruleset could be great lakes rules, then texas shootout, then dixie, then cali then beltsville, etc.

What are your thoughts?

beenutt

Sounds very Open Minded
 

That's the right direction because knowing the rules to be used in advance provides to opportunity to prepare under those guidelines.

I just made a call to Embassy Suites to check on their costs. We do need to make this a family event so that some people don't have to make such a critical choice. I know I would love having my boys with me, annoying me, harassing me, etc. I love it!

Providing everyone, all inclusive, with an opportunity to play in a great tournament is priority one in my opinion.

I'll send feedback on the Suites and we can go from there. Anyone else want to meet up, play their league games we are going to need you along for the ride.

Just my thoughts.

unsure
 

i for one am very biased,i think the mfca should remain in canton or in close proximity,and on some other weekend other than hof activities,to cut costs ,and that way have a bigger participation, i believe by moving the big con. from region to region , will only hurt the hobby in the long run , by keeping it in the midwestit will serve the masses better, i did a count a few months back on membership of every state,the midwest was the biggest,with ohio,mich,penn,ill,ind,mizz, kan. and the runnerup i believe was the east coast , with ny,nj,dc, virg,myld,with the west coast close behind tex , cal,lv but every state is closest to the midwest region,just my opinion .......i hope for some reason im wrong, i love this hobby and would very lost without it.but life does go on.ltsplbll

Once again...
 

...how about the MFCA convention remaining in Canton while the CBSMF rotates around the country returning to Canton every few years.

I don't know how this is going to turn out but I always believed our brethren on both coast should get to "wet their beaks" (name that movie) on occasion.

I believe we're onto something here, I like your thinking.

And another thing...
 

We should have discussions with Miggle to get a feel for their future. It seems to me that with the economy (and maybe Michael and DeLayne slowing down a bit) Miggle may be looking to wind down their convention activities (I don't know if this is the case...just guessing here). Perhaps the MFCA can hold their convention in conjunction with Miggle or have Miggle as a major sponsor. That way, the work of giving the convention can fall on us while the Landsmans can be a part of it in someway. Would love to see their products, along with other MFCA members, on display in Canton.

The CBSMF can rotate between North (Canton), South, East, and West. Regardless of the numbers in any part of the country this seems the fair way to go about it.

Your thoughts?

To let everyone know, they will be making a decision on the convention in Oct/early Nov. I've already approached them and as ALL of you know, they appreciate and support the MFCA and what we are doing. However, a joint convention would not be possible at this time.

Mike

Thanks...
 

...for the update Mike. Perhaps Miggle as a sponsor could be in the future. Even without some sort of alliance with Miggle we should be able to solve this as an association.

Wolf has some great ideas. Anyway...let's continue this (civil) discussion.

Bryan,
You know what I like about your idea is that by developing a regional MFCA event this is more of a grass roots effort that is inclusive to all (not everyone can be National! :D) This promotes growth locally/regionally and celebrates the hobby nationally. When I first came into the hobby I was able to attend a regional event and I met guys from Chicago, Gary, and Detroit and I was hooked (remember Jimbos tournament guys)! There is no way I would have jumped right in and attended a national event right away. Even leagues are kind of tough to committ to sometimes, but tournaments work great for a regional get togethers. These regional gatherings is what is needed to introduce the game to more people. I think this is a winning idea. thmbsp$

I am curious to see what other regions think, but as a mid west rep for the MFCA I believe we would have one hell of a great tournament! I know that out west they already have the Open Run, CBSMF, and their NFL league but to me a regional MFCA tournament to match those going on across the country would all having us singing the same song. And how about the southwest, a regional championship in Texas, that would be one hell of a tournament!
Joe

love it !
This is my favorite idea yet .

We did regional events in year one of the MFCA. Jimmy D and I went down to Columbus and met Matt Culp for our regional event. While the company and games were good, I question the particiaption. For some reason, many coaches just don't get out of their comfort zone, even when a National event is held right in their own state........

Yeah, that's true
 

We had Miggle in Canton last year and although the turnout was great there were some notable MIA's. Same in Michigan come to think of it. It seems when it is in your own back yard you don't go to the venue, you are still inundated with trying to balance your daily routine with the event.

I wonder if that would be different if the regional events were coordinated with regional championship tournaments across the country, making them more meaningful and a little more hyped. Honestly, the example you site I was not even aware that that was an MFCA event, it might as well have just been a local tournament in Columbus playing their rules. If we plan (and nail down) these events ahead of time, and coordinate with the national MFCA organization on this chat board then I wonder if these regional tournaments would get a major lift (maybe that would just be my hope). Joe

thats it
 

I think if we list the regional events at the beginning of the year and hype them on the board, then everyone could plan to participate and each regional event would have the full backing of the MFCA. The real key would be to find someone from each region willing to promote and do their best to ensure maximum participation. Then, when the regional events are directly linked to the national event, it means something to win that event and you would be representing that region on the big national stage where we declare the champion.

beenutt

Possible, but if I recall we posted plenty of info on the chat board. Its like the old saying "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."
What bothers me is that you put a lot of effort forth to organize EFL events and frankly coaches put forth minimal or no efforts to support it.

They don't show becuase they don't like the rules, weight classes, or some petty gripe they have with coaches, or some lame excuse. I don't feel that we should dilute the MFCA Convention by dividing it up over multiple events with minimal participation. I say no more that one (1) Convention and if its not in Canton, the "reunion" party there during the HOF weekend; lets reward some coaches who have supported the hobby in the past.

Again, I do feel it's time to go West, an area of the country with several dedicated coaches (solid, dedicated leagues) who have crossed the country more than once and have yet to host a National Convention. I believe they deserve a chance to see what they can do. Then maybe the South the following year then back to Canton.
just my (2) cents

Finally
 

Steve you have hit the nail on the head.......one maybe two events offering folks the oppurtunity to play any and all styles under "ONE ROOF"....THE PROBLEM WHEN YOU DIVIDE THE CONVENTIONS OR TOURNEYS BASED ON REGION YOU BASICALLY ADOPT THAT STYLE OF PLAY IN THAT REGION...THATS WHERE THE PROBLEM IS ...LIKE STEVE SAID YOU MIGHT NOT GET ANY SUPPORT BASED ON RULESETS...OR PETTY GRIPES OR WHATEVER.....
BY THE MFCA BEING AT THE FOREFRONT OF THIS..... THE CONVENTION MAINTAINS ITS ORIGINAL PURPOSE.....

WHAT WE NEED TO DO AS MEMBERS IS BETTER SUPPORT OUR OWN ORGANIZATION.....WE RUN TO OTHER CONVENTIONS IN HERDS BUT GET MINIMAL SHOWING AT OUR OWN EVENT .........:confused: :confused: :confused:

WAKE UP PEOPLE....WE NOW HAVE OUR OWN CREATORS OF BASES,FIGURES, BOARDS...EVERYTHING .....WE ARE SLOWLY BECOMING SELF SUFFICIENT.....HEY I HAD ONE OF OUR MEMBERS CREATE OUR LEAGUE TROPHY.......LET'S BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION SO THAT OUR HOUSE REMAINS STANDING .....SUPPORT THE MFCA.....