Extremely Urgent Attention!
 

Comrads:

Has the MFCA drafted a set of rules for playing EF?

If not, why?

This is something that is long overdue and simply must be done for the progress of the organization and its members.

Think it about.

This post is not a criticism, but merely a spark to push this most important process along.

Thanks for your understanding.

Carpe Diem,
Paul Leslie Gardner

I brought this up following the convention with no responses:confused:

I think at this time............
 

It would separate the hobby rather than/then (lol) unite it. No matter how you spun it, someone would feel left out. It's probably on the agenda, but down the road. There are some more serious topics we could tackle before we on to one set of rules.
During the convention everyone loved the idea of playing any rules you saw fit to play. I played the arena style, and the Mid-Ohio/Akron rules. It was a blast. At this time let's enjoy and embrace all the styles of leagues across the country.
I'm sure the MFCA big shots are going to make that move at some time.

FYI

Did you know you can support the MFCA by buying your NFL products from our sponsor? Go to their site right from ours, and a percentage will go to the MFCA!
ppls$ ppls$ ppls$

Nat'l

Variety!!!
 

I agree with CorEy. I like the flava of the different rule sets around the country. Perhaps rotating them for the annual conference is an idea so the association does not have to keep up with all the different rules but I don't think adopting one set of rules would work at this point. Maybe in the future.

Leave Well Enuf Alone
 

WADR, the MFCA Tournament was PERFECT as it was, and I hope it stays that way!!! thmbsp$

Come one, come all. Play any and EVERY way there is to play and get points for playing more than one style. Corey and Wolf got a piece of my Mini ARENA - hope they bring their respective AFL teams next year!!! I got a piece of Joe and the BEFL/PEFL :confused: style, as well as Franny-J-Boy and the MOMFL style. I also played my ARMY against 2 Navy squads (silverhorse and 513studio) and 2 Air Force squads (broncoman and styx). I know I had a blast playing 4 different ways and IMHO - my ONE vote - I wouldn't change a thing. There was NO STRESS to learn/study/train/concentrate on anything other than good old-fashioned F-U-N. ppls$ ppls$ ppls$

I hope to see more styles there next year so I can do the Silver Surfer pose on the cover of next Fall's TWEAK. ;) Peace.

I disagree ....
 

...........and here is why, ................if one of the purposes of the MFCA is to promote the hobby, we need a starting point for newbies, .................aka a baseline form of playing.

This play "anyway you want" message :confused: to new people entering the hobby does nothing but put them in a "paralysis by analysis" mgngcrz state of mind.....................how do I know this??? I have spent many hours on the phone and numerous emails, with newbies, on rules of playing the game.

I think many leagues have added their own seasonings to their leagues to give them a local "flava" which is perfectly fine.

But, everyone needs a place to start from, and then they can grow from there. Being "politically correct" about styles of play has gotten us nowhere as far as a offering a starting point for newbies to play.

I would suggest an "ABC" Any Base Contact format, calling "run" or "pass" before the switch, and allow TTQB/TDQ and some form of Stick passing. (see, I didn't even try to promote BuzzBall's Pass Simulation:cool: ) Having "timed" Kick-offs, non contested field goal tries, and eight plays a quarter. That is a baseline set way of playing, with a few details that will be added for explanations for plays, like Passing plays, 20 yard drop backs, engaged receivers etc.

Everything can much more involved from the MFCA Base line rules IF the person wants to, after "Starting" to play.........................but give them a starting point.

Same page?
 

Let's be clear on what we are talking hear. Are we saying we want a rule set for everyone across the land, including leagues, tournaments, etc., or one rule set just for the MFCA conference in Canton?

Again Wadr...
 

...but, specifically speaking about the MFCA Convention/Tourney, not the MFCA on a day to day, our 1st priority should be to make next year's United Way event BIGGER and BETTER now that we know what we'll be dealing with.

Yes, I think RIP's starting point is a good one - for newbies - but then as we've preached for almost 13 years, it doesn't matter how everyone else plays as much as how YOUR local group of guys play. Step 1 - say "hi" on the chatboard; Step 2 - FIND YOUR LOCAL GUYS!!! What about the wiley, old vets?

With that being said, I still think there are things we could ALL learn from actually playing the different styles at each MFCA-Con - as opposed to dissecting, disagreeing, comparing, analyzing, etc., etc. here on the chatboard - and then take that back home with us and possibly adjust our own rulesets if there's something we like, or not if we don't.

Now, if the thought was that there needs to be a little more organization at future Cons, then I'll agree with that. Granted this was our 1st, and ya know how 1sts go!?! Maybe we should/could have specific tables setup for each style with a rep or two to "supervise" and make it voluntary/mandatory that you rotate (from left to right, if we want) so that everybody then plays every style at least once. I think an AAR from actual gametime could be given as retrospective writings, either here or for the TWEAK, and then again water down all the similarities and continue to build-up the MFCA-style. Maybe we can do that between now and then, maybe it'll take another year. IMHO, I think pushing a national set of rules WILL MOST DEFINITELY rekindle the flames of fury, hatred and whatever else of old and may stifle us again.

My thinking was to come up with MCFA rules, treating the MFCA as a League unto itself, in the hope that if they contained elements from the major rule sets they would become a standard or recognized rule set accross the country. They would not replace independent league rules, but be an additional rules set that could be used anywhere, at any time. You say MFCA rules, EVERYONE knows exactly what you are talking about.

We should break down the 5 or 6 basic rules sets, and perhaps discuss what may be common elements (i.e. front of base (fob)) tackling on runs from scrimmage, or any touch, whatever) and come up with a base set, like George said. Perhaps MFCA members could vote on the rules they like in each category.

We have the rules from the convention. I really believe the hobby would be helped by a base set of rules, and the MFCA COACHES association is the best vehicle to do this. If each league can contribute to the rules, we can have a real conglomeration with something for everyone.....

We really need to work on this.

Greetings to all of my fellow coaches in miniature football. Hopefully all of you are doing well.

I am going to go back to the initial question by Tudorian and do my best to answer. The question was:

Has the MFCA drafted a set of rules for playing EF ?

If not why ?

My answer comes strictly from the Bylaws. Every person who joins the MFCA is aware that the MFCA has Bylaws. NO where in the Bylaws are rules mentioned. Instead I will read a portion of the Bylaws that may shed light on your question.

Article 3: Purpose/Mission

Unifying the miniature football hobbyist by promoting miniature football, educating the public and provide a unified association which recognizes and supports the diverse coaches and leagues.

The key word is diverse. We are not like the NCAA or NFL that has a standard set of rules. Instead the MFCA embraces the DIVERSE rules set by the various leagues throughout the country. For example I live in California but if I moved and played in your league then I would play by the rules set by your league. Hopefully my explanation and the Bylaws have helped shed light on your question.

Coach J

style and style's
 

Coaches,


life would bring us another child if. "meaning a new style owned by the MFCA.

WEIRDWOLF, MATT AND AL-D would ask the start up committee to submit three names privately to be on board to create the official MFCA ruleset to be printed in book form with illustrations and all the nuance's so anyone from 6 to 90 can understand with ease. Just an idea i was think about was to forgo 1 traditional tweak and make that edition an official rule book with play's and everthing for coffee table reading.

THIS WOULD BE FOR ANYONE WHO WAN'T TO PLAY BY THE MFCA RULES ONLY. I HOPE EVERYONE STILL CONTINUE'S TO PLAY EXACTLY HOW THEY ARE PLAYING AND CHANGE NOTHING IN THERE ARSENOL.

This is strictlly for anyone who want's to start a league with this ruleset and for newbie's to learn IF THIS IS THE RULE'S THEY WANT TO PLAY BY.

I think in the past we tried to force feed things to coaches who were already happy doing what they are doing. This is for the coach who wake's up one morning and say's i want to ply this way.

if two league's on seperate coast go in this direction they will have a connection. little by little it will build momentum once coaches hear how successful they are playing in a MFCA format.

AT LEAST LET'S SEE IT CREATED AND KEEP IT OPEN TO THOSE WHO WAN'T IT. One nice thing would be is at least it is in PRINT and readily available for the consumer.

THEE OFFICIAL MFCA RULEBOOK AND GAME INSTRUCTIONS
HAS A NICE RING FOR ALL WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED AND THE ROAD IT TOOK TO GET HERE.


MANTARAYDRE

.

convention or league?
 

You didn’t say buzzball, but it sure sounded like the buzzball style to me. What would the weight limit be? I’m not a big fan of the chop sticks…. Especially on un-weighted figures that will jump when the board comes on.
I’m with Jimbo, the set up of the convention was perfect, and I hope it stays that way. Now if we are talking about forming a MFCA league, similar to the NHFL, where you have regions set up, and we could hold the playoffs sometime during the convention. I would go with that. But to divide the hobby and say this is how you play the game is not a good idea. New coaches will adapt to the style that is played in their area, or region. If they don’t like those rules, they can travel or play solitaire. There is no right or wrong way to play this game. But if I had to choose 1 style, I would go with the MPFL, or Burgess Style. I would make some modifications to make it league/tourney friendly, but I would stay with the core set of rules. With that style no figs are left out since you are adding weight (unlimited) to all your players. This would alleviate the problem of coaches having 3.2, 3.4, 4.0 or 4.1 players. Throw some lead under the hood, and roll. I would use the nhfl attak passing. With the weight of the players there would be no movement once the switch is turned on. I would incorporate some of the action box, for fumbles and dropped passes. I would allow both coaches to go to the other side to attempt passes only.
Now if we had a MFCA members league, that’s how I would have it. Regions would be set up according to our 7 areas. Everyone would play in tourney style jersey. Offense dark, defense white, just in case the same teams played each other.
But I would not change the convention set up. It was sweet seeing everyone go at it, trying out different rule sets.

Nat'l

I think the convention format was fun....
 

... and the point I am trying to make is have a starting point for new guys to play,.......................it doesn't have to be the specific set of rules for the convention tournament, or any tournament for that matter, .....................It is just a starting point for newbies to get their feet wet.

Keeping the existing format at the convention tournament is a great way to support all different styles, and keep with the bylaws.

Having an MFCA base set of rules for newbies,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, is just that, .....................it does not mean the rules have to be used at MFCA functions.

What are we trying to accomplish? I thought it was to promote the hobby, meaning get new folks into it and help them enjoy the game...............one has to start somewhere.

As for a national MFCA tournament rules set???? I don't think you will get a ton of support for that, being the the first convention had all different styles and it was fun................... I could be wrong.:rolleyes:

But if you live in H-burg
 

What would having a MFCA rule set do you? Or if a newbie in philly came to the nefl with his mfca handbook. We would say, rookie that's for when you're home in the basement with nothing to do..... this is how we play, jump in or off! :rtfl: :rtfl: :rtfl:


Nat'l

PS

But I do understand the point of having that rules set. It's just like in poker, a certain hand beats another, and your local rules will always beat out something foreign

The Weight
 

Hey corey,


I agree with you and what ant burgess has in place. FORGET THE WEIGHT.

Come to the dance with fat men and skinny men. DON'T WORRY ABOUT HOW MUCH YOUr OPPONENT'S TEAM WEIGH'S. Many tiff's have started on this board due to the 3.2 and 4.0 issue. In ant's league a lineman can weigh 17 grams if need be. I alway's was for this because in the NFL These lineman weigh all kind's of numbers. NOBODY ASKED THE FRIDGE how much he weighed when he lined up at running back in the superbowl. But if you are going to do this then no stacking should be allowed unless you are on the goal line (1,2 yardline) going to punch it in


MANTARAYDRE

what type of attitude is that?
 

Rookie, jump in or jump off?????:(

Now that type of thinking is going to get you to lose your "authorized" status.:cool:

CorEy, ......................I am surprised at you, ..............after all these years, you still have not realized that the way to grow the hobby is newbies. And, .....to appeal to the most people is to have common denominators, the least common denominators............. not have all these types of hurdles for newbies to clear, ...........especially things like weighting figures.

New guys want to get a team and not only play now, but become somewhat competitive right away. We, the MFCA, can help them get there with baseline equipment and baseline rules.

Rip, I was jokng
 

But the point I was making is that any newbie, or rookie is going to have to play the style that's played in his area. Point Blank.

I just got contacted by a coach here in Philly. Hugh, he is the last user to sign up. He has talked to Wolf & RR. I took all my stuff over to his house to show him what has changed. He said he use to use the dice, and liked that, but he mostly wanted to know how we play here in Philly! And that is the proper mind set to have.

Now if we come up with a MFCA rules set for newbies. Where are they going to play it? Would it be the new Buzzball world championship rules?

Now in my 2nd reply I gave an outline on a MFCA league suggestion. I can see having that kind of rule set.

Nat'l

The MFCA was started as a way of unifying the hobby, not to establish an 'official' way to play. I think it's fairly obvious that there are just too many hurdles to get over for that to happen.

If memory serves me correctly, wasn't this the reason behind the National High-Voltage League? Wasn't it established to create one 'official' ruleset for playing? Yet, after 3, 4, 5 years (how long has it been now?) there are still as many different leagues and tournaments as ever.

I do feel that the hobby could benefit with a standardised 'Rookie' level of play. We could call it the MFCA Basic ruleset, or something like that. It would feature limited tweaking and weights so as not to intimidate the novice, while at the same time have play designs that would still be fun for the more experienced guys. This way, novice guys could be somewhat competitive with the older guys, while still being entertaining for both groups. ppls$

CoRey....George...don't make me pull this car over! :D lffng$

We need an official MFCA Newbie rule set...one set of rules to get newbies going...call it a starter rule set if need be. George is right...it needs to be simple and straight forward. Then once a newbie gets going, then he or she can branch off into whatever set they like best or works for them.

We have a rules committee setup...maybe this is job #1 for that committee...

what???
 

CorEy Started it..... lffng$

I'm Brand New
 

Isn't that what Miggle is for? Unreliable boards, unbalanced figures and a starter set of rules.

I'm with Corey, WHERE ARE THEY GONNA EVER PLAY WITH THOSE RULES?

The MFCA-Con is the only scenario where someone has a choice of rules. After that and actually during that time at the United Way/PFUFA event, we're gonna find out where the new guy that just walked in off the street is from and point him to his Regional Rep, who should say, "There are many ways to play, but this is how WE play in Your Town, USA. What team do you like? Let me introduce you to some of the fellas and I'll give ya a little scouting report on each of them."

How does one get competitive? Bring your rooty-poot Miggle team to the dancefloor and get skull-drug up and down the field. If you don't ask the right questions, then you pretty much don't have what it takes to advance beyond newb status. You'll be the perennial doormat until you do. "You" being figurative, of course, not anyone in particular. EVERY league has that guy. I love that guy and wish I was that guy sometimes. The guy that doesn't care if he wins or loses. The guy that tells everyone he works with that he plays EF/MF/BB with his best buds in the whole wide world every week. The guy that even if you tweak his team better than yours and give him a playbook, he'll still run the same play 50 times just to see if it works 1 time. When it does, he's whooping and hollering like he hit the lottery. BUT...he's playing...and he's playing the way HIS LEAGUE plays.

Leave MFCA independent and void of a specific rule set, or make the rule say one thing..."ANY WHICH WAY YOU PLAY, ON ANY GIVEN DAY, HAVE FUN!" :rtfl: :rtfl: :rtfl:

i have to agree with jimbo and corey on this. i really liked how the mfca convention was set up, and how it all worked out. it was great playing different styles, and it was even better meeting everyone. show up, play whoever, wherever, however, with no pressure, just fun.
and i do feel that miggle, and tudor before them, has been the starting place for so many coaches. what else could possibly be done to make rules any simpler for a newbie coach, anyway? miggle rules are as simple as it gets.

2 sets of rules
 

coaches and countrymen.


I think an ideal ruleset seen in black and white will bring a new level of credibility to sport. People (outsiders) will view this as something organized beyond expection. Just like 95% percent of jobs (maybe 100) have a structured floor plan for the employees.

a begginers guide for new coaches

a detailed advanced guide for the veteren's.

THE NFL has there basic ruleset for all teams in every city. If the browns traveled to miami to play the dolphin's. They don't ask the dolphin's do you have any paticular way you want to play when cleveland gets here. and vice versa.

Mr. Unity
 

This ain't the NFL or NCAA...THIS...IS...SPARTA!!!!!

:rtfl: :rtfl: :rtfl:

Had to do that one! :cool: :rolleyes: :D There is no way 175 guys are gonna agree on ONE set of rules. Not unless ALL 5 Major Tourney coordinators get together and hash it out and only have ONE tourney, with ONE set of rules. That'll happen as soon as Marcia Brady admits she...oops...just saw Yahoo News!!! :o :o :o Alrighty then...that'll happen as soon as Adam Jones gets indicted for another bar shooting or bodyguard beat down...DANG! Just saw NFL News!!! What the heck is going on??? :eek: :eek: :eek:

Let's just say, THAT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN.

There is one other way...:rolleyes: :cool: ;)

Are we really going to seriously entertain this lunacy?

Because, wouldn't this be a direct and blatant conflict of the stated MFCA Bylaws - it's very foundation for its existence?

If the answer is "yes" to either or both of the above, I'm heading for my easy chair and my box of popcorn. Before I go and enjoy the show, would any of the participants like to request the use of head gear? Probably not. Their foreheads are already well numbed by now so, no need.

CLICKY CLICKY HERE-> Headbutt :rtfl: :rtfl: :rtfl: :rtfl:

-Mike Pratt

You gotta learn somehow!
 

There is 2 ways of looking at this.....ONE...from a "veteran league member" you need to play by the rules set while "IN A LEAGUE".......TWO....from a "NEWBIE NON LEAGUE" player, they have to start from scratch.



I bet 7 out of 10 people that start playing this game has played it as a kid at some point so they can adjust to league play. But the other 3 people that just found about this game, doesn’t even have a clue about what or how to run a play. So they go to the local hot spot and watch a league game and get terrified by the screaming and fast pace of the game.



This is where a "Newbie" needs a starting point to get adjusted to playing weather it be at home by themselves or with a few local league mates.



How many "newbie’s" do you know that without playing this game before has come in a league and dominated? without any previous experience...NONE...ZIPPIE...NA-DA



Even the great Adrian Baxter took about 6 to 9 months of "APPLYING HIMSELF" to get re adjusted to playing before he started to win. BUT...he played this game as a kid.



You take a new kid off the street and throw him to the wolfs in league play and I would bet they wouldn’t last a entire year....after about 4 or 5 losses they would toss the game in the attic and pick up another hobby.



The point is simple.......

There should be a starting point to learn the game before you jump in a league for "NEWBIES" that have never played before. For people that have played as a kid or so they will adjust to the league format quicker and not be as scared to play with the big boys.



just my thoughts..........

Only one reason ...
 

That I can see for a single, unified rules set - and that would be if we ever wanted to hold a TRUE national championship tournament or play-off.

World Cup - teams from all over the world, different languages, etc... - play by one rules set.

I kinda think that if they can pull that off - then we could come up with something that would work.

But again - I only see the need if it is for a TRUE National Championship tournament.

And just like all the tournaments out there now - the coach who decides to go and play in it decides to play by those rules.

Now - if the MFCA wanted to create a section (archive) where copies of all the rules sets could be found and downloaded/looked at by newcomers - that would sound like a good idea. That is exactly how my son and I came up with our house league rules - looking at and then picking and choosing the rules we like.

I like the idea of coming up with something new, combining what is out there already, coming together as a group that could be used at our regional events (remember those?) and as A rule set at the Convention. I already like some of the suggestions and am exicited about the process of discussion and voting.

Think about it, if someone comes up to you and says, how do you play the game (simple question, right), "well....." then you have to mention 20 or more different rules played accoss the country. There's a set of rules for every day of the month. Monopoly and Scrabble have the same rules no matter were you play the game. We do have a need for a UNIFIED set of rules.
Why not say: "miniature football has the MFCA, a national organization formed to promote unity in the hobby, we came togeter and 200 coaches from accross the country voted on a new set of rules combining the most common and popular rules used by coaches and NOW we have a unified "Miniature Football" set of rules."

Miggle has their rules. But this is not Miggle, and I for one feel that their rules are too restrictive with all of the innovations and products that have been developed. MFCA rules!!!!!


This type of think-tank, cooperation, participation and unity is what the MFCA is for. Anyone suggestion that the MFCA cannot legally by its by-laws create a set of MFCA rules is mis-interpreting the by-laws and missing the point of why this organization was formed in the first place.

Decision 2008....
 

Bottom line we need to make a decision on this matter. Let's have the moderator set up a Poll.

Question being "should the MFCA create a set of MFCA rules?"

Voted on by paid MFCA members. We vote on election day, Tuesday November 4, 2008. What better way to celebrate democracy than by practicing it here in the greatest hobby in America!!


If 3/4 of the members agree that there should be MFCA rules, then we divide rules into categories, (passing rules, players and equipment, timing, special teams, scrimmage and f, tackling... etc.), establish a separate section on the chatboard for discussion and by January 1, 2009 have the three or four best options for voting by the body.

I Got My Popcorn Ready, Too!
 

And ya know I'm partial to the guy from Indiana!!!

trek's great idea
 

lets vote on this election day and by jan 2009 have something in place.




excellent idea


DON AND WOLF WILL HAVE TO SET THIS UP AS MODERATOR'S



MANTARAYDRE

Very Good thread, let me add to the discussion
 

I love the way this discussions has progressed. The subject matter here is not new to most of us. However, thanks to the MFCA, it can be debated in a civil manner not reached in the past talks on the matter.

Over time, we have had the "so called Hobby rules" that were the top set used during a period of time. Rules 2000 may have been the catalist that spurned many of the off shoots that exist today. We have added and deleted bits and peices to make our "league rules" what they are. I know I have seen and played by many rules over time, so great - others not "realistic" enough to keep, etc. I am sure most of us can say that.

Fast forward to today. We have many rules that are of advacing degrees of your MF IQ. Their are basic leagues that feature simplistic rules that keep them having fun. to leagues that have advance rules that require more from the coach to be successful in the rule set of the league. BEFL have a rule that would not be used by all because it would be considered to advanced - 3 seconds to pass - you need to have talent that get get open in that time frame.... This is something that would not make the rule set because of it's limited use.

I love the MFCA Convention style where you had the entire community rules at your disposal to pick up a game or two doing it different than your own way. Had a great time doing that. Let's not change that at all!!!!!

However, I find that we do need to have a "hobby standard" but not a complete novice version. We can build a glossary of items/terms that are universal.

I want to be apart of the commitee that does this. I know I have been successful using or playing by several different league styles. Everybody has some type of rule that like and would use if added to my league set.

It would have to be in 2 parts - beginner and advanced to have the right effect. you give the reader both a starting point and what that would be once it's expanded.

K-lo

election day
 

hey amx,


it's funny you mentioned this because you were one of the guy's i was going to vote for.


MANTARAYDRE


I DONT SEE HOW HAVING A STANDARD RULE SET HURTS ANYONE. IT ADDS MORE CREDIBILITY TO THE ESPN'S AND TOY R US OF THE WORLD.

WE LIVE IN THE WORLD OF A RULES BUFFET. BUT SOME PEOPLE JUST WAN'T MCDONALD'S NO MATTER WHAT COUNTRY OR CITY THEY VISIT.
KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN IS MAJOR IN ASIA. IF SOMEONE FROM HONG KONG CAME TO THE US AND SAW ALL THESE DIFF RESTAURANT'S
(RULES) ONCE THEY SEE A KENTUCKY FRIED AMONGST THESE RESTAURANT'S, THEY WILL SAY, "LOOK WE HAVE THAT IN OUR CITY/COUNTRY TOO. FAMILARITY NO MATTER WHERE ONE GOES.


LETS DO THIS.

You guys are having a great discussion! The one thing, at this point, that I can add is that the MFCA Convention will remain with the rules that we have currently in place. As many have remarked, it was a great time and the chance to play by many rule sets made it open to all levels and abilities. The sportsmanship over the wekend was exceptional! If an MFCA ruleset was developed, it would just be another ruleset available for play at the convention along with all the rest

As to a MFCA ruleset, I will need to see more discussion. In the past, when I have tried to get response to issues regarding the MFCA, I have gotten lackluster response. If this is something that the MFCA membership wants it will take a grassroots effort by the membership. I will not be heading this up but will help facilitate it in regards to posts, voting and other needs by those who actively take this on. I am honestly not sure that this fits in the mission of the MFCA but that is not to say that it can't be a part of what we are doing. I do think that there needs to be a beginners set of rules that encompass only the things that are universal among many league rules.

To explain better; when I studied religion years ago and the many differences, a wise instructor told me to find the things that were universal throughout all or a major majority of religions. Those, in the mind of my instructor, were the truths that binded all of humanity. I found this to be very helpful in discovering what my variety of faith was going to be.

If we apply that to these rules, we can come up with a beginners set that no matter where a new coach goes, he has the basics. This can be a complicated task but with open thought from those involved, it can be achieved. Start with the things that are universal and then build on those to make it playable. Do not take anything for granted. You need to go to the very basics of this game. Don't get too overly detailed and then as Lomax pointed out, later create the advanced version. Again, these are not to replace any ruleset out there but to give the new coach a place to start. I think it will be an interesting run to see what this becomes. If we are successful with something like this, then a new wing of the MFCA may be created for serious competitors such as a coaches ranking and national champion but this would be somewhat outside of the original MFCA. Almost it's own entity, a Miniature Football Coaches League running in unison with the MFCA. I think it may have to be that way, but I am open to discussion and again, this assocaition is yours. When the majority of the membership wants something and it is determined to be in the best interests of the overall associations goals, it is my duty to help us get to that point, and that point may not neccasarily be within the MFCA proper.

I agree with this. it doesnt hurt, it lends credibility to bigger venues and lets be honest, no one is really going to change their style of play in their local areas anyway. its something we will have in place for whatever we need it for. so lets have it in place, so that we can have it on that day WE DO NEED IT. As far as the convention goes, all styles should remain, and lets face it, we would play all styles anyway there too.

I have started many times to respond to this post and many others like it in the past. I have heard one comment made over and over. "We all need to play under the same rules." In all honesty this isnt realistic. Think about it. Is all of football played in the same way? Before you answer think about ALL levels of football. From PEE WEE to POP WARNER to FLAG FOOTBALL to HIGH SCHOOL to COLLEGE to CANADIAN to ARENA to the PRO'S. They all have their differences, yet they are all football. Heck here in Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska there is 8 man football yes 8 man. Even in some of the more rural areas they play 6 man yes 6 man. Where am I going with this? Well I think our hobby covers all of the afore mentioned in one way or another. I dont care if Scrabble or Monopoly is played the same all over. I embrace OUR hobby for what it is. It's diverse, regional, and recently with the MFCA it is becoming united. With the unification doesnt mean we all have to play the same way.

Another statement made consistently is that the newbie needs a starting point or he /she will quit. Honestly that is not giving the newbie any credit what so ever. If the newbie quits because of rules then it is just a matter of time before they would quit for some other reason. Any competitive hobby that you enter has hurdles to overcome and a learning curve. The newbie that truly wants to jump in hardcore will figure things out.

What will grow this hobby is exactly what we all are a part of right now, this independent chatboard & the MFCA. The best idea I have read about for the newbie is the Mentor Program that Silverhorse mentioned. It goes hand in hand with Dagstrydr or Leonard of the DSEFL and his signature or motto at the bottom of his posts. "Each one Teach one" its that simple.

If you really want to play under the same rules with as many others across the nation as you can then the system is already in place the NHFL.

If you dont like that one then there is another one in the works the CBSMF.

These two examples is where I find the beauty in this hobby. "A CHOICE"

I Choose to participate in both! Now thats AMERICA! FREEDOM!

Just my opinion. Just my take on the subject. Its not up for debate.:D



Geno H

I'm with Jimbo, and Pratt
 

I'm going to get my popcorn ready. Prince had a line in one of his songs, "I need another lover like I need a hole in my head". We need another rule set like we need a hole in our head.
Geno summed it up. The NHFL is already in place. The CBSMF is on the way.

Guys are all over the place with stuff the MFCA can do. We need to concentrate on some issues at hand. It's like when you build or remodel a house. You don't go in every room doing something... you start in one room until it's complete, then on to the next.

I think I have said enough on this topic. I love the debate, and the interest of our members, it's just not the time (in my opinion) to start making rules.

Love all you guys,

Jimbo, Pratt what brand of popcorn you guys eat!?
:rtfl: :rtfl: :rtfl:

Nat'l

where did you see, a newbie will quit?
 

Geno,

I would like to see where it is written here that a newbie will QUIT if he doesn't have a set of rules?

As I have stated numerous times, .........the key to KEEPING someone in the hobby is to get them going as soon as possible, .........not bog them down with tons of decisions to make...................if they never start playing to begin with,.............. then............. they can't quit because they never started.

I have to chuckle to myself that many of you are acting like a baseline set of rules will threaten our existence.

A Base set of rules is exactly that, ..........a starting point. And, in addition, ..........why should we, in the MFCA, let meegle handle that, I think they have dropped the ball on enough of things.................and most know they were not on board with the MFCA anyway.

My 2 cents....

No rules needed. We all are stubborn in our own way. We'll play the way we want to play. By our league's discretion or by tournament rules. No need to force any set rule on anyone, or they will quit or we will lose them.

Peanuts in a shell for me please.

The Power Of No !!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Coache's,

all of you who keep saying no, explain to the world how is this going to effect your life if your going to play by your rules anyway. Some may join the MFCA and not like any rule set out there. THIS IS STRICTLY FOR SOMEONE WHO WANT'S IT. There are some cities where there are 2 and 3 different leagues because some coaches don't get along or don't really care for the rules by some lesgue. THERE IS ALWAY'S A COACH (The nature of man) who like things his way. If he can't find it, he will branch out and create things to his liking. THAT"S WHY WE HAVE NINE MILLION WAYS TO PLAY AS OF NOW. Everyone thinks they have cured cancer and developed the greatest ruleset in the game today. Instead of scattered doctor's opening up there own pratice(creating league's and rules) we asking a team of doctor's to collaborate and perform an operation in a hospital called THE MFCA.

These rules will be there health insurance just in case the are not happy with there current or former HMO. AT LEAST THEY CAN GO AND GET A mfca VACCINE SHOT IF THEY NEED IT.


lET'S SAY A KID JOINS THE mfca AND WAN'T TO GET STARTED RIGHT AWAY. wHY SHOULD HE HAVE TO THUMB THROUGH A MILLION RULESETS WHEN HE CAN GO TO THE mfca for a basic standard. What if that kid wan't to invite 3 friends over and play some innocent football. Just because someone lives in your city does not mean they are going to join your league. They may just want to play and have a football saturday with friends and family. At least there will be a basic ruleset to get started and enjoy. what if they brought a superbowl field from a toy store , got home and opened the box. Out falls everyone's rule's from all leagues around the country. They may look at all of them and pick and choose what parts of each set they like and play that way. WE ARE JUST DOING IT FOR THEM FOR SIMPLICITY. NO ONE IS SAYING WE ARE CHANGING WHAT WE DID AT THE CONVENTION. You don't ever have to play by a standard but at least let it be in black and white for someone who does.

There is no league who's future is set in stone. a league could fold tommorow if the right people are not interested anymore. THE MFCA IS A POWERFUL FORCE THAT NEEDS IT'S OWN WAY OF SEEING THIS HOBBY.

eVERYTHING SHOULD BE INCLUDED. An example is how to tweek without using fire (lighters) I do not FORSEE any parent allowing there kids to flick a lighter just to fix a plastic base. IT AINT GONNA HAPPEN.

The MFCA is like a landlord renting out apartments to all of us. We all furnish our apartments to our liking (leagues and rules). The landlord goes to every apartment making sure everything is fine and the tenants (MFCA COACHES)ARE HAPPY (posting LEAGUE AND OTHER PRODUCT PERFORMANCE) The landlord wan't to have a superbowl party in his penthouse. he goes upstairs and opens the door only to find out " I DON'T HAVE ANY FURNIUTRE IN MY OWN APARTMENT" (HE DOES NOT HAVE A STANDARD COUCH FOR HIS GUEST TO SIT ON AND WATCH THE SUPERBOWL) !!!!!!!!!

LIFE MUST BE GREAT WHEN THE RENT IS ONLY $30 A YEAR.

PS/ HE HAD NO TV EITHER, JUST A BOX OF FIGURE'S AND RULESETS HE NEVER HAD TIME TO SIT DOWN AND MASTER JUST ONE. HE WAS TOO BUSY GOING FROM APT TO APT MAKING SURE EVERYTHING WAS FINE WITH YOU.


MANTARAYDRE