In My Opinion
I think, from a business perspective, it's wonderful having anyone and everyone who has an interest in playing miniature football playing the game. If you can bring them back into the game via TTQB or Sticks, you do what you have to do.
From a tournament standpoint, I think you really thinking in terms of two different methods or skills. I don't think you can or should use both in the game together. I think when I guy beats you with sticks, you know if he was playing using the TTQB, he would not stand a chance! But I also know some guys prefer the stick method because it gives them a chance to compete against others who use the TTQB.
For my preference, I think if you are going to have a tournament and you know the majority of that tournament is centered around guys who use pass simulation, just make the tournament pass simulation PERIOD! If a tournament is where you want to emphasize TTQB, let it be understood that that tourney is TTQB. Or to save time, make the tournament where you do have two different divisions, TTQB and Pass Simulation. That way, guys will decide which method they want to go and you don't exculed anyone. Everybody can still play at that tournament but in different divisions.
As an miniature football coach, I want to play guys who play me using the same skills, not something different from me. And do understand, I am a student of the game, an educator and all that but when it comes to tournament play, I want to know that coach opposite me is competing against me using the same skills as myself. When that is done, you walk away not feeling cheated or asking, "Why am I waisting my time?"
I think guys don't pass with the TTQB because they are scared of the results. They are scared that they will not hit the pass! That happens, and it happens to me a lot (especially in stadiums). But until you elevate your awareness to that level, whenever a television station or newspaper columnist comes around and ask you that age old question, "How do you kick or throw?" and your reply is, "We really don't use that. It does not work". Well, you are cheating yourself out of reaching potential recruits. You are cheating the game out of its value. And you are cheating the original makers of the game because they saw the vision of being able to pass with that QB and kick with that QB.
I know this is a hot button for many but it really should not be. If you dig deep within your own psychological complexes, you may know this to be true. But if you continue to try to say both are equal, I think we shortchange the game. I've got no problem on having two divisions and give guys the choice to play in the division they prefer.
And again Tron ( and you know you my 'Boy!), I probably would not come to a tournament if I could not use my kicker and TTQB to do his thing. You've got no idea what an impression it makes on the masses. Just remember that commercial when you was a little kid that hooked you. The dad was playing football with his son and he threw a pass and slo-moed it and then kicked a field goal. At that point, the game hooked you, me, and millions of others. It still can.
Reginald Rutledge
A Concerned Miniature Football Coach
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