Well....if the so-called "national championship" ends up being based on a set of rules that doesn't really get enough input from each region, then don't expect too much support.
To be honest unless it is shoot-out based I personally don't see getting support at the convention anyways. This is what I believe is the same mentality that dogs the hobby. Rules never get done objectively when this happens because it is not about "input, rather, control. When we go to tournaments most of the guys in Michigan would get together about a week before an run a mini-tournament using the established ruleset. I think someone from Michigan has been to every tournament with exception to the Bama-Blast. I don't remember anyone from here going to a tournament in any region trying to change the rules.
I caution folks against making a "national" rule set and trying to impose it on each region. Even if you don't directly impose it into regional events, you encourage some amongst us to push to accept those rules so that they can be more competitive for the national trophy...at the expense of rules that have been in play successfully for quite some time in the region.
I totally, unequivocally agree with you period.
I really wish we could rotate the championship amongst the regions and then you play by the rules of the host region. Every region gets to be showcased that way and it leads towards unity.
I think that this is something that could really help in moving towards a national ruleset more than any other idea. But this is a take it or leave it proposition. Most people leave it.
Failing that, I suggest a VERY simple set of rules based on the Tudor basics so that one region or another doesn't feel slighted.
The most successful tourneys do this.
Isn't that kind of how Miggle worked?
. . . and Buzzball, Shootout, etc.
I prefer Megawattz' first proposal and fear one group or another pushing their way of play on all of us. Sorry I feel that way, but I have already seen it in action right here in Los Angeles.
Shoot-Out style has a "takeover" mentality wherever I have seen it. Either you take it or leave it.
I am more concerned with the local scene. Travel is expensive and to change the way we play for a relative few doesn't appeal to me. If I travel to play, then I expect to play by the local rules....and that doesn't bother me. Fellowship and fun are more important virtues than winning...we aren't being paid to play this game.
there you go!
Also, I saw Sweetka mentioning Canton as the site again...and I thought that was not going to the be the case. If it is, then I think you should expect to see some support dropping off out west.