I read this thread and shake my head at some of the post from some of the long time coaches whom I've
really come to admire and wonder
"why not?". When I first re-entered this hobby earlier this year I was really lost on a lot of things. I went to a bunch of league websites to learn about their rules and initially it was Greek to me. Due to me being a freakin' genius I was able to figure a lot of stuff out on my own. (OK...maybe not a genius...but I can reed, rite, and do my rythmatik). I also had some help from a few coaches in my area which I think is a VERY important element for newbies. BUT...I do think it could help if there is a standard set of rules for newbies to get started with. The important thing is that they are NOT MANDATORY for anyone, just a simple guideline (more updated than Miggle's) to get started while one is getting their feet wet. Not everyone is ready to go to the deep end of the pool. Having a place to get their feet wet while they get accustomed to things seems so logical to me...so much so that I'm having a hard time grasping why anyone would be against it. It's not like anyone is being forced to play it. I believe that it's ok to have a difference of opinion on things. In fact I think it's great...BUT to take an attitude of "I don't think it should be done this way and if it is I'm going to sit on the sidelines" smacks of being selfish to this newbie. Try instituting it and let those who want to learn with and play using the rules use them. You more experience coaches will continue with your league/tourney rules anyway...and that's ok!
And that my friends is a newbie's point of view.
