While there are some VERY good points made within these replies, I do not agree with a few. I'm not going to take or make issue with them on a personal level. But I will try to inject a philosophy and back it up with the facts. The facts will not change but opinions about the facts can vary. Plus I would like everyone who doesn't know to understand and those that do know be reminded.... I really DO have a life outside of EF. I am not in the EF business (licensed manufacturer). I am not on the payroll of any licensed manufacturer. I.E., I have no monetary agenda to pimp for personal gain. Additionally, I have a lot more pressing things in my life that far outrank.

I am involved because I want to see this hobby grow in a positive direction. I have been doing so in public, behind the scenes, and in the dirtiest trenches for years. I'm here because I believe in this hobby and I am no quitter.

As for the NHFL, I am only one wheel in the machine. I see no need to publicly push it down anyone's throat nor publicly defend it. But I will try to address AB's question a bit and Don's posted thoughts.

1) What makes it National in a simple explanation is it is open to ANYONE age 8 and up in the nation who wishes to participate, can field a legal team and follow the rules. This also includes conduct. It is not a political campaign organization to convince and hard sell participants. It is an effort to give those who want an OPPORTUNITY to play under one set of rules, by the coaches, for the coaches. It is an opportunity to have fun first and foremost. There is more too it than that, obviously. But if any of the explanation so far turns anyone off then they don't need deeper thought on it.

2) Numbers do not define national. If it were so then why are we so willing to call Corey "Mr. National" when he is but one. I say he DESERVES the title and he should wear it proudly. Numbers for support or number of participants isn't necessary to define national.

Look at the NFL. They have more money than whomever invested, they have billions in televised contracts, labor unions, etc. and are only represented by 32 teams and not by all 50 states. Yet the NHFL is solely comprised by minimal monetary means of its members and has a sponsorship in place so members can equal or almost equal what they spent to foot the bills back in league qualified product. Hardly the operation of THE NFL. Yet it averages 28 to 30 coaches and is only in its 3rd year...... Nearly as many teams fielded as the NFL. I, for one, can live with that.

20 or 200,000 strong, doesn't matter. What matters is the quality of membership and their commitment level. It's there for those who can agree to get along and have fun. No having to walk the plank, no hazing or secret society handshakes required. It's a simple matter of choice for membership. I can live with that and I'll pray for those that can't.

Is the light bulb national. It's that and then some...global. Did Edison take a vote? Better yet, did he wait until the light bulb was accepted nationally to put it out there? No. He put it out there as an invention or vision to him and an opportunity to the entire world. the NHFL or any other EF organization is hardly as big and certainly not as important. It is an opportunity. No mater what is said by membership or those outside of it, I see the NHFL, the MFU and like organizations as a national effort on behalf of the hobby and an opportunity. Nothing more and certainly nothing less.

****ADDED**** I wanted to add for clarity to Anthony that I didn't take your question or line of questioning the wrong way, so to speak. It was a legitimate question - one that was asked before dropping a single foundational stone to erect the NHFL. Points within your question were and are paramount to address before construction began.

-Mike Pratt