The Art of Recruiting: How many do you recruit to play the game?

[Reginald Rutledge]

A couple of weeks ago I went to one of the coaches in the league Warhammer Convention in Austin, Texas. This convention had about 600 plus people. It was just a regional thing but they had to take up 2 floors.

The coach, Curtis Kitchens is a part of the infamous "Kitchens Gang" in the DFW. Curtis had asked some weeks ago if I would come and bring a stadium and some of the other coaches. Unfortunately, no local coach would venture to Austin to help recruit for the DFW League, but I along with my sidekicks, Mike Robertson and John Rowan, are always willing to share our knowledge and passion about the game. They are the consummate professionals and dedicated and tireless workers. Whenever I do anything, these are the two people I call on because of their passion and love in helping people.

Anyhow, the event was unbelievable. I arrived very sick. I was under the weather but I did not want to spoil the weekend by staying home. When I arrived and began to assemble the stadium, I was surrounded by about 30 or 40 people. Never could they have imagine seeing a Texas Stadium fully loaded and for the purpose of miniature football. This is the WOW effect!

Then, Mike and I began to show the style of play. It freaked them out how we could set the play in 35 seconds, call the holes and see things happen. By the end of the weekend, we had recruited 5 people, with 2 definites and 2 wanting more information and wanting to come to my house. And another one wanting us to be a part of the San Antonio convention.

I love showing people about the game and the style of play we employ. It freaked them out how I could set blocking schemes and actually show the players carry out their assignments and great things happening. One guy stayed and played against Curtis for 3 hours!

Here are some pics of the guys that were very interested in learning about the game and all the tidbits that go with it.

[Hook'em Horns]

Now I normally travel with Reg everywhere he goes in efforts to promote our hobby, our league, recruit and most importantly fellowship. I always have fun! However, this time was different. It was better than any tournament or EFL venue I had ever been to before.

We were a part of a venue were electric football was not the main focus. It was War Gaming! These people have a passion for their hobby beyond belief. I spoke with a guy who had painted over 1500 of his figures for his Army. The figures were 3 times as small as the smallest EFL figure. These guys are detailed and extremely meticulous and it took a phenomenol showing from Reg and us to even get their attention. However, we did capture the audience. I mean we put on a show and for these guys to show interest in what we were doing it had to be special. Its almost like asking a guy who plays chess to come play checkers. They are not usually interested. However, we showed them a new wave of electric football that captured their hearts. I mean it was truly a tremendous event.

I'm so use to playing in stadiums that I take it for granted but ff.net stadium was a show stopper. We captured 5 recruits in just one 4 hour session. Reg was at his best this weekend.

[Reginald Rutledge]

the more they become interested.

Many of the guys in the DFW do not appreciate the power of the stadium as well. That's how most or all were recruited. Somehow, the root of the tree goes back to the stadium and it is often looked upon as an unnecessary evil (or in some instance a necessary one).

But I know there would not have been a DFW League if I had not shown this in the media. I could probably start up another league if I went and did this again. But the point is, this mechanism is used to WOW the audience. It's a common marketing strategy known as the WOW effect. When they come over to see the stadium, you've got to give them SUBSTANCE.

In a day and age where everything is "hurry, hurry", "rush, rush", these guys were wanting to see thing develop quickly. We showed them all the nuances of the fast paced style and they were simply shaking their head in astonishment.

When Curtis and I scrimmaged, I asked them about the Texas Tech spread. Most knew the spread was being used and did not think it could be used on the miniature scale. I remember one guy asking "Why don't you angle your runner after he breaks the first wave". I told him, "Because I've had minicamps, training camps, OTAs, and this player knows how to get home on his on.". I told them the player would make a loop around end. About the 50 he would start to straighten up and then curve towards the right corner of the endzone.

It amazed them when he did exactly that. That alone sold 3 of the recruits to get more information about playing in the league. Then I showed them the art of passing in heavy traffic. I hit a couple of 40 yarders with heavy coverage. I threw a pick and they started laughing and an incompletion. One guy ask me about my percentage in the league. I told him I was about a 65% completion passer (which in the DFW in championship level). I told him that passing is not automatic and if we hit every pass, there was no need to pass the ball. They then wanted to see a kick.

Since we kick with the board on, I lined up for a 63 yarder and hit it. Then I tried a 40 something and missed. I told them, it's not fool proof. You don't hit everything. But I let them know the fun and excitement that I have when I play such a magnificent game and that like anyone else in my league, I can lose too. That's the thing that keeps you playing is the competition, the paegentry of the stadiums, and the hype that I provide for myself and my league.

We won some hearts that day. The WOW effect brought them over but the substance put it over the top.

Reg

[BAXTER]

Just lovely!

Keep up the good work, Reg and Mike!

-Adrian-

[artlax]

seeing someone else become fascinated with the game. As I mentioned in the earlier post Nick and I are working on a former lacrosse player and coach of mine who is up from Baltimore visiting. One of the first things he said after he arrived in Man Cave Stadium was - "You know I want to play some electric football tonight". How great is that! We watched some NFL for awhile and then he scrimmaged with Nick while I coached/reffed. After Nick went off to dream about beating me on Turkey Day - Mike and I scrimmaged for a couple more hours - talking lots of football and about some more or less serious matters.

As we played he got better and better at passing the ball - developing his own unque style with the TTQB. I am sure I can get him into a league down the road - he is falling in love with the game - and we have yet another way to connect and spend doing something we both enjoy!

[BAXTER]

We do have a league in your friend's neck-of-the-woods. Specifically, the BMEFA is plays games in Catonsville, MD.

If interested, have your friend get in contact with Sean "Tron" Carter. In the event he can't reach Tron, he could try Renee "Smitty" Smith or Ed "Roo" Morgans.

-Adrian-

[artlax]

I have mentioned the leagues to him and suggested that he stop by a play day to check it out. In fact I offered to help him get a team all set and ready to go. I think in time he might make the move.

Unfortunately - he will be out of country after the holidays until sometime in the spring.

We'll see -

Thanks