On to the next round......boards

[RavennaAl]

OK, now that we have made some sort of progress dealing with weight classes and so forth, how about the next issue, boards. What do you feel should be classified as the minimal regulation size for a board? Basically, we have 500's, the Rose Bowl size board, 620's, 2X4's and full scale size. Keep in mind that new guys aren't going to fork over $300 or $400 for a large board. Personally, I feel that the 500's are just way too small to be considered a 'regulation' size. They make perfect arena boards, due to their size and the fact that arena games only use 8 players per side. The Rose Bowl board isn't too bad, but it is a little cramped. The 620 has been around for ages, and many leagues still use it. The 2X4's have become widely popular because they open up the passing game with their increased width and extra length. Full scale boards are in essence, the realistic choice because they are at actual scale to the players, but they are usually too big to move around and too costly for many guys to own.

So, where would you draw the line as to which board would be the smallest that should be used for league or tournament play? I'm thinking the 620's. They are everywhere and easily portable. The Rose Bowl board is borderline to me. It would be a great starter board, but I'm talking about league and tourney play, not what is easiest or cheapest for beginners to get.

Please don't turn this into a piddling contest about how this board is better than that board. I just want some honest feedback about which size is the smallest that you think games would be best played at.

[eflfanatic]

The Tudor/Miggle 620 is what I would say is the smallest. Miggle Rose Bowl good beginner board but the vintage 620 the minimum for league and tourney play and the Jerry McGhee big board with a scale of 1/2" = 1 yard the maximum.

[RPD]

620

[Shabby J]

Just let people play, you guys are really aren't doing the hobby any favors.

I really hate the direction we are going in with standards, weight classes, board sizes, etc... I am just one man and my opinion does not mean jack here, but for the first time in the last few years I am on the fence about renewing my dues bases on what I have seen lately.

You guys hash it out.

[mantaraydre]

Al,

I was going to touch on boards next myself. i will post more in detail later.
I think the smallest board should be the 620. Its just enough room for any new comer to spread out a bit and get acustomed to the game again.

Once comfotable and acustomed

1) 308
2)watz boards
3)RD'S 39/24 BOARDS
4)BUZZBALL PD FIELDS

***These fields are relatively the samesize

Specialty scale size fields.

max length, 61" to 67 " in length


My question is, is their a way to measure the current(BUZZ) on each field ?
Like a small meter you can just place on any field and the current is read and recorded. Something like measuring how strong an earthquake was.
This can ensure even distribution of current per game play. Small hand held meters. I sure they are out there.


mantaraydre

[ki6ds]

I am a new guy and haven't played much, but guys, I do have some common sense. Do you really think 2 guys are NOT going to play if they don't have an "official" board???? Leagues can spec what is the minimum board if they want to, the tournaments do it already. Surely you guys have something better to do than stir the pot. Why don't you:
A. Build a new team
B. Find a newcomer and invite him over to give him some help
C. Practice your team
D. Call someone up and play a game.
E. Play a solitaire game
F. Write an article for the "Tweak" (which arrived in Dos Palos today, marvelous issue.)

[Michigan Joe]

Nah...diffent boards is like different golf courses in golf or different playing surface in tennis, don't take the competition specifications too far. Embrace the uniqueness of type of board. FHaving said that, it might be benefitical to just document the sizes of the various boards used around the hobby, starting with the Tudor and Miggle stuff, then moving on to some of the various board makers out there.

Shabby, here's my spin...I'm curious to your thoughts. All the guys are really trying to do was to help define a few competition classes, really just a snap shot of where we are in the hobby in 2010. For some people that travel to a lot of tournaments, simplification of the classes is really important thing, for others who are happy to play in a local league then it doesn't affect them. All in all, the emphasis should be on just playing -like you said! The hobby is small and every league has their own special home baked rules and we all do our own custom things and that won't change- and nobody's asking it to. In my opinion, the significance of the latest round of questions regarding "weight classes" really centers around what the MFCA tournament/competition weight class will be held at, what other affect could there be? Like I've said before, I have teams for 3.2 and 4.0...but if you're at the MFCA convention and guys have different weighted teams...well lets just say, its a little awkward. Based on this alone I think its a worthy topic to at least discuss openly on this forum. Its a touchy topic and there are always people that rub us the wrong way (especially thru text on the internet), but I don't think its really something to get too upset about because its not that big of a deal. A weighted competition class is a worthy issue for the MFCA to address at a time when we are still many months away from the convention, and many are passionate about it. You just say your peace with the best intentions, don't take things too personally and move on. I don't think anyone's intention is to create division, but if you are planning events for the convention in August you've got to be able to address this and its better to do so openly. So Shabby, I hope you don't take offense to me writing to you thru the chat board but I just thought if you were feeling that way then others probably are too. Have a great night and keep doing what you do. -Joe

[eflfanatic]

Great response. Thanks.

[artlax]

Originally Posted by RavennaAl

So, where would you draw the line as to which board would be the smallest that should be used for league or tournament play? I'm thinking the 620's. They are everywhere and easily portable. The Rose Bowl board is borderline to me. It would be a great starter board, but I'm talking about league and tourney play, not what is easiest or cheapest for beginners to get.

Correct me if I am wrong - but don't they use the smaller boards at the Miggle tournament? And from the pics and comments I don't see any complaints. Those tournament wins aren't diminished because of the size of the board - are they???

[NATIONAL]

Yeah what Joe A. said.........It's no big deal brother.

In the NEFL we made the switch to 620 being the min. Anything under that is perfect for Arena.

So Shabby it's all good. Where's the wifi!??????


Nat'l