Envisioning A Convention

[Reginald Rutledge]

There is an old saying that I think rings true here, "There is strength in numbers". There is great debate for both sides of the argument of whether to do the one convention tournament or multiple stops.

In a day and age of high gas prices and inflation, it becomes even more difficult every year to make several trips across the country on miniature football escapades. I always (personally) try to support those who support me. But even, I find that can sometimes be economically unfeasible. So when it comes to the argument of the one tourney deal v. multiple stops, my approach will be from not only an miniature coach's perspective but an owner of a company who really markets the game for the good of the whole.

Imagine if this does not come about? Imagine 10 years from now when someone else tries to put this together and we again spend months of rhetoric doing nothing. Imagine us getting older and older, some of us having died or approaching death's door? Imagine waiting on that "Knight in Shining Armor" company like McFarlane to swoop in and save miniature football, to create a convention, and to really care about the welfare of the game? Imagine all the "couldas, wouldas, and shouldas," that seem to constantly plague this hobby? We will find ourselves back where we have always been, just hoping.

In my opinion, I think a one convention is a great idea. Andre challenge to companies to support this and waited on the responses. I see no need for hesitation on something that could be of great benefit for the hobby if you are looking out for the welfare of the hobby.

As a company owner, I relish the idea that many people who always have had an excuse/problems in getting to the Shootout, can now pencil in this date to make sure they see FF.COM and be apart of the convention weekend. From an economic perspective for the hobbyist, he saves "TONS" of money! For some, that may not be important, but for myself, it means everything! I've got a wife, kids getting ready to go to college, mortgage, and am about to do something awe inspiring that will strap me financially for many years to come. So, my pennies have to be wisely spent.

I think a one convention tournament weekend works perfectly. Under each section, a different tournament can be played. You would have people playing under the type of tournament he desires to play under. I would never want a person spending his money on a tournament and not playing where he feels he wants to compete! But by allowing 4-5 formats under one roof, it allows people the opportunity to see each style with its highest intensity. You get to see what makes that particular format special. Not only does that cure that problem, but instead of having to spend 5-7 days at a convention, you could still get things accomplished in a 3-day weekend! It's a simple matter of efficiency.

For some reason, guys think that if you play at a convention tournament, you need to want to play under all formats. I beg to differ. I may not have an interest to play under that format because I personally don't like the format. But should that make me any less or even better as a coach? It's just my preference - not to play.

I think location is key. You want to be in a place that has the ability to attract/draw interest to what you are doing. When you have tournaments in small town USA, you limit the depth of the potential fan base and recruits. I think places like Las Vegas is ideal because it allows for families to come and enjoy themselves. The last thing I want is my wife standing over me while I play a game. I've seen that happen in the past. Give her some of that money you were gonna spend out on going to multiple tournaments and let her shop til she drop. You "kill two birds with one stone".

From a competition level, it gives coaches an entire year to get teams ready to play in the tournament. Coach's should be given a registration form and they can circle in the competition they want to play in. You may do one style this year and another style next year. But at least, you know all styles will be present. You may want to be strategical in your picking a format. You may want to stay away from the TSO because you know Michael Robertson and Vince Peatros usually plays there. Or you may want to stay away from the Seawall Brawl because "The Kid" is kicking everybody's "arse" every year. Or you may not want to venture into the BAMA Blast because Beenutt is so successful in that style of play. Some guys may want to get in one of these tournaments because of the heavy hitters.

In other words, "Man Up Dog"! Don't shoot down everything good trying to come out of something that's meant for the good of everybody. Take your rightful place among other hobbies like the X-Games, Slot Car Racing, Warhammer, and even "Paper, Rock, Scissors". Some of you guys may know what I am talking about, "The Crab Syndrome"? Let us not take that approach because it's a **** shame that hobbies with less tradition can have shows on ESPN because we don't want to listen to guys who may be able to make a difference. Be more willing to listen. In the words of one of my idols, JFK, and I am paraphrasing-"Ask not what miniature football can do for you, ask what you can do for miniature football".

Fellows, don't drop the ball like we've done so often in the past. MAN UP Brothers!

Reginald Rutledge
Concerned Miniature Football Enthusiast