Universal Rule Set

[WEIRDWOLF]

Originally Posted by Electric Coach

If one rule set was ever implemented, would it be required for all leagues and tournaments? Or would it apply to a specific tournament or event only? Currently there are different tournaments throughout the hobby. Each tournament has its own set of rules. If this hobby was presented to the public, what rule set would be used? If a handful of coaches were taken from each league throughout the hobby to put on a public demonstration, what rules would they play by? A single rule set would be functional within this circumstance. A single rule set will fail if it is mandated that all leagues and tournaments in the hobby play by it because you can’t dictate what people do in their private arenas.

Maurice

The Electric Coach

That's what I would like to know. We all know it cannot be forced on anyone to use. That will never work. So what does a new universal rule set achieve or what is the purpose? I doubt that the TSO or Miggle or the GLEFL or the Dixie League or any other is going to adopt it. At best, it becomes something that a new league or tourney either adopts or uses as a base to form their own rules. Maybe it becomes the official MFCA Rule Set for the final game at Convention, but beyond that what does a new rule set, set out to achieve? I'm not saying it isn't a good thing...I just need more insight as to the reasoning.

[FrustratedFinFan]

A single mandated rules set is also one that will be guaranteed to keep people away from events. I can give you an example. I like the TDQ for passing. I no longer use the TTQB....and I don't want to use it again. A standardized set might well choose to take away the tool I like and that will almost certainly keep me away from tournaments/rule sets that choose to keep me from using it.

Here in Los Angeles, we have very few limitations on equipment. 4.0 g standard weight. Boiled bases have not been allowed in the college league (but I am starting to think this shouldn't be the case....I think tweaking out here has come a long way and can compensate for those that don't have original frosties to boil) . We also don't allow grossly odd anatomy on your players....like the arms that can stretch out to 3 times normal...or the receiver who is twice as tall as the TTQB.....you know. We allow any number of boat bases, cover corners, frankenstein bases, ITZ dials etc. If you look at our stats/scores, nothing terribly unusual is happening to our games. I fear that a standardized set will outlaw many of the things we have come to embrace. It sucks the fun out of the game and many of the limitations people impose are simply because they are afraid of tools/tricks that might give someone else an edge. I think this stifles innovation and hurts the game.

So....for any universal ruleset to work for me....it would have to be very inclusive....and I fear that won't happen.

Then....there are those folks that like the multi-stop systems. They will be totally left in the cold and are likely to remain that way for quite some time. I wouldn't mind seeing some of their concepts implemented in our rules out here.....but I would be against too many stops. As it stands now, defenders can adjust to a run that goes over 10 yds in our league....but folks rarely stop the board for it. If you could also adjust unengaged blockers, that might be cool....adjusting the runner would probably break the system though.

[Electric Coach]

Wolfe,
You said it. The rules are going to have to be set up around the MFCA. The MFCA’s plate is already full as it is with other responsibilities. I propose that these new rules be established by the summer of 2010. A committee of “sound” minded coaches must be assembled to begin establishing these rules. I can do it myself, but I don’t think the hobby will like what I will mandate. I would mandate rules such as front of base tackling, no pass simulation (use the TDQ or TTQB), all modern figures will be allowed, and customizing will be allowed, a weight ranging between 4.5g to 5.0g. I will keep out boiled bases because no one wants to have that. I like them, but I understand. Coaches reading this are saying, “EC is crazy”. Again you might not want me to come up with rules.

Maurice

The Electric Coach

[BAXTER]

That's a good start, but we must understand that these would just be your suggestions/recommendations which are excellent.

The problem is, when it's all said and done, which rules do we keep and which rules do we not?

Any member that is part of this committee can not be discouraged if enough of thier ideas or wants are not accepted. To me that's one of the major sticking points to all of this.

I propose that we just submit and accept all ideas at first and then whittle it down as necessary. But, the direction of the proposed rule-set needs to be very clear and accepted by all involved.

-Adrian-

[Electric Coach]

ABAX,

I agree entirely with what you are saying. I was simply giving some examples of what I would mandate. I am aware of the opinions of members around the hobby. Due to that, I know what they will accept or reject. An example would be no turning of beat corner backs. Coaches around the hobby don't want that.

Maurice

The Electric Coach

[kingATL]

Why cant each league that has at least 12 coaches or more present a video off there style of play. And let the committee put together playing rules for some league to try. The DSEFL play style is like Dixie with a little of SB Brawl rules and Burgess style. We tried this by looking at different aspect of game play. We like having to play more that one game when we meet. This should help the committee to come up with a style. I do think the committee should ask the top winnest tournament coaches to be a part of this process not league champion.

[RavennaAl]

Ok, I’ve been keeping track of this whole thing, and there still seems to be a bit of confusion on some peoples minds about it. Let me try and explain how I see it from a different perspective and see if it makes more sense.

We all live on this planet called Earth. Now, some people on Earth speak Chinese, some speak French, some German, English, Spanish, Arabic etc. One day, a fellow from China decides that he wants to see the world, specifically America, Spain, Russia, Germany and Iran. He also wants to be able to communicate with the people he meets on his journey. So, he goes out and learns English, Spanish, Arabic, German and Russian. At the same time, a fellow from Iran, Germany, Spain, America and Russia decide to do the same thing, so they each also learn all the different languages. They happen to meet on an island and talk. They realize that having to learn all these different languages is not only difficult, it’s a royal pain in the rear. They decide that what they need is one universal language. This way, they only need to learn one other language besides their native tongue to be able to communicate with each other.

First, the American says “ We should make English the official universal language, because America is the most powerful country on Earth.” The Iranian says “Arabic should be the universal language because we have all the oil that you other countries need”. The Russian chimes in with “My country is the largest, therefore everyone should speak Russian”. The Spaniard says,” Yes, but more countries in the world speak Spanish than any other language, so we should make it the official language.” The Chinese man says “China has the most population of any country on Earth, so it is only natural that we should all speak Chinese.” Finally, the German quips “If we had developed the ‘A’ bomb first, you’d all be speaking German right now and this conversation would be pointless.”

As they are arguing, a couple of aliens from outer space lands on the island and listens to them fighting. He turns to his fellow alien and says “All these people do is fight amongst themselves. If they would devote as much time into having one world language, they would be able to get a lot more done. When we travel to other planets, they all speak in one language instead of fighting. Let’s get out of here and go to Tabletophockey World.”

In a nutshell, this is where we are. The MFCA is our ‘Earth‘. We need one spoken word, called Earthian, so that when we travel around, we only need to learn Earthian to be able to communicate (play games) with each other. It doesn’t mean that we can’t all still speak Chinese, French, Spanish etc. It just means that instead of having to learn all these different ‘languages’, we only need to learn one. Then, maybe the ‘aliens’ from the other worlds out there won’t think we’re just a bunch of bickering fools…..

[eflfanatic]

I did not realize a rules committee had been established. I would gladly serve on it. I have spent a lot of time studying the various rule sets and the NFL Rule Book. I personally think it should be kept as simple as possible and resemble the basic rules of electric football that came with the 60's and 70's
games. I realize the game has evolved tremendously since then and all improvements would be taken into consideration.

As far as the governing body, I am not proposing an outside group. I would love to keep it within the realm of the MFCA but without compromising the MFCA's purpose and mission statement.

By the results of the poll, it seems to be what the majority wants. But again your looking at a very small percentage of the membership who have voted. So is it a true majority?

Please vote and post your comments. Believe me I am very serious about wnating to see this happen.

[eflfanatic]

Ok, I finally took the time to completley read all the posts. I like what is being said by all. I think we are on the right track.

My basic feeling is, if it has been mass produced to play the game, allow it.
That mostly pertains to figures and bases. I am not oppossed to custom figures as long as not grossly over done. Tweaking needs to have some limitations. Not entirely opposed to Boiled bases.

Bring back some skill. Use the TTQB/Kicker TDQB, TDK, old metal, giant Coleco whatever passer or kicker that you are comfortable with and have taken the time to learn how to use.

Whatever game board you want to use mass manufactured, custom, however size needs to be established. Not sure what the most acceptable is now. Home team provides for home team advantage.

That's all for now. More study needs to be done on the different styles of play. That's where strategy comes in as it takes a different strategy to play each style. but that is what I enjoy about playing this game.

I think TV is going to be the major incentive for this and there will be controversy. But doesn't the most successfull reality TV depend on controversy to GET THE RATINGS.

[BAXTER]

EC
I got you, homez. Understood.

KingATL
This type of venture is probably better suited for several types of MFCA members, not just the ones that have won a tounery or two. There are some real brains here in this community that we could really use for this endeavor. More importantly, it would be wise to have good representation from all all four corners of the US. This is something I am hoping will happen.

eflfanatic
Love to have you on board. Please speak with Wolfe on joining the committe.

-Adrian-