Syd, i was answering the question in the context of the recession. Sorry i didn't make that clear. Once we are well out of the recession i think we will find a reverse to the current trends of decline. I don't believe the growth will be astronomical and i don't think it will be the answer to the prayers that i assume many will be making. However, for those businsses that have been smart during this period of turmoil i think it will be good news.That's a very simplistic view that ignores any problems that may be in place despite the ressession.
I also agree on this point. The inherent costs of sup' air coupled with the recession just means that it's difficult for anybody to afford to play, let alone get into the sport.I think the answer has got to be a format that is accessible / affordable by more. More local events, cheaper entry costs, cheaper kit requirements, and less paint being shot. Concentrate on what makes the sport so much fun - shooting paintballs at each other. Does not mean we have to lose any 'cool' value, nor de-skill at all. Just move on, adapt and survive.
The vast majority of the questions I ask of anybody on here, I am already aware of what I believe the answer to be.Pete / Robbo, I'm silly and confused now? lol
When a threads author asks a question and later posts that he doesn't believe there is an answer despite suggestions given, it's time for me to walk away, particularly when I tend to agree with him.
Happy New Year to you and yours mate.
I suggested the return of limited paint events on here some time ago.I also agree on this point. The inherent costs of sup' air coupled with the recession just means that it's difficult for anybody to afford to play, let alone get into the sport.
Have alternate formats been considered? I mean, creating something that's cheaper and more accessable is surely beneficial in the face of the recession, could even be good once things are on the upturn.
NPF ran an UWL (http://www.playuwl.com/rules.html) event not too long ago aswell. The rules don't limit paint, but equipment is limited meaning that the rof ends up beaing much lower, depending on which class you play in. UWL is especially good as players with any type of equipment can enter and it's not limited to a sup' air field, you could hold an event on almost any paintball park.I suggested the return of limited paint events on here some time ago.
Bully has been running them for some time.
And APS will be running fixed price events with their new A-Balls in 2010.
APS are running a UWL league in 2010, which I hope to attend - I was invited to the last event as well but couldn't make it.NPF ran an UWL (http://www.playuwl.com/rules.html) event not too long ago aswell. The rules don't limit paint, but equipment is limited meaning that the rof ends up beaing much lower, depending on which class you play in. UWL is especially good as players with any type of equipment can enter and it's not limited to a sup' air field, you could hold an event on almost any paintball park.
Reballs are a good idea, but they require much more reffing/self-reffing, which would be a pain on a competitive level - not to mention buying a ridiculous amount of reballs and maintaining that stock is going to cost a sodload for the organiser. Playing at NPF's reball field is immense, if it's going to be anything similar, but the problems with reballs and sup' air as a format still stand.