I'm coming into the conversation late but there are at least three valid points from various parties here, but first one of my own.
Doesnt Mr. Italia own X-ball? Will this not cause a problem in terms of cost for most of the European teams, limiting the scope of who plays? Just a query, I'm sure someone (Robbo) will put me straight.
I like stj19 idea of a structure that has no classification just promotion and relegation battles. It will sort the real 'pros' or the more heavily sponsored teams from the 'amatuers/novices' and actually makes it fairer for all concerned ie: novices dont get their butts kicked, put off the sport never to be seen again.
By extension of this arguement, The PA Cup, thats just been played is a more likely winner for TV rights. US X-ball has included cities into the team names to help recognition of teams and this has probably helped get the TV deal, easier to sell Oakland vs L.A. than Ironmen vs Ironmen. it saves the confusion for TV viewer when commentator goes " and the Ironman has shot the Ironman" in the heat of a moment after a cool mugging. Same commentry with cities " and Oakland has shot the L.A. back player out" makes far more sense.
"Why not work on a format which is between both the NXL and S7?
Combining the two formats into a single format will benefit both sides who by personal choice will either go for the NXL or S7."
This point by Ices has merits as well. Take the current S7 format but score it NXL style. Lets say each match is a best of 11 games for example played within a time limit, allowing for substitutions etc. No new fancy pitches have to be built and scoring is fairly simple, lets say 3 points for a hang, 2 for a grab and 1 each for a draw. In the event of a draw (tied points at the end of 11 games) you just have one more winner takes all game. I know this is all rough but with more thought and planning it could work.
To keep the TV people happy you just need to keep it simple, easy points scoring, constant action and breaks for adverts (just like Basketball) thats all TV execs want.
"The die is cast now as far as any joint enterprise is concerned, what's needed now is a logical assessment of what we want, if we can get it, how we can organise and maintain it and who can do it."
This is from Robbo and he's right. When the Americans were ahead of us with the scope/size of their tournaments Europe lost out slightly, then the Millenium events were born and we went in front of the USA. As many Americans will testify they want their events to be like ours and finally this year they are getting it. X-ball may well be the way of the future for American teams but we (Europe) can find an alternative as we have in the past. An alternative that is better than the Americans, that Americans will want to come and play, and may well take over from the Americans as being the format that the whole world buys into.
Dont be downheartned by these events, turn it around and rise to the challenge, Europe can be on the same level or better, history has proved it.
These just observations but if they end up seeing the light of day I will of course be suing for huge royalties/licence money
Doesnt Mr. Italia own X-ball? Will this not cause a problem in terms of cost for most of the European teams, limiting the scope of who plays? Just a query, I'm sure someone (Robbo) will put me straight.
I like stj19 idea of a structure that has no classification just promotion and relegation battles. It will sort the real 'pros' or the more heavily sponsored teams from the 'amatuers/novices' and actually makes it fairer for all concerned ie: novices dont get their butts kicked, put off the sport never to be seen again.
By extension of this arguement, The PA Cup, thats just been played is a more likely winner for TV rights. US X-ball has included cities into the team names to help recognition of teams and this has probably helped get the TV deal, easier to sell Oakland vs L.A. than Ironmen vs Ironmen. it saves the confusion for TV viewer when commentator goes " and the Ironman has shot the Ironman" in the heat of a moment after a cool mugging. Same commentry with cities " and Oakland has shot the L.A. back player out" makes far more sense.
"Why not work on a format which is between both the NXL and S7?
Combining the two formats into a single format will benefit both sides who by personal choice will either go for the NXL or S7."
This point by Ices has merits as well. Take the current S7 format but score it NXL style. Lets say each match is a best of 11 games for example played within a time limit, allowing for substitutions etc. No new fancy pitches have to be built and scoring is fairly simple, lets say 3 points for a hang, 2 for a grab and 1 each for a draw. In the event of a draw (tied points at the end of 11 games) you just have one more winner takes all game. I know this is all rough but with more thought and planning it could work.
To keep the TV people happy you just need to keep it simple, easy points scoring, constant action and breaks for adverts (just like Basketball) thats all TV execs want.
"The die is cast now as far as any joint enterprise is concerned, what's needed now is a logical assessment of what we want, if we can get it, how we can organise and maintain it and who can do it."
This is from Robbo and he's right. When the Americans were ahead of us with the scope/size of their tournaments Europe lost out slightly, then the Millenium events were born and we went in front of the USA. As many Americans will testify they want their events to be like ours and finally this year they are getting it. X-ball may well be the way of the future for American teams but we (Europe) can find an alternative as we have in the past. An alternative that is better than the Americans, that Americans will want to come and play, and may well take over from the Americans as being the format that the whole world buys into.
Dont be downheartned by these events, turn it around and rise to the challenge, Europe can be on the same level or better, history has proved it.
These just observations but if they end up seeing the light of day I will of course be suing for huge royalties/licence money