hmmm, well I agree with Nicks blunt point to a degree, however I'd also argue that any hobby or activity that wants more mainstream recognition whether sporting or X-Game needs to formalise it's competitive structure (I mean if it looks like a sport ergo, it must be one). There should be no glory or incentive for wallowing in the Open division, as this should really be for scratch or total newbie teams. If you were to triumph at this level this should be as a stepping stone into the formal league structure, and hopefully used as a basis to talk with suppliers re potential "incentivised buying schemes".
Lets be honest, free Paintball doesn't exist outside of EXL, and without an account audit of the teams in the EXL, would imagine the playerz themselves are stumping up a fair wad of cash themselves to play.
The "sport" of Paintball, does reward commitment, as it is a sport where anybody prepared to commit to training can gain a credible competency level. no disrespect to the top level teams, but if you SERIOUSLY wanted to get good, you could ascertain a fair level simply through your own effort. Ok you are unlikely to make the nirvana of the EXL and a 5,000,000 ball p.a. deal etc etc, but what was Am A, shouldn't be an issue (and the better incentivised buying deals).
Also, with the open structure of divisions previously utilised, it could be argued that a small problem of "Sandbagging" and "Ringers" existed. Whether this was a true phenomenon, or purely imagined by the teams that got a can of whoop ass opened up on em, if you incentivise the bottom rungs, that will always be an incentive for some to play down (I mean who wants to serve in Heaven when you can reign in Hell).
And finally as to a governing body. Hmmm lotta politics out there, personally I'd have liked a good proportion of this mantra filled by the EPA, however both time constraints on those setting up the Association, and a small measure of player apathy torpedoed that one. The EPA for at least the Millennium series should work part n parcel with the Millennium Committee to ensure that the needs of the players are met, not just the fiscal desires of the promoters (as they definitely stand to gain from any Paintball success). This is not a criticism of the Committee, as they provide a service, we as the paying customer obviously choose to utilise and money does make the paintballs spineth. It would have been good to have seen EPA Sanctioned events, or a requirement for all Millennium players to be EPA registered (in time maybe). In this way at least a mouthpiece for your comments, questions and queries can exist.
says that it will be announced this week !
