I have been speaking to some "heavy weights" in the paintball world. Some have pointed out the same concerns that I have with the way UK paintball is progressing.
Why is it that we are all sooo worried about what certain players do in the USA. Who leaves team WHOCARES and is going to team XYZ.
Look at UK paintball... don't you find it funny that all teams that have got decent players have to fear losing them to teams abroad? Strong UK teams are very hard to find and if they are out there, how long do they last?
We need to start at the very basic problems:
1. If you ask any person on the street, that is not a paintballer, what they think paintball is, what will they say?
They all think we still run through the woods playing soldiers and Rambo is our chosen leader.
When will teams finally become pro active and promote their sport? It doesn't take that much to do it. You all have time to post on a forum related to paintball. Write an article and email it to your local paper. You would be surprised how many sports editors will print it.
2. Sites: Sites like DF7 and the Pure Rush ones are rare. But that is what we need. Flag ships for paintball, institution where people can see what we do and how much fun the sport is.
I know RecBall is the moneymaker, but do you really think that a well-run SupAir site cannot generate a decent turn over?! Ok, it is not going to be a gold mine where you can close down after a few years and life the high life. It will pay off if you know what you are doing.
3. We need a structured league system. Who cares who won what independent league in the UK? No one. Imagine you finally would have UK paintball league (and please don't say PA or I will die laughing! Nice try, did not work...lets move on!!!)
For the league get independent marshals. Stop team reffing teams! Nothing is worse than playing two teams on one pitch. There are plenty of people out there that are willing to do the job. If they receive the right training and money. Make it possible to be proud to be a Reff. Just as much people are proud to be part of a team.
4. Drop the "gangsta" style attitude. Have you been to sites lately and watch teams interact?! It looks like "Boyz in the Hood" gone wrong. How will you attract young people and the recognition from local authorities when you got people doing dope and talking a constant stream of "F******" (My English is very colourful I know!
)
5. Fair prices for events. Some events are way too expensive for what you get. Depending on where you play you pay enough money for 8 games of paintball to go onto a two week holiday All-inclusive. Setting up events is not cheap and is very time consuming,but to justify prices you need to see a return for your money.
6. Create a player union. A chosen body supported by ALL active tournament paintball players.
There is more that needs to be done. All I would like to know is where you want to see UK paintball in the next 5 years!
Why is it that we are all sooo worried about what certain players do in the USA. Who leaves team WHOCARES and is going to team XYZ.
Look at UK paintball... don't you find it funny that all teams that have got decent players have to fear losing them to teams abroad? Strong UK teams are very hard to find and if they are out there, how long do they last?
We need to start at the very basic problems:
1. If you ask any person on the street, that is not a paintballer, what they think paintball is, what will they say?
They all think we still run through the woods playing soldiers and Rambo is our chosen leader.
When will teams finally become pro active and promote their sport? It doesn't take that much to do it. You all have time to post on a forum related to paintball. Write an article and email it to your local paper. You would be surprised how many sports editors will print it.
2. Sites: Sites like DF7 and the Pure Rush ones are rare. But that is what we need. Flag ships for paintball, institution where people can see what we do and how much fun the sport is.
I know RecBall is the moneymaker, but do you really think that a well-run SupAir site cannot generate a decent turn over?! Ok, it is not going to be a gold mine where you can close down after a few years and life the high life. It will pay off if you know what you are doing.
3. We need a structured league system. Who cares who won what independent league in the UK? No one. Imagine you finally would have UK paintball league (and please don't say PA or I will die laughing! Nice try, did not work...lets move on!!!)
For the league get independent marshals. Stop team reffing teams! Nothing is worse than playing two teams on one pitch. There are plenty of people out there that are willing to do the job. If they receive the right training and money. Make it possible to be proud to be a Reff. Just as much people are proud to be part of a team.
4. Drop the "gangsta" style attitude. Have you been to sites lately and watch teams interact?! It looks like "Boyz in the Hood" gone wrong. How will you attract young people and the recognition from local authorities when you got people doing dope and talking a constant stream of "F******" (My English is very colourful I know!
)5. Fair prices for events. Some events are way too expensive for what you get. Depending on where you play you pay enough money for 8 games of paintball to go onto a two week holiday All-inclusive. Setting up events is not cheap and is very time consuming,but to justify prices you need to see a return for your money.
6. Create a player union. A chosen body supported by ALL active tournament paintball players.
There is more that needs to be done. All I would like to know is where you want to see UK paintball in the next 5 years!
