Post by Ranger Dude on Nov 20, 2012 0:39:21 GMT -5
I did not attend this year, and due to other commitments have not picked up 6th edition, but I have some thoughts I've discussed over the years that still can be of use.
First off, I think one of the problems we have had with comp over the years as that we change our system every time. It's one thing to tweak a system based on new codices and rule sets, but to completely reinvent the system each year has caused some serious problems. It would be very helpful if the group could figure out what they want comp to accomplish. Is it being used to balance armies? Is it being used to discourage the cookie cutter armies you see at other tournaments? Is it to encourage outside the box thinking? Some combination of these factors or something else entirely? Once that is figured out, write it out as a goal of the GT and stick to it. This way, people know where the planning is coming from, and the mindset the group wants to see.
After that, make a system. Sure, it probably won't be perfect, and the first time it is used it will likely have sizable issues. But instead of scrapping it for the next year/GT, look at where the issues came up, and fix it. No need for a new system. Just rework the existing system, while keeping in mind the stated goal. Essentially it becomes a living document of sorts, modified over time to take into account the shifting meta, new releases, and discovered flaws in the system. You get consistency that people can look forward to rather than having the constant question of "what is comp this year?"
Now, with all of that in mind, I have always been a fan of the "by codex" system. Have a base rubric with modifications based on codex used. No, it won't be easy to create, and it will take time. It might even be a good idea to just start with the base rubric for a GT, and add in the codex specific details later, after the initial kinks have been worked out.
As for sportsmanship, I like what crispy is talking about. A simple rubric for each game. Yes, it will be possible, and even likely that players will get through the event with perfect scored. At the end of the event, either have everyone submit a ranked list or a top two to add differentiation for best sportsman purposes only. These bonus points should not be factored into overall. They are just a method to determine the best sport. ( I like the top two method best for the size event we are talking.)
Just my thoughts. Some of you have heard them before.
First off, I think one of the problems we have had with comp over the years as that we change our system every time. It's one thing to tweak a system based on new codices and rule sets, but to completely reinvent the system each year has caused some serious problems. It would be very helpful if the group could figure out what they want comp to accomplish. Is it being used to balance armies? Is it being used to discourage the cookie cutter armies you see at other tournaments? Is it to encourage outside the box thinking? Some combination of these factors or something else entirely? Once that is figured out, write it out as a goal of the GT and stick to it. This way, people know where the planning is coming from, and the mindset the group wants to see.
After that, make a system. Sure, it probably won't be perfect, and the first time it is used it will likely have sizable issues. But instead of scrapping it for the next year/GT, look at where the issues came up, and fix it. No need for a new system. Just rework the existing system, while keeping in mind the stated goal. Essentially it becomes a living document of sorts, modified over time to take into account the shifting meta, new releases, and discovered flaws in the system. You get consistency that people can look forward to rather than having the constant question of "what is comp this year?"
Now, with all of that in mind, I have always been a fan of the "by codex" system. Have a base rubric with modifications based on codex used. No, it won't be easy to create, and it will take time. It might even be a good idea to just start with the base rubric for a GT, and add in the codex specific details later, after the initial kinks have been worked out.
As for sportsmanship, I like what crispy is talking about. A simple rubric for each game. Yes, it will be possible, and even likely that players will get through the event with perfect scored. At the end of the event, either have everyone submit a ranked list or a top two to add differentiation for best sportsman purposes only. These bonus points should not be factored into overall. They are just a method to determine the best sport. ( I like the top two method best for the size event we are talking.)
Just my thoughts. Some of you have heard them before.