Things that should be heard if you consider playing in a tournament/league

Guidenable · January 2011

tl;dr: Skip down and read my list if you don't want to read this wall of text.

So after playing and being a part in this community for nearly 2 years you see many things. I've done just about everything that would can do in CF and its community. From making YouTube videos, being in events hosted by Z8, hosting events for other people to come play, playing in drafts and leagues, running said drafts and leagues, and pretty much anything else you can imagine I have done. I now feel I am losing some interest in the game as I will not play as much any more and I have recently left from WOGL Staff. (I was WOGL-Lee for those of you who didn't know which is 99.9% of you and yes it was a b*tch to host those WOGL pubs with all those people not following rules >>)

I have noticed during my time there that many teams, a ridiculous amount, have not played their matches. Not just a few but nearly all of them! This is quite a disappointment for the competitive community. Sure, when I stayed up everyday of the weekends at 3:00 AM it meant less player stats to fill but you also saw a lack of participation. Why? Why do so many teams fall apart before the season starts or give up so easily after a few losses? My team did not do so well in the season but we wanted to finish strong and we showed up for every match and played even when the chances for playoffs were over.

But lo and behold, because we had points and did not lose any from forfeits we were chosen as the team to get the open playoff spot because one of the teams had dropped out. But I am not saying it was a smooth ride or anything. Things did happen so I thought I should write this. Something from my experiences and a list of things you SHOULD LOOK AT if you are really serious in making a team. A real team that will last more than a few weeks which I have seen far to many times.

1. When looking for a team learn about them to build chemistry.

An important one where many teams make or break already. Look at some of the more seasoned teams. They know each other very well and some have played with each other before playing this game. It's a good idea to get a feel about how each other plays to get their strengths and weaknesses before going on with making a starting 5.

2. Get to know your teammates' schedule.

Learn when the rest of the team has time to play. Not every team can play one hour together a week and still dominate. Make time to play as a team together. And if it can be everyday don't unless everyone has no problem because players can get burned out from playing so much before or during the league.

3. Please.....read the rules.

Too many teams have fallen for making mistakes or not knowing if an item is allowed or not. Read more than the guns list. Trust me, it's worth it.

4. Making your game plan.

Now here is a biggie. Get your team's roster set up, starting 5 and subs. Also working on strategies for the upcoming games to be played is a big step to make sure you a prepared.

5. Practice, practice, practice.

You know your team, the rules, and how you plan on playing. Now start perfecting it!

6. Registering your team and playing your matches.

You have your team ready to play. Double check if everyone is ready to play when they are needed and that you all have time to practice in between each match. And here is an important one: MAKE SURE YOU ARE USING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT.

7. Good sportsmanship.

So you played your game. Showing good conduct even if the other team is less than respectful is still a good thing. It shows you are one of the better teams even if you lost in one sense. And who knows? You may have found another team that can help you practice with.

8. Stay motivated.

Just because you are losing in a match or you lost a game doesn't mean you should give up. Keep trying or give something else a shot. Just because you can't win the game doesn't mean you can't win the half to get some points.

9. Don't get mad. Get glad.

Sure, you may have one of your teammate's rage at you. Or even it's you raging. If you lose it happens. Remember that it's a team game and you win and lose as a team even if one or two players have one great game one week won't mean the same the next week. Work things out and try not to get angry back and when your teammate comes around there is a good chance he/she may apologize later.

10. The most important thing.

Have fun. We all get so caught up to it that we forget it's a game in the end. If you are not having fun than what motivation do you have to play. Players that enjoy playing rather than feeling forced or having to come not to disappoint usually play worse than their counterparts that enjoy playing all the time.

So that's what I have to say about that. I hope this will help at least one person planning to make a team and that team prospers even if it is not the next LL or LPK in CF. And for those who aren't but read anyway, well, thanks for your time. And for those who may actually take this advice. Well, good luck in the next season!