League play, sportsmanship, etc.

System Commander Thu Dec 04, 2008 2:07 pm

I've been receiving more complaints regarding the unsportsman-like conduct of a some league members recently. I'm just issuing a general "shape-up" message for now before having to crack down on individuals.

I want to reiterate the point of this league to the people causing the indiscretions and for the new league members alike. The first and foremost reason for this league even being in existence is to have FUN. Sure, there's always a bit of competition going on, it's a competitive game, but this should no way ever create a game that is unpleasant for yourself or your opponent.

The league is ran for the sole purpose of offering an organized forum for game play and to continue encouraing the hobby as a whole. I love painting miniatures and playing war games. I really like a little trash talking and when the dice do crazy stuff for you... or of course, against you. At the heart of it all though is the underlying factor that it is a game, and games are played to have FUN!

So, the purpose for this rant? Recently, some splinter groups that have broken off from the Hunters of the Warp warhammer 40K group, have grouped together and formed their own coalition! Ok.. just kidding.. but there is a purpose..

There are alot of people in the league and it seems the fun factor is being pushed out for more competitive gameplay. Why? I'm not sure.. but I can't let it happen. Raised voices are common on Thursdays, some louder than others. Rules arguments, Line of sight disputes, angry reactions to dice rolls, thrown figures.. it has to stop. If you aren't having fun when your playing 40K, please step away, take a break, perhaps re-evaluate why you're playing in this league if it's not to have fun. The prizes aren't substantial enough to encourage such a competitive game. At the end of the day, your playing for about $40 in store credit for first place and $25 for second. A small reward, but for 3+ months of playing games, pretty minor.

Anyway, just a rant and a request to sharpen up on the game play. If you find yourself not having fun, take a break. If your opponent has a bad game and spits on your foot afterwards, let me know. We've had to ask people (well, 1 person) to leave the league in the past due to complaints (trust me, it was for the best and I had gotten ALOT of complaints) but it's not something I want to do unless it has to be done. It's not a GW sponsored league in any way, and while I work un'officially for GW as a Grey Knight, I run the league for our enjoyed fun and for Dragon's Den. We all know that if one person starts spoiling it for others , it's better to cut that foot off before the infection spreads. Right now, it is spreading.. and spreading fast. I dont want the new players to pick it up.. we need antibiiotics..

Hopefully that didn't sound to harsh. I just want everyone to have a some quick thoughts go through their head before they get ready to argue a rule or throw a miniature. Does it look like my opponent is having fun? Is it my fault? Am I having fun? Easy questions..

Like always, this thread is open for discussion!

System Commander

ScottRadom Thu Dec 04, 2008 3:12 pm

Well for many years I ran, or co-ran, the Fantasy league. I have also recently stepped down as a GW Grey Knight so this is just a dude talking in no semi-official capacity at all.

Way back when the fantasy league was much bigger than the 40k league and we expereinced a similar cycle. As the numbers increased so too did the competitive nature many took to in playing. We tried to implement army comp rules, a league MVP etc. in an effort to discourage some behaviours and to encourage others. Nothing really worked. As it stands now the fantasy league is smaller now then before but I think most everyone gets along and It's been years since a real complaint was lodged by or against anyone. Our solution was to shut it down for a little bit.

At that time their literally was a league running all the time. The exact second one league was done the next started up. We shut the league down for one month in between and that break seemed to give everyone time to relax, prep new armies, ands realize just how much they enjoyed playing in the leagues. We DID lose players along the way as the enthusiasm of some petered out but all in all those breaks seemed to be the thing.

Just two cents from a dude.

System Commander Thu Dec 04, 2008 3:19 pm

That's exaclty my plan for this league. There usually is a pretty decent break between leagues. We wrap up point play, give three weeks for the play-offs and then a couple weeks of downtime. However, that being said I did not do that at the beginning this league. Play-off games finished pretty quick, so I thought we could start up right away while the painting blog was going, lots of people were playing games, etc. I should not have neglected the break!

For this league, I think I'll end point play next week so w ehave a bit of time before Christmas to get playoffs done. Then we'll take a good 2-3 weeks of downtime, let people catch-up on their painting blogs which are currently suffering, play some computer games etc. and get back on track.

Thanks for the point dude.

System Commander
(Senior Grey Knight of Saskatchewan)

gluvzer Thu Dec 04, 2008 3:50 pm

ScottRadom wrote:Just two cents from a dude.

Although you make many valid points, I'm still gonna piss on your rug!!

Administratum Thu Dec 04, 2008 5:22 pm

I like the results last time Robyn took a break between leagues... does anyone remember what happened? Great things happened!

ScottRadom Thu Dec 04, 2008 5:32 pm

Yeah, I remember. I remember getting hauled into something I had NOTHING to do with and having to defend actions I DIDN'T take with GW.

Ah, I wonder where he is now, if he's thinking of me? If he's reading all the codexes then returning them because army builder is free? I wonder if he's going to playoff games somewhere without a list at all, then claiming victory.......

If you look into the sky on a clear night you can still see him, shining on like the crazy diamond he is!

I think that's what we're talking about here, right Cam?

Administratum Thu Dec 04, 2008 5:34 pm

Haha, you are a warrior poet Scott.

I could see where this might be missinterpreted.. i was thinking of the gem stones of course

ScottRadom Thu Dec 04, 2008 5:42 pm

LexMechanic wrote:Haha, you are a warrior poet Scott.

I could see where this might be missinterpreted.. i was thinking of the gem stones of course

What gem stones?

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