My thoughts on your recently held airsoft competition. This is to evaluate the event as a whole
Points for improvement:
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Community Involvement: Since this event was a part of the whole fiesta celebration, it could have been better if the game site was spectator friendly. From an audience point of view the game site could not be viewed. Thus to give the spectators (locals/players) the feel of the game even if they are just their watching, it couldn’t be achieved since all you can see are players coming in and players coming out (HIT!!!). Our sport couldn’t be appreciated by a common person since all he can not grasp what is happening in the playing area. This said event could have helped in promoting our sport to the locals or what we call “civilians”
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Camaraderie: This I a team sport. It could have been better if more team players could have played since the playing area was more than enough. Since we all know that it is the games that we are looking forward to in every competition. No matter the reasons will be, how many games you played will measure if you enjoyed or not. Some of the competitors came a long way from Mindanao and other parts of Visayas had to play just 4 games. That is if they are only composed of 8. But most of the teams who participated were more that 8 thus only limiting the times each player was able to play.
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Venue / Game site: Venue was okay with enough parking space and not too far from the main city. Game site was big enough to accommodate probably two playing areas. This could have given each team more games to play - meaning more teams to compete, to know, to meet and build rapport on.
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Marshalls: There were enough marshals in the game. But just sad to note that sometimes marshals were not assertive on their decisions that their judgment call were questionable. I had this experience when the opposing force I shot was called “hit” by a marshall yet he was able to still charge over and shot me point blank. It was I who was called out of the game and the opponent was left there to continue playing. When a player is called “hit” all of his actions after the said call should have been null and void. Not even a draw. I respected the decision of the marshal since he/she has the authority to decide yet still I think that was a bad call.
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Chrono Testing: Chrono testing was only done on the 2nd day of the event. It could have been done since day 1.
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Score board / Criteria for Judging: Orientation to how scores were tallied, point systems, demerits and other scoring mechanisms should have been done. This includes merits/demerits or basically how a team can earn points or loose points for that mater. Score boards or maybe continuous updates on team rankings over the PA system could have helped teams on areas where they are to improve. If teams were aware on areas where they are weak, then they could easily adapt their game strategies.
Strong points:
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Organization: Well organized event. There were efforts to involve the community since this was included as a part of the fiesta celebration. Broadcasting it on the TV help in getting the word out that there is such an activity. TAC forums (website) gave valuable information regarding the event and were readily available and continuously updated on the latest news regarding the said event
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Organizers: Were in uniform thus it was easy to ask/clarify things directly to the organizers. TAC members were accommodating and remained friendly. A good host ;D Communication among organizing body was evident with the help of radios and other methods. Even though they were soaked in rain, they still remained in their post, doing their best despite what nature brought to them.
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Game site: Even though the game site was quite small, provision of maps and briefings after each Evo was implemented. Note: Heavy rain and mud gave it a feel of the real deal that war happens on any given day
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Evos: Military simulations/scenarios were used thus giving the competition a new feel rather that just beating the hell out of the opposing team hehehhe. Also, dramatizations (Hoorah to all actors) and provision of props (canister/firecrackers/ref/brief case etc) contributed realism.
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Safety and Security: Safety to all participants is the priority of any organizing team. FPS (450) limit, medics, PNP, safety nets, cordons to off limit areas, no id no entry were implemented. A security brief over Dumaguete City was placed over TAC forum thus giving each team an overview on what the security status our city has. Provision of local law enforcement body was seen all throughout the competition giving each participant as sense of security.
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Camaraderie: A fellowship night was organized thus each team was given opportunities to get to know their fellow bothers in arms. There was even an opportunity to play basketball.
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Food: Food stalls were present on the venue. So I think no hungry tummies were left unanswered.
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Souvenirs: Game T-shirts, mugs and etc was provided to those who want a simple thing to bring home other than wet BDUs, muddy boots and some few battle wounds hehehhe
Conclusion: Like in any other events we have been there is no such thing as a perfect. There will always be comments/criticisms. Take each of them as a constructive. Organizing a big event is hard and not easy. There will be obstacles and hurdles. So a big HOOORAH! to TACTICAL AIRSOFT CLUB – Dumaguete for a job well done. I hope this post will not only help those who plan to organize but also to help improve for future events our sport will go through. Hats off to all those who participated, to the organizers and to the community. Lets play and enjoy the game.
-arcteryx
-arcteryx
