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I'm sure we can squeeze out a couple of regular, no frills tourneys somewhere, summer has barely even started.
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Yes, that's all I really want from a tourney, the actual polo doesn't matter.
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TBC is just like the London League. Correct me if I am wrong, but non London teams are not allowed in the London league. Which is fine as the TBC provides the same outlet for regions. It isn't about excluding London any more than the London League is about excluding other cities.
I also think some perspective is needed. While the positive vibes felt by the TBC have been big, the 'tournaments' themselves are pretty small. All the TBC tournaments have been fun, no frills, on pre-existing courts and some just a single day. Numbers have been in the region of 20-40 people, probably equal to or even smaller than the London league. So to say that the TBC has fucked UK tournaments is a bit far fetched.
If anything has fucked UK polo (or global polo) it has been the over-emphasis on competitive (or even 'professional') tournament play. This only really benefits the top teams. Additionally there are a few people doing a lot of work, inc. you @citygent. But if that continues people will get burnt out/bitter/leave.
Firstly, we should be focusing on making polo engaging for everyone regardless of ability esp. new players: the TBC has done that. Secondly, we need to be pushing for better facilities. With a swell of new and engaged players utilising better facilities things like a national series and big tournaments will be easy.
What the UK needs imo are more PDFCOMM style tournaments. Birmingham intends to host at least 1 more tournament open to all, probably a co-ed. I'm sure others will too. If you want more tournaments let's organise more tournaments but don't hate on something that has been very positive.
*I think it's good and healthy that we're having this debate.
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Gots to get those electrolytes.
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I also think it's healthy and sorry to Manchester for the debate happening here!
If anything has fucked UK polo (or global polo) it has been the
over-emphasis on competitive (or even 'professional') tournament play.
This only really benefits the top teams.Well said.
London has had a big problem with this imo, fostering of beginners is a big part of what the lhbpa is focussing on this year and hopefully next, the scene is dying because of a certain elitism among some players "I won't play with them it's not worth my time" is a horrible thing to hear and ultimately, means you won't have anyone to play with. It's so short sighted it's funny more than annoying. Luckily we have some players willing to invest the time and effort into welcoming new people to our sport.
I hear you on how big the TBC tournaments are, but it's still a weekend out of 50 taken out of a years worth of regional players being able to attend or put on other tournaments. The league is a local thing mostly played on weeknights during the winter. I'm not sure comparing the two is helping :/
I'm really not hating on the TBC league at all, I think it was a wonderful idea to build upon! It's a bit of learning really. I'd really like to see an NS next year with the same level of organisation and more importantly: focus on the fun, and general community improving rather than the top.
Just like in London with our league: Every year bench vs teams comes up. They both have many upsides and downsides but IMO my vote next winter will boil down to: Bench helps cohesion, inclusivity, and the standard of play across the city generally improved. The downside is we don't form teams who learn to play as a competitive unit to go on and play nationally or internationally... but it's not going to matter if we don't have an active community of mixed ability for them to play and improve with, or to source new players from when people leave/real life.
The important thing is we're still trying different stuff every year to make it as best as we can.
On the fun tournament note I got n email with an exciting subject heading last night which I can't wait to read after breakfast. :D
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^this. I know it's hard work and there's a feeling of "we try this every year". But slow progress is still progress. It was on the agenda for LHBPA this year (and I've done some reading on what was discussed previously) but we've been totally time-holed by our efforts to build a base at HH.
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UPDATED:
Srangeways (Andrew, Arthur, Ste MCR)
Party Illuminati (Dan, Shane and Edd CMB)
Flowery Twats (Emyr, Oli, John MCR)
After Party (Chris P, Miles, Antonio BRI/GRA/LDN)
Deus Bags (Adam, Nick Kris CAN)
TBC (Clem, Lizzy, Zsofia GLA, BRS)
Cold Shoulders (Beagle, Ben Rodrick, French Kev LDN/LDN/LYN)
TBC 2 (Mya bir, Woody ldn, Max Cmb) -
If you lot all want a bit of practice before these qualies come to London on the 8th for our little tourney: http://www.lfgss.com/conversations/270837/?offset=25#comment12405126
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Registration is now closed. Congratulations to the 8 teams registered. We've all qualified for the euros 2015!!!
Just a case of seeding now and fighting to get those 5 guaurenteed spots!
Good news is that with only 8 teams we have loads of time to do a full round robin.
See you all soon.
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Gah, just found out I might be able to afford the trip after all. Congratulations to all who made it through.
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I'll be there, dunno if I'll be suitable for reffing though.
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When are peeps traveling up? Saturday or Sunday?
snottyotter
citygent
HA
sombra
EMM
punkture
clemp3
M_A_X
mya
dubkev
Cab
coventry_eagle
Arthur-
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About
Euro Qualifiers Manchester 16/8/15 Reg Closed
Posted by
@Dr_Chan
I also think it was coincidental. But perhaps it's a coincidence that could've been avoided,if a decision was made with more info or understanding of London Polo currently, rather than assumptions based on where we were in 2013/14. It can't be argued this would've been difficult to do, or ask for input on. Indeed, it was even challenged by multiple 'non elite' teams from London. These last two points especially, led to the feeling of segregation/divide Miles talks about.
To answer @HA, I think it is a good analysis of the outcome, but not the aims: I totally understand the aims of the TBC league, and it has helped those smaller scenes out, which is awesome! But I have to say I never understood why it couldn't have happened alongside the London League (which is quite short-lived)? Especially considering those elite teams would've been focussing on international stuff (as there is more of that about now?).
Furthermore, it's surely easier to run a UK Series of tournaments alongside one or two cities local leagues, than it is to run a TBC Series yet expect there to still be regional tournaments that are more open, as Rob points out. What scene can afford to effectively double the amount of tournaments it throws every year? Even London would've struggle to put on an NS alongside the Open in its heyday. This year we are doing neither: There simply aren't the bodies.
Basically what i'm saying is, in my opinion, the TBC would've been a great thing to execute in that way it was executed about 2 years ago. The international, national, and regional situation is very different now and that wasn't realised/addressed. The segregation of London wasn't a good thing for anyone.
There's still a summer ahead of us. Podium is better than ever. Get organising and fix this! I haven't been to any tournaments this year and it sucks.