What a great day for some bb slinging fun. Was warmer then it has been, but did feel nice outside. This was final game day for points, and we finished off with a bang. We still play every other Sunday, just no longer for points until March. Hopefully by next season we have at least the three main bases done. Heat of the battle, tempers, and drama was rampant this game day, and we need to work on this matter. Some restructuring for next year is going to take place.
The first game we played, was our final squad vs squad game, but all three were on the field. Squad one barely saw any action, as most of the fighting seemed to be between squads two and three. There is some huge rivalry between these two squads and would like to see it bleed over to next year. Squad two set out to make a formitable defense, and they worked hard to keep it that way. With half a base, they were able to manage the oncoming forces sent by the newly formed squad 3. They held off squad three for pretty much the entire game. We did have one incident with a bang out within their base, and there was some confusion over the rules of it. Myself included. Seeing how we havent had to deal with that situation in years, some corrections to the incident HAD to take place to keep it fair. Rules stated on our website, and have been there for 12 years now, is no more then three can be banged out at one time before having to declare yourself hit. For this reason, and this reason only, I had to take away the flag pull squad three did of squad two. I know some people got mad over it, but rules are stated on the website. Had i remembered it, I would of put a stop to it from the get go. Have to be fair, and I would of reversed the points no matter what squad it was.
Before the start of the game, I listened to squad three's plan. It was pretty sound and I think it would of been quite effective. Especially from being the newly organized squad out there, they still have to learn to work with one another. But, I will explain what I saw for the reason squad three didnt succeed all that well. It wasnt because leadership wasnt coming up with sound plans. It wasnt because the players are less skilled then any other squad. Matter of fact, there are more experienced players on squad three then there is on squad two. From the sound of the horn, it seemed all of squad three split. All plans went to hell and certain players decided to do things on their own regardless of the plan set out by the SL's. This was their first mistake. Hit and run tactics by one or two players is fine, IF, and thats a big if, you are doing it only until your squad gets up to your position. Then link up together and enact your plan to take the base. Had squad three been working together on base b, I think they would of pushed squad 2 out, giving squad three the easy flag pull. I saw maybe three people of squad three for this whole hour game play.
Now, there was an issue with boundary location, which was cleared up. But the yellow marking on the trees are no longer the boundaries. It is the tree's further behind it with the orange tape around it. You cannot miss it.
I fully believe, if squad three can work together better, listen to their SL's, and communicate together, they will be one hard squad to beat. It takes time, and i know squad three got the short end of the stick being put together so late in the year. Ive been doing my hardest to make sure great players are all evenly spread out, and I have no doubt that the squads are even, basing it on player skill and my knowledge of each player.
I have heard comments that squad 1 is stacked, and you couldnt be more wrong. If you watch how squad one operates, no one runs out solo unless its a scouting recon. They work as a team ALWAYS, and never go alone anywhere. They utilize comm's so they can know where each person is at, and call out the enemy players. They stick with a plan, and no one runs off doing what they wanted to, ignoring what the SL's stated. Squad two have seen what squad one has done, and have been working on doing the same thing. Ive seen, or heard rather, squad two using certain calls so they can identify one another. They are constantly improving, and have shown that each game day, they are getting harder and harder to face off against.
Now, squad three, as i have said many, many times, has a lot of experience on their squad. I dont count this squad out at all, and i know in time, they will get things together. They have been thrown together pretty much the end of the season, so yes, its going to be rocky in the beginning. SL's need to learn to listen to their squad mates, and squad mates need to listen and do what the SL's set out as a plan. Once they concur this, and start utilizing comm's, watch out. They will be hell on wheels. Or feet. lol. I know certain people are frustrated at this time, but like I said, and keep this in mind, you guys are a newly formed squad.
Now that I have beat a dead horse, the final game was civil war base capture style game. Three bases that two teams need to try and capture, and hold by the time the game ends. Team 1 actually held two of the three bases for 90% of the game, until the last thirty seconds when team one decided they wanted to see some action, and some left the radio tower, leaving it easy pickings for team 2 to take over and capture for the win. This ended with team 2 having two of the three bases under their control, gaining the most points. Was a pretty fun game with action nearly the whole time.
Now that this is all been said, and this was the final game day for points, we can move forward and prepare for next year. Im still up in the air on whether or not we should leave the squads as is, or shuffle people around. I plan to see what everyone wants to do with this situation. First I will be talking to the SL about this, among a few other things, then it will be presented with what we decide to do. I do expect the SL's to be talking with their squad and addressing the issues themselves on what they have seen this year. I know this is airsoft, but I do expect you guys to sit and talk together as a squad. Not just when you get on the field. With that, I will leave it be until next year, so lets all have fun with the BBQ and a little airsoft shenanagans next game day while we hand out the trophies and coins.
End of report.............