Subscriber Cody writes:

I am e-mailing to ask some questions about starting a 5-man Novice Paintball Team. If you can help me, could you answer the following questions?

1. How do I start a team?
2. How can I find players?
3. How do I find a good name?
4. How can I find the best positions for everyone?
5. What does everyone mean by practice?
6. How should I run practice drills and where?
7. How do I enter tournaments?
8. How do I get sponsors and who should I ask for sponsorship?
9. What should I ask the sponsors for (Paint, Travel money, etc.)?
10. When do I know I should move up to the next rank (Rookie, Novice, Amateur, etc.)?

By the way, if this helps, our best gun on our team will be an Automag, the normal one will be Spyders. Of course, all tricked out. So far we have 3 people, but I can easily get 5 people. And we all live in Washington Everett, Washington.

Thanks for all the help,
Cody
codytc@gte.net

Hi Cody,

        To begin, the most important thing about starting up a team is commitment.  Go out and gather a group of friends, family, etc. whom you play with, trust, and know will show up when you want to do "team" things, such as practice, tourneys, etc.  In my experience with different teams, being a good player is definitely important, but shouldn't be the deciding factor.  Commitment is far more important, because a committed player will be there when you need them.
        As far as fire power, and the markers your team plays with, it doesn't make too much difference if the players know their guns, and know their guns well.  Many of "fast shooting" guns on the market today, such as the Angel, and the Shocker, can shoot alot of paint, but remember, it only takes one well placed paintball to kill your opponent.

How do I start a team?
        Try to gather people you already play with.  One important plus is that you already know each other and perhaps styles of play.  It is much harder to get people that you don't know, because you don't know them, and they don't know you.

How can I find players?
        Ask around when you are playing next time.  Post a "wanted" classified in your local paintball store.  A few things that I look for when recruiting players are incidents which occur on the field.  This might be someone who backs you up when you are playing.  This could be a person who demonstrates good sportsmanship on the field (i.e. walks out honestly when they are hit).  This could be Joe Shmoe he helps your team push up to win the game.  Just remember, look for people who play smart and loves the game...you are more likely to find a very committed paintball player.

How do I find a good name?
        Be original.  Try and come up with a name which perhaps describes the players on your team.  Perhaps something out of a movie.  The more original, the more it stands out.
 

Working together is the key...

How can I find the best positions for everyone?
        Practice, practice, practice.  After you get your group together, have them play different positions on the field.  Most people like to play tape.  Some like the center.  Rotate players and see which is their strong point.  From here, move them to a position to where they are uncomfortable to help make them stronger in that position.  A good player can play all positions, not just one or two.

What does everyone mean by practice?
        Practice is where you can go over drills you create, scrimmage other teams and players, and try out codes.  Just like any other sport, it's better to make mistakes and resolve them when you are practicing then in tournaments, where it can cost you the game.

How should I run practice drills and where?
        Ask local field owners if they would be willing to help you out by letting you practice on their field.  Most fields are more than willing to help out with teams in exchange for reffing once a month, etc.  Practices should be taken very seriously.  After all, you only get out of them, what you put into them.  If you practices consist of screwing around, it is most likely that they are more of a waste of time then something to help you out as a team.

How do I enter tournaments?
        Ask around at local stores and fields.  Check in magazines such as Action Pursuit Games which usually lists out all events across the US for the month.  The only thing that you will need is your team info, a check for entry, and a group of committed players.

How do I get sponsors and who should I ask for sponsorship?
        Sponsors will usually come to you.  It doesn't hurt to ask local store, fields, etc.  Larger industries will usually approach you after you start gaining recognition in the tournament circuits.  They are looking for players and teams to represent their product to other players.   This is usually why they go after established tournament teams.

What should I ask the sponsors for (Paint, Travel money, etc.)?
        You shouldn't ask for anything.  They will usually offer what they are willing to give you.  Whether it be a small discount on products (such as paint, and air fills), to giving you free stuff, you should never ask for free hand outs.  If the store is willing to sponsor you or your team, they will usually tell you exactly what they are willing to do for you to help you out.  NEVER take it for granted and always be very appreciative.

When do I know I should move up to the next rank (Rookie, Novice, Amateur, etc.)?
        Play in the division as long as you can, especially if you are not winning.  There is no need to move up classes when you are not strong enough.  Unless it specifically states in the tournament rules that you must move up after a certain amount of time, or someone tells you that you need to move up, stay in the lowest division that you can.

        In my tournament experience with different teams, I have seen many team come and go, including some of the teams which I played for.  Most of the teams which I see are still around, are still around simply because the players are committed to their teams.  Without commitment, it doesn't matter how good your team is, they will eventually fall apart, I guarantee it.

Sean Takeda
MPN Columnist