I.A.A. Round Table Representation

[psyus]

The I.A.A. has been going through a number of rule changes and such, my question is where is our representation? If we are truly apart of the I.A.A. then why are we not giving input on important matters? I feel that the [rr] leadership has faded away, we have no direction, and we need to address these issues. This board would be dead if not for JiNX, the new players and me. Our 'team website' is nearing retirement, the [rr] forums are nearly dead, and our team is one of, if not, the biggest team in Indiana. We need to reform or this 'team' may not last this year. I have spoken to a number of [rr] members and, for the most part, they agree that our team needs some kind of jump start, leadership, and direction.

[toastie]

I'm thinking regularly scheduled skirmishes might attract some more. When I was looking around earlier, the word on the street was the 'rr' didn't play that often, although they had a nice site and good promotion.

[poser]

I knw Im just the new guy tht no one has met, but Ive been apart of other groups in similar sports. Frankly Ive been thinking the same thing. Even in recruiting there is not much intrest shown in potential recruits. This is a sport in its infancy in the U.S. and we (senior members and recruits alike) need to be doing every thing we can to help it along.

So that being said I recomend monthly meetings with agendas, objectives, and recruiting dessicions. Even if we are just sitting in a restaruant . I understand every one has there own things going on in there lives, belive me Im married with 3 kids one of wich is 5 and diabectic. Now Im not saying that [rr] members are not serious I just think that we need to be more active as a group. Its evident that we are not being taken seriously around the local airsoft community. Ill do what I can to change that... Poser out...

[toastie]

I think rr has found their promoter ;-) I nominate poser

[psyus]

OK, in defense of the 'core' members; Stash just bought a house and had/is having a baby, Cheez is going to school so he can teach better, and Jinx is pretty far out for a face to face regularly in the off season. About the [rr] reputation as not attending major events... well the reason would be that when Snake got recruited I believe there were only 4-5 members including him. He then 'bridged a gap' to about 4-5 other players, myself included, and he has also allowed [rr] the use of his cottage as a 'home field.' So, basically we had regular 5 on 5 skirmishes to get to know each other better. So, we play, just not with the I.A.A. Now, all of this happened very quickly and [rr] has yet to accommodate its recent growth, when all of a sudden the I.A.A. gets a new domain and hundreds of new Indiana Airsofters have access to [rr]. There have been prob 10 new people show up just on these boards during this 'off season.' We have 15-25 airsofters willing to run with [rr], still no direction.

[poser]

Honestly Im not questioning any members dedication to [rr], I just think we need a little structre. We should also stick as close to the IAA as possible. I have no problem following the lead of senior members, or taking a lead if appointed to do so. Am I asking for that appointment? No, just expressing my intrest in this squad/sport. Every season [rr] will have a surge of member growth. Some serious and some recreational. That being said I think a small monthly membership fee for promotional and recruiting purposes is in the future of [rr]. I know some of you will disagree but we need to remember that airsoft is growing rapidly in this country, its more cost effective and realistic than paintball. [rr] stands a chance to take its rightfull place as a spearhead of airsoft in Indiana. Now I know Im just a noob but seriously get into this stuff. I think we owe it to the sport to share it with others, and the IAA is the way. Poser out...

[toastie]

Might I suggest not a monthly fee but a drop in fee of say $5? Basically every time we get together to play if we all drop $5 in a hat. It sure beats the $30 fee most places are charging these days.

[psyus]

I have to disagree. First off, the I.A.A. is nothing to marvel at, nor follow closely. The I.A.A. is simply an association of Indiana airsoft teams and fields, and more recently it has become a pissing contest, I digress. Second, [rr] tries to be open to all local airsofters we usually have a few new people at every practice, we allow anyone to come we even loan guns and gear usually. Any money should be directed to the owner of the field that we are at, usually Snake.

Now, to get back on topic, where is our I.A.A. representation? I know that airsoft is not the world, but if our leaders are going to be on this extended of leave then they should make sure that things are going to be in order. Personally I think that [rr] as a whole needs to rebuild itself. We could possibly form two teams; the first being for the dedicated players with fairly strict requirements, and the second for the newer players, recruits, training, and promotion. Any other ideas just keep posting.

[poser]

You have made very good points, and the more you post the more I agree. I just think we should follow the IAA because they have thier hands in the major events. Other than that we are free to take whatever direction we like. As far as the money going to the field owner I couldnt agree more. Is the field in need of labor like, bunkers, ditches, clearings and various cover, ect.? Im more than happy to donate my time.

Toastie made a good point about having scheduled events, as far as I know there has been nothing said about our first skirmish. Anyone feel free to contact me at 574-329-2893 about any get togethers, skirmishes, events, drinking binges, poker games, cat fights or barmitzvas.. Poser out...

[JiNX]

A lot has happened during the off season and it does look like it's showing. The IAA is at a standstill with what the main objective of the community is. Veterens and many others want the community to have a "Milsim" objective and not a place where people talk and host small skirmishes with no point in the game.

We have chatted about switching the team into full milsim mode in order to unify the team and make our appearence more uniform which would help us and the organization. I'm deicated to the sport/hobbie 110% percent for those that know me. I spend thousands each year on gear, guns and parts so dedication is no question with me.

The main problem with our organization is Time and Money. A few of our members don't have the luxery to spends hundreds each month on gear and entry fee's. A few of us are busy with either school, work, and family life (kids). Cheez and Stash both are either new fathers or fathers again and money might be tight especially with the current economy. Some of us are available on certain dates while others are not. Some of us can travel halfway across Indiana for an event while others cannot.

I do like the idea of having two teams/squads. I think we've been too easy with members coming in and not even participating in IAA sactioned events. We should impliment something along the lines of strict requirements for making the team and participating "along with" the team. A lot of organized teams operate in a similar manner.

I'm all for newer members coming in and wanting to join but the joining up process has to have some sort of line.
I like the idea of a "dedicated squad", those that have the resources in having a full team loadout and commitment to travel to events whenever possible. I know not everyone is available all the time but making the effort to come to IAA sanctioned events is a must in order to put this team on the map as a dedicated group of individuals. I also like the idea of a "recruit squad", a squad of newcomers or members who may not have all the requirements to be on the "full squad". I think they would still be able to run with us at anytime but would be at a recruit status until they meet the requirements made by the team. That way, everybody is not discriminated against because he or she doesn't meet the full requirments but can still roll with us. It's more or less who deserves to wear the patch and represent the team as a whole when playing.

Para operates on a very similar basis. I've met some of their recurits who I've played with and ask what team their on and they respond with "I'm playing alongside Para as a recruit but not as a member of the team until blah blah blah".

Oh and welcome to the boards if I haven't already toastie and poser. ;D

[poser]

Awsome, this all sounds great to me. Im down... Poser out... OH thanks JiNX

[sandman]

the recruit squad sounds like a wonderful idea
have the new recruits on there and maybe one two senior members to lend a guiding hand
i think it would work out exceptionaly well
i for one love to be on that team just because it would make me work harder and
i would actually earn the the right to call myself [rr]
that feeling or sense of "graduating" would be unforgetable in my mind
even more so if we had a ceramony or something awarding you your [rr] patch