Wednesday, March 11, 2015

PBA vs. PSP Pro teams?

Right, the Pro (webcast) schedule is out. Although exactly how that's gonna play out in terms of the competition results is still uncertain. All the Pro teams have been guaranteed four matches but the PSP is still playing fast and loose with the format--and they're doing it without even bothering to inform the teams that have already committed to playing. Look, I get the bind they're in. The PSP that is. Too many Pro teams disbanded in the off season and it's messed with the Champs and Challengers brackets. And while the rules for 2014 suggested the opening 2015 event would be one big Pro party it didn't provide any real details about how that party would be structured. (And the 2014 rulebook also implied the relegation matches at Cup wouldn't amount to anything.) So along comes 2015 and other items take precedence and before you know it the event is just around the corner and the Pro details have yet to be formalized. Oops. ) There's also the matter of logistics. A full Champs and Challengers uses two fields and the released schedule doesn't. Participation is down over last year and the savings on a field with ref crew is significant.
However, the circumstances, while possibly understandable, aren't relevant. The PSP's job #1 is to provide a paintball competition in accordance with known rules and format. And in this case it isn't happening. Not only isn't it happening but perhaps even more inexplicable is the lack of communication between the league and the Pro teams affected. One might even suggest it's blatant misrepresentation given the Pro teams have paid entries based on expectations that won't be fulfilled. If the circumstances don't rise to that level they demonstrate a clear lack of respect (or regard) for the competing teams and a willingness to put the PSP (and the PBA?) ahead of the implied competition promises made in the rules.
It's clear to VFTD that the priorities in the decision-making process was the PBA webcast and the available cost savings to be had in not setting up a Challengers field. Those choices forced the league to modify the format and alter the competition. While perhaps justifiable operationally it's completely inconsistent with the competition the league promised. The premier league in the world is behaving like a fly by night low rent local promotion out to line its pockets first. For whatever reason the PSP has gotten this completely wrong. The teams don't compete for the benefit of the webcast and the interests of the webcast shouldn't have any influence on the structure of the competition. For years the Millennium was routinely mocked for not having a rulebook but the PSP has one upped them. They have a rulebook but ignore it when it proves inconvenient. Of course on the flip side you get what you're willing to accept. If the Pro teams are willing to be disrespected and dictated to--guess what--eventually they will be. The bigger question may be how long will the teams continue to put up with it?  

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great write-up! I agree with all your points.
I'm still trying to figure out how they're going to get the bottom 8's games in on Sunday with semifinals plus pro and divisional finals.
Having only 3 matches to make the semis seems a little skewed. A lot of teams are going to be relegated (if that is still a thing this year) b/c of point margin.
Can you explain to me why they didn't just make 3 brackets w/ 5,5 and 6 teams? Isn't that in the rule book?

Unknown said...

Just another step towards oblivion? I think that there is sufficient hand writing on the wall to assume that there will be a drastic change in the Pro PB landscape either during the season or immediately following it. PSP as currently constituted (ownership) will not exist much longer. I think there have been to many transgressions and hurt feelings. The question really is who is going to pick up the pieces and what are their intentions. Buckle up, its gonna be a bumpy ride.

Anonymous said...

This was a good post! i think it will be very interesting to see what unfolds because of all the changes.

What do the pro teams do? Continue to be disrespected and "stepped on" by the PSP? Or show the PSP who holds the power? The PSP might have the power because that's where the best talent is for professionals and if you want to be "legit" you want to play in the PSP.

I know that might be a cynical viewpoint and I don't have all the details but we will see.

Unknown said...

I believe the pro teams have the power. You can only step on them but so much before they start flexing that muscle.

David Painter said...

Show me an alternative league to play in and I just might choose to play in it.

NewPro said...

You've been fair but this is the harshest tone yet, are you trying to incite or is there a bit of a revenge factor. Maybe the pros should seek another suitor, wcppl, mxsl, Nexl, travel from event to event sponsored by another altogether different suitor

Baca Loco said...

Dave
I've already detailed a way forward in PGTOW. And there may some viable similar options but at the end of the day if the pros want anything they will have to do it for themselves--or simply make their peace with whatever any league they associate with chooses to do.

NewPro
No revenge factor. If anything I'd hope the PSP would wake up. Even so the truth is I used to much harsher. Check any random month of two of posts from the early days. This is the kinder and gentler VFTD.

Anonymous said...

Baca what are your thoughts on the PSP charging the companies? How do you feel about the new pro schedule right now with I believe 3 prelims?

Specifically, and I don't mean to call out Dave Painter but I would like to hear from a pro player on the matter.

Also, Baca do you think the PSP will still be the top dog in a couple of years? What do you think the league will do if it begins to keep sliding?

Anonymous said...

Also, Baca what are your thoughts on the Millennium changing their league to offer a limited paint idea? Would you improve it?

Dave Painter said...

3 matches or 4 doesn't really matter - If you look at the Millennium they play 3 and it's worked for them for quite some time. My only real beef is the total lack of communication. I found out about 3 matches when the schedule rolled out on PBNation. I've emailed the league (twice now) looking for answers to some basic questions (Like will there be champs/challengers in nashville - what will the team split be if we have Champs/Challengers, what is the Sunday schedule, etc..) - No response.

Anonymous said...

I appreciate the response Dave. It seems like the PSP would want to respond to the players who support them (especially a pro player). Maybe, there are other reasons but honestly the questions you asked were not that weird or out of the ordinary.

What is the reasoning behind the lack of communication? Does the league not know where they want to go or do they remain private for other reasons? Good luck in Dallas for 187!

RG14 said...

Show a way for a league to (real) make money and someone might start another one.

Baca Loco said...

Anon(s)
The PSP should charge whatever they like. Nobody is compelled to pay. In this instance however I think it served as a gatekeeper that after a fashion protects the establishment players.

Format changes after entries have been paid is no bueno.

If participation numbers fall substantially enough the league will be forced to raise prices or cease operations.

I think the MS limited paint exhibition is an acceptable step to test the waters on the concept.

I have learned some more this evening about what's happening in the background that is relevant to the PSP's lack of communication and clarity. I will offer more details if I can get permission to do so from reticent sources.

MQ said...

Seems the PSP is suffering from a lack of Camille as much as anything else. She did a great job of communicating with the teams and I'm not sure her (important)role has been replaced like for like.

Unknown said...

Love for the game over profit - FIGHT.

Mark said...

This should be where someone rep'n the pro interests does the accounting of the psp's entry fees versus D3 & D4 since the pro entry revenues are, for the first time ever, larger than either D3 or D4 and yet THEY get 2 fields and 4 prelim games!!!!

Oh wait, this ain't Nation, nevermind.

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Anonymous said...

So what's Mike Hinman up to? Some interesting posts by him on facebook.

Anonymous said...

Well cats out of the bag. Hinman, Richmond, Bart, Rab, and Dave Baines are starting a competing national league. Interesting to see if they get KEE in board.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure there will be a post about this rumor. Thoughts? Will they change the format? Cheaper?

Anonymous said...

YFA is having the best day ever.

Anonymous said...

Awfully quiet on this blog considering the news elsewehere. What does Mr. Richards have to say for himself in regards to the rumors of taking over as CEO for the PSP?

MQ said...

silence speaks volumes.

Anonymous said...

Paul couldn't run a hotdog stand let alone a paintball league.

Anonymous said...

That's not very nice.

Coach isn't an idiot- he just knowingly makes the wrong choices. ;)

YFA

Anonymous said...

Scanning through all of the posts on this page the greatest span of inactivity is 6 days. We're now on day 8. Something is awry. Are the leagues trying to sell him on the best format? Is there a price for Mr. Richards opinion?

Anonymous said...

Sorry of your getting a ton of page views... it's just the paintball universe refreshing the page..waiting for SOMETHING to happen. Not even an OT post like nothings up. Just silence! If this was pbn we would be on page 32 of bs rumors right now.

Anonymous said...

And the witch hunt for Paul begins.

Anonymous said...

Come to think of it I thought I saw him on that grassy knoll in Dallas '63.

NTran said...

On facebook, I believe Paul said he had a bout of pneumonia. Which is also why he missed attending Dallas PSP.

Anonymous said...

RIP PAUL

-yfa

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