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Post by Rajiv on Apr 2, 2014 16:22:48 GMT 8
From the post above: .... .... For a couple of weeks now, I have been thinking of encouraging users to predict the final score instead. This could be done as individual posts, either on the schedule thread after the line ups go up, or on the report thread, with it going up earlier, as soon as possible after the line ups go up. We could even have a prediction table to complement the team selector/captain table. I have considered awarding points as follows: - 4 points for correctly predicting the result and the exact scoreline.
- 3 points for correctly predicting the margin or being one goal off from the correct scoreline.
- 2 points for correctly predicting the result, but the wrong scoreline.
- 1 point for participating.
If a user's prediction falls into more than one category, it will be awarded points from the highest category only. Only one prediction will be allowed per user per game. Like the team selector/captain table, it will be weighted to take into account that users will have predicted different number of games. I am prepared to give credits as a prize to the top predictor at the end of each 6 month period. To avoid a situation where a player in the game tries to influence the game towards his prediction, predictions by players in the game will be excluded from the table. Therefore, the prediction table will be for users who aren't playing in that game. It can extend to users who are not in the GIFFA Players group even. However, as non-GIFFA Players cannot post on the schedule thread, it will mean the report thread will have to go up earlier, as soon as possible after the line ups are posted. It will allow for the following: - Those who are out of our games long term, either through injury, being away from Singapore, or other commitments, can continue to be involved.
- Players who are not regulars in a particular game can become more familiar with the players in that game.
- Users who are interested in watching and discussing football, but not necessarily interested in playing, can participate.
And its all for fun anyway. .... And from the "Reports, polls & chat" board: .... To allow registered users who are not in the GIFFA Player group to participate, I will put up the report thread earlier on the day of the game, any time before, or when, the team selector/captain poll closes (usually 4.5 hours before the game). Once the line ups are settled, any registered user can predict the result. Those who are in GIFFA Player group can do so either on the schedule thread or the report thread. Those who are not in the GIFFA Player group can do so on the report thread. Only make one prediction, any time up to the start of the game. You can change it anytime before the game starts by editing the post. If you change it after the the game starts, the prediction is not valid. If you make more than one prediction, the later or the last will be the only valid prediction. If, from April to September 2014, there are at least 10 players validly predicting at least 5 games each, there will be a prize for the highest placed user who has validly predicted at least 5 games. Although strictly speaking, the predictions and the prediction table are not part of the "GIFFA System", and more "OPSAGE", I will maintain the prediction table on the "Weekly Round Ups & Team Selector Table" board. For now, the thread for discussing predictions and the prediction table will be this "The social dimension, and fun" thread. Also, from the "Keeping score & the competitive edge" thread: .... For the new season (April to September 2014), I will create an "Overview" post to be stickied on the "Weekly Round Up & Table" board, .... .... I have created the post and added the following: There are two GIFFA seasons for every 12 month period, the first from April to September, and the second from October to March the following year. ..... Each report thread also allows for pre-game predictions. There will be a separate prediction table updated on a spreadsheet on Google Docs. Points are awarded as follows: - 4 points for correctly predicting the result and the exact scoreline.
- 3 points for correctly predicting the margin or being one goal off from the correct scoreline.
- 2 points for correctly predicting the result, but the wrong scoreline.
- 1 point for participating.
Only the last prediction by registered users not playing in that game made on either the schedule thread or the report thread for that game before the game starts will be included. Players will be listed by the Average Adjusted Points, which is: .... At the end of a season, provided that there are at least 10 users who have made at least 5 predictions each, the highest placed player in the table who has at least 5 results included will win a prize. .... |
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Post by Rajiv on Jan 29, 2015 14:27:35 GMT 8
As discussed on this board several times over the years, most recently in June 2013 on the "Keeping score & competitive edge" thread of our games suffer from overzealousness - players go into tackles much harder than the rules allow, or verbal exchanges get out of hand. I may not know about it if I am not informed and incidents are not mentioned in the report thread, but I was informed that it twice blew up for the Tuesday game at The Cage @ Kallang, first on 2 December 2014, then again on 16 December 2014. As I pointed out on the report thread for the latter game: .... The pitch at The Cage is small, and even with 5-a-side, the players are close together, leading to more physical contact. However, this is football, not wrestling. There has to be a lot more give and take, and self-control, if The Cage game is to continue. Reminders from the Playing Rules & Principles thread: .... Our core values are: - Maintaining health, fitness and/or interests even as we get older through sustainable participation in sports and other activity.
- Facilitating a work-life balance.
- Voluntary participation with maturity and in good spirits.
- Achieving a balanced and healthy perspective on sport and competition.
- Developing friendships and finding enjoyment through participation.
Everyone who plays by the rules and core values is welcome. The converse is that anyone who does not play by the rules and core values is not welcome. During a game, the two team selectors/captains also have the final say on the application of the Playing Rules & Principles. If the team selectors/captains cannot agree, the issue should be discussed on the report thread after the game, and may be followed up on the appropriate announcements and developments thread Any residual dissatisfaction after the game can also be discussed on the report thread for the game. .... .... - The following are not allowed during a game:
- sliding tackle
- raising of foot above knee level.
- tackle from behind
- tackle where the sole of the shoe makes contact with an opposing player
- body checks
- shoulder charge
- raising of elbow
- outstretched arm
- raising of knee when jumping
- pushing
- holding
- kicking or hacking a player.
- tripping a player.
If significant contact is made with an opposing player by any of the above, it is a foul (even if the ball is won), with a free kick to the opposing side if committed outside the D and a penalty if committed inside the D. Any player who repeatedly commits such fouls will be suspended. .... - Sometimes, words may be said to a player falling short of the basic standard which seem harsh. However, please no swearing or show of aggression towards your team mates or opponents.
.... And from the report thread for the game last Saturday (24 January 2015): .... Banter aside, the game threatened to boil over on Saturday mainly from decisions and bickering. I even asked Des during the game to make sure his side keep their heads and calm down. (I was strangely calm for once myself at this point). Some of the tackling was full blooded and I think in part has led to Brendan fracturing his toe I believe which is a shame as that would most probably rule him out of any more GIFFA games before he departs S'pore. .... As also spelt out previously on the "Keeping score & competitive edge" thread: .... As the aim is to keep our games competitive, there are bound to be the occasional heated moment, even in games other than the Saturday game. The main considerations are: * It doesn't affect safety, such as over-zealous tackling, retaliation, or other acts of recklessness or excess force. * It doesn't affect the rest of the game. * Players can shake hands after, whether immediately after the incident or at least immediately after the game. * If anything lingers from the incident, it can be discussed on the message board, and put to rest there, before the next game involving the same players. Our games are ultimately social. |
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Post by Rajiv on Jan 14, 2016 10:11:00 GMT 8
I have renamed the "Sportsmanship v Gamesmanship" thread on the "Introductions, Requests & Chat" board as "Attitudes". From that thread: .... The issues are clearly broader than simply "Sportsmanship v Gamesmanship". It is about the attitude players have about our games, or take during our games, and covers several aspects, including: - Gamesmanship, including winding up opponents, simulation, and feigning injury, and making unnecessary calls during a game or insisting on calls going in one's favour.
- Excessive arguing and unnecessary displays of hostility, anger, or aggression.
- Over-reacting or retaliating, whether in words or overzealous tackling.
Further, we all need to learn to balance the competitive edge to our games with the primary social dimension. Accordingly, I will re-name this thread "Attitudes". The social dimension is primary. Competitiveness is the edge. Players who overdo the competitiveness have to consider whether they want to play with us, or find a team playing in a competitive league, or even organise their own game. Our values are clearly stated on the "Playing Rules & Principles" thread: .... Our core values are: - Maintaining health, fitness and/or interests even as we get older through sustainable participation in sports and other activity.
- Facilitating a work-life balance.
- Voluntary participation with maturity and in good spirits.
- Achieving a balanced and healthy perspective on sport and competition.
- Developing friendships and finding enjoyment through participation.
Everyone who plays by the rules and core values is welcome. The converse is that anyone who does not play by the rules and core values is not welcome. .... I will remind players of this as often as necessary. Given the primary social dimension, I am loathe to suspend or ban any player. Over 9 years, I have only ever banned one player, a player who had already given several indications that he thought he was better or more important than he actually was, for being grossly abusive towards me, in response to my merely asking him to wait for line ups to be decided before assigning colours. All because he wanted to know what colour top to bring, and I told him that if he was in a rush, to bring both, which is in any event provided for under the GIFFA System.  Unprovoked and excessive personal abuse, violence well beyond the physical contact inherent in football, or putting other's safety at serious risk are probably the only things for which I would impose an immediate sanction. And exaggerating incidents or over-reacting to them in order to influence me will be counter-productive. And I will remember. Our players need to get on with each other for the system to work. A lot of players meet for the first time through our games, and get to know each other well. Players who don't appreciate the core values, or the system we work with, have to decide for themselves if they want to continue playing with us. I never try to "cajole" anyone to play. That is why I took some offence in the following exchange with Dennis last week (7 January 2016):  If Dennis just wants to play with his own friends, he can always organise his own game. That is generally true for anyone who only wants to play with his own group of friends. Dennis is well capable of organising his own game, and if he finds it useful, he even can make use the OPSAGE board on the forum to do so.  Given the primary social dimension, I would rather seek to modify unsuitable behaviour through repeated reminders, rather than adding or imposing more technical or rigid rules and sanctions. I had put up a poll on the "Attitudes" thread on whether Dennis should be punished with a suspension for past transgressions. From that thread: .... From another Whites player this morning, via WhatsApp: The players who voted for Dennis as captain also have to stand up and take responsibility for last night's game deteriorating the way it did. Voting is not to be taken lightly. Ian has suggested that Dennis needs a counsellor. None of us here are counsellors, not that I know of. I certainly am not. Dennis will have to find his own. Perhaps he could start with an anger management course. .... Hi all, This is all a bit over the top really to me and it seems as though far more attention is being directed on Dennis than is warranted. Yes he kicked off about a couple of things and there is a tendency for the debate and mumblings between players to simmer on throught the game in such situations but was last night really that bad??? Rajiv - you've given him the zip it card and then he was immediately appointed captain. Suggest giving Dennis a few games not as captain so he has a chance to play without the obligation of being the lead to speak up when incidents occur. Certainly putting the 'transgression' poll out there makes me feel that Dennis is being bullied and I'm not getting involved in that. Raph Unfortunately Raphael, as stated above, Dennis was voted captain. .... .... I am minded to agree with you on the poll Raphael. If anyone else posts below to support your contention, I will remove it. Let's keep polls for the dirty Politicians of this world. The following views were also messaged to me on WhatsApp: - Ian was concerned that the parameters of the poll were unclear.
- Dennis was of the view that the poll is nothing more than a popularity poll.
.... Anyway, I have taken Raj's post as supporting Raphael's contention, and have deleted the poll. .... As I discussed with Dennis, I don't think I was so much concerned by how many voted against Dennis, as I already know quite well the strength of feeling against him. I was curious to see how many come out in support of Dennis and vote in his favour. Never mind. .... Sometimes, we have to ask ourselves who our friends really are. |
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Post by Rajiv on Jan 19, 2016 16:59:04 GMT 8
Continuing from above, from the schedule thread for the game today (Tuesday) at the Grandstand (small pitch): .... From the "Attitudes" thread: .... - Dennis will be excluded from future team selector/captain polls until further notice.
- The "zip it" rule will apply to Dennis. If any other player faces Dennis and runs an imaginary zip across his own mouth, Dennis is not to utter a word for the next 5 minutes. The player doing so should do so from a reasonable distance in order not to inflame or aggravate the situation.
.... The alternative mode of applying the "zip-it" rule is that each player print the image below in colour, stick it on cardboard, cut out the shape, and carry it with them during the game. Flash the card as and when necessary.  It might be best to laminate the card, to prevent it from being damaged by perspiration during the game. A bit like kindergarten or primary school art, isn't this. If any of you have young children, they may enjoy making one for you. Or I could ask my 6-year old to do 11. Only to be used in games that Dennis plays, and Dennis doesn't get one.  very creative thoughts all round and definitely should be given serious thought altho i must add that the zippy outfit will cause slight impediments during open play. I am not skipper this time round so flash cards would work. Let's hope some individuals actually follow the rules. it gets boring otherwise and if you are getting hammered please dont be so sore about it.....  Setting aside the seriousness of all the aggravation Denis has engendered and the hostility felt towards him, at least he has a sense of humour. And our games should be fun, so as long as the "zip-it rule and the zip-it card are applied sensibly and with good humour, things should work out alright. Everyone should learn to leave their anger and frustrations at the work-place or at home when they come for our games. And the zip-it card might make a great novelty item, something to carry around in daily life, to flash at "gobby" people you meet along the way. If it's not already readily available, I might actually follow up on this, to manufacture and sell "zip-it" cards for daily use. It would have more purpose than:  Or  Or  For the avoidance of doubt, I claim all the intellectual property in the concept of the zip-it card, including making it available as a novelty item.  I might need some original artwork though! And, I might have to share some of the credit with Raphael. From the "Attitudes" thread: .... I had the following exchange with Dennis on WhatsApp on 6 January 2016: - Me: I've introduced a zip it rule for you.
- Dennis: Sure, that's what Raph does for me
.... In lieu of K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid!), imagine saying it with a very bad speech impediment (perhaps after major dental surgery), and end up saying K.I.F.F. - Keep It Fun Fools! There's a stronger word I could use for the last "F", but I know how to exercise self-restraint. |
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Post by Rajiv on Aug 26, 2019 6:33:56 GMT 8
From the "GIFFA system & playing rules" thread: .... Our primary routine games are about giving more players the opportunity to play across a broader range of games, rather than fewer players rushing to grab or hog limited placed in a few games. It's not about getting your name in within the first couple of hours, but about making the commitment within the first 24 hours to play. .... And from the "GIFFA values, principles & standards" thread: .... ..., the entire system is based on a pooling effect, and on everyone being accommodating and flexible. In giving players an opportunity to play, I seek to accommodate as many players as possible. The least I would expect is for those who benefit from the system to reciprocate by being accommodating and flexible. I now schedule 8 games a week, so everyone who wants a game should be able to get a game, provided that they are accommodating and flexible. .... .... If players can only play on a particular day, time and/or venue, and are not interested in contributing in other ways, there are other avenues to find games, such as Stranger Soccer. I have neither the time nor inclination to pander to every whim or fancy of players, especially players who are themselves neither accommodating nor flexible in return. ..... Those who are accommodating and flexible, to the benefit of the system, should themselves benefit. A simple enough value, applied transparently. I also see it as part of the give and take that reinforces a community. All the games are part of the same community. I don't see any PRG game as superior or inferior. Some games are more competitive, others less so, and while being more competitive is seen by the regulars of such games as making those games better, overly competitive games are in some ways contrary to the core values. From the schedule thread for the game on Saturday, 24 August 2019: .... We should take into account that Saturday has a strong core group of regulars. The rule disadvantages the core group in a bid to attract players to games that might be doomed at any rate. .... .... I don't think the dynamics around the Saturday game should be altered to try and encourage participation in other games .... I think the above comments do not appreciate that the entire system is to give more players an opportunity to play, based on a pooling effect. I am not organizing a Saturday evening game for Saturday regulars, or a Monday night game for Monday regulars, or a Wednesday night game for Wednesday regulars. As stated above, I organize as many games as necessary to give more players an opportunity to play. Also from the "GIFFA values, principles & standards" thread: .... Further, as new players only get a place if there are still places, or places become available, 48 hours or more after the schedule thread goes up, the regulars for the more popular games being familiar with the less popular games makes it easier for them to introduce new players. As several players drop out over time or don't come back, new players are essential for the pooling effect, and the sustainability of this entire platform. .... If 14 to 16 regulars or more for any particular popular game disagree with me, and want to run the game themselves, they are welcome to do so. .... .... Further, only giving priority in the first 24 hours for the more popular games to those who played in the related less popular game leaves the community fractured, which isn't in the interests of the system. Players becoming familiar with other players across venues and days benefits the entire system. Players may be more willing to play whenever they are available (rather than sticking rigidly to one venue or time) and that enhances the pooling effect. For one reason or other, there have been several changes recently in venue for particular days of the week. Changes in the schedule are one way to compel players to try out other games, and to become more familiar with the broader pool of players, but this can't be a long term solution. With effect from the game scheduled for 31 August 2019, apart from the priority for selectors/captains from, and first reports for, the previous week's game, priority in the first 24 hours after the schedule thread for a game that has players on waitlist within 24 hours ("fast-filling games") will be given to PRG players who committed to play in games scheduled to take place in the 7 days up to the day the fast-filling game is scheduled (including the day the game is scheduled) that did not fill up within 72 hours of the schedule thread for those games being put up, or has less than the minimum number at any time in the 48 hours before the game ("slow-filling games"). Players who are flexible, and willing to play at several venues, on different days, will always benefit. 72 hours after the schedule thread goes up is a few hours more than 48 hours before the game. Most of the venues now enforce a 48-hour cancellation policy, so apart from reducing the payment per player by $1, I need to incentivise players coming forward to fill the remaining places in a slow-filling game. The current rules of guests are as follows: To further try to fill slow-filling games, and encourage new or newer players to join our games, with effect from the game on Saturday, 31 August 2019, the guest rules will be relaxed as follows: Going back to the game on 24 Aug 2019, after other withdrawals, only Arijit lost a place due to the priority rules, to Damian. As messaged by Raj on the WhatsApp group chat at 1.46 pm on Saturday (24 Aug 2019): And earlier on the schedule thread: .... Arijit has been with us for so many years and seeing him down to reserves doesn’t makes sense . .... Arijit may well be a dedicated participant in Babs's beer sponsor scheme, but it was never his "place" in the game to begin with. And the fact of the matter is that the beer sponsor scheme should not interfere with the GIFFA system, not vice versa! Even if, for whatever reason, a regular player does not get a confirmed place, he can still come and watch the game, and join in the after-game beers. He can even do a non-playing report, for which there is a $1 credit, and for which I am prepared to consider giving priority for the following week's game. Iqbal contacted me on 24 August 2019 about an 11-a-side social game on 31 Aug 2019. I suggested he start a thread on the "OPSAGE" board, which ahe did. From the thread started by Iqbal: I don't think the profile of our current players is such that we can fill or sustain an 11-a-side game. To do so, we would need to broaden the profile of our regular players. A regular weekend 11-a-side game is something I am willing to consider and pursue in the longer term. Broadening the profile of our players would also broaden the community. From the "Additional weekend game" thread on the OPSAGE board: Have you every considered weekend morning ? Some of those with family may be able to "sneak" out for early games. If it's an all-comers' game, bring the family instead of "sneaking" away from the family. All-comers' games are open to anyone over 12, including females. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. A greater range of activities would also make for greater enjoyment, and fun. |
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I might need some original artwork though! 
