"Noobs" hosting games
 

Recently there has been an influx of "noobs" hosting games in the GTA. By noobs I mean people with little time here on the forums, haven't had time to establish a reputation and only a handful of people have met before. Am I the only one that sees this as a potential for something to go wrong?

I always thought that for someone to be a game host they must have an established reputation and a solid understanding of the locally accepted rules for games. Sure someone could say that have that understanding after 1 game, but is that person trustworthy? Who knows?

Personally I would not attend a game hosted by a person who's still wet behind the ears and know little about the person other than a post they made a month ago introducing themselves to the board and asking what AEG they should get as their first.

What are you thoughts on this topic?

Well how did that person conduct themselves at that one game they attended? Just because someone is new doesn't automatically mean that they can't come up with a good idea for a scenario and safely implement it. Just curious what requirments would you like to see before a person can host a game?

Seeing how hectic things can get with properly organized games. I'd have to say no, absolutely not. Being able to handle situations gone wrong properly is simply key to keep things running smoothly. Just to keep both parties of the situation happy can be seriously tedious and can also pretty much be the sole factor whether a game will fall apart or not. People with no experience would most likely handle such things really, really bad >>. I'm not even sure I want to think of what could happen.

Like Ive said Ive always though of a game host to be someone who is reliable and trustworthy. How do we know someone is reliable and trustworthy without having a reputation within the community?

I would agree with RockNRoll here. Like that guy who posted a thread for a game at FR a little while ago. He was new to the forums, and unverified. He said underagers were allowed, and he was charging like $30, and he said "Cost: $30 to be given to me, the host". Even though at FR, the money is less than that ($25 I think) and is given straight to the guys that work there.

I'm pretty sure he turned out to be like 16 or 17 lol.
And he copied his rules and info straight from Dr.Jimmy's tuesday night FR games threads.

For me it would depend. I mean if it was someone with no experience whatsoever save for a single game I'd be very wary.

If it was the same person who attended one game and got to know people and introduced themselves to the community, I could see it (but I still wouldn't go).

If it was the same person but they also had paintball game and hosting experience (woodsball not speedball) then yeah definitely.

However it seems like you're referring to someone who just has one game under their belt and maybe a few paintball games (like previous drop in paintball games), in that case yeah something should be done about that but it shouldn't be a big deal like you can't do this stop now. Maybe lend them a guiding hand and show them the ropes (or don't let them host games and make them a co-host so that they learn the tricks of the trade then when they become competent enough let them go out on their own).

My thoughts about this are the same with Rock, ujiro and Lasency (your name is hard to say)

By definition to me a Noob Host is the following:
(They can have one or all of the characteristics)

- Not strict with rules
- No control of the game whatsoever
- Just came to play and have fun instead of hosting a good game
- Has no one to vouch for their hosting experience
- Sets rules and FPS limits that are not on par with the previous games done in the same venue
- Does not fully listen to experienced members
- Does not know how to setup a player list of attendance (Meaning +1's are unknowns)

I have a very big problem with +1's and unknowns coming to games I hosted in the past. Some people would just show up without posting on the forum and bring their friends along who are not in the right attire and do not fully understand the rules of Airsoft games and most of the time they don't really care to hear the rules, they just want to shoot.

What can I do to host then?

Get to know the community better and go to all the different games in your area before hosting.
Especially the GTA players as this place is noob city with all the airsoft shops opening up in our area makes it easier to have more new players who may be good and nice but also leaves it open for bad ones.

My Personal take on hosting
I am relatively new here as well only a year under my belt, but before I hosted games at particular venues I always asked for advice and followed every rule to the best of my ability, and I would make sure I knew people that could vouch for me. I admit it was bumpy at first but I got to know some good people in the community before trying to host games. On a sidenote thanks to the Ghost guys (Endy/Safx) and Brian M. and good old Ancorp and Pus and father Tyson for showing me the ropes.

Once you get the feel of how Airsoft games go, then you should host. Reason I am saying this is not because automatically noob host are bad, I say this so you get to know what went well and what went wrong in a Airsoft game. Once you do that then you will be able to host a game with very little problems and no drama.

There are Newbie host and then there are noob host

Newbie host are people like me, got to know some good people in the community asked for help and advice and have people to vouch for me. Fully understand the rules in place and enforce them

Noob host are one gamers with very little Airsoft game hosting experience, tend to be unverified, and do not fully understand the rules nor know how to enforce them, and also do not understand why certain rules are in place

Noob Host should NOT host because if something terribly goes wrong not only do you mess things up for the people playing but for any future Airsofters that may want to use the particular venue

I'm guessing this is about the game i'm hosting i can assure you i will take all measures for safety for my game and inforce them.

If you think that i'm incapable of hosting then do not show up for this game and ask around to people who will go if the game if it was fine before you pass judgement

down here in lower mainland, we have a very nicely structured method of choosing our field marshals. Only chosen and the experienced can become one.

However a few months ago, we had this guy who became a field marshal(I've never seen him at any games before). I didn't really care at first until he refused to not call his hits FOUR times.

It was a pistol round and I Mk23ed him 4 Shots to the leg 30 feet(Yes, 30 feet). I had him flanked and I clearly saw the BBs hit him(I can't miss at 30 feet and not see the BB bounce). I kept shooting at him until I just gave up and screamed at him, then he called it.

A few weeks later another player told me that he was saying shit like "Dont light me up from this close, I have the right to ban you from games!"

Totally power trippin

just my 2 cents.

there are 2. yours is one of them.

I have noticed that it also pulls noobs out of the woodwork who no one knows or seen be at the field. apparently a noob host gives noob players a sense of security that they can finally crawl out of their hole and play a game, instead of starting at a game with lots of vets and experienced players who will spend the time to answer questions and help a new player out.

It seems that they are scared to play some of the bigger games with well known figures in this community.

No its not just about you, the worst is the one that Ujiro posted about below. But there were also other games as well that have New guys hosting some have proven successful while others not so much if you take a look at the After Action report thread you'll find one about the crazy drama that once happened on the FR outdoor field

I know the game you are talking about. I didn't go to it.
Host and his friends were shooting off rounds in the SAFE AREA where people had their goggles off. In fact, they were shooting towards the bathrooms, where people were inside/walking towards.

That is why noob hosts are fail. No accountability really, and nobody knows for sure whether it is going to turn out well.

I'm doing alot of planing for the game, tomorow I'm going to walk down to the field to do a safety check on that trapdoor and some other areas as well as planing for the games .

I'm also taking advice from other hosts to help make things runs smoothly.

Do you think i'm going the right way with this?

i think the first thing you should is get age verified

I think if a new guy wants to host, he should hook up with a host at some game, and act as the co-host.
That way he can learn a thing or 2, see what it's all about.

I will be getting age verfied sometime before the game.I've also been on this forum a long time now, I'm not some person who signed up last week and decided that i'm going to go on the field with a clear springer i bought from walmart.

Hopefully i will be doing regular games at cqb over the course of the winter .So please don't pass judgement before you see what i have to offer.

really? so why do you insist on keeping the 360fps when it has been consistently set in the GTA to 350fps as the max limit? (take look at tyson's game threads at cqb)

I called out another noob host (I think it was the underager trying to setup at FR) why he set his max FPS higher than the accepted maximum and it was because his gun ran hot and was too lazy and cheap to get it lower.

Nothing is wrong with your game, that is why I was advising you on what to do instead of saying DON'T DO IT. In other words you are a Newbie Host just like me, recentely started to host, got to know some vets and is willing to make things work

Noob host wouldn't listen to what we have to say nor would they care to try to make things better, which is not you.

On the higher then standard indoor fps , i was thinking since its nearing the end of the regular outdoor season some people may not have there springs changed yet that is my reason behind that .

But i will lower since its causing me to much backlash.

Also for the drug bust and bomb diffusal games i will have some props a package of drugs and a briefcase with a stop watch inside that you must stop before the time is up

i still consider myself a noob.

m102404 has set the indoor maximum to 350fps for all events held at CQB and some were in the middle of the summer. I don't see what nearing the end of the outdoor season has to do with anything.

I'm simply saying what it thought and i have stated i've lowered it now so there no more need to discuss .

.... Well that is sound logic I guess (assuming people only play outsude during summer and run with higher speed guns) but there is a fatal flaw in it. People still play CQB games during the summer. Take Claybank for example, I didn't go but on the rules there was an indoor rules section (300 FPS) in addition to outdoor rules (420 FPS).

You should probably change that. But at least its good that you understand and are taking the constructive criticism. I would actually consider going to a game you run since you seem to have a good head on your shoulders and at least consider safety (not like shooting in the safe zone, and having general safety violations).

I'm trying to get things right the first time around because i realy wan't run games through the winter at cqb , It just as seems that since i haven't hosted before people feel the need to bring down the Ban hammer Instead of coming down and having a fun night.

It's like having a new army recruit lead a war. Not a good idea. It's better to do once you build up more experience by playing more games, and possibly co-hosting games with someone who has more experience.

We'll i invite you to come down to the game .

You're kidding right?

You would compromise everyone's safety to save a couple of lazy ass goobs the trouble of swapping a spring?

Right there you have disqualified yourself as having the proper mind set to be an effective host.

350 should be considered the MAXIMUM FPS not the Target ..

280 to 330 is optimal .. 350 is allowed

There is nowhere within CQB Paintball that is outside of the effective range of practically any AS gun.. even shooting at 280 fps. There is no use or need for higher FPS except to hit your friends harder.

It depends how he/she conduct themselves.

Just because they aren't active on ASC doesn't mean they are noobs.

I know a lot of GREAT airsoft players that are barely active on ASC.

ASC is just a canadian airsoft forum (with a lot of info on it), thats it.

Personally, i would not attend a game from someone that hasn't hosted before. I have seen how hard/stressing hosting can be (keep it up testi:D) and i have my doubts a new host could do good.

My tip for any new host is to start small. 15-20 people per game is a lot easier to handle than 50+. Oh and start during summer. Their is nothing worst than wait for people to arrive when its -25.

Brian i have already stated that i lowered the fps of the game and i am taking all safety precautions for the game and taking suggestions .I'm trying to be a good host not a "Noob" like the regular influx of underaged kids asking where they can buy all black guns and asking if they can order from the states without i getting siezed and trolling the forums to get everyone in a flame storm

looking forward to the AAR on this one ;)

Nice way to start off your hosting reputation.

Too many people feel the need to flame instead of giving advice.

Why do you see it as flaming? Are people calling you dumb? Are people calling you stupid? Are people calling you ANYTHING? They are giving their opinion about you hosting a game. If you can't deal with that how are you possibly gonna handle a situation that may arise in a game?

This thread was just a general inquiry but I guess you decided to turn it into a thread directed at you. And a number of well respected members of the community that also are respected game hosts have voiced their opinions. And this is how you react?

Yeah its like that on ASC don't worry about it too much, that happens its just a way to see if you can survive the flames and come out on top. Most of the time noobs go on a rampage of posts.

Anyway if its making people too anxious I can confirm with you on Oct 19 if I can come to Co-host

So for now lets put the flamethrowers to rest and see how things turn out, then judge.

I'll leave the rest of the discusion up to you guys i think i have my game set on the right track at the moment . feel free to discuss other Noob hosts

We are not flaming you. By we I am reffering to coach, steve, ect who have played at this CQB. We know what it takes to host, and play at this game. We are against a different set of rules just because "you feel like it" mentality, maybe its not you, put perhaps your 4 un-named friends who have 360+ fps guns and dont want to spring swap.. seen it happen before at a game hosted by an unknown to the game. Its been mentioned before, over the summer the night game, the attempted rip off game, ect. Its all caused us to raise our eyes to things that are out of the norm and just seem taylored to fit what you want, not whats safe and accepted.

Don't get so defensive and then stomp away all butthurt. Lots of people here have large amounts of hosting experience and you would do well to pick their brains for advice.

i read the post ofthe fr game hosted buy the underaged kid where the aar for that game

Do your self a big favor— ask a
regular from CQB who's got hosting
experience to help you at least for
this 1st time.

If your willing to do that people
may change their tune.

Do nothing and change nothing.

i asked cbcsteve to cohost with me .

Correction

I volunteered, no one asked me to do it, I decided on my own accord cause I like CQB field and I do not want something to go wrong and the future players not being able to use it

i worded that wrong he volunteered and i accepted .Thank you .

And if I remember right, KoolAidMan is gonna be playing the game, so essentially the game will be hosted by cbcsteve since hes a non-combatant.

Which if it comes to that the game will be reported in the AAR as hosted by me and not Koolaid but it is up to you Koolaid to work it well, I will report in the AAR objectively and have a checklist in my mind.

But if it ends up me having to take over hosting that means you should not host in the future and take more time going to games and getting your rep up.

I'm here to help but I won't be babying you all the way.

I wonder how hes gonna do that while playing...

Good to see cbcsteve step up to the plate and put his reputation on the line for this as well as everyone who plays airsoft in the GTA to this exceptional venue.

For those who have not, I suggest you take a gander at the game thread itself and see the goings on there.

Thats the way it is on ASC. Just get your stuff ready, i see cbsteve can co-host, go for it mate and good luck :)

i view myself as a relative noob to hosting but thus far have had no real issues at any of my games. i like to think that past experience i have has helped make my games run smoothly.
i always make it a point to make sure i listen to the veterans and i rarely take the chance to play. only if the game has been running smoothly for a while do i ever kit up. i also make sure i am not the only marshal on the field during games.
for me hosting is about making sure everyone attending my games has a good time. thats why i do it. its not for me. its for them.
also since all of the games i have hosted have been on my property i feel like i have more at stake if a game goes bad. thats why i take game safety very seriously. i understand things happen and accidents occur but minimizing that is what i try to do.

yep, they're thinking "oh man its not gonna be all strict like when that m103598743575 guy does his games there" and BAM! you have a bunch of idiots running around playing 6mm paintball and ignoring the safety rules.

also, unkown randoms bother me both on the field and in the staging area, they:

1. usually don't call their hits, or they call others out for them
2. usually run hi-caps and spray everywhere
3. have no concept of MED's
4. usually have no safety in the safe zones
5. usually come in jeans and a hoody or some other inappropriate attire
6. don't listen to the rules regarding respawns, or how/where to exit the field so as not to fuck up the game for the remaining players
7. talk too much during the game
8. I don't like leaving my shit in the staging area with a bunch of ppl I don't know, especially when the other ASC people there don't know them, something goes missing and everyone gets pissed

To KoolAidMan:

The "trapdoor issue" is not an issue at all, there happens to be a hole in the floor for accessing a ladder to the ground floor, not knowing that the hole is there or not watching where you are stepping is dangerous, make sure others are aware of this. Don't say that you are going down to CQB to "make sure the trapdoor issue has been addressed" there is nothing to be addressed but to let ppl know to watch their step, which they should already be doing anyway.

Also, how many games have you been to apart from the one Defcon game?

I took the following from the actual game thread...some edits for here.

I am not against a "noob" hosting a game. There's a valid perception that someone without a lot of practical airsoft field play will not be as conscious/aware of what it takes (good and bad) to run a safe game (oh...and yeah, players should have fun too!!!)....but there's a lot of level headed people out there who deserve the chance. Approach it properly...and it'll be for the better of the community. It is EXTREMELY helpful to have some senior guys attending/helping. You're asking them to give up their evening/game to help you...and if approached nicely, you'll probably find a few that don't mind at all.

I strongly suggest you approach hosting an event with 100% of your efforts/attention towards overwatching the players and game (especially for the first few events). Forget even strapping on a gun or gearing up. Much like yourself, I started to host events there because I wanted to play at a cool venue....but once things started off, I found that I spent more time setting things up and keeping the game flow going than actually playing. And I had 4-8 senior guys helping me run each event!! And the player base was 80-90% senior guys!! I purposely stacked the deck in my favour to ensure they were going to at least not be a failure.

It is pointless to walk people through the area pointing out hazards....there are too many. The best way to approach that issue is to clearly make it known at the pre-game briefing that there are falling/tripping/head-banging hazards. Each player that steps onto the playing area...assumes that risk and is OBLIGATED to take whatever precautions they feel are nescessary to protect themselves. That includes dressing appropriately, wearing protective gear and going at a safe pace.

That's not just for CQB...that's for any venue. Dummies will find a way to hurt themselves regardless of where they are. I make it a point to run around every field and trip/bang into every obstacle...(or maybe it's just that I'm clumsy :rolleyes:).

Guys who take such a cavalier approach to things are where issues come from. Guys who are going to go "guys&guns gone wild" should be banned from any event where the safety of others and the reputation of the group is at stake.

Don't mistake me...this is a physical sport and guys are going to get hurt. But don't stack the deck against yourself by having a player roster full of dummies.

Take a look at Dividay's first game. "Private game, senior/vet guys only"....it flew out of control when dummies crawled out of the woodwork and showed up randomly. He didn't put it foot down and the day was trashed, his rep for hosting games ruined and there's about a 0.001% chance that many "senior/vet" guys will ever bother going to one of his events again.

The perception that someone's on-line conduct doesn't necessarily reflect their in-person conduct is bullsh*t. If the person cannot conduct themselves rationally (consistently rational...everyone is allowed to vent/rant once in a while :)) when simply typing on the Internet....then what chance do they stand of acting appropriately with a weapon in their hand?!?!

Wow, with all this info maybe I could host? LOL no no. A tight and small community here, we just skirmish but soon the events will start flowing as I keep pushing!