Team England EurOpen feedback and thoughts
Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2018 8:39 pm
Hi all,
As the dust is now settling and Pipey is (presumably) sober again, I thought it may be of some use for me to share thoughts about my TE experience and how I think it could be developed for Poland 2020. This isn't only me speaking I've spoken with Alex and Hugh, though I'm sure they will add their thoughts if they feel the need.
First though I must say that we had a blast at the EurOpen, it was a really superb, convivial event and I was really pleased to be involved in what will (I hope) become a tradition for future European BB adventures. As a team we certainly felt included, so thanks TE for that, it was really nice that you guys kept popping over to see how we were doing and thanks to Lycos for the TE dice, and Nippy for getting the EurOpen thing going and for sorting the shirts. Part of me felt a little like maybe we shouldn't have had the stars on our EO ones, but maybe that may just be me being a bit over sensitive.
Regarding our performance, it is perhaps clear that we weren't the best picks to represent TE, though I hasten to add that this won't put me off from putting myself forward in the future. I just think it is a valid point that demonstrates the means by which we were selected to represent TE were pragmatic and appropriate for the time, but now need some development. My view on this is really the point in this thread. I'm really keen on a more explicit TE community through representation within the EurOpen, and it is clear from both Team Italy and Scotland's results that their wider squad were extremely pleased to be able to represent their nations in the EurOpen last weekend. How TE can make this work, and make it part of the TE selection process is a job for the new committee, but I'd love to see a fairly straightforward process similar to the following:
1) Those interested in representing TE put themselves forward via whatever channel of communication.
2) The TE captain selects a TE squad
3) From the remaining names put forward the TE captain then selects up to two TE EurOpen teams if possible
4) Those people selected for the EurOpen teams, then have the opportunity to accept the offer (it is reasonable to assume that some may only want to represent England in the Eurobowl) and the team(s) are formed on this basis.
The above is a pretty simple system, and I would hope that the limitation of two TE EurOpen teams maintains the status that those who are selected are deserving of TE representation. However, I would hope that it also maintains the perception that gaining a spot on one of the TE teams is an achievable aspiration, something that some have raised concerns over int he past. Understandably some may feel that two teams is too many, that's something for the the committee to decide, but I'm a strong believer that the balance of accessibility and ensuring that those involved warrant their place is the key to a successful TE community going forward.
I won't go on, but I'd be really interested to hear other's thoughts, and thanks again to the TE lads for making us part of your SEVENTH Eurobowl Championship.
As the dust is now settling and Pipey is (presumably) sober again, I thought it may be of some use for me to share thoughts about my TE experience and how I think it could be developed for Poland 2020. This isn't only me speaking I've spoken with Alex and Hugh, though I'm sure they will add their thoughts if they feel the need.
First though I must say that we had a blast at the EurOpen, it was a really superb, convivial event and I was really pleased to be involved in what will (I hope) become a tradition for future European BB adventures. As a team we certainly felt included, so thanks TE for that, it was really nice that you guys kept popping over to see how we were doing and thanks to Lycos for the TE dice, and Nippy for getting the EurOpen thing going and for sorting the shirts. Part of me felt a little like maybe we shouldn't have had the stars on our EO ones, but maybe that may just be me being a bit over sensitive.
Regarding our performance, it is perhaps clear that we weren't the best picks to represent TE, though I hasten to add that this won't put me off from putting myself forward in the future. I just think it is a valid point that demonstrates the means by which we were selected to represent TE were pragmatic and appropriate for the time, but now need some development. My view on this is really the point in this thread. I'm really keen on a more explicit TE community through representation within the EurOpen, and it is clear from both Team Italy and Scotland's results that their wider squad were extremely pleased to be able to represent their nations in the EurOpen last weekend. How TE can make this work, and make it part of the TE selection process is a job for the new committee, but I'd love to see a fairly straightforward process similar to the following:
1) Those interested in representing TE put themselves forward via whatever channel of communication.
2) The TE captain selects a TE squad
3) From the remaining names put forward the TE captain then selects up to two TE EurOpen teams if possible
4) Those people selected for the EurOpen teams, then have the opportunity to accept the offer (it is reasonable to assume that some may only want to represent England in the Eurobowl) and the team(s) are formed on this basis.
The above is a pretty simple system, and I would hope that the limitation of two TE EurOpen teams maintains the status that those who are selected are deserving of TE representation. However, I would hope that it also maintains the perception that gaining a spot on one of the TE teams is an achievable aspiration, something that some have raised concerns over int he past. Understandably some may feel that two teams is too many, that's something for the the committee to decide, but I'm a strong believer that the balance of accessibility and ensuring that those involved warrant their place is the key to a successful TE community going forward.
I won't go on, but I'd be really interested to hear other's thoughts, and thanks again to the TE lads for making us part of your SEVENTH Eurobowl Championship.