Offseasons as your Regular Season?

[Corey Balint]

Originally Posted by GeorgeTheEng

I see a problem in that. Unless you have a team that is VERY good at setting and maintaining its own deadlines, I see this not working. Because it is an internal deadline. There is not really a consequence of missing the deadline. Personally, I know that I often let my own deadlines slip for various reasons.

Aside from that, I think there is something particularly exciting and inspiring about being at the regionals and championship that is not matched in most off-season events. I'm not saying they are not good, or not exciting. There is a certain production quality aspect of the official events that puts folks in awe.

Oh, and the issue that I hammer my kids with every year! Scholarships! By not competing in official events you give up access to over $8 MILLION in college scholarships! (Hmm, maybe that right there says it all...)

Very good points there. Not officially participating in the event could greatly effect the scholarships like you said. I hadn't even thought of that! That would be most tragic.

The excitement level is completely different for me as well. Only IRI rivals the excitement of an official event to me.

And yes, it is harder with the self-imposed deadlines. Everyone does become more lax, for the most part.

A good discussion. I love it.