Foosball.com Forums
Chat Area => Archives => Topic started by: Alan Cribbs on November 30, 2008, 11:20:03 AM
-
This is what we have so far and about all I'll be able to do in 2009.
I still have a few more foos projects to work on, but make your plans to attend.
There is an event in Columbia, SC January 24th at Carolina Ribs and Wings. From all indications this may be the biggest 1 day tournament we've ever assited with (estimated at 50 players so far). The event is being held by the SC Foosball Association. Check them out at www.scfoosball.com.
As in past years, we are running non-profit foosball events. Once expenses have been covered through sponsorships and entry fees, then 100% of the revenue goes to the charity of each designated event. I would like to make it clear. we do not make a living by running tournaments. Bonzini U.S.A. is a player owned and operated business providing promotional events that are intertaining , competitive, and rewarding to the local community.
2009 Bonzini™ U.S.A. Foosball Tour
February 6th, & 7th, 2009
Crystal Coast Foosball Challenge
$1000.00 in Cash, Prizes and Trophies
The Beach Tavern, Atlantic Beach, NC
Host: Bonzini U.S.A. Foosball Association
Tournament Organizers: Alan Cribbs
Designated Charity: Carteret County Domestic Violence Program
March 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2009
The “Jimmy V” North Carolina Foosball Open
$2000.00 in Cash, Prizes and Trophies
Carolina Ale House, Alexander Place
7981 Skyland Ridge, Raleigh, NC
Host: Powerkick Team of Raleigh
Tournament Organizers: Powerkick Team and Alan Cribbs
Designated Charity: The V Foundation
May 1st and 2nd, 2009
The South Carolina Foosball State Championships
(Tournament details forthcoming)
May 21st – 24th 2009
2009 Bonzini Worlds Championships
Eaubonne, France
July 17th, 18th and 19th, 2009
26th Annual VA State Foosball Championships & Thunder in the Mtn. Foosball Spectacular
$2000.00 in Cash, Prizes and Trophies
Byer’s Street Bistro, Staunton, VA
Host: Shenandoah Valley Foosball Association
Tournament Organizers: Byer’s Street Bistro and Alan Cribbs
Designated Charity: HOSPICE of Shenandoah
October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2009
The 35th Annual North Carolina State Foosball Championships
$2500.000 in Cash, Prizes and Trophies
Breaktime Billiards, Wilmington, NC
Host: Cape Fear Hurricanes
Tournament Organizers: Breaktime Billiards and Alan Cribbs
Designated Charity: Brigade Boys and Girls Club
Later AC
Ben,
If you read this please add it to the 2009 Foosball Schedule listing.
Thanks
-
I think it would be a real kick to have a tournament in Portland OR where Bonzini tables were used. What a curve that would be for the Tornado diehards. ;)
-
I only know of 2 Bonzini tables in Oregon at this point.
They are both on the NIKE Business Campus from what I've been told by my Nike Reps.
Who knows, maybe someone in Oregon may start up a group like Todd in Toronto, Tyler in Jacksonville, FL, Dave Pelny in Staunton, VA, or Ozstar in LaJolla.
It sure will not be for the money if the players take hold of it. But it will remind them why they first started playing foos-for the fun of it. :)
Anythings possible.
I've done an event in Honolulu and in D.C.
Later
AC
-
I played on a Bonzini some 30? years ago. I remember the cork balls and thinking,"you got to be kidding me!" but then remembering how much fun and different the game was. I can see why Alan and others embrace this table. Not a bad thing at all. Each table brings it's own flavor and Bonzini is truly unique. Nike world huh? I have to explore that,,,
-
Here's link to NIKE Table done for the UK
http://www.bonziniusa.com/foosball_sales/foosball/tables/custom/images/Nike%20foosball%20table%20black.jpg (http://www.bonziniusa.com/foosball_sales/foosball/tables/custom/images/Nike%20foosball%20table%20black.jpg)
I believe the first corkball tables arrived in the Virginia Beach area around 1968.
While most think it's just a Carolina table, it has actually been spreading casually over the past 10 years.
later
AC
-
Hey Alan...I'm finally going to get to check out a Bonzini table! Of course, I am flying to France to do so. I wish I could have made it down to get lessons from you first! Are any of your tournaments going to be ITSF sanctioned for 2009? I'm thinking this summer I'm going to need to head to the East coast and hit a tournament! Who knows...if I play okay on Bonzini in France, I might just try to hit the Bonzini Worlds to hang with you crazy kids!
Thanks!
:)
Melissa
-
HI Mel,
Not sure what is going to happen as far as our involvement with the ITSF and the USTSF. Some of our players have questioned the focus of the USTSF in regards with the Bonzini U.S.A. players. We did not have anyone to my knowledge that was considered for the U.S.Team (Multi-table) nor did we have anyone that had a vote for the members of the U.S.Team. Our player base has rejected the use of the ITSF Bonzini ball because it basically reduces or dummy downs the game. The ITSF ball has even reduced the number of participates in France. The rumor is that there will be a different ITSF ball introduced soon for the Boznini table. If it performs to our expectations, we should have no problem transitioning to it. We will have at least 5 events this year and I do hope that you can make it out to one. The Stanton, VA tournament is great during the summer which will be your closest and we will be celebrating our 35 Annual NC State this October which will be the biggest.
If the ITSF will allow the use of the cork ball for our 2009 season, we will probably sanction 3 events. If not, we will still have our events and raise money for each of the designated charities. In fact, without the sanctioning fee,we can give more to each charity.
I plan on trying to assemble a strong team for the U.S. for the Bonzini Worlds and you are certainly welcome to be a part of the group. Have fun in Nantes. The towns people are really friendly, so try to venture out for some sightseeing
Did you know, the first International U.S. Foosball Team competed in Nantes in 1998 finishing 2nd to France and ahead of Belgium?
Later
AC
-
Hi Alan...
Thanks for the quick reply!
I know when I was talking to Jim Stevens (head of the team selection committee) he said he felt like he, Ice and Brad were multi table players, so he felt like there was some diverse representation when doing selections. Plus, isn't Bruce the coach of both the women's and the men's teams?
I've got the Staunton Bonzini tournament in my planner and I hope to make it! The October one would just depend on when IFP and Tornado both place their World Championships. I can't take off too many weekends in a short period of time. But after a few years of touring on just Tornado, I want badly to try out your style of tournament. I love the charity angle, and I always hear that it is a laid back, fun weekend of foosball at your tournaments!
I can't believe you have actually played in Nantes before! I am so excited to see the town (I heard there was a real castle there!) and then we are spending 2 nights in Paris after the tournament. It is mind boggling to me that I am actually going to play foosball in France! So you guys were dominating on Bonzini way back in 1998? That is awesome!
So will they be using the new harder Bonzini ball at the Bonzini Worlds in France? If you guys aren't practicing with that ball, won't you be at a disadvantage when you go over? Or is it pretty easy for you to adapt to that one?
Thanks again for putting such an effort into running a fun, charity driven tour! Even we players who haven't been lucky enough to experience it first hand really appreciate the effort you make!
:)
Melissa
-
HI Mel,
Not sure what is going to happen as far as our involvement with the ITSF and the USTSF. Some of our players have questioned the focus of the USTSF in regards with the Bonzini U.S.A. players. We did not have anyone to my knowledge that was considered for the U.S.Team (Multi-table) nor did we have anyone that had a vote for the members of the U.S.Team. ....
I was wondering why no Bonzini U.S.A. players were chosen, especially after "weeks and weeks of discussion and debate." Especially since the ITSF is based in Nantes, France. What blew my mind was that Billy Pappas and Todd Loffredo, probably the two most proven (actually the only two proven, complete with titles on that side) multi-table U. S. players, elected not to go, for whatever reasons. This might be highlighting the nature of having only one manufacturer like Valley-Dynamo having their tables certified for ITSF, and it might not look too good if non-Tornado, ie, Bonzini U. S. players actually represented and placed well in the multi-table World Championships/World Cup. And having Bruce "AC-DC" Nardoci probably suits their need for a token French-style player... But is he even playing?
Valley and ITSF have obviously made concessions and agreements with each other. Although I can't really blame them from a business/corporate viewpoint... these curiosities will probably always happen naturally when a single-product group is used to internationally represent the U. S. The fact that you and the rest of the Bonzini player base kinda keep to yourselves without any intentions to take over a more sizeable market share of all U. S. foosball might also contribute to this. "Baby don't cry, baby won't get fed..."?
... Our player base has rejected the use of the ITSF Bonzini ball because it basically reduces or dummy downs the game. The ITSF ball has even reduced the number of participates in France. The rumor is that there will be a different ITSF ball introduced soon for the Boznini table. If it performs to our expectations, we should have no problem transitioning to it.
We will have at least 5 events this year and I do hope that you can make it out to one. The Stanton, VA tournament is great during the summer which will be your closest and we will be celebrating our 35 Annual NC State this October which will be the biggest.
If the ITSF will allow the use of the cork ball for our 2009 season, we will probably sanction 3 events. If not, we will still have our events and raise money for each of the designated charities. In fact, without the sanctioning fee,we can give more to each charity.
I was wondering if you had ever played with the brushed metal balls (aluminum?) that I also played with, along with the cork balls back in the early 80's in Brussels and Ostend, on Leonhards & Kicker tables, if I remember correctly? What are the new "dumbed-down" ITSF-regulation Bonzini balls made of and what are they like?
-
Not sure what is going to happen as far as our involvement with the ITSF and the USTSF. Some of our players have questioned the focus of the USTSF in regards with the Bonzini U.S.A. players. We did not have anyone to my knowledge that was considered for the U.S.Team (Multi-table) nor did we have anyone that had a vote for the members of the U.S.Team
I won't go into a bunch of details here but I will say that the primary goal of the selection committee was to pick the BEST PLAYERS... period. With a handful of exceptions, everyone on the US team(s) has international multi-table experience... beyond just Bonzini experience.
As for the reasons Billy and Todd aren't going, I can't say why. Tommy Adkisson isn't going either and he was considered vital to team's success.
I'm really disappointed I won't be going but circumstances are such I can't make the trip. But be assured that I'll be closely following our team.
BA
-
Hi Mel,
I love the charity angle, and I always hear that it is a laid back, fun weekend of foosball at your tournaments!
Our first event was for the victims of the 9/11 attack. It was from that event and the atmosphere it created that shaped the direction our tournaments went. Someone onced e-mailed wanting to know "How do you use charities to help out your foosball events." I remember going off on a tirade to that person on how they needed to step back and take a look at the statement. See, we run Zero-profit events and typically go into the red quite frequently. It's great for the local community, the local players, and our company's business. But more importantly, it's great for the game. Know how sometimes you may mention how you're involved with foosball and get that funny look? Well now we and our players get the response "Oh you're the guys that do the tournament thing to raise money for so and so". I know Tyler was asked the same question and responded "I'm not sure what you mean by using charities, isn't the whole idea ment to support charities?
I can't believe you have actually played in Nantes before!
I guess there is a lot of historical things not known about our style of foos.
Last year, we had 2 players win the Senior Doubles and Rebecca Terry finished 3rd in Women's Doubles. But as a whole, the strength of our players base in regards to skill level is not that of the Hard Ball players in the U.S. I'll match their character with the best however. Truly a good group of people to work with.
So will they be using the new harder Bonzini ball at the Bonzini Worlds in France? If you guys aren't practicing with that ball, won't you be at a disadvantage when you go over? Or is it pretty easy for you to adapt to that one?
They will be using the harder ball. We have so few that travel from the Bonzini U.S.A. group to France annually that changing the ball for a few disrupts the group as a whole. It is not a real problem for those of us that travel.
Thanks again for putting such an effort into running a fun, charity driven tour! Even we players who haven't been lucky enough to experience it first hand really appreciate the effort you make!
That really means alot to me and I greatly appreciate that response from you. First time attendees sometimes get to revisit how and why they came to love this game. When you're sure you're going to make it Staunton, let me know.
-
Brian,
I was wondering why no Bonzini U.S.A. players were chosen, especially after "weeks and weeks of discussion and debate."
We do not have any players at this time that are at the skill level that would benefit the U.S.Team. Bruce, Brian Jones, and Kenny Knicely are our primary multi-table assets to date and could have possibly or should have possibly been considered. Back in the mid to late 90's we had a really great group of Bonzini stlye players that represented the U.S. and placed well. Those players have since retired and the overall skill level of our group has dropped some. Brand loyalty is great and the support is appreciated, but getting the job done in regards to this years U.S. Team is more important.
I was wondering if you had ever played with the brushed metal balls (aluminum?)
Never Aluminium, but I did play a Spanish table with ceramic balls and metal feet and a sunken mid-field.
What are the new "dumbed-down" ITSF-regulation Bonzini balls made of and what are they like?
The ITSF Bonzini ball lacks the grippiness of cork and also response off the wall. It effects lateral speed and angular accuracy off the pin position. It is great for the pull and rollover. The second version, from what I hear, will have increased grippiness. But to achieve this in a polymer or synthetic, it will probably chip easier. I'll have to wait and see.
-
Brad,
I won't go into a bunch of details here but I will say that the primary goal of the selection committee was to pick the BEST PLAYERS... period.
I agree with the primary goal.
Their concern was who set up this committee, who were the members of the selection committee and who were the players considered. I've got the USTSF logo on all of our posters and when the group says "What for?" I've got to give them a response.
-
Not sure what is going to happen as far as our involvement with the ITSF and the USTSF. Some of our players have questioned the focus of the USTSF in regards with the Bonzini U.S.A. players. We did not have anyone to my knowledge that was considered for the U.S.Team (Multi-table) nor did we have anyone that had a vote for the members of the U.S.Team.
I have been playing on the Bonzini USA tour for close to nine years now. If I am not a Bonzini USA player, then what am I? I am on the US National Team Selection Committee. I cannot speak for others, only for myself, and I considered many different players for my recommendations for the US National teams (Both men and women). Of the players that I considered, there were a few bonzini players in that mix, most of whom you have mentioned.
As far as the involvement of Bonzini USA and the USTSF, I have some ideas, give me a call sometime so we can discuss them!
Pat Ryan
-
Thanks Pat,
You're the first person I've heard of that has had involvement with the selection.
The issue with a few of our players was not the decision but the lack of information of how these decisions went about. Being a Bonzini U.S.A. player yourself, please help keep us (the rest of the Bonzini U.S.A. players) informed.
As you may or may not be aware, Bonzini U.S.A. gives unconditional support to the U.S. National Team competing in the multi-table events. We've support Dave Gummeson and Adrian with equipment to modify local Bonzini tables so they can practice and Tracy McMillian is a new Bonzini B-90 table owner.
-
Thank you, Brad, for setting us straight. And it's also great to know that Pat Ryan was on that committee, as Alan was obviously SURPRISED to know. I suffer from the perception, probably not just among Bonzini U.S.A. players, not to mention Tornado U.S.A. players, and any others that follow USTSF & ITSF events, that the USTSF selection committee was predominantly composed of Tornado U.S.A. players, heavily supported by Valley-Dynamo.
Perhaps others and I have just been spoiled, because all international or Olympic Team USA nominations & invitations for qualification always have been heavily publicized to all, for as long as I can remember. Of course, these USOC committees and similar national ones have obviously been in existence, with solid funding and support, for decades longer than the USTSF. Contrast this to when Billy, who turned out to be your highest nomination and final votes getter (rignt?), was honestly scrambling for information on the Nantes event in mid-October on Phil's Foosballboard.com! So obviously everyone concluded that the USTSF selection internally nominated possible members, and the next thing was your announcement of who was nominated and who was going. So you can see the confusion and "idle paranoid postulation" (yeah, that's me) until you guys ventured forward with your info.
The fact that Billy and Todd are not going is very sad news, and now Tommy, too. However, even the multi-million dollar selections for World Cup soccer and Olympic Hockey or Basketball are just as, and even more prone, to scheduling and contractual conflicts as much any international federation or committee. And the experience gained by their replacements, at least, should benefit U.S.A. international foosball in a way they never would have, otherwise.
-
Foozkillah (and anyone else interested),
Everyone was scrambling for information about the World Cup, and who would be going. The Tournament was announced on early september (I believe), with confirmation of a countries wish to participate needing to be submitted by September 30th. The Selection committee was formed immediately and then came the task of putting the list of potential players together. Once we were sure there would be enough interest in fielding not just the men's team but a separate women's team as well. The USTSF Sent notice to the ITSF that we would like to send both a men's and women's team. Then came the task of figuring out who was going to be on the team. Not just selecting the team, but making sure everyone could attend and that they could pay their own way there. The team wasn't finalized until the DAY that the team had to be submitted to the ITSF(Nov. 15th). It was decided that the teams members shouldn't be made public until they were finalized (players who had been already selected to the team knew they were selected in advance of the public announcement). We wouldn't want to announce a team, then keep changing the announced team members as they decide whether or not they can or cannot attend the event (for whatever reasons they may have). I hope that clears up some of the questions about the process. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have, and I'll do my best to answer.
Pat Ryan
-
Brian
And it's also great to know that Pat Ryan was on that committee, as Alan was obviously SURPRISED to know.
I am also pleased with his selection.
Who were the others?
Pat is a valuable contributor to our tables development along the East Coast.
Mr. Ryan is also our head official and official trainer fro the Bonzini U.S.A. Tour.
To keep our players at bay with hopes of retaining their support for the USTSF, information such as the selection committee process could be a little more transparent. This would definately help squash the conspiracy theorist out there.
I talked to Tracy Mc. today about his table. We're going to draw him to the darkside before it's over. ;)
You know being the subversive organization that we are with lower skilled players, seeking World Domination. :D
Later,
AC
-
To keep our players at bay with hopes of retaining their support for the USTSF, information such as the selection committee process could be a little more transparent. This would definately help quash the conspiracy theorists out there.
conspiracy theorists = curious, nosy troublemakers ? ;D
-
I talked to Tracy Mc. today about his table. We're going to draw him to the darkside before it's over. ;) You know being the subversive organization that we are with lower skilled players, seeking World Domination. :D Later, AC
Don't forget Melissa! If the darkside corrupts her enough, you could soon have thousands upon thousands of pictures on the web, showing play from the darkside. First Texas, then Ohio, tomorrow ..., domination absolue du monde, avec des langoustines!! 8)
-
Melissa wants to be a Multi-table player, she ain't scared! That's the way you do it, you go girl!
BLT
-
My favorite quote from all of this (from Mario A. I believe) was 'I don't play Tornado, I play foosball'! I will hack it around on any table you put me in front of. I can't tell you how excited I am to get to play 5 different tables at the ITSF World Championships! I think we are lucky to have the Bonzini community in the USA. Options are great! And isn't diversity one of the things that makes the US the great country it is?
:)
Melissa
-
We should have a multi table event in the US Tornado Bonzini and Warrior and hell any other table that wants to show. If all the table manufacturers chipped in some cash we would have a big payout that would be great for foosball.
-
Becca,
Post some info about the SC Open event!
I started a topic on it yesterday.
You guys are going to have one of the biggest 1-day events ever.
We're real close to getting the paperwork done for the SC State in May.
Also, how about the trip to the ICE House in Summerville?
What was that like?
We've got a new Bonzini U.S.A. group out of Blacksburg, VA getting ready to start up also.
Expect to see them at the Jimmy V NC Open.
Mel,
You're going to have a blast in Nantes. Once outside of Paris the locals tend to be extremely helpful.
Make it to the coast while you're there.
I wish I were going now. :(
Brian,
Our next attempt for domination will probably be NY.
Currently working to disguise the Southern accent. ;)
Should be a good move, I'm a NY style pizzaholic.
What's up Daniel,
I'm not much of a fan for multi-table events as far as a table rep goes.
It really serves no purpose for us as we wish to distance our product, promotions and services from other tables.
Different approach for fresh horizons with the game of foos.
We try to create brand loyalty through our player promotions and service.
Our players receive free table usage for the events they wish to hold independently from our sanctioned events.
It is our way of showing gratitude for their support.
The January SC event is a great example; 6 tables, lighting, balls and event support. They will operate and direct the entire event without any table $$$$ expense.
As far as manufacturer assistance for a multi-table tournament, Bonzini U.S.A. recieves no promotional $$$ support from Bonzini. We've never asked for it and want to build the organization on its own merits and hard work. 10 years and still running, it's been a helluva learning experience. I've come to realize that foosball as a game can be either used as a weapon or a tool. :-\
BTW, thanks for the great job of keeping the board up to date via videos, articles, forum and etc.
later
AC
-
Perhaps others and I have just been spoiled, because all international or Olympic Team USA nominations & invitations for qualification always have been heavily publicized to all, for as long as I can remember. Of course, these USOC committees and similar national ones have obviously been in existence, with solid funding and support, for decades longer than the USTSF. Contrast this to when Billy, who turned out to be your highest nomination and final votes getter (rignt?), was honestly scrambling for information on the Nantes event in mid-October on Phil's Foosballboard.com!
USTSF announces all its news and information on our wesbite (www.ustsf.org), not on the various message boards. If you click on the "News" link at the top of the page, you'll see a string of announcements, including how the USA national team was selected (both the process used and the members of the sleection committee). We're not hiding anything, but you (Billy too) have to go to our website to find out information about us :-).
-
Don't kill my thread Nardoci >:(
Or face the wrath when we meet again :o
AC
-
Looks like he killed it!
I hate to see a Bonzini thread die
-
Todd,
The thread may die but the table never will. ;D
Unless Bonzini decides to make a table flavor of the month. :D
Merry Christmas to the Toronto group.
Give Sharron my regards.
Alan
-
Hey Alan
Thanks for the wishes and I will extend them to Sharon and the group.
The best to you and yours for a great Christmas and New Year.
Todd