Welcome to the September edition of the Tournament Director Blog, your top source for everything related to NAF tournaments. Here, we provide not only the latest updates from the tournament scene but also essential information, previews of upcoming events, and, of course, recaps of recent tournaments.
In this month’s edition, we cover Zlurpee Bowl, Texas Open, and an actual real-life Blood Bowl match! Plus, we’re introducing a new recurring section featuring thoughts and suggestions from our Ethics Board.
As always, if you want to contribute any content to this blog (e.g. a report of a recent tournament you visited or ran), reach out! Contact info are available on our NAF staff site.
Content
- NAF Chatter
1.1 New Race Badges
1.2 Donate Button
1.3 Survival Guide for World Cup Bidders and Other Crazy People
1.4 Improvements to Tournament Section - Ethics Board Spotlight: Excluding Coaches and Refusing Matches
- Report: Larp (by Glorian_Underhill)
- Report: Zlurpee Bowl (by Xtreme)
- Report: Texas Open (by vegeta7913)
- Outlook
1. NAF Chatter
1.1. New Race Badges
As previously announced, our goal is to add more of the popular achievement badges to the coach pages. For the longest time, only the ’24,’ Khorne, and Bretonnian badges were available. At the beginning of this year, following the enthusiastic feedback received for the actual patches distributed at the World Cup, the online travel badges were added to profiles. Now, we have introduced new race badges that reflect which of the currently available races a coach has played.
Similar to the travel badges, these badges will display milestones until you finally reach the coveted ‘ALL’ badge. However, this badge will disappear the moment Games Workshop publishes the widely expected Kobold or Nurgling teams, and until those races have been played
A race will count as played as soon as three matches have been recorded. BB2020 and Classic matches count full. Any variant match counts as 0.5 matches. Online matches do not qualify.
You might have also noticed that, to save space, we compressed the former ’24,’ Khorne, and Bretonnian badges into a new ‘Classic’ badge. This Classic badge is still achievable and takes into account only pre-BB2020 races, with Bretonnians needing to be played in a Classic tournament (which is still possible).
As we continue adding new badges, we will soon publish a page that explains these and other badges in further detail, so bear with us.
1.2 Donate Button
It took a while, but the technology is finally here! The NAF site now features a PayPal-powered donation button in the sidebar (or at the bottom when viewing on your phone—or at the top if you’re holding your phone upside down, which is a bit odd, but we digress). The button looks and works like this:
Remember, no amount is too small to support your favorite three-letter organization. And, of course, the higher the amount, the greater the chance that our treasurer himself will appear at your doorstep with a Thank You card and a platter of chorizo. Ulvardar will happily accept all common credit cards, as well as rare metals, bitcoins, magic beans, ancient rune stones, and Pokémon cards.
1.3 Survival Guide for World Cup Bidders and Other Crazy People
Not only avid readers of this blog know that the call for bids for the 2027 World Cup is currently ongoing. As a reminder, detailed timelines, guidelines, and helpful information can be found on this dedicated page: NAF World Cup VI Bids. The submission deadline is December 15th, but already, multiple parties from around the world have expressed interest. This is great because it means I won’t have to host it in my parents-in-law’s backyard!
Organizing the World Cup is a monumental challenge, but it offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your community and contribute to the international NAF tournament scene. Few have taken on such a task. For those considering it, planning a similarly large event, or just curious about what’s involved, Ulvardar has summarized his World Cup V experience in this PDF survival guide. It’s a great read, full of useful information and unique insights. And don’t worry, it also has photos in case you’re scared of too much text!
1.4 Improvements to Tournament Section
‘Where is my tournament? It’s gone! Where do I upload my precious data now?’ A few organizers, not just the rookies, have been confused in the past when their recently hosted events seemingly disappeared from the tournament list. The reason was that they were only visible under ‘past tournaments.’ This behavior has now changed, and recently organized tournaments are displayed without any extra clicking.
Additionally, as our membership expands globally and more communities host Major and National Tournaments, we’ve added an extra column to immediately highlight these events.
2. Ethics Board Spotlight: Excluding Coaches and Refusing Matches
This is the first installment of a recurring section where the Board of Ethics addresses frequently asked topics and, in coordination with the NAF Committee, offers suggestions to coaches and organizers on various matters.
The Blood Bowl community is filled with friendly individuals who want to have a good time and enjoy the game. Even though everybody is great in their own way, there is the chance that every once in a while we encounter a coach we just don’t get along with.
Usually we just decide to avoid those coaches at events, but this becomes a bit of an issue when we organize events and those coaches might sign up for our tournaments. There have been a few tournament organizers (TOs) writing in about wanting to exclude coaches from their events. The short answer is: “No. NAF events should always be open for everybody”. Obviously, private events or leagues are a different thing but if you want NAF sanctioning for your event, this is the official rule and it is there for a reason. If we start excluding coaches “just because we don’t really like them”, we might split local communities, lower our player base, etc.
But what if, as a TO, you are worried about certain coaches attending your event? Here is what we suggest if you have observed disrespectful behavior by the coach in question at past events. With the new NAF Code of Conduct in place we have a system to deal with this.
If you are worried that the coach might cause trouble at the event, politely remind them of the Code of Conduct during the sign up process. “Dear Coach X, thanks for signing up for [Brawl Bowl XII]. Please remember that this event will follow the NAF Code of Conduct and we want the atmosphere to be respectful, safe and fun. Thank you for behaving accordingly.”.
The coaches in question will then be aware that they are on your radar and you, as TO, will be able to report any issues through the NAF structures, ideally via your local NAF representative.
No one wants this to be a regular procedure, but one to use in the rare case you feel uncomfortable hosting your tournament.
___________
Sometimes there are coaches who just really don’t like playing with each other for a variety of reasons. We are all in this hobby for fun and the best foundation for everybody to have fun is a smoothly running tournament.
So before you consider taking any action here, be aware that refusing to play a certain coach causes a massive headache for the TO and also affects the other coaches at the tournament. On the other hand, the mental and physical health of our coaches is important to us.
If a coach refuses to play another coach, or two coaches refuse to play each other, first attempt to talk it out with them. What is the issue? Can they agree to play in silence, or with a shared set of dice, etc.? If no solution can be mutually agreed upon, then the TO may apply point penalties to one or both coaches based on the language in the ruleset of the event.
There are two options for TOs (if they choose) to address Refusal of Play and the penalties incurred in their rule sets.
- A coach may concede the game at any point. It is suggested to give the coach -2 (or equivalent) points for this. These points should be deducted at the end of the tournament for the final standings.
- If both coaches agree they should not play each other, they may decide to do so. In this case it is suggested that both coaches get punished with -1 point (or equivalent). This point is deducted at the end of the tournament for the final standings.
Please note that working around these procedures (if they are in the event ruleset) is not acceptable and can be viewed as a violation of the NAF Code of Conduct.
This is an infrequent issue, though worth addressing, so please use these procedures for absolute emergencies only.
We suggest coaches try to play their games, despite any personal differences.
3. Report: Epic Empires Match (by Glorian_Underhill)
Every year in August, the third biggest LARP (Live Action Role-Playing) event in Germany, ‘The Epic Empires,’ takes place. In it, each themed camp fights against the others across the area in full armor with LARP weapons. But sometimes, the battles are brought to the Blood Bowl field. This year, the Empire’s team was ‘Arsenal Nuln,’ while the Hordes of Chaos fielded a Dark Elves team named ‘Dynamo Düsterklingen.’ The game was played with simplified rugby rules, more for show than effectiveness. It lasted roughly 30 minutes, with a halftime break in between.
Arsenal Nuln Coach Wenker was under heavy pressure, as Countess Emanuelle von Liebwitz had sent a motivational letter with two small bags attached: Nuln silver for a victory and a bag of pistol balls in case of a loss. As in the past, the roster costs were a heavy burden on the financial situation of the city.
Thus motivated, Coach Wenker and his team, supported by a group of very concerned fans and the help of the team’s cheerleaders, the ‘Canonesses,’ prepared for the match.
The fans clashed directly before the match, while the city’s watch was under immense pressure to keep the groups apart. Fan chants like, ‘Blackpowder weapons are no crime!’ and ‘I Cannon live without you!’ heightened the tension.
The Dark Elves immediately offered two fans to Khaine and applied red sunblock to their players’ cheeks with blood. The kickoff went wide, and the match was in full swing until, suddenly, Arsenal Nuln switched the ball with a burning bomb. Ronaldoth Schienbeinkicker grabbed the bomb and ran with his team to the endzone, only to realize he was holding a metal bomb with a burning fuse. He frantically ran around the field, and the bomb passed from hand to hand until it fizzled out. But the damage was done—Arsenal took the lead by scoring.
However, Dynamo also had some tricks up their sleeve. They unleashed the dreaded ‘Blade Storm,’ where each team member and every fan threw a dagger at Arsenal Nuln. Pinned by several daggers, the Elves had an easy time reaching the endzone. They even switched in a harpy just before the start of their turn. The beast got the ball via a handoff and clawed its way into the endzone.
At halftime, the cheerleaders of Arsenal and Dynamo engaged in a fierce fight with harsh words and sharper nails.
But Arsenal still had one trick left. Their star thrower, Dieter Dampfhaubitze, ran deep into their half and prepared for his Mega Pass. The two catchers, the Beckenbodenbrecher brothers, sprinted directly into the endzone and caught the longest pass of the season.
The game was tied at 3:3, and Arsenal was on the offense until, suddenly, the head referee was attacked and half-devoured by Dynamo’s harpy. Amid fierce battles, Dynamo was disqualified, resulting in a win for Arsenal Nuln.
All photos provided by https://www.calle-plantiko.de/.
4. Report: Zlurpee Bowl (by Xtreme)
Zlurpee Bowl Returns!
After a 7 year break, Zlurpee Bowl rose from the grave. Coaches from the distant past dusted off their models and played against new opponents at their first Zlurpee Bowl.
Zlurpee Bowl has a reputation to live up to and had a great cup of giveaways highlighted by a set of reroll counters from Charlie Victor.
50 Coaches came out and played 6 rounds of great Blood Bowl. At the same time, some had hopes and dreams of raising the Golden Zlurpee and drinking from it. Others were there for a different challenge, playing For the Love of the Game. Along with the stunty teams Zlurpee Bowl has a list of other teams coaches can choose to play that will qualify for this award, for example, a Thriller team, Necromantic with one werewolf, and all zombies.
We used the Blood Bowl Tournament manager app throughout the weekend, and it helped keep everything streamlined and running well. After 5 competitive rounds, it was time for another staple of Zlurpee Bowl, the Grudge Match round. If you aren’t playing at one of the tables competing for an award, you can choose your opponent and settle an old Grudge. Those coaches playing in the grudge match also gained the service of one of the two tournament star players that everyone received in their giveaway cup.
After the dust settled and all the Zlurpee cups were emptied. Sol Knicely (Flyingdingle) was the tournament Champion. Showing that even with a break he knows how to win a Zlurpee Bowl, he is the first 3 time Zlurpee Bowl champion and has won back to back Zlurpee Bowls.
The For the Love of the Game champion was Sean Cowley (HouseBlackfyre) and his Thriller team.
The other Award winners,
2nd Place: FrozenFlame (Dwarf) The Ohio State 40 Miners
3rd Place: Wigwam (Amazon) She-Woman Man Haters
4th Place: Schlee (Necro) Dead Sheets
FreshBreeze Scoring Award: SHADEKNIGHT (Skaven) NIHM’s Chosen
Zug’s Brick Wall Award: Valdric (Halflings) Appleboy’s All-Stars
Borak’s Art of Blocking Award: Jeffro (Dwarf) RCH Slayers
Best Appearance: Cathaidan (Dark Elf) Friendship is Madness
Mike Davis Coaching Legend: CoyoteJoe13 (Hobgoblins) Vulgar Valley Whip-Crackers
Weak Sauce Winner: Havok (Halfling) My Hammy Dol’phlings
The tournament was a great success, many people were very happy to have Zlurpee Bowl back and looking forward to next year already.
5. Report: Texas Open (by vegeta7913)
Trailblazer’s Open
Deep in the heart of Northern Texas, a warm breeze stirred the air, dehydrating many thirsty airline passengers. In that throng of humanity stirred the beating heart of the most devoted of Blood Bowl coaches. Deep in the bowels of the DFW Hilton, a new convention, the Texas Open, stirred to life Saturday morning. As the door’s opened to the well air conditioned and spacious ballroom, 30 coaches shook off their leather dusters and began the Trailblazer’s Open.
Trailblazer’s Open is a 4 round, Swiss standard Blood Bowl tournament dedicated to those brave Blood Bowl pioneers that travelled the Old World, bringing Nuffle’s blessed game to the unenlightened masses.
Teams were allocated 1.15million gold pieces to build their rosters, with an almost overly generous 72 skill points to distribute as needed to advance the players or induce star players. To help embrace the spirit of that bygone era, special stadiums were used during this tournament; each with their own unique… whimsy.
It was great to see such an interesting mix of teams in this inaugural Trailblazer Open. This year, the lineup included: 5 Humans, 4 Shambling Undead, 3 Amazon, 2 Tomb Kings, 2 Vampires, 2 Skaven, 2 Norse, and 1 each of Necromantic, Wood Elves, Ogre, Black Orc, Pro Elf, Khorne, Gnome, Goblin, Halfling, and Orc.
Of the matches throughout the day, the third round top draw between MacBeth09’s JunkYard Dogs (Humans) and thomasonbush’s Griff World Order (Human) on the top table. As both teams took the field, a giant puff of purple smoke arose from the sidelines, and great disturbance rolled through the crowd. Word quickly spread that both coaches hired Griff, and his conjured doppelgangers could not exist that close to one another. Deciding the gig was up, at least for this round, Griff took the gold and ran. Many a goblin felt a surge of pride or envy (or both) at the audacity of Griff’s greed. In the end, bereft of Griff, both teams tore into one another, ending the highly contested match in a 1 to 1 draw.
Despite Griff’s betrayal in the third round, thomasonbush’s Griff World Order mended fences with their namesake, and took the final round and with it, the Championship of the tournament.
Deuce’s Wild Team Tourney
On day 2, once again hosted by the Hilton and the Texas Open convention, 26 coaches teamed-up in squads of 2 to beat Deuce’s Wild; a 3 round, casino themed tournament. Coaches were loaned 1.2 million in start-up funds to assemble a crew. An extra 150,000 GP were given to enhance their skills. No star players were allowed – no casino wants ringers involved in their games of chance!
At the start of each round, the paired squads would play a game of Texas Hold’em. The winner of the hand was allowed to determine the team matchup between the two squads. Due to the odd number of squads for this event, the bottom three squads played round robin between the teams, avoiding a boring bye every round. At the end of the day, Monster Mash, the squad of Seaspirit and Lex (Lizards and Necro, respectively) won the day, proving they had what it takes to beat the house.
Many thanks to all the coaches that came out over the weekend and brought their wallets and charitable spirit. Over the two-day event, charity auctions were held each day. The generosity of these coaches donated $500 USD to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Hats off to Dashergeaux for co-running the events and many thanks to the Texas Open for including us in their con!
It’s always a blast to play in a convention and I’d highly recommend it at some point in your Blood Bowl journey. Nothing like being able to go and look at other mini-games being played in between rounds, or hitting the vendors to pick up that hard to find model, paint brush, or bottle of Scotch…. We look forward to next year and hope to see you there!
6. Outlook
October is awaiting us with as many as 98 tournaments in 21 countries! And yet another new member is joining the ranks of Blood Bowl hosting nations, with the first-ever Luxembourgish tournament taking place, the Moien Open.
Canada’s major, the Spike! Magazine returns once again, this time with a flurry of pre-event variant tourneys. Leicester (often referred to as “the Miami of the UK”) will be left breathless by Strangle Bowl. The eighteenth iteration of Trophee de la Licorne is happening in Western France. And coaches are milling about in Spain as Quixote Bowl VIII spins into action!
After attending Eurobowl in Greece coming weekend, I will somewhat reduce my Blood Bowl related travelling in October and just walk over to Under Stars & Wolves Bowl next door.