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College Realms

PostPosted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 3:14 pm
by Vehx
One thing that could bring lots of people to Belegarth is to start realms at colleges. I am currently attending college, and many people have expressed interest in such a group, and the administration (so far) has not said anything against it. If a realm was started at many of the major colleges, more people would take notice of Belegarth, and be more inclined to join.

This is just a thought, and i would like to know what people think about it...

Re: College Realms

PostPosted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 5:21 pm
by Mercer
There are a number of college-based groups already in existence, and you're right, they do see a lot of interest. I would suggest that, if you're seeing interest, you start building loaner weapons and get those interested together for public practices where passers-by can see and try it out.

Re: College Realms

PostPosted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 7:55 pm
by Derian
Yeah, I would go so far as to say that the majority of realms are based out of, or at least loosely affiliated with colleges.

Re: College Realms

PostPosted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:18 am
by debuenzo
sounds great!

have waivers and LOTS of loaner swords...maybe even loaner garb

also, try to become "friends" w/ new members so they come back
ie....go out to eat, movie, game, etc

Re: College Realms

PostPosted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 12:39 pm
by Davit
Look around this section, there are many good ideas and thoughts about how to help things get started, another spot to look is the new members section, I know there are some posts in there that should help you out. Good luck with anything, and if you have some more specific questions keep em coming, I know we all want more people in the sport.

Re: College Realms

PostPosted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 11:57 am
by Unaki
Colleges are excellent sources :D

Our realm started at the assend of our high school careers and it was just friends and since we moved onto college, our numbers have grown quite a bit. Of course, we are also within a close distance to dur demarion.

If you want to make a realm in a college, I think you have to okay it with the school and make it a club in order to be allowed to continue practices. Make sure to stage your practices in a high-traffic area for the most on-lookers. Good traffic areas should be recreation centers on campus with a big open grassy spot for fighting

Re: College Realms

PostPosted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 12:21 pm
by Magpie Saegar
I guess it's worth checking with a college, but I don't think you need to be a student organization in order to have a Belegarth realm. That is, unless you want to practice on University property or get funding.

Re: College Realms

PostPosted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 12:33 pm
by HesinRaca
Tir Na Nog was started in Eugene (University of Oregon) where I currently am by Acorn, Rocca, TImid, and Wolf, and Myself I suppose. Sort of got "organized last may, and we have 50+ waivers signed, with about 10-20 being the average practice size. Not bad.

THen again, having the DPS and club sports people on your side reeeeeally helps.

Re: College Realms

PostPosted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 2:03 pm
by Unaki
HesinRaca wrote:Tir Na Nog was started in Eugene (University of Oregon) where I currently am by Acorn, Rocca, TImid, and Wolf, and Myself I suppose. Sort of got "organized last may, and we have 50+ waivers signed, with about 10-20 being the average practice size. Not bad.

THen again, having the DPS and club sports people on your side reeeeeally helps.

And to add to that, try and get a story in the college newspaper if you have one. It really does help :D

Magpie, we really have no choice. Its either on campus or in parks near high schools or a skate park...We all know how a bunch of people fighting each other in "goofy" clothes with foam weapons looks to a bunch of high school jocks that cant say anything bigger than 2 syllables without having to think.

And I quote "What are you guys doin'!? Is that Dragonball Z and Yu-Gi-Oh?" Where DBZ and YGO can be taken from bel, I dont know

Plus, we might actually be able to get transportation to events that arent within driving reach since we are becoming an organization.

Re: College Realms

PostPosted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 2:54 pm
by Vehx
Thanks for all the ideas, I'm pretty sure I could get the school paper to put up an article if I can get the realm started, and once I figure out if I have (or can quickly get a hold of) anything I need to start the realm, I'll talk to the Dean.

Re: College Realms

PostPosted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 5:14 pm
by Ventus
Some experience based advice on doing a Bel realm on a college campus.

1. Make sure your friendly to those whom come up to watch. There have been a few times where I've been surprised that the people who would make fun of it, would often try it, and occasionally like it. Something to note is that recruiting Bel fighters can be like picking up women. Usually, ya gotta make the first move.

2. Public practice field. This is definitely more difficult to achieve, depending on the campus. We're blessed with a fantastic field right near the center of campus and our location has given us great exposure.

3. Don't get discouraged. Colleges are where people try new things. Sometimes people will try it, and just not stick around. It's okay. Just keep plugging away and you will gain more and more people.

4. Do your research and find out what it takes to become an RSO (Recognized Student Organization) with your Uni. You will probably have to communicate with a student life office or something to that effect. Even if your school doesn't do funding, the RSO will give you more legitimacy on campus, and usually several other perks. For example, Ameth doesn't receive any funding, but we get an indoor practice gym. Go go college dollars at work.

5. Identical weapons / shields. This one is a tad more complex to explain, however it's something that we've found to be an influencing factor. 3 friends walk up. Out of those three 1 or 2 of them will be slightly better, leaving the 3rd frustrated. We've found that by handing them similar weapons, and offering more help to the odd man out, that we have better odds of keeping all three of them interested in it, then losing all of them because one or two believe it to be "stupid"

6. Consistency. With 2 practices a week, at a constant time, you'll be sure to pick up some fighters.

I'm sure I could come up with more, during the past year and a half I've compiled page after page of personal notes on what I felt I could have done better personally. Ideas I've had, all that stuff. Keep me posted with all of your success man!

Re: College Realms

PostPosted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 9:45 pm
by Shadus
Mizzou (University of Missouri, Columbia MO) group.
http://www.geocities.com/muboffer

One of the things our school likes is teams and competing against other schools. So we have decided to create a Jugging team and we would love to have some school based teams to play against, as the school will pay for the trip. Can't ask for more than that.
We have the Jugging Rules posted on our site. I'm sure most of you have heard of it before.
I'm not on here too much, so email me/us if you want to try to set something up in the future.

Oh, and I've had many articles and news spots done for the chapters I've started in college towns, but nothing beats having your own TV show on the college network. From 4 fighters to 80 in 3 months. It's a lot of work filming and editing the weekly shows, but if you can do it, you should never pass it up. Student run TV rules.