Any observations about the UFFC (1 Viewer)

[skycriesmary]

I just checked out their site, and rules, and am considering doubling up with the WCOFF.

I like the format change, the mixture of head to head and total points is a bit different.

Anybody have personal experience with the event?

 

[skycriesmary]

Not one person....?

 

[menobrown]

I have no personal experience with UFFC but I do have a lot of thoughts and would also like to hear what anyone has to say with any first hand experience or toughts of their own. I"ve been in WCOFF the last 4 years and also was looking at UFFC originally as something to do with WCOFF and than as something to do in place of WCOFF but have since decided against it.

When I first checked into the UFFC I tought they had some good idea's but the more I examine them I see a lot of problems.

Before I get into the problems here are some things I really like: The NCAA tourney format for the grand prize(but with many tweaks which I'll elaborate on later), the fact you can basically have 2 games a week in some weeks with division play and total tourney play, higher total payout percentage than WCOFF with the minimum 576 teams, unlike WCOFF no junk fee's for hotel rooms or parties, the chance at a million dollars which is basically a 1 in 96 chance if you win the $200k and 576 teams are entered, and I like the Friday afternoon draft slot much more than WCOFF's saturday mid-morning slot which seems like a small deal except that free's up my entire Saturday to gamble on college football.

Unfortunately here are the problems for me in order. These first two issue are the deal breakers, the other issues need addressing but would not stop me from joining.

Problems:

1. I believe the sales for this event are going awful. UFFC has stated they have sold around 150 spots but if so none of those 150 people ever post a message in the forum. Even if they have sold 150 spots that is a long way away from the 576 minimum this event needs. So I've got extreme reservations about sending this company $1900. No way is this event going to meet 576 so one of three things can happen: 1) I wait until who knows when to receive my money back, 2)UFFC files banktrupcy and I don't get my money back or 3) The rules and payouts will be changed and the event will got on in a completely different format for those teams how have paid and want to stay.

None of these options look very appealing. If they made a different format with less teams I'd be interested, but I"d want to know that before I paid $1900.

I think UFFC really should have done the event in its first year considerably less than $1900 to attract some of the WCOFF participants for their Friday draft but more on the costs later.

2. The format bills itself as one that combines head to head play and total points scored. Upon further review total points is a very small part of the system and this is a major flaw and for that matter the entire tourney format is flawed.

The current rules state that the first tournament is NFL weeks 1-7. After that time the 512 highest scoring teams advance to a 512 team NCAA style tourney featuring head to head play and divided into 4 128 team leagues..

Here are the many problems with this format in this consumers opinion:

A) When 512 out of 576 teams qualify for the head to head tourney that makes the first 7 weeks not much of a tourney at all. This is why I say the total points race is very small to insignificant for this event.

B) This format creats huge problems with bye weeks. Since advancing to the final 512 is not difficult this format would severely downgrade players whose bye weeks occur in NFL weeks 8-10.

C) I think most people who pony up $1900 for a team want to see the luck factor reduced as much as possible. This system does not reward teams for what they have done over the course of the season. We all know in fantasy playoffs you can have one bad week and be done, but this takes place over 9 weeks. What should have been done was to give each team their YTD points average going into each weeks tourney play.

Again, the top 2 problems are deal breakers for me. Problem number 2 could have been easily alleviated by not starting the head to head NCAA tourney until week 10 when the bye weeks were done. Made the field 128 teams to make it more challenging to get into and actually award teams who have scored a lot of points and finally calculate each teams YTD point average in the head to head competition.

If problem 2 were alleviated and I knew that if I paid $1900 a league would be formed I'd do this.

The following problems are more minor but I think need looking at:

1. The rules state you have to draft a certain number of players at each position and than have 4 positions you can draft at will. This is a ######ed rule to put in a high stakes fantasy league that people are paying $1900 to join. If I pay $1900 for a team I should get to draft the team according to my own strategy and that strategy does not involve me selecting multiple K's or D's. People who play in this kind of league don't like being told what they have to draft, it kills a lot of the strategy.

2. I'd like to see the payout to the 12 team league champs involve some type of reward for the highest scoring teams. As it is it's all based on head to head play.

3. Not having a league championship game is simply no good.

That's all I've got to say on this but would like to hear what others have to say.

 

[skycriesmary]

Wow. That is exactly the input I was looking for. Very well thought out, and I agree whole heartidly with both major points.

When I have more time, I'll expand on your thoughts as well as a few of mine.

 

[radballs]

Nice post Meno. Given the relatively few number of people, yet a group surely to grow over the years, the WCOFF going forward will benefit tremendously from the "first mover advantage". We'll see how big this sucker gets but I'd imagine it will continue to get bigger and bigger as long as Lenny and Emil focus on their customer base which is a given. They generally do a fantastic job of listening to their customers and making the necessary adjustments. The WCOFF draft event is one of the biggest rushes you'll enjoy that year if you're a diehard FF nut.

 

[skycriesmary]

Nice post Meno. Given the relatively few number of people, yet a group surely to grow over the years, the WCOFF going forward will benefit tremendously from the "first mover advantage". We'll see how big this sucker gets but I'd imagine it will continue to get bigger and bigger as long as Lenny and Emil focus on their customer base which is a given. They generally do a fantastic job of listening to their customers and making the necessary adjustments. The WCOFF draft event is one of the biggest rushes you'll enjoy that year if you're a diehard FF nut.

Agree 100% Too bad you have to pay for the extra crap though, like the party and hotel. Cool, if you want to go, but why should you be required too? It should be an option, not mandatory.

 

[nag']

1. The rules state you have to draft a certain number of players at each position and than have 4 positions you can draft at will. This is a ######ed rule to put in a high stakes fantasy league that people are paying $1900 to join. If I pay $1900 for a team I should get to draft the team according to my own strategy and that strategy does not involve me selecting multiple K's or D's. People who play in this kind of league don't like being told what they have to draft, it kills a lot of the strategy.

This was where I stopped reading their rules. Awful rule.

 

[Sideline Sage]

I was looking into this also, as a now 5-timer for the WCOFF, to attend another high stakes draft while I'm at Vegas. However, I agree wholeheartedly with the previous comments on the rules.

I would luv to get in another high stakes league, but I haven't found one to my liking. If I hear this is close to a sellout, it could still tempt me, but I doubt it.

Great post Meno.

Roger

 

[geejoon]

Hello, my name is Adam Maresca and as some of you may already know I am the founder of the Ultimate Fantasy Football Championship and UFFC Admin. I would like to comment on this well thought out post.

First, I would like to thank you for pointing out many of the features that are going to make this tournament great. The NCAA style bracket system is a key feature and will prove to be quite exciting. Also the 2 games per week for those making the brackets are going to be an adrenaline rush and of course the Million Dollar Bonus Payout is a one of a kind feature that can only be won in the UFFC. I would like to point out that several of the rules and features that are in place were created to setup a tournament that is unique and exciting. The UFFC format focuses on variations of the game that can not be found in any other tournaments. Please keep in mind that our intent is to offer you, the consumer, a quality fantasy football product that offers unique and exciting options that other leagues do not.

I would like to address the problems listed here:

• The UFFC tournament is currently half filled. I have no reason to believe that we will not fill our minimum requirements.

• *Return Policy*- Should the minimum requirements not be reached the following will be done:

o The Ultimate Fantasy Sports Challenge L.L.C. would make the necessary adjustments to the prize pool as well as tournament structure. The format would remain intact, however number of teams making the brackets would decrease and the week of head to head match ups would move to later in the season. Exact numbers and beginning head to head match up week would depend on the total number of entrants competing.

o Each entrant would be notified of the following changes and given the option to stay in the tournament with the new variations or receive a full refund.

o Refunds would be made within 48 hours of final judgment.

• Yes, in retrospect it would have been a good idea to offer a smaller buy-in so as to draw more WCOFF members into the UFFC. However, we are currently offering a $100 discount to all WCOFF registrants.

• Expenses for running a tournament like this are a lot greater than you may believe. While the UFFC does not force its participants into a room purchase or an after draft party, it instead incurs a large charge to rent a ballroom and offer a free buffet for all that join. In addition there are numerous fees that need to be paid to various organizations for licensing.

Tournament Format:

Again, your comments are well thought out and will be given much thought. However making changes at this time would be hard to do. Instead I would like to address each one and offer another view.

• Part 1 of the tournament weeks 1-7: Nearly half the season is over and the point’s race can be quite exciting to watch. This is merely part 1 of the tournament and not a tournament in itself. Based on 576 teams, only 64 teams will be knocked out but on a grander scale of 720 teams, 208 teams will not make the brackets. The idea here is that all teams are in fact already competing in the “tournament” and not just in a 12 team league.

• Part 2: Once a team advances to the head to head brackets that begin in week 8 the tournament becomes more interesting and the real fun begins when teams will compete in 2 matches weekly. 512 teams will begin this stage and giving the format the numbers dramatically decrease as weeks move on.

• All teams that advance to week 13 will cash and most tournaments at this point are just beginning.

• Teams not advancing in weeks 11 and 12 are entered into 1 of 3 consolation brackets which follow the same format as the main tournament bracket. 1/3 of these teams will receive cash payouts, which brings the total to 28 teams overall that receive a cash payout. Compare that to the WCOFF.

• Roster Requirements: The cost of the tournament shouldn’t decide the league rules or requirements. The cost of the tournament merely reflects the prizes that are awarded. However, your point is well taken and it was our concern that those competing in a high stakes tournament would be more interested if there was a deeper free agent pool. Also, we were hoping this style of play would attract new members who may be not be comfortable with a free drafting format.

• League Championship game: In the UFFC the best record wins the league and point’s ytd are used as a tie breaker. This format rewards the team that has proven themselves over a 16 week period. Teams will have won the league after having played each team once, 3 high/low weeks, and competing in 2 knockdown weeks. Although different from many of the other high stakes tournaments this is a tough format and will in many cases come right down to the wire.

Again this is meant to be a competitive format and the strongest teams will advance and become league and tournament champions.

1. Rewards for the highest point scoring teams in each 12 team league is a great idea and if at all possible this will be added as a prize this year and most definitely in the years to come.

2. League Championship game is a great idea also and in the years to come this would be considered based on voting and surveys that tournament members would complete. However you did state that one bad week could decide it all and wouldn’t that also be true if we were to have a League Championship game as opposed to the current format which represents 16 weeks of play?

3. Bye weeks 8-10: This is a great point you bring up. This we are going to take into careful consideration. Though the tournament can not be changed this year, a restructured format would be designed with this in mind and voting by members would then put this change in effect. Though this doesn’t necessarily change anything it is a great tip or strategy idea. Great Observation.

Overall, you have made some great points. However, everything has a starting point and this is ours. Maybe everything isn’t perfect just yet, but nothing is set in stone and tweaks maybe made from time to time to achieve a perfect format. We feel this format is exciting, creative, unique and competitive. Those who have registered are in for a great ride. We have so many surprises in store and are excited about the opportunity to create a fan base that will continue to grow and make the Ultimate Fantasy Football Championship one of the greatest high stakes fantasy football tournaments. Our goal is to satisfy you the consumer and to make your season as memorable and as enjoyable as possible.

I don’t believe the current high stakes tournaments had gotten an overwhelming response in their first years and it is unfair to compare the UFFC to other tournaments which have grown over the years. UFFC’s success will push the envelope and force other high stakes tournaments to offer more and up the ante. Already, we have put the WCOFF in a position where they felt they needed to up the league payout and in the coming years I am sure they will be forced to match a Million Dollar Bonus Prize which until now was never even a thought. The WCOFF now is planning to sign up 840 teams in two cities and how has their prize payouts changed? Many of you, including myself compete in the WCOFF. Do any of you really like the fact that there are no add/drops after week 11 with a third of the season remaining, only to watch your point totals for the next 5 weeks. What strategy do you have for that? How are you able to protect yourself when you lose a main player after week 11? The truth is that format is boring, and it’s the team that survives injuries and scores the most points wins. If you thought ahead far enough and picked up the 3rd string RB before week 11, and he luckily made it in the starting lineup, you may just win it all. All formats have a flaw, they aren’t like owning a real team and competing in the NFL, but the rules we play by should be interesting and exciting enough to enjoy the season and if you can win some money that’s nice too.

I hope to see all of you at the draft and I truly believe that you will enjoy this league and will return time and time again. Thank you for letting me make my points and I hope next time you have questions or comments you will also post them on the main site UFFC Live, so that I have the opportunity to answer them and make the necessary changes when possible.

I would also like to announce that each team will have a free entry into our NFL Pickem which we are planning to have, where each week you will pick all match ups against the spread and win weekly prizes as well as an overall season prize. Details will be on the site soon and are included in the buy-in. Thanks and Good Luck!!

 

[Joerada]

Adam, Your points are well taken. I like many of the new ideas you have put in the UFFC tournament. The fact you are willing to listen to the tournament players suggestions to help shape this league in the future is refreshing. I'm in, see you in Las Vegas! Rockin Rada out----

 

[menobrown]

Adam, Your points are well taken. I like many of the new ideas you have put in the UFFC tournament. The fact you are willing to listen to the tournament players suggestions to help shape this league in the future is refreshing. I'm in, see you in Las Vegas! Rockin Rada out----

I'd also like to add that I tought it was great of Adam to take the time to listen and address some areas that need looking into. I've since had the chance to speak with Adam and one thing I'd like to say is all of us in the fantasy community, especially those of use who enjoy high end fantasy events, should be rooting for the UFFC to succeed. . He has brought along some really novel idea's and competition can only be beneficial to us, the consumers. Along those lines I am heavily leaning towards doing my part and particpating in his event because I'd both really like to see it succeed and because he has some really good ideas. I admit I still have some issues with the format, with my biggest grievance the fact that 10 teams will be on bye weeks during the head to head portion of the big tournament but no format is perfect.A lot of you who join WCOFF would have a hard time debating the ROI makes sense but you continue to gladly participate each year because it's fun. There are some rules in the UFFC which I don't like and can not defend, but the one thing that sticks out to me is the format looks fun.

 

[nag']

• The UFFC tournament is currently half filled. I have no reason to believe that we will not fill our minimum requirements.

If you have 288 signups, I'll eat my keyboard. In fact, if you EVER GET 288 signups this year, I'll eat my keyboard.No offense and good luck.

 

[Sideline Sage]

Adam, thanks for taking the time to address our concerns. One of my main concerns is the same as Nags and that is participation. Too many times these high stakes leagues get no where near full participation. How many fully paid entries do you have? Are you going to have a running count? Since you have to pay for the room, buffet etc, do you have a minimum number of entries you must meet to hold the room? How late of a date would that minimum have to be reached to hold the room?

On a side note, any ideas of the best high stakes leagues with online drafts? I am definitely in WCOFF, but I am interested in joining some other leagues.

 

[bearsguy54]

Adam, thanks for taking the time to address our concerns. One of my main concerns is the same as Nags and that is participation. Too many times these high stakes leagues get no where near full participation. How many fully paid entries do you have? Are you going to have a running count? Since you have to pay for the room, buffet etc, do you have a minimum number of entries you must meet to hold the room? How late of a date would that minimum have to be reached to hold the room?

On a side note, any ideas of the best high stakes leagues with online drafts? I am definitely in WCOFF, but I am interested in joining some other leagues.

Not sure if you're directing this towards Adam or the general public, but I participated in a few AFFL leagues last year and have nothing but great things to say about the service that Neil and his crew run.

 

[menobrown]

Adam, thanks for taking the time to address our concerns. One of my main concerns is the same as Nags and that is participation. Too many times these high stakes leagues get no where near full participation. How many fully paid entries do you have? Are you going to have a running count? Since you have to pay for the room, buffet etc, do you have a minimum number of entries you must meet to hold the room? How late of a date would that minimum have to be reached to hold the room?

On a side note, any ideas of the best high stakes leagues with online drafts? I am definitely in WCOFF, but I am interested in joining some other leagues.

I've been looking for some good on-line leagues myself and so far what I've found that looks pretty good is Payday Sports for 12 teams leagues and NFFC for 14 team leagues. They each have leagues going from the $250-$1,000 range with an on-line draft and high payouts.

 

[Sideline Sage]

Thanks guys. I am looking at Payday and NFFC. Looks good, may join.

 

[Capt Hook]

Hello, my name is Adam Maresca and as some of you may already know I am the founder of the Ultimate Fantasy Football Championship and UFFC Admin. I would like to comment on this well thought out post.

UFFC’s success will push the envelope and force other high stakes tournaments to offer more and up the ante. Already, we have put the WCOFF in a position where they felt they needed to up the league payout

I appreciate the guy's time and effort in responding to this thread, but the statement about having put the WCOFF in the position of having to change payouts is ABSOLUTELY FALSE. There has been discussion for years on the WCOFF message boards and one of the principals started the thread with discussion about how people in the event would like to see it changed last year!