FLEA wrote:
Just make sure that ALL referees understand the rules-heat is not an excuse.We played in the heat and we got the rules

I've said it time and time again... a knowledgeable scenario ref is priceless... poor reffing can make a great game "just OK". There were far too many cases where refs had no idea what to do or how to make a call? Obviously more scenario training is needed! and blaming the heat for the ineptitude of the refs is bogus!!!

Another issue was with comms... how are 20+ teams expected to use 4-5 radio channels??? We could have really used radios during this event, but were unable to find an unoccupied channel due to SC need way too many channels for their staff.

The set-up for the night game was stupid.... all those lights are annoying and what's up with "no TAC-lights allowed"? except to look for props???? Hence the reason I opted NOT to play the night game.

Having the registration/air/chrono so far from the field Saturday morning was a PITA!! Get a Tram or something to get players back and forth... especially in that intense heat!

Overall I had a good time.... The field was awesome and the game was fun, but with better reffing and a better presence of the story line it would have been a better experience for me.

I'll give my full AAR some time tonight... yes, there were a LOT of good points to this event. Not just the negatives I've pointed out above.

Great event, so much fun. Thank you for all of your hard work Mario!


A couple things I suggest to make it even better next year:

Rules – To help alleviate some of the confusion regarding rules, a small portable set of the most import scenario rules (i.e. missions, grenades, barrel tags, LAW rockets, medics…) could be included in the player’s pack or handed out at the insertion points and then also provided to each field ref. Beyond just an easy reference, it will resolve disputes very quickly and make all parties feel like they are being treated fairly once they see the rules in writing. This would be especially useful for dealing with players that don’t pay attention/attend morning rules. Maybe this could go on the reverse side of the map.

Parking Lot – During the entire weekend the main parking lot was mostly unused. That’s a lot of real estate really close to the field that could be utilized in lieu of areas requiring a long hike.

Date – Most players I spoke with agreed that this event should take place during the month of October. It would be late enough in the year that the heat shouldn’t be an issue and people are back in town from summer trips while still early enough not to conflict with holiday plans. An added bonus would be that the seasonal Halloween shops would be open making it more fun and cheaper for those that like to get into costumes and props (plus better promo pics). As people have already become accustomed to having DON at the end of summer, it may be best to slowly move it to October over the course of a couple years.

Vendors – The awards ceremony and raffle should take place in close proximity to the vendor village. The sponsors would feel more appreciated and have an increase in sales if they are nearby. You could literally point at the vendor and say “those guys over there are great, go there and buy their products.”


I’m already excited for DON III!

Trout wrote:
Great event, so much fun. Thank you for all of your hard work Mario!


A couple things I suggest to make it even better next year:

Rules – To help alleviate some of the confusion regarding rules, a small portable set of the most import scenario rules (i.e. missions, grenades, barrel tags, LAW rockets, medics…) could be included in the player’s pack or handed out at the insertion points and then also provided to each field ref. Beyond just an easy reference, it will resolve disputes very quickly and make all parties feel like they are being treated fairly once they see the rules in writing. This would be especially useful for dealing with players that don’t pay attention/attend morning rules. Maybe this could go on the reverse side of the map.



that is actually a great idea and on another note..maybe we could laminate the map also or something because by the end of the day my map was soaked with sweat. The refs should also have a map like trout said because i remember at one point a ref asked me for a map to take a look at where the apc was

Well Said!



Maybe do it in March or April?