I'm not saying that I don't want people make great code to not to be allowed to play in tournaments. Just saying that in other non pinball events it's people like that and more.

Also big events need judges who not not playing in event to make rulings as well.

The NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB has refs that are not playing in the events also the players are union and have say in the rules as well.

Gameshows have lot's of rules to make so people can't get insider info. Just saying if some day there was some BIG pinball event they may have to look into issues like that. Or at the very least have non playing judges to make rulings.

It's not cheating when it's in the

I think I am VERY grateful for anyone that invites a bunch of people into their home to play on their immaculate personal collection AND to organize and clean up after the entire event!

I think if you precieve it as an unfair advantage then you would be doing everyone else a favor if you did not show up.

I think of all the events I have hosted I have done well in one and the majority of the time it is a huge disadvantage to be playing when you are more worried about others having a good time, games playing well, score keeping, adressing issues, the ocassional ungrateful visitor, clogged toilets, out of beer, food not just right or some have dietary restrictions, ... you get the point.

Hosting any event is boat loads of work and I am thankful for anyone willing to do so and think they deserve any perceived but completely fair advantage the get for hosting.

Man, thank you for pointing that out, as someone that has a kid that has peanut, egg, milk, and soy food allergies.. =|

Some day is the right term. Pinball isn't big enough now to be able to have paid officials, like those other sports you mentioned. Even so, at big tournaments like Pinburgh and PAPA, the tournament directors don't compete. Thank Bowen and Kevin the next time you see them.

If IFPA came out now and said tournament directors or hosts can't compete in their own event, the number of tournaments would drop noticeably. Most all tournament directors are players. If they can't play in their own tourney, what point would there be to enduring all the hassles of organizing a tournament? If you want paid officials, play in as many tournaments as you can and support location pinball. Home buyers alone won't be enough. We need non-owners competing too if we want to continue the growth.

It not about needing paid officials or even unpaid non playing ones at each event it's more of stuff that may be needed at some big events down the road (say pinball keeps getting bigger and bigger) also let's say there is a big event with lot's of sponsors there may be some legal issues that may force the issue at least big evens. The smaller stuff for the most part is fine as it is now.