Marker for Assigned Registered Keeper (MARK), otherwise known as MARK policy is not rocket science. What is this all about? What will this evolve to? Is it worthwhile doing this? Today, I will share my thoughts about the MARK policy which will be the first door to opening speedball to Singaporeans.
As Malaysia is far more established in the area of paintball as compared to us, we will have to watch and learn. I was once told by a very senior paintball person that paintball was first introduced to Singapore first. But let's look at how far we have gone? Our neighbours have gone a step earlier than us, Nation's Cup in 2004 was an eye opener, the Asia World Cup will be in its 3rd year, the Asia Pacific Paintball Federation (APPBF) was established with an Asian Series known as the Paintball Asia League (PALS). A recent introduction to the paintball scene is the new Asia Paintball Registry, a database to capture all records of paintball players in Asia.
So, yes we are definitely behind...Can we catch up to them? well...possible. Any time soon? No.
How then can we go about developing paintball in Singapore? Play it like the real thing.
This is where MARK comes in. In simple terms, MARK is simply marker tagging. Marker is tagged to a player who will have exclusive use of the marker whenever he plays paintball. This is not rocket science but something that has been implemented for years in Singapore, especially in gun clubs in Singapore. Except that it will be extremely expensive to become a member of the gun club thus the take up rate is low.
MARK will open up a whole new era to paintball in Singapore. With the introduction of e-markers in Singapore, many will be aware about the game and eventually create room for the sport to grow in Singapore. Yes, no doubt there is a cost to be in MARK but surely we have to start somewhere.
When Singapore first decided to leave the Malaysia Cup in 1995 and start the S-League, many people find it unwelcoming. But surely, we have to start somewhere. What are the potential for MARK?
- More people playing paintball? Hopefully...we should now that speedball is more interesting.
- Awareness of the game? Surely...look at that machine gun!
- E-marker division? Possible...just need to get enough people in MARK to start one.
- Singaporeans playing in Malaysia and PALS? Confirmed! Already we will have 5 teams playing in the upcoming MPOC and possibly up to 3 teams playing in the Divison 3 for PALS using e-markers. Fingers crossed.
- Recognition from Singapore Sports Council? hmmm...no comments but perhaps.
But its really up to the community. We are just opening up the opportunitites, whether it will work is still dependent on everyone. We are just trying to make paintball more fun and possibly play it the way we deem best fit the development in Singapore.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Sports Education Programme - SEP disappointed
Extracted from SEP website:
"The Sports Education Programme (SEP) is a collaborative partnership between Singapore Sports Council (SSC) and the Ministry of Education (MOE). Under SEP, each school is provided with a $10,000 dollar-to-dollar matching grant for them to take up sports programmes from an endorsed list. The SEP aims to advocate the importance of sports education, encourage sports participation in schools and increase sporting opportunities for the young. It also serves as an integrated and structured approach to link sports service providers with schools to ensure that innovative and quality sports programmes are delivered. "
I always get this question. "Have you tried going into schools?"
After applying for paintball introduction and speedball to be included into SEP since 6 months ago. I have received a reply from the SEP administrator. And here it goes:
"Lacking relevant coaching certification- NCAP theory level 1. Lacking coaching certification. Lacking First Aid certification"
This reply shows how much people know about paintball. Its jungle, its war, its uniform, its shooting one another, its blood, its expensive... no doubt. But there is more to it...so open your eyes guys...make it right.
Yes, there is no such thing as a coaching certificate for paintball. But no worries, PBAS is working on this. NCAP Level 1 Practical Paintball...interested?
But what amazes me most was the reply. I am saying this out of my own opinion and in no way should it be related to PBAS, Red Sevens, or the paintball community in Singapore. This is personal as the application was submitted using my name and the credientials of my certification was in questioned.
I went for NCAP Level 1 Theory in 2004 organised by SSC, got Level 1 Basketball Practical in 2005. Registered with Basketball Association Singapore for 2 years as a registered coach. Assistant to coaching staff for tertiary basketball team. Completed netball orientation to coaching in 2005 organised by Netball Singapore. Completed coaching certification level 1 with Basketball Australia. Completed a part time diploma in Sports and Exercise Sciences with Blackburn College. And still I am not good enough. The point I am trying to make is...the reason that was given is NCAP Level 1 theory...I am very sure if not 100% sure that I have supercede the requirment. So I wrote back to them.
And the reply was: "We did indicated clearly that we will need all the necessary supporting document" Fair enough...I am sure I did not submit all the documents needed. Sorry for that.
But could there be a form of review system to make up for it? E.g. what if my SEP application was before the time when I undergo coaching certification, what happens then? Isnt there a database that you can check? Which means, if I submit a bogus certification...do you take that for real?
Again...we are all short sighted... rejection is easy but picking up is never easy.
Paintball in schools? Never that easy...Paintball in schools for 2009? Just got booted.
"The Sports Education Programme (SEP) is a collaborative partnership between Singapore Sports Council (SSC) and the Ministry of Education (MOE). Under SEP, each school is provided with a $10,000 dollar-to-dollar matching grant for them to take up sports programmes from an endorsed list. The SEP aims to advocate the importance of sports education, encourage sports participation in schools and increase sporting opportunities for the young. It also serves as an integrated and structured approach to link sports service providers with schools to ensure that innovative and quality sports programmes are delivered. "
I always get this question. "Have you tried going into schools?"
After applying for paintball introduction and speedball to be included into SEP since 6 months ago. I have received a reply from the SEP administrator. And here it goes:
"Lacking relevant coaching certification- NCAP theory level 1. Lacking coaching certification. Lacking First Aid certification"
This reply shows how much people know about paintball. Its jungle, its war, its uniform, its shooting one another, its blood, its expensive... no doubt. But there is more to it...so open your eyes guys...make it right.
Yes, there is no such thing as a coaching certificate for paintball. But no worries, PBAS is working on this. NCAP Level 1 Practical Paintball...interested?
But what amazes me most was the reply. I am saying this out of my own opinion and in no way should it be related to PBAS, Red Sevens, or the paintball community in Singapore. This is personal as the application was submitted using my name and the credientials of my certification was in questioned.
I went for NCAP Level 1 Theory in 2004 organised by SSC, got Level 1 Basketball Practical in 2005. Registered with Basketball Association Singapore for 2 years as a registered coach. Assistant to coaching staff for tertiary basketball team. Completed netball orientation to coaching in 2005 organised by Netball Singapore. Completed coaching certification level 1 with Basketball Australia. Completed a part time diploma in Sports and Exercise Sciences with Blackburn College. And still I am not good enough. The point I am trying to make is...the reason that was given is NCAP Level 1 theory...I am very sure if not 100% sure that I have supercede the requirment. So I wrote back to them.
And the reply was: "We did indicated clearly that we will need all the necessary supporting document" Fair enough...I am sure I did not submit all the documents needed. Sorry for that.
But could there be a form of review system to make up for it? E.g. what if my SEP application was before the time when I undergo coaching certification, what happens then? Isnt there a database that you can check? Which means, if I submit a bogus certification...do you take that for real?
Again...we are all short sighted... rejection is easy but picking up is never easy.
Paintball in schools? Never that easy...Paintball in schools for 2009? Just got booted.
Bye 2008...Hello 2009!
We have concluded the Singapore Paintball Novice Series 2008. It was all fun.
The Overall Champion went to PSG Warfreakz, having participated in all 3 legs, 2 podium finish and accumulating enough points to pit everyone else, see them sitting comfortably at the top. Congratulation guys! You have made history. First champion of the SPNS!
Also, it was good to see the rise of another paintball team, Team Carnage which is led by Thomas Lee, the nominated MVP for Leg 2. Carnage has always been a formiable team, good in paintball fundamentals and obviously young and fast enough to make the dives and get into bunkers quickly. They have recruited a guest player, Sean from Death Maverick for this leg. I must say this is a good decision. Sean was playing paintball way before anyone else, before Thomas, before White Death was even formed, before there was Red Dynasty. I remember him wanting to play almost every weekend when he first hooked to the game. Young, humble, skillful... I would like to see how this young man can spur on the development of paintball in Singapore.
Little mentioned was this Leg's MVP, Faris who plays for Team R.A.G. Fine young body builder who just picked up paintball 3 weeks ago and there he was, recognized by the paintball community as the most valuable player for Leg 3. Fair enough... the other day, I was training Contract Killer on snapshooting and asked him to join us. This kid was amazingly accurate. While he still need some improvements on his stance. This guy is a natural...good on you mate! I could see the disappointment on his eyes when his team didnt make the cut to the 2nd round but there are so much potential.
We didnt get much media coverage for leg 3.
Kudos to redsports.sg for seeing the potential in paintball. I was actually quite disappointed that we only have a listing on TNP and nothing else. I was thinking maybe this time there are more things that could be newsworthy...but it doesnt seem like it. Never mind, we will continue to work hard to dispel your misconception about paintball.
I have heard this so many times, "Oh....paintball is not a sport" yah right! Next year, it will be in the World Games. If its not a sport, what about cup stacking? ballroom dancing? Anything can be a sport. Walking can be a sport. Just come and look at the intensity of how the game is being played. It is DEFINITELY, 100% NO DOUBT a sport. We have marshals, rules, fixtures, wins and losses...so how is it not a sport? I am confuse...all we need is a chance. So let us have it! A fair one please! So will it be a sport if we have a PALS Singapore next year? maybe, perhaps...
Anyway...here's to the paintball community in Singapore! We look forward to seeing all of you again for "SPNS 2009: Close to Heart"
The Overall Champion went to PSG Warfreakz, having participated in all 3 legs, 2 podium finish and accumulating enough points to pit everyone else, see them sitting comfortably at the top. Congratulation guys! You have made history. First champion of the SPNS!
Also, it was good to see the rise of another paintball team, Team Carnage which is led by Thomas Lee, the nominated MVP for Leg 2. Carnage has always been a formiable team, good in paintball fundamentals and obviously young and fast enough to make the dives and get into bunkers quickly. They have recruited a guest player, Sean from Death Maverick for this leg. I must say this is a good decision. Sean was playing paintball way before anyone else, before Thomas, before White Death was even formed, before there was Red Dynasty. I remember him wanting to play almost every weekend when he first hooked to the game. Young, humble, skillful... I would like to see how this young man can spur on the development of paintball in Singapore.
Little mentioned was this Leg's MVP, Faris who plays for Team R.A.G. Fine young body builder who just picked up paintball 3 weeks ago and there he was, recognized by the paintball community as the most valuable player for Leg 3. Fair enough... the other day, I was training Contract Killer on snapshooting and asked him to join us. This kid was amazingly accurate. While he still need some improvements on his stance. This guy is a natural...good on you mate! I could see the disappointment on his eyes when his team didnt make the cut to the 2nd round but there are so much potential.
We didnt get much media coverage for leg 3.
Kudos to redsports.sg for seeing the potential in paintball. I was actually quite disappointed that we only have a listing on TNP and nothing else. I was thinking maybe this time there are more things that could be newsworthy...but it doesnt seem like it. Never mind, we will continue to work hard to dispel your misconception about paintball.
I have heard this so many times, "Oh....paintball is not a sport" yah right! Next year, it will be in the World Games. If its not a sport, what about cup stacking? ballroom dancing? Anything can be a sport. Walking can be a sport. Just come and look at the intensity of how the game is being played. It is DEFINITELY, 100% NO DOUBT a sport. We have marshals, rules, fixtures, wins and losses...so how is it not a sport? I am confuse...all we need is a chance. So let us have it! A fair one please! So will it be a sport if we have a PALS Singapore next year? maybe, perhaps...
Anyway...here's to the paintball community in Singapore! We look forward to seeing all of you again for "SPNS 2009: Close to Heart"
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