[Mr. GQ] Bunkering and Drive bys : the novice vs ubergat, novice lock-up, the planned mutual.


Sean has this one -- stand by for draft

All Right,
From a reffing and playing standpoint, Bunkering may be one of the hardest aspects of the game to get correct. The main culprit is the time interval in which it takes place. From the time player A leaves their bunker with the intent of bunkering, to the end of the play, usually only lasts 1-3 seconds. Combine that with the imbalance of numbers of players relative to numbers of refs, and ref positioning comes into play significantly.

For simplicity sake I will be using hes/hims though I know that she/hers play as well.

Bunkering is when one or more players rush at another player who is protected by his bunker with the rushing players intent on getting close enough to minimize their risk of exposure until the last second and changing their angle of attack to gain the elimination of the protected player. Usually at within point-blank range (more typically within inches.)

From the ref's perspective, anticipating such a move and getting in position is key.
For anticipation: Keep in mind who is playing and how they are playing. The more aggressive style player will more likely be the attacking player. It is extremely unlikely to see a new player with a rental marker make this move. However, even in a mixed game with electros, semis, pumps, a pump player may make the bunkering move. Therefore, style of play needs to be the focus rather than tools of the trade. Also, watch for which physical bunker or player has been giving the opposing team a significant challenge. If one player in one bunker is keeping 5-6 opposing players at bay, a bunkering play to eliminate that player is likely to occur. Also, if the protected player is not utilizing a particular side of the bunker to keep players at a distance, an opportunity for bunkering may occur.
Also in anticipating, in recball and I'll draw a line and say sometimes in scenario games, it may be appropriate to tell the attacking players to "Be Nice." This is going to be a judgement call on your part. If the protected player is young or evidently inexperienced, I advocate saying this out loud. Remember as ref's our job is to keep players coming back to our sport. An aggressive bunkering with a lot of extra shots may be the ticket for that player to never come back again.

For positioning: Here's a challenge for any who have tried...You need to be in the best position possible, without giving away why you are there, and oh yeah, trying to minimize the shots you'll be on the receiving end of. Ideally, you'll want to be at an angle to see both the attacking player and the defending player clearly. This will put you in a position about 5-10 feet away and at about 90 degrees to the action (facing them helps). From here, do your best to call what you see.
Calling it: Be definitive. Call loudly which player is eliminated first, or both (though this should seldom be the case) and call the other player clean. Be mindful of the rules which are being used for the game regarding overshooting, you may need to call a player out based on the number of breaks.

From the attacking (playing) standpoint: for the sake of the game, be mindful of who you are bunkering (younger players, first timers). I'm also a fan of matching firepower. I know you've got that brand new ShoDMPMIONPMREGOETEKcker and you got it to have the firepower you need. However, if you know that your opponent is pumping away, be mindful when you bunker them, 1 or 2 shots will usually send your challenger to the dead-box. Also, if possible to make sure you get the correct call from the ref, do a 180 degree spin once you've made the move. That way, any late shots will be blatantly on your back and a decent ref will acknowledge that and leave you in the game.

From the defending standpoint: the 180 degree spin is helpful here as well. This player has the advantage of being posted in a static position and has a more accurate shot than the attacking player, however he lacks the element of surprise. Also, the number of shots taken should be considered an not be excessive.

The Mutual: This is when a player is willing to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of the teams position on the field. This bunkering move is when the attacker has no intention of surviving, but solely focuses on removing a difficult player. This should give the team a significant advantage or remove a significant risk area. The defending player can have a great number of shots from that bunker or could be forcing other players to focus on them because of where they are located.

From a reffing standpoint, an intended mutual can be relatively easy (unfortunately, you won't know it's intent until afterwards) The focus should be on whether the defending player is hit first or not. As it is likely that the attacking player will not seek cover or protection afterwards.

There you have a start, I'm very interested in others opinions and critique, so please chime in.

very very well written. good job. i especially like how you mention that at times, the pumper is the agressor.

was this from a reff's point of view?

SC PIRATES

I have reffed, but I tried to get both sides (players and refs). Did you feel something was missing? If so, please add to it.

nice work sir .. maybe reference a 10ft rule or similar (if called for in rules) to avoid close shots.