WebJunction

This was held at the Clinton Public Library in Clinton, Oklahoma.

Madden Tournament Analysis

Participants: 23
Spectators: 18 (41 total)

Description:
For the tournament, we required that all participants have current library cards. We placed signs throughout the library, the schools, in the paper, and on the local cable channel. Most people who ended up playing heard through word of mouth. The participants signed up at the front desk before the tournament, when their card was scanned, and were then put on the tournament bracket. The webpage http://www.darters.com/ has several brackets that can be printed off for free, offering single and double elimination brackets for however many players a person wants. Using the X-box of an employee and his Madden ’06 game, we played the game two people at a time from 4:30 to 8:30. Not knowing how many people would show up, we limited the game to one-minute quarters, which could be done using the game console’s settings. We divided the participants into two groups, under fourteen and fourteen and over, alternating games between the younger division and the older. Most of the rules were based on those from other tournaments, found on the internet. We served Chex-mix and bottled water. For the most part, the participants and several spectators watched the other competitors play when they were not playing.

Reflection:
Project exceeded expectations, with several older teens/adults and children showing up. One girl participated. Even with one minute quarters and going to half a game after the second round we finished ten minutes after closing (8:10). Chex Mix and water seemed a perfect fit for people to snack on. A display of guy movies, football books, and graphic novels attracted attention, and several were checked out. Many more were browsed by people in the room.

Evaluation:
We know that at least twelve to fifteen new cards were issued because of interest in this program. Other cards were renewed while others were replaced (at least two replacements). Planning for the crowd was adequate, although games seemed to take a while. The losers’ bracket was never reached, and we had to cut the time of the later games in half. Winners seemed happy with the foam footballs as trophies. Adults thanked us for running the program, both for themselves and for the kids.

Recommendations:
We should focus on a single-elimination bracket next time and limit the number of contestants with a set number, probably sixteen, and pre-registration. People want this regularly, and some suggestions for the next games included March Madness and baseball. It seems people would prefer a PS2 format. We should also consider doing this on two nights, one for the older users and one for the younger. We also need to allow more time, probably at least four hours or as close to that as possible.

Linda Gens

Sorry, no further tips. I was just passing on what one of my libraries did (I'm a consultant). But their phone number is 580-323-2165 or the email address is wplscpl@itlnet.net if you want more info. Good luck with the program!
Linda Gens

We did a DDR tournament, but I can't say the tournament itself was a huge success. But the event was! We had 12 kids show up, most of whom had never played DDR before. So we had a practice and demo session for two hours. We plan to add some DDR afternoons to our after school programming. And maybe after a half dozen practice sessions, we'll have a tournament.

Right now, this 41 year old overweight librarian can kick all their butts at DDR!

DDR = Dance Dance Revolution

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_Dance_Revolution

I think that Ann Arbor District Library also has some information about their gaming tournaments - at one point they had a DDR tourney, but I cannot find the info now - http://www.aadl.org/

I'm in New Mexico. If you google DDR tournament library, you get the Ann Arbor info (looks like they do other video games too) and can see other libraries doing this too.