Juke Glitch Out, Traditional Running In
by Jamie Starr, special correspondent, Nationals 7

The Competition Committee voted in favor of legislation that will prohibited the inappropriate use of the juke feature at Nationals 7. The new policy will be implemented not only for the 7th annual National Championship, but it also goes into effect immediately for future official MWS tournament play and online competition. The new policy will most certainly change the way the game is being played, and perhaps levels the playing for field for Nationals.

"This is certainly a step in the right direction, and something had to be done to address the exploitation of this feature," states 3rd & Long Comp Committee chair. "We looked at this thing inside and out, and the bottom line is, there is a serious flaw in the game. And its our job to not allow flaws to create unfair advantages in game play." The committee voted 3-2 in favor of an all out ban on the juke rather than settle for just a ban behind the line of scrimmage. Committee member E* Smith sided with 3rd. "If the juke is a glitch behind the line, then it is a glitch pass the line of scrimmage as well," stated Smith. JDub and Sandman both voted against an all out ban, stating concerns that it may very difficult to legislate infractions beyond the line of scrimmage. "The biggest problem is behind the line of scrimmage," stated Sandman. "Once you cross the line of scrimmage it can be stopped." JDub feels that not only will it be tough to legislate but it may be unfair to ask some ballers to change their play at this late point in the season. 3rd & Long disagrees. "If we can effective rule on this behind the line of scrimmage, we should be able to do the same pass the line of scrimmage." TFonk initially was in favor of behind the line limitations only, but eventually changed his vote, thus swinging the vote to an all about prohibition of the move.

Some ballers have already voiced concerns as to whether or not this is a good move because it is so late in the season. Some feel it is unreasonable to expect the ballers to change the way they have played all season at this point. "I disagree," state MWS President The Swammi. "Sure you will have to tailor your game somewhat. And yes, adjustments will have to made. But everyone has the same amount of time to make those adjustments and we are talking about over 6 weeks to get ready for the Nationals. To me this was not just about what's good for Nationals, but what's in the best interest of the community."

How much will this change the competition? Red Rza, one of the Madden purist of the community believes it will have a dramatic effect on the game. Rza among others have led the charge for rules reform that will create an environment that features competitive balance based on knowledge of x's and o's, not game exploits. With the juke out, Rza and others feel it will force the ballers that some of the "so called" top ballers will be merely average at best without these arcadish tactics. Several of the "new school" players have commented that the only reason they have exploited the juke feature is because there hasn't been a rule to prohibit it. And if there were one, it would not make a difference, as they could play with or without the juke glitch.

"I have to applaud the committee," states Swammi. "We don't want to have a situation where how well you can execute the exploitation of a flaw in the game ends up determining how far a player advances in the tournament. And if it changes the way the game played, but it is the right thing to do, then so be it."

The Nationals 7 weekend kicks off July 15 in Miami.

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