Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get invited to play in B.U.F.F.?
A: Typically, you need to be referred to the Commissioner by a current B.U.F.F. player or discovered by the Commissioner himself. You cannot just show up and expect to play.
Q: When can I introduce a friend to BUFF?
A: You can introduce a friend to B.U.F.F. at any time. It is up to the Commissioner to determine if the player is suitable for B.U.F.F. and if there is room on the current roster. If approved by the Commissioner and there is no room on the current roster, the Commissioner may add the prospect to his waiting or watch list.
Q: I referred a friend but he’s never played in a game, why?
A: If he passed League screening and an opportunity to play arose he most likely was invited but was not available to play. After about 5 invitations if the new recruit has not accepted any invitations to play, he most likely won’t get invited anymore. The Commissioner has many players waiting for a tryout and quickly grows tired of guys who say they want to play but don’t take advantage of their invitations.
Q: How can I become a regular?
A: Regulars are guaranteed invitations to play in one or both Saturday morning B.U.F.F. Gamedays. The rest of the players on the roster are substitutes or alternates. Regular status is usually granted to veterans who have a history of regular attendance and have proven that they support the B.U.F.F. standards of play and fellowship. Unfortunately there are only a limited number of regular spots available as the Commissioner likes to keep a certain number of roster spots open to give the subs frequent playing time. If a regular leaves B.U.F.F. thus opening up a regular spot it is up to the Commissioner to decide to fill the spot with the sub who is next in line based on his seniority, attendance history and positional need
Q: When does B.U.F.F. play?
A: The B.U.F.F. season runs from April thru December. The games are played on Saturday mornings on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Participation is by invitation only, in other words you have to have received an email invitation and you must reply and accept the invitation (by the assigned deadline) in order to play.
Q: What is the difference between Gold Gameday and Purple Gameday?
A: The Gold Gameday is on the 2nd Saturday of the month and the Purple Game day is on the 4th Saturday of the month. The Gold Gameday is intended to be a little more serious and or competitive while Purple Gameday is intended to be a little more relaxed. The Gold Gameday also includes the BCS tournament.
Q: How are sole brothers chosen (e.g. why am I Derek Fisher or Kendrick Perkins???)
A: Sole brothers are chosen for each player based on similarities of their skills and/or mannerisms to current and past NBA players. The sole brother selection is intended to be a complement and based on that player’s positive attributes.
Q: How are the teams chosen (BCS and non-BCS)?
A: Regular season teams are arranged such that there is parity to the teams they will be facing on that particular gameday. Sometimes there are constraints (such as special time requests) which prevent the commissioner from making “perfect” teams. Sometimes the commissioner tries to put new players with their friends until they are more familiar with the rest of the league.
BCS teams are made such that there is parity with all of the teams in the tournament. In the case of the BCS teams, teams may have obvious weaknesses and strengths. It is up to each team to strategize to maximize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses as well as to take advantage of their opponent’s weaknesses.
Of course many things can affect the outcome of a game and how a team performs such as chemistry, individuals’ daily performances, injuries and absences, etc. That is why games are not won on paper and must be played out!
Q: What are the rules concerning ties and fouls at the end of regulation time?”
A: Regular season games may end in a tie. BCS games will resolve a tie based on the current BCS tie breaker rules.
Games cannot end with a foul. In the regular season, the team that got fouled shall be allowed to replay the last play.
Q: Is there backcourt violation in BUFF?
A: Yes, there is a backcourt rule in BUFF. It is clearly stated in the BUFF Program.
Q: If I don’t accept an invitation, how likely am I to be invited again the next time?” =)
A: If you don’t accept an invitation you will not be penalized. However, if you decline too many game invitations you may be dropped lower on the depth chart.
New players are typically given 4 or 5 chances to accept an invitation to play in their first game, if they have not taken advantage of any of those invitations they will usually be dropped from the roster.
Returning players can get dropped or demoted if they decline too many game invitations without a good reason. The Commissioner wants players who want to play, not players who can’t find time to play.
Q: How are subs selected for a particular game day?
A: Subs are selected based on a number of factors. The primary factor is what position needs to be filled? Next is usually seniority. Another big factor is skill level as match ups always need to be fair and competitive. A sub’s history of accepting invitations is also taken into consideration. If a player has a recent record of not accepting multiple consecutive invites he may move down on the depth chart. The quickness in responding to an invitation is another factor. Sometimes it takes several rounds of emails to find a player who can play on a given day, if every sub took a week to reply then I would never be able to fill the roster in time for the gameday. Players who have an unexcused pattern of very slow responses tend drop in the depth chart.
Q: What happens if I choose to not answer some of these silly polls and questionnaires?
A: It is very important to the Commissioner that the right kind of players/people are involved in B.U.F.F.. Basketball skills are not necessarily the most important thing in B.U.F.F., camaraderie, enthusiasm and B.U.F.F. spirit are just as important. Participation in email polls and questionnaires show to me that you have the B.U.F.F. spirit and that you are not just using B.U.F.F. for the games. It shows to me that you care enough about your teammates to open up and share a personal side of yourself. Polls help the Commissioner make decisions that benefit the majority of players. Players who don’t have the B.U.F.F. spirit eventually get weeded out.
Q: How quickly must I reply to game invites?
A: When the initial game invitation is sent out players are usually given approximately two days to reply. Exceptions and extensions are sometimes granted if a reasonable explanation is given.
When a “Call to Arms” or sub invitation is sent out, I would like people to reply within one day (24 hrs) or two days max. I figure this is enough time to go home and check with your family if you are free. I feel it is reasonable for me to expect that if a sub wants to play in B.U.F.F. he will be on the lookout for a game invitation and will be courteous enough to reply back within 24 hours of when the email was sent. Quick replies are one of the key factors I consider when filling a vacant regular spot.
For subs, after two or more days and I have not heard back, it is my option to retract your invitation and proceed to the next sub in line. If the spot still remains open after several attempts to fill it, I may check back with you and give you another chance. Remember, good communication is the key.
Q: What’s the big deal about B.U.F.F.?
A: Do you like to play with people who argue with you? Do you like to play with guys who really don’t care if they injure you because they don’t care if they charge into you, low bridge you or elbow you? Do you like getting in fights with players over foul calls? Do you like getting your wallet, ball or car stolen while you are playing in the games?
B.U.F.F. has never been just about fun games. B.U.F.F. is about having a place to belong to, to meet regularly with friends, to make new friends, to talk about common interests like sports and family, to get some exercise while playing our favorite sport of basketball.
There are endless reasons why B.U.F.F. is a great place to play and to fellowship.
B.U.F.F. is exclusive; I do not let just anyone in. There are a lot of not so nice people out there in the world who don’t understand the meaning of morality, sportsmanship, teamwork, camaraderie and selflessness. It is my duty to screen out players who are known as “GDIs” – Gosh Darn Individuals. I weed out players who are dangerous to our safety and our peace of mind. It isn’t easy but the league is better because of it.
Q: What’s the big deal about B.U.F.F.?
A: It’s the people!
A: Typically, you need to be referred to the Commissioner by a current B.U.F.F. player or discovered by the Commissioner himself. You cannot just show up and expect to play.
Q: When can I introduce a friend to BUFF?
A: You can introduce a friend to B.U.F.F. at any time. It is up to the Commissioner to determine if the player is suitable for B.U.F.F. and if there is room on the current roster. If approved by the Commissioner and there is no room on the current roster, the Commissioner may add the prospect to his waiting or watch list.
Q: I referred a friend but he’s never played in a game, why?
A: If he passed League screening and an opportunity to play arose he most likely was invited but was not available to play. After about 5 invitations if the new recruit has not accepted any invitations to play, he most likely won’t get invited anymore. The Commissioner has many players waiting for a tryout and quickly grows tired of guys who say they want to play but don’t take advantage of their invitations.
Q: How can I become a regular?
A: Regulars are guaranteed invitations to play in one or both Saturday morning B.U.F.F. Gamedays. The rest of the players on the roster are substitutes or alternates. Regular status is usually granted to veterans who have a history of regular attendance and have proven that they support the B.U.F.F. standards of play and fellowship. Unfortunately there are only a limited number of regular spots available as the Commissioner likes to keep a certain number of roster spots open to give the subs frequent playing time. If a regular leaves B.U.F.F. thus opening up a regular spot it is up to the Commissioner to decide to fill the spot with the sub who is next in line based on his seniority, attendance history and positional need
Q: When does B.U.F.F. play?
A: The B.U.F.F. season runs from April thru December. The games are played on Saturday mornings on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Participation is by invitation only, in other words you have to have received an email invitation and you must reply and accept the invitation (by the assigned deadline) in order to play.
Q: What is the difference between Gold Gameday and Purple Gameday?
A: The Gold Gameday is on the 2nd Saturday of the month and the Purple Game day is on the 4th Saturday of the month. The Gold Gameday is intended to be a little more serious and or competitive while Purple Gameday is intended to be a little more relaxed. The Gold Gameday also includes the BCS tournament.
Q: How are sole brothers chosen (e.g. why am I Derek Fisher or Kendrick Perkins???)
A: Sole brothers are chosen for each player based on similarities of their skills and/or mannerisms to current and past NBA players. The sole brother selection is intended to be a complement and based on that player’s positive attributes.
Q: How are the teams chosen (BCS and non-BCS)?
A: Regular season teams are arranged such that there is parity to the teams they will be facing on that particular gameday. Sometimes there are constraints (such as special time requests) which prevent the commissioner from making “perfect” teams. Sometimes the commissioner tries to put new players with their friends until they are more familiar with the rest of the league.
BCS teams are made such that there is parity with all of the teams in the tournament. In the case of the BCS teams, teams may have obvious weaknesses and strengths. It is up to each team to strategize to maximize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses as well as to take advantage of their opponent’s weaknesses.
Of course many things can affect the outcome of a game and how a team performs such as chemistry, individuals’ daily performances, injuries and absences, etc. That is why games are not won on paper and must be played out!
Q: What are the rules concerning ties and fouls at the end of regulation time?”
A: Regular season games may end in a tie. BCS games will resolve a tie based on the current BCS tie breaker rules.
Games cannot end with a foul. In the regular season, the team that got fouled shall be allowed to replay the last play.
Q: Is there backcourt violation in BUFF?
A: Yes, there is a backcourt rule in BUFF. It is clearly stated in the BUFF Program.
Q: If I don’t accept an invitation, how likely am I to be invited again the next time?” =)
A: If you don’t accept an invitation you will not be penalized. However, if you decline too many game invitations you may be dropped lower on the depth chart.
New players are typically given 4 or 5 chances to accept an invitation to play in their first game, if they have not taken advantage of any of those invitations they will usually be dropped from the roster.
Returning players can get dropped or demoted if they decline too many game invitations without a good reason. The Commissioner wants players who want to play, not players who can’t find time to play.
Q: How are subs selected for a particular game day?
A: Subs are selected based on a number of factors. The primary factor is what position needs to be filled? Next is usually seniority. Another big factor is skill level as match ups always need to be fair and competitive. A sub’s history of accepting invitations is also taken into consideration. If a player has a recent record of not accepting multiple consecutive invites he may move down on the depth chart. The quickness in responding to an invitation is another factor. Sometimes it takes several rounds of emails to find a player who can play on a given day, if every sub took a week to reply then I would never be able to fill the roster in time for the gameday. Players who have an unexcused pattern of very slow responses tend drop in the depth chart.
Q: What happens if I choose to not answer some of these silly polls and questionnaires?
A: It is very important to the Commissioner that the right kind of players/people are involved in B.U.F.F.. Basketball skills are not necessarily the most important thing in B.U.F.F., camaraderie, enthusiasm and B.U.F.F. spirit are just as important. Participation in email polls and questionnaires show to me that you have the B.U.F.F. spirit and that you are not just using B.U.F.F. for the games. It shows to me that you care enough about your teammates to open up and share a personal side of yourself. Polls help the Commissioner make decisions that benefit the majority of players. Players who don’t have the B.U.F.F. spirit eventually get weeded out.
Q: How quickly must I reply to game invites?
A: When the initial game invitation is sent out players are usually given approximately two days to reply. Exceptions and extensions are sometimes granted if a reasonable explanation is given.
When a “Call to Arms” or sub invitation is sent out, I would like people to reply within one day (24 hrs) or two days max. I figure this is enough time to go home and check with your family if you are free. I feel it is reasonable for me to expect that if a sub wants to play in B.U.F.F. he will be on the lookout for a game invitation and will be courteous enough to reply back within 24 hours of when the email was sent. Quick replies are one of the key factors I consider when filling a vacant regular spot.
For subs, after two or more days and I have not heard back, it is my option to retract your invitation and proceed to the next sub in line. If the spot still remains open after several attempts to fill it, I may check back with you and give you another chance. Remember, good communication is the key.
Q: What’s the big deal about B.U.F.F.?
A: Do you like to play with people who argue with you? Do you like to play with guys who really don’t care if they injure you because they don’t care if they charge into you, low bridge you or elbow you? Do you like getting in fights with players over foul calls? Do you like getting your wallet, ball or car stolen while you are playing in the games?
B.U.F.F. has never been just about fun games. B.U.F.F. is about having a place to belong to, to meet regularly with friends, to make new friends, to talk about common interests like sports and family, to get some exercise while playing our favorite sport of basketball.
There are endless reasons why B.U.F.F. is a great place to play and to fellowship.
B.U.F.F. is exclusive; I do not let just anyone in. There are a lot of not so nice people out there in the world who don’t understand the meaning of morality, sportsmanship, teamwork, camaraderie and selflessness. It is my duty to screen out players who are known as “GDIs” – Gosh Darn Individuals. I weed out players who are dangerous to our safety and our peace of mind. It isn’t easy but the league is better because of it.
Q: What’s the big deal about B.U.F.F.?
A: It’s the people!