Team Position Terminology - ^

[isoaker]

With general soaker terms outlined, the next order is Team position terms. Of course, for more advanced teams, stating a particular position is moot since those players will naturally adapt their role depending on the situation. However, for newer teams, having an ideas on what is expected of a particular team member can be extremely useful.

These terms are definitely not new. However, just want to get the membership feedback on whether they like these terms and their rough definitions or whether different terms are needed.

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Position - role/duty

* Captain/Leader - head of the team, responsible for making key decisions for the overall well-being of the team

* 'Grunt' (I'd really like a different term here) - general players involved in both offense and defence under the guide of the team Captain/Leader

* Tanker (only for larger-scale wars) - more defensive position; player responsible for maintaining/carrying water supplies in a limited resource game; may also need to refill soakers and defend water source

* Scout (only for larger-scale wars) - basically a lightly-armed 'Grunt' who is quick, able to check areas ahead of the rest of the group, looking for opponent players/positions

* Referee (only for organized, formal tournaments, or if needed in informal cases; not part of any team) - non-player person involved in enforcing game rules and resolving non-game-related team/player conflicts.

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Notes: these terms are just for use as a guide. Numbers of particular players in a team depends on the team's size.
'Sniper' hasn't been included since I consider 'sniping' in water warfare more of a skill than to be given a permanent role. Many argue that you can't really 'snipe' in a water fight, well, anyhow.
The role of a repair-guy also hasn't been included. Unless there is someone available who is particularly good at repairing all soakers, in general, players who have problems with their soakers tend to be the best ones to deal with their own soaker's problems.

For the most part, I plan on writing for team sizes ranging from 2, 4, or 8 players.

[SharpObjects]

Instead of grunt, how about infantry?

Would a HWO (heavy weapons officer) count as a tanker?

And in larger-scale soak fests, when going through an area as a squad, we usually have a "point-man". Would that be considered a scout?

~SO

[isoaker]

'Infantry' is ok, but I'm hoping for more soaker-related terminology. Based on some discussions with Duxburian, I'm choosing to phase out the HWO/Heavy Weapons Officer term since, well, many players can move around quite happily with heavier soakers. The 'Tanker' idea is more for someone who watches over supplies and does not necessarily have the largest soaker.

As for your 'point-man', it depends what he/she does. If he does something similar to the 'scouting' description, then yes, he would be considered a 'scout'. The term, 'Point Man', to me, though, suggests something a little different than scouting, thus I still prefer the 'scout' term to describe the particular role of someone who does reconnaisance for the team.

[Wild Boys]

While I'm not really an expert at this. I thought that for Grunt the term Flex Warrior/Fighter (Flex meaning meaning flexible) or Mercenery (I don't know if I spelt that right) would be suitable. This is just my guess, so don't flame me if I got this wrong.

Also, there are usually Snipers aren't there, who use long range weapons like CPS 1500's, 2000's, 2500 .etc. I think.





Edited By Wild Boys on 1143654715

[isoaker]

Ideas are welcome here so don't worry about suggestions unless they're REALLY off-base.

As I stated before, I don't feel that 'sniper' deserves a position title in water wars. Unless you're dealing with soakers firing beyond 100', the ranges are too close to be considered 'sniping'.

'Merc' suggests hired help so not quite. 'Flex Warrior' is ok, but too long. 'Fighter' is possible, but sounds a little too generic. Similar to other terms like 'Trooper'. Any ideas on more soaker/water-fight sounding terms?

[DX]

The RM simply uses "Private" although more often "Regular" for members who would somewhat fit a grunt-style role. Our Regulars have that name more for their experience and less with the guns or positions. They do keep that name while performing other roles though.

Funny, we also use a point-man when moving as a group. The point-man walks at the head of the column and can be anyone really. We do this in lieu of actual scouts, especially when moving through a not-so-desirable area.

The RM also has a unique chain of command. Along with the 2 commanders, we have 2 captains/colonels which are back-up commanders. In this way, we can split into up to 4 groups, merge back seamlessly, pass the command role down the lines, etc. Very important for keeping a team fluid and keeping an enemy guessing.

Infantry would not work as a term, since 99% of all players on all teams count as infantry! Unless you have vehicles and boats designed for full combat, which is not all that likely.

"Sharpshooting" is the best term to circumvent the "sniping" issue. Sharpshooting implies pinpoint accuracy, but doesn't necessarily have to be from far away. The person just has to be a good shot.

Basically, the more unconventional you get, the more success you'll have. This is aimed at newer teams as well. Even if you must assign specific positions, switch them up during battles. Switch guns and roles mid-game, or every other game, or do something to throw off the other team. Eventually, switching roles to match the conditions becomes second-nature and you do it without thinking about it or realizing it. Most members of my team have no idea what position switching is actually because we just give people a rank, such as captain or regular, and then go fight. They do those roles when they have to, we never had positions based on guns.

[isoaker]

Y'know, after re-reading Dux's post a few times, the depth of his post hit me harder than a 100x stream at point blank range (BUT I'M STILL STANDING!!!)

Team position terminology really shouldn't be assigned, per se.

Rank is really what teams need in order for the chain of command to work, but from there, the members of the team should know the various duties that need to be done and do their part as needed.

Positions like 'scout', 'tanker', 'point man' are taken on by willing members as needed or as assigned by a team/squad captain. However, all members of the team should be flexible enough to take on other duties if a situation calls for it.

In light of this, this thread now feels silly. It's not team position terms that are needed; a rank system is needed as well as a listing of various possible duties.

I'm going to start a new thread. Thanks for bringing out an epiphany, Dux!