What is the correct way to run a Live, Manual Fantasy Draft?

Question

Should people be allowed to use computers? Mags? Own rankings? printed out stuff? In a fantasy football live draft/manual draft league at the draft?

Answer 1

like Crash said, the "correct" way to run a live draft is to make it fun. and in my opinion, a live draft is the right way to do it.

everyone can bring any materials they like. in fact, they must bring their own- no rankings, lists, or cheat sheets should be provided.

make sure to have plenty of food, drinks, and time.

have draft boards posted for each team, in the correct draft order.

have a recorder/emcee to write down the picks as they are announced (or enter on a computer, projected onto a wall or screen). get someone who is witty, knowledgeable, can make fun of picks and owners, maybe throw out some trivia between picks. you don't want long, boring lulls.

have a timer for each pick so it doesn't drag. have a punishment for the guy who drafts players that are already taken. so instead of getting irritated at him, he gets made fun of and makes it more entertaining. something like pounding a beverage, drinking a mystery concoction, or doing a wall sit until his next pick.

we always play hold em before the draft, the buy in provides enough money for the winner's entry fee. we make it an all-day event with a wiffleball game, BBQ, and swimming pool (for a game of toothpick).

have fun and good luck.

Answer 2

Managers should be allowed to use anything and everything at their disposal.

You can't restrict how people collect and use their information for the draft.

Some of the best drafters I know show up with a pencil and a single sheet of paper.

Everything goes.  Make sure the draft is fun, have a big draft board, and enjoy the experience.

EDIT: Remember, a lot of people don't use magazines because they are out of date within weeks of publication.  Using a computer is just more efficient -- it's not cheating.