Running an NFL pick em pool can be a fun and exciting way to engage with friends, family, or colleagues during the football season. It adds an element of competition and friendly banter as everyone tries to predict the outcomes of the games. While there are numerous ways to organize and run a pick em pool, I will share some insights and suggestions based on my experiences.
1. Determine the Format: The first step is to decide on the format of your pick em pool. You can choose between picking games straight up (predicting the winner) or against the spread (factoring in point spreads to level the playing field). Both formats have their own merits, so consider the preferences and knowledge levels of your participants.
2. Select a Manager: Appoint someone as the manager of the pool who will be responsible for keeping track of the picks, calculating scores, and communicating with the participants. This role is crucial in ensuring a smooth running pool.
3. Set the Scoring System: Establish a scoring system that rewards participants for correct picks. By default, you can assign one point for each correct pick, but you can also customize it based on your preferences. For example, you may decide to award more points for correctly picking underdogs or certain games of higher significance.
4. Determine the Number of Games: Decide how many games will be included in each week's pool. Typically, all the games scheduled for that week are included, but you can adjust the number based on the level of involvement and interest of your participants. Some may prefer a smaller selection to focus on, while others may enjoy the challenge of predicting all the games.
5. Establish Deadlines: It is essential to set clear deadlines for submitting picks. Consider the game schedule and ensure that participants have enough time to make their selections before the first game kicks off. Reminders can be sent out to prompt timely submissions.
6. Communication and Updates: Regularly communicate with the participants to share updates, standings, and results. This can be done through email, a dedicated website, or even a group chat. Transparency is crucial to maintain the integrity of the pool.
7. Encourage Interaction: Foster a sense of community and friendly competition by encouraging participants to discuss their picks, share thoughts on upcoming games, and engage in friendly banter. This can create a more immersive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
8. Consider Additional Elements: To make your pick em pool more engaging, you can incorporate additional elements such as bonus questions or tiebreaker rules. Bonus questions can be related to specific game outcomes, player performances, or even off-field events. Tiebreaker rules can be used to break any ties in the overall standings, such as predicting the total points scored in a selected game.
9. Weekly and Seasonal Prizes: Depending on the level of involvement and the preferences of your participants, you may choose to offer weekly or seasonal prizes. These can range from small token gifts to monetary rewards. Prizes can add an extra level of excitement and motivation for participants to stay engaged throughout the season.
10. Enjoy the Experience: Lastly, remember that the primary goal of running an NFL pick em pool is to have fun and enjoy the games together. It is an opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for football and engage in friendly competition. Embrace the ups and downs, celebrate the victories, and relish the camaraderie that comes with running and participating in a pick em pool.
I hope these insights and suggestions help you in running an enjoyable and successful NFL pick em pool. May your pool be filled with thrilling games, accurate predictions, and memorable moments shared among friends and fellow football enthusiasts.