Navigating Conflict: How to Resolve Spikeball Disputes with Brookline
Cover 📸 roundnet.sports.photography - R. Schröder
—Long read—
Recent weeks have been filled with back-and-forth theories, assumptions, and some evidence in the Spikeball Inc. vs. Brookline conflict, as I informed you on our blog. A lot of people asked me about my opinion, which I withheld till I had more information. After listening to the most recent That Roundnet Podcast episode with Spikeball’s CEO, Chris Ruder, I decided to break the silence.
This is not a throughout analysis of the conflict. I don’t claim either aim to be an investigative journalist, even though sometimes I feel like one. For those of you familiar with my work, whether it is Future Roundnet, Coaching App, or Munich Roundnet Club, you know my motto is “Done is better than perfect.”
———————————————————————————————————Important side note
The following opinions are strictly mine and not those of Future Roundnet (FR). Indeed, I am usually the driving force behind FR but I would never be able to organize such big events as FRESH or the Roundnet Coaching App without a great team around me.
Honestly, it is a very delicate line between me and FR brand. I am still learning to balance it and I want to already thank the people who keep me in check, and give me valuable insights or feedback, which may hurt my ego but ultimately benefits the FR brand and thus the sport of roundnet as well. You know who you are, keep it coming ;).
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We're back.
It is difficult to know the truth and we will probably never will. However, after each conflict, there are lessons to be learned. “Jakub, after?” Yes, I strongly suggest we wrap up this conflict with this article and move on for the sake of the sport.
Actions speak louder than words.
Before we dive into specifics, the current conflict underlines arguably the biggest outstanding problem in roundnet worldwide:
Dependency on one company as a main driving force.
“But Jakub, we have our NGBs, EURA, ARF or IRF… We do so much work, we the community…” Yes, I hear you… But first, who founded the International Roundnet Federation? Who spent thousands of $US to do so? Do you think lawyers work for free?
Spikeball did. Spikeball Inc. poured its heart and soul into building roundnet from the ground up. Imagine their predicament: after ten years of development, they faced a tough choice. On one hand, they could maintain complete control over the sport. On the other hand, they could establish a governing body with experienced individuals, some of whom might retain ties to Spikeball Inc., raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
This governing body, though potentially beneficial for the sport's long-term growth, would come at a cost: Spikeball Inc. would have to relinquish some control and even financially support the body's establishment. The decision wasn't easy – trust the unknown or invest in a potentially conflicted entity. Ultimately, Spikeball Inc. prioritized the sport's future, even if it meant sacrificing some control.
Ultimately, money is power. Spikeball Inc. invests the most money in the growth of roundnet. You don't need to like it but it's a fact.
So, why are we so enraged?
“But Jakub, Spikeball makes money when the sport grows. More people are buying kits…”
Exactly!
We tend to forget that Spikeball is in a kit manufacturing business. Does Adidas grow football/soccer? Or Nike basketball? No. FIFA and FIBA do - yes, international governing bodies.
You may say: “But, among many other things, FIFA or FIBA have paid, experienced professionals doing the job… they make billions of $ in revenue.” IRF or EURA are made of rather young volunteers.
Exactly!
Therefore, shouldn't we focus on attracting highly qualified professionals to the NGB level and securing the necessary funding to support them?
Before we start coming up with excuses, just let it sink for a minute.
Spikeball's success in fostering a competitive scene – the very reason you're likely reading this – hasn't necessarily translated into their biggest profit driver. Selling the roundnet kits has.
Do you want to sell roundnet kits?
A few years back, I was exploring the kit production business and I sought advice from a friend who's a seasoned entrepreneur. He said, “Don't do it.” A couple of months later I worked with Bamball, a German kit manufacturer. They were developing a new pro set and as I listened to all the headaches (think stuck container ship in Suez), I understood what my friend meant. I'm glad I listened. Thank you, L.!
Disaster lurking behind the corner
That brings us back to Brookline vs. Spikeball situation. The first time I heard about the situation, it rang a bell in my head… What was it, aaargh!?
Then I realized it once again! A couple of years ago, I was reading yet another business book - “Built to Sell” by John Warrillow. One of the key lessons is that a business needs to make sure that no one client (supplier) makes up more than XY amount (in the book 15%) of your revenue.
The higher the dependence, the greater the risk. A large client/supplier, Spikeball, holds more leverage. However, If they (Spikeball) face financial difficulties (in the podcast, Mr. Ruder mentions Spikeball's challenges in 2023), your business can be severely impacted, potentially leading to closure (Brookline).
Why is it relevant for us, the roundnet world?
In my view, particularly in Europe, we are heading down Brookline's path - out of business. Most people rely on Spikeball to make things happen, especially from a financial perspective.
Facts: Spikeball is the main sponsor of the 2024 ETS season and Worlds 2024 in London.
As Mr. Ruder admitted in the podcast, Spikeball could have been more present in Europe. That was a stark difference in approach of Brookline, sInce Tom Schreus had his boots on the ground throughout the entire 2023 season. Players and the community could talk to Tom at any ETS event, he was there to learn, listen, and implement suggestions. The community felt listened to and thus Tom's and Brookline's popularity soared.
On the other hand, while Spikeball employees might have been present at the event, they were typically competing themselves, making them difficult to reach. The same goes for the majority of EURA board members, who played at almost every ETS event, if they happened to be on the continent while helping to run the event.
Anyway, how long do we want to be dependent on one main sponsor to solve our financial problems in Europe? In comparison, 1. Roundnet Club Cologne just hosted a massive indoor tournament on Premier Spike nets, while having yfood and Krombacher Spezi (beverages) as main sponsors. Once again, Germans are leading the way in innovation.
Do you think 1. Roundnet Club Cologne doesn't have enough Spikeball kits at its disposal, being the largest roundnet club in Germany. Of course they do, yet, they give a chance to other brands because they realize it is very much needed and money is not everything in the short term.
I did the same with FRESH events or Mallorca Open tournaments, hosting a Revol tournament, introducing Premier Spike prototypes to Europe or playing on Bamball or Rashball kits.
Parting thoughts
On the whole, Spikeball may not be perfect but it has introduced us to the sport of roundnet. Spikeball impacted positively our lives (certainly mine) and it wouldn't hurt if we were grateful for that. They have done a pretty awesome job. Just look at the video below - roundnet is all over the world!
Once we get out of this “entitlement” mindset, that some of us have, we can make roundnet a proper sport, unless we are waiting for good things to happen to us, Good things just don’t happen - actual people make them happen!
So, send money to your favorite content creator, sign up for a roundnet club, pay membership fees, which are going to be reinvested in the sport (to pay coaches for example), organize a local tournament, get paid, or just introduce your friends to the sport and have fun.
If I can leave you with one thought, it is this:
What can you do for the sport of roundnet?
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