This past weekend was a challenging one for our game video stream program BCFCTV.com. We would like to go over each game situation individually from the past weekend but first explain how BCFCTV works.
Up until last year our 6 clubs ran their own game streaming. The issue was one of consistency as some clubs invested $ and provided a high-quality broadcast, while others preferred to go a more basic model that didn’t always work well, and others had no broadcast at all. Anyone who knows the inner workings of a junior football team understands how volunteer stretched they are, pulling off a broadcast is often the last thing they have time for unfortunately.
Last season the conference approached the teams about the concept of a league broadcast with minimum standards that would provide a better viewing experience for parents and fans. Additionally, the platform provider (World Play Network), provided a platform that allows more revenue for the clubs. Incidentally, 100% of all net revenue is allocated back to the 6 teams equally, including that from the title Sponsors RE/MAX Kelowna, RE/MAX Kamloops and RE/MAX Treeland in Langley. Thank you to those RE/MAX offices for their support of their teams and the BCFC.
As mentioned some teams invest more $ in their broadcast, specifically Langley Rams and Valley Huskers. Last year the conference created the Westshore Rebels broadcast with the same basic investment model as in Langley and Chilliwack. This season, we increased prices from $10 to $15 per game to offset increased costs to allow all teams to have 2 cameras, again with the goal of a better broadcast experience for fans. Due to no hard wire ability in Nanaimo we are still working towards 2 camera broadcasts.
We are also working towards programs that will potentially allow for some games to be broadcast free of charge in the future with increased sponsorship.
If you have questions about BCFCTV, please don’t hesitate to call or email me. Blake Roberts 250-212-2888 / marketing@bcfootballconference.com
Now, back to the past weekend.
Westshore @ Kamloops
As we all know this game was cancelled due to the air quality situation. Refunds will be issued to credit cards this evening. They will take up to a week to appear on your card apparently.
Okanagan @ Chilliwack
A technical issue with our normally cracker jack broadcaster VBN resulted in the feed being delayed 12 minutes. The game is being loaded to our You Tube as we speak and will be available for free viewing this morning. Watch our social media for update.
We had considered cancelling the broadcast altogether and issuing refunds as well but felt that viewers would be better of getting the game late than not at all.
Langley @ VI
Doug Watson of Mijen Multi Media handled the broadcast camera for us last year and as everyone knows does an outstanding job. Unfortunately, a family illness this year means he had to step away. We are hopeful Doug will be back in 2019.
As we struggled to find a replacement this year, VBN out of Chilliwack stepped in to handle the first Raiders home game and the broadcast was excellent.
Due to the increased cost of bringing in VBN the Raiders understandably looked for an on-island solution this past weekend. Unfortunately, this company was completely unprepared despite being made fully aware in advance of the facility situation at Caledonia. The Raiders do have a copy of the game which we are trying to locate so we can get up on You Tube as well.
Full refunds are also being issued for this game, again they will take a few days to appear on your CC.
Good news is we will be bringing back either VBN or Roll Focus who handles the Rebels broadcasts for the conference so going forward there will be no issues in Nanaimo and you will get to see and hear Dom Abassi’s always stellar game call.
Thanks for taking the time to read this update, please share with anyone who purchased the games last week. And again, please don’t hesitate to contact me regarding questions you may have.
Blake Roberts
BCFC Marketing
