SFB9 Notebook: Talking Clock Etiquette

Competitors in the ninth rendition of the Scott Fish Bowl have expressed polarizing views on how to approach the draft clock. It’s a hot topic as the division drafts ramp up and prepare to wrap up sometime next week. Comparable to standard slow drafts for dynasty leagues, the SFB9 draft clock is set to eight hours and is turned off between the hours of 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. This gives gamers ample time to make a pick regardless of prior work, family or school obligations. Yet some choose to milk – or simply ignore – the clock while others make their picks in five minutes or less. There are no official clock rules outside of making your pick in the allotted time, but there are some unwritten rules that should be noted.

Be mindful of the draft queue and responsive

It doesn’t require much effort to monitor the draft throughout the day on whatever connected device is closest. That holds true even if you’re at work, home with the kids, playing a round of golf or studying for an exam. People like to use their job as an excuse, but I don’t buy that. Dedicated gamers – and if you’re in SFB9 I sure hope that’s you – make time for fantasy football because it’s important to us. If you’re truly unavailable, use the pre-draft function to avoid bogging down the draft. As a common courtesy, let your league mates know if something is preventing you from making a pick.

If you can tweet, you can make a pick

We see you random guy tweeting about your team but not making any picks. Bottom line: if you’re around and just letting the clock run down for no reason, that’s a dick move. Trading is not allowed in SFB9 so that tired excuse of trying to trade up/down won’t work here. Another example of bad form which has taken place this year is gamers drafting from the turn making their first pick then disappearing. Also not cool. There’s no reason not to make those picks back-to-back.

Don’t troll league mates who are OTC

Calling out your friends on Twitter is one thing, but trolling slow drafters should be avoided. I’m not saying you can’t throw a little gif shade in your group chat, but the public shaming needs to stop. After all, it is July, football starts in September and while it’s an adrenaline rush to make picks once the draft is over prepare for a mental letdown. Enjoy the process and get to know the folks in your division in the meantime. Bringing people in the fantasy community together is the essence of SFB9.

Draft progress update

With 100 different divisions drafting simultaneously there is a huge gap between the division which has made the most progress versus the one that’s made the least progress. As of 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Super Mario – Bowser division led all drafts and was inching closer to the 13th round. At the other end of the spectrum, Doctors – Dr. Mundo was just approaching Round 4. This information was generated using the Rotorinders app.

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Matthew M. Stevens

Former sports editor of a daily newspaper with more than a decade of writing experience. Currently a contributing fantasy football writer for various sites. My experience spans newspapers, magazines, websites, and blogs. I have conceptualized and launched an award-winning column and brand. I have guest-hosted and appeared as a guest on radio shows and podcasts. I once hit a home run off former MLB pitcher Eric Stults.

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