Hi guys,

Ok, some more thing, I am going to regret this!!

warning - only read this email if arguments about formats are your thing =
if not, just read the next one for important info!!

In the interest of transparancy I shall dilverge (sp?) the format that all
regions are intending to use - the contraversial Triple (formerly double)
elimination system. Most of you will know this, we used it at indoor
regionals this year, and I must say now, this is one issue that we will be
voting on at the AGM this - whether to make TE the standard format for
qualifing tournaments.

Basically it involves finding the best three teams in the region - not just
the best, this is perfect for qualifiers where the tp three go to nationals.
It means that if you loose more than three games you are knocked out the top
three. If you lose less than that you are in. The advantages are that it
takes into account unaccurate seedings, and gives every team a shot at
qualifing. The disadvantages are the back door final idea and there are
apparently 'easy' and 'hard' routes where one team may finish top of thier
pool, then have to play against all the other top teams to qualfiy where as
a team that finishes second in thier pool will play the other second teams
then the worst of the top teams to qualify - this 'worst top team' may be
tired from losing all those hard games so may under perform in the 3/4 final
for qualificaton. (I think I've said that right). It can be argued that this
is an 'easier' route but I would point out that difficulty is very relative!

Concerns with using this system at our regionals have been raised, and as I
said, in the interests of transparacny, I would like other opions as I do
plan to use this format as I think it is the fairest way of getting the top
3 positions. Unless there is total outrage from all teams I will stick to
this but I think it is my job to ensure that democracy and consideration
reigns.

Let me kow your thoughts please guys, thank you alredy Phil from Sublime! If
you dont say anything now guys, noone has a right to moan after the
tournament so lets get this done now!

'J'