There is a suggestion going around to start a 2nd-tier nationals tournament for teams that fail to qualify next year.
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What do people think of that idea?
It's such a good idea it deserves a thread of its own, even if only a one post promotion. Maybe those who have been suggesting it could give their thoughts on how it might work?
It's unlikely to happen with Perth because, as Carlie mentioned, it's hard enough to get the less seasoned players to fork out the dollars for nationals over there, but in years where there are enough teams who would like to go but don't make the cut it would be very handy. The only limiting factor is that there would need to be enough teams to make a fun tournament.
Some pros of second tier nationals:
- It would encourage teams to attend regionals by giving those with no chance of making the cut something to look forward to. More teams at regionals is a good thing.
- A competitive tournament where players can mix it with those from afar.
- Players could book flights before regionals results came out.
- If held alongside nationals, it would aid in spicing up that part of nationals which is becoming increasingly lacklustre - the party.
Other points:
- It probably shouldn't be an AFDA event like nats. An official policy on this would be pretty difficult, for starters, and AFDA probably has enough on it's plate. It would probably just be a tournament a club could run if they wish.
- It doesn't necessarily need to be alongside nats. Eg. with Perth 2009 the second tier tournament could happen in Canberra (meaning the nats players might miss out on a good party.) Field availability would probably encourage this.
If Umlaut manages to attend regionals they may be interested in a tournament closer by, but it's unlikely we'd make it to Perth.
