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Real name:
DENNIS DALTON
Location:
PHOENIX, AZ
Division:
Men's 75
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| July 31, 2014 DD | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: WHY SEVEN RUNS PER INNING? Coming down to my last weekend on vacation in San Diego...and with way too much time on my hands...I find myself asking, "Why seven runs per inning in Major Plus?" I've played assorted major plus divisions since 2009. Lots of games. Maybe hundreds. If major plus hitters are so damn good to need 7 runs per inning (instead of the more appropriate five) shouldn't tournament game scores reflect higher run totals? Let's see...seven runs per inning x six or seven innings (one of them open) should routinely generate game scores with both teams in the high 30's and 40s, at least...maybe even breaking 50 once in awhile. They don't. Most major plus game scores are in the same range as many other divisions...you can look it up. What seven runs per inning does do, however, is eliminate the possibility of a seven inning game. It's time to end the silliness...bring back 5 runs per inning and seven inning games to Major Plus. And while we're at it, drop the homerun limit to 6. Rarely does any team hit 9 out, anyway. Thank you. |
| March 9, 2013 DD | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Bat/ball combos of yesteryear I remember when the game first began we didn't use any balls. We had burlap sacks from the produce market and we stuffed them with rags. Each sack would last about 2 innings, almost as long as an SSUSA 60 major plus game lasts today. Then we'd replace the sack with another. The sacks became all bent and battered and didn't roll well or bounce true...until one day old Peterson came up with the idea of a round ball...and THAT was a breakthrough idea that is still in use today. Peterson would be proud. We used a broom handle one of the guys sawed in half---presto!!, two bats!! The heat from all that sawing created the first "hot" bat...and boy that really caught on, too. It was very efficient back then because the old unusable ragsacks were then converted to mitts for the fielders, thereby reducing many broken fingers and bruised palms, for once round balls and hot bats were adopted players could hit harder and farther. Of course, in those days gentlemen played at the highest level possible. It was a matter of personal pride to play the best players around...then one day after a huge flood some of the guys were removing the sandbags used to hold back the water and one got the idea, "Hey if I tell everyone I can't play very well, maybe they'll let me play at a lower level and I'll pick up an easy t-shirt...then I'll be long gone before those suckers figure it out---with the t-shirt, of course. Oh yeah, I got the t-shirt" Thus, sandbagging was born. Those of us who've been around the game for a lifetime remember the good old days. Some of the newer guys may not know. I like to share such things. |
| Jan. 12, 2013 DD | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: LET'S PLAY SEVEN With the new year comes an old refrain, "Let's Play Seven Innings." Recent rule changes in Major Plus might help, but it isn't at all certain dropping home runs from 12 to 9 and runs per inning from 9 to 7 will be enough. Some questions: 1) Why not stop the clock every half inning for just 30 seconds to give teams a little cushion? Players should not stroll on and off the field, but they should not be forced to sprint on and off either. At the end of 30 seconds, umps start the clock again. This could allow up to 7 additional minutes to complete the game. 2) Softball is NOT a time clock sport. Those sports that are ALWAYS have instances where the clock is stopped---free throws in basketball, time outs, incomplete passes in football, penalties, etc. If you're going to run softball as a time clock sport, why not stop the darn thing once in awhile? 3) Everyone understands the need to stay on time during tournaments, but why sacrifice the lifeblood of the game to the false gods of punctuality and profitability? With a 5 game guarantee and a tournament cost of $525 and up...do the math. You're paying over $100 per game and getting the bum's rush. That's shabby treatment of paying customers. You and I are paying customers. Repeat after me, "I want seven inning games." 4) If umpires are paid $25/hour or more to do these games, why not ask them to do a bit more? Some perspective: school bus drivers are trained in CPR, First Aid, Hostage Negotiation, Crisis Management; they are required to pass bi-annual fitness and agility tests, re-certification tests, vision and physical exams, and more. Average salary: less than $13/hour. At almost twice that rate, softball umpires should be able to handle a new wrinkle like stopping the clock intermittently during a game. 5) Competition is usually great for customers. If SSUSA has the lion's share of the business, SPA (and others) have to build a better mousetrap. One of the ways SPA does it is with a guarantee of seven innings in ALL bracket games in every tournament. They hedge that bet with a "mercy rule" and most players I've talked with are fine with that. SSUSA has already conceded this principle with their guarantee of seven innings in all championship games. Why not take the next step and do as SPA does.....a seven inning guarantee in all bracket games for 2013? SSUSA/LVSSA/SSWC/ISA is to be applauded for its business model, its leadership in providing opportunities for players across the nation, and its tremendous success. They have proven time and again to be responsive to customer complaints and in my experience have always been approachable with reasonable discussion. They have made significant concessions and improvements on many issues, including time limits. But, they're still missing the mark on this subject---at least in Major Plus. There are solutions and they can be implemented today in time to make 2013 a successful year. Let's institute some changes to make a complete game the rule...and not the exception. Hey...let's play seven. |
| Aug. 1, 2012 DD | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: THE NEED FOR SEVEN INNINGS Cal50...about 1 1/2 years ago this situation had reached the intolerable stage. Because it was a "hot button" issue with me, I checked our stats and found a staggering 52% of our games in 2010 had been shortened to less than 7 innings. To their credit, SSUSA responded by adding 5 minutes to all tourney games, giving us 70 minutes for bracket contests...which is the current standard. That seemed to solve the problem, as we noticed fewer than 10% shortened in 2011...an accepatable number in my opinion. But, with the changes to rules involving homeruns and runs per inning effective with the LVSSA/SSUSA merger for 2012, we are back to WAY more than half our 60/Major Plus games being shortened. In this division, if you don't make the finals, forget playing seven innings. This is a conscious "business decision" for organizers as many have pointed out. The need for staying on time, the costs of umpires, and other factors have been used to justify this clipping of customers. The notion that it is somehow the fault of the players for taking too long to get on and off the field between innings is disingenuous nonsense. In what other business do customers stand still for such larceny? If you order a 12-oz beer and get 9 ounces, do you take it and sulk...or do you say something? Consistently shortening a game you are paying almost $100 or more to play is UNACCEPTABLE treatment of paying customers. As strong as SSUSA has become, it's impossible for me to understand why they continue this shabby practice---particularly when SPA has demonstrated for years a more player-friendly approach. |
| July 29, 2012 DD | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: THE NEED FOR SEVEN INNINGS Just completed the SPA Nationals in Georgia and wanted to report on the pure satisfaction of playing seven inning bracket games. For the importance of seven innings, look no further than the 60/M+ losers bracket final pitting GSF against Mobley/Gin on Field 2W in Dalton, GA. Going to the bottom of the 2nd inning it was 18-3 Mobley...by the end of the 4th it was 18-15 and 70 minutes had passed. But instead of the dreaded call for "OPEN INNING" in the fifth...we just played ball and what followed was the stuff of dreams. Mobley pounded out 9 runs in the top of the 6th and took a 29-20 lead into the bottom of the 7th...when lightning struck and GSF scored 10 to win a heart-stopper. With the win GSF advanced to the finals. If the game had been time-limited, an entirely different result would have been recorded. I share this with the utmost respect for that Mobley team in the other dugout...they easily could have put us away...that is not the story. The story is the need for seven innings. Seven innings is a ballgame. Five or six innings because of a time limit is not. Many teams are late-inning closers and need a full seven. Just the day before, a gritty bunch of players from Jim and Joe's battled til the final out of the 7th inning, overcoming a 17 run deficit and putting the tying run at the plate---BUT THEY NEEDED A FULL SEVEN INNINGS TO DO IT. SPA understands the players want seven...it poured rain all weekend and games were weather-delayed 2-3 hours in Georgia...but SPA was still able to honor their guarantee of seven inning bracket games. WHY CAN'T YOU DO THIS, SACRAMENTO??? Tournament entry fees for SPA and LVSSA/SSUSA Worlds are $695. We got 7 games in Georgia...cost per game $99 and change...others only got 4 games...cost per game $174...for that kind of money...and for the sheer joy of playing...shouldn't we get a full seven innings in Las Vegas come September? |
| June 8, 2012 DD | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: WESTERN NATIONALS IN AURORA, COLORADO GSF decided to add this event to our schedule...dates are Aug 3-5. We figure Master Collision/Scrap Iron will be there...any other 60 Major Plus teams willing to make the trip? The Western National Championships, along with the Eastern Nationals in Raleigh the same weekend, make up the first step in winning the Triple Grand Slam. Those two winners play a National Championship game during the seeding round of the Worlds and that win is the second step. Winning the World Masters crown in Las Vegas during this year's LVSSA/SSUSA tournament is the final piece. It has been done before, but it isn't easy. You have to enter the Western (or Eastern) Nationals to have a chance at the Triple Grand Slam. |
| May 24, 2012 DD | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: THE LECAK THREAD Point taken, Bob. I really didn't think you were that cagey, but some of your minions have elevated your motivation in absentia. No excuse for getting it wrong, however. |
| May 24, 2012 DD | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: THE LECAK THREAD Joe, I take whatever you say so seriously you get your own thread. If you're going to quote me, please get it right. What I said (years ago) was without the lower divisions paying the freight, "...Major Plus teams would be playing home run derby in the parking lot for a case of beer..." That's still true, by the way. And nice to know you still remember and are quoting me. But, I digress. Our team has no East/West player exemptions, although we have explored the possibility. Have not found the right fit. As for Border Rules, we follow the rules as they are posted. When California teams were restricted from adding out of state players, GSF became an AZ team and was able to add CA players...smart thinking by Woody to get around the rule and still stay legit...result? Two World chamnpionship rings in 2009 and 2010. Nifty. You and I both know Major Plus and Major teams (at least at 60) have only small shades of difference and could be combined easily. The only thing that militates against the combination is the home run rule. Simple equation: too many home runs equals dumb game. Dumb game equals don't want to play it. Dumb game equals managers sandbag to avoid it...and that is the current situation. I only learned recently Major Plus teams have some of the rule exemptions you are alluding to...I say dump them and make it all one division subject to consistent rules throughout. |
| May 24, 2012 DD | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Reno...Home Run Rule I would not mourn the loss of composite bats for one minute, Gary, but I'm afraid they are an institutionalized evil...I cannot envision any scenario that would provide for their elimination...with the possible exception being a slew of horrendous injuries that could be directly attributable to their use. Other than that, which would be terrible for softball, I don't see it happening. On the other hand, modifying dingers has been done. And quite successfully. It's a better game...and it will, in the long run, provide the solution for the problems associated with the top level...too few teams, sandbagging with the "Game of Five" or other variations, players being penalized for playing up, etc. Just last year, SSUSA listened to the many complaints about time limits shortening too many games, reviewed the numbers, and FIXED THE PROBLEM with a simple but effective 5-minute extension. They can do the same with this...I'm confident they will. I just don't have a year to give it while they do the research. I turned 65 last week and am slowing down by the hour!! |
| May 24, 2012 DD | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Reno...Home Run Rule Thank-you, SSUSA Staff, for explaining it again. Forgive my fit of wishful thinking...for a minute I thought sanity had returned to your rulemaking regarding homeruns in all divisions. Once again, Major Plus is crying out for balance. Timid managers will continue to sandbag. Who wants to play a 4-or-5 inning game with 24 or more balls sailing out of the park? With 9 runs/inning and unlimited HRs, that's what you've got in this division CONSISTENTLY. Good ballplayers will avoid the top level because of the emphasis on offense. Players who get the M+ "label" will continue to be penalized for their ability. And great defensive players will eschew major plus because their skills are neutralized...while 350 pound FATSO (who can't run or play defense) gets to extend his career at the expense of someone else who runs for him. Major Plus is supposed to be the best division in softball. Why then discourage the best ballplayers from playing it? The fix?? Balance the game again. LIMIT HOME RUNS. MAKE THE EXCESS OUTS. COMBINE MAJOR AND MAJOR +. PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON DEFENSE. EXTEND THE LUDICROUS TIME LIMITS. GUARANTEE US SEVEN INNING BALLGAMES. |
| May 24, 2012 DD | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Reno...Home Run Rule I read this thread again and understand the HR limits only apply to the 40/Masters...but my question on the use of different softballs still stands. Thanks. |
| May 24, 2012 DD | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Reno...Home Run Rule Is it correct to say (generally) the HR rules have remained the same as they were in 2011...EXCEPT when we play in Las Vegas? When we play in Las Vegas (the recent Southwest Championships and the upcoming fall LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters) HRs are virtually unlimited. While we're at it, when we play in Las Vegas, we use the Trump "Rock" ball, but everyplace else we use the Trump "Stote" ball? Is this also the case? Both are evidently 44/375 balls, but the big hitters sure like the "Rock" better. Inquiring minds want to know...please advise. |
| Feb. 4, 2012 DD | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: What should a healthy senior program look like? This was reprinted from a July 29, 2011 post on this subject. At the time, HRs were limited, but since then, with the LVSSA/SSUSA merger allowing for unlimited HRs once again, I know of several teams who declined to enter the major Plus category because of the REnewed emphasis on pure long ball offense. Reprinted from Message Board, July 29, 2011--- "What does the top level of senior softball look like? Or better yet, what SHOULD it look like? The current perception of the top level (now known as Major Plus) for many, many players is that it is dominated by the home run. Historically, with the disingenuous "One-Up" rule that allowed for unlimited homeruns, there may have been more than a shred of accuracy to that perception. But, since 2008 when homeruns became limited in all divisions, THE FACTS ABOUT MAJOR PLUS TELL A DIFFERENT STORY...that explodes the myth of Home Run Derby in Major Plus. Since HRs are now counted and the overage ruled as dead ball outs, fewer than 10% of all Major Plus games see the limit reached by even one team...it's less than 10% of all games for BOTH teams to hit 10 each. Thank God for that...20 balls that leave the park in any one game is TOO MANY...and the game quickly becomes boring. My experience in Major Plus (55 and 60) has taught me the best teams do everything well (and I'm looking at you, Turn Two in 60s, and Nighthawks in 55s)...they pitch well, they field well, they run the bases smartly, have good arms in the outfield that prevent extra bases, they hit to the opposite field when the situation calls for it, they hit very few solo homeruns, their managers manage the game and substitute accordingly, they courtesy run for injured players but don't burn out all their fast guys before Sunday, and a lot more. In short., they do all the little things correctly...and shouldn't that be the hallmark of the top level of senior ball? The Major Division---(minus the "plus")---should feature the best speed, the best arms, the best defense, the best pitchers, as well as the top hitters. The HR is a vital part of the game...but it is only a part...and too many of them quickly turns the sport into a comedy that good ballplayers do not really want to play...why should they? Too many dingers neutralize their skills because there is no defense for it. The top level of senior softball---the Majors (minus the "plus")---should find an acceptable HR limit...say 6...merge the divisions...and have at it. With 5 runs per inning and a reasonable HR limit...all the ingredients are in place. PLAY BALL!" |
| Oct. 4, 2011 DD | Topic: Associations Discussion: RED FLAGS FLYING OVER LVSSA/SSUSA MERGER We congratulate LVSSA and SSUSA for their merger recently announced and hope the future holds all the promise officials are counting on. As a player, though, I'm not at all sure this will work out very well for the paying customers. Why? Well, for one thing, there is a NET LOSS OF ONE TOURNAMENT. There will no longer be an LVSSA World Masters tournament. There will be one LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters event and NO OCTOBER World Championship tournament in Phoenix. You teams that loved to play in both...sorry, one will have to do next year. It's being ballyhooed as the largest tournament in the world...but SSUSA already made that claim the last 5 years anyway...read their press releases elsewhere on this website. You can probably plan on a sizable entry fee bump, too...and that will be "justified" by the argument that you were paying more for two events...a $795 entry fee should seem like a bargain!! For another, NO SEVEN INNING GAMES. Rules enforced by LVSSA (and just adopted by SSUSA) will guarantee shortened games as was the case over the last two weekends in Las Vegas. Thirteen games in two different major plus divisions provided just one 7 inning game; seven 6 inning games; four 5 inning games; and one 4 inning game. If you think softball is a seven inning game, better find a different organization because you are not going to get seven with the current set of rules in place. SSUSA has reversed itself by now allowing for virtually unlimited home runs in all divisions except AA. After several years of sanity with respect to reasonable limitations on HRs, SSUSA has allowed the guppy to swallow the whale with the adoption of LVSSA's unlimited (and preposterous) HR rules. With the exception of all but a few major plus players, the verdict is in. Limit home runs...make the excess OUTS...and bring some balance back to the game. Defense and seven innings, along with hitting makes for a COMPLETE GAME...and that is what most players want. Business is business and we cannot fault SSUSA for doing what it had to do to take over a proud but obviously struggling competitor. However, paying customers MUST be satisfied...and it remains to be seen if SSUSA will continue to do that. We remain guardedly optimistic....but red flags are billowing above this proposed merger. |
| Aug. 12, 2011 DD | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: LET'S FIX THE TOP---Part Three So, we are getting some discussion, and maybe some agreement, that merging the top 2 levels of senior ball into one Major Division (minus the "plus") might be a good idea. The following news should help some clubs undecided about their chances at the top. Our 55 Major Plus team played a 55/Major team early last Sunday morning in Temecula. We played with a 5 HR limit, then allowed 1-up and made them walks until teams were even again. They played with an 11th defensive player, but no run spot...7 runs were allowed each inning. Neither team hit more than 5 homers, though we did hit 5...they hit one. Final score: Them 20; Us 17. The extra player made a huge difference, turning at least 3 hits up the middle into 3 outs. This is another option to consider on a temporary basis...allowing those Major teams still timid about playing at the top level a choice to play with an extra defender...along with an HR limit of, say 6 or 7...and a 5-run per inning limit. With respect to Don's suggestion for 7-run innings, sorry, but I'm not in favor of it...for TIME LIMIT CONSIDERATIONS ONLY...we had just two 7-inning games in Temecula...(a SOCALSSA event)...the other three were done in 6 innings...I fear too many shortened games with a 7-run per inning limit. SSUSA has extended the time limits by 5 minutes each in both round robin and bracket games...that seems to be just enough to bring the games back to 7 innings...except in rare cases...but there is still a 5-run per inning quota. I'm adamant that we will not play in tournaments where we cannot get seven innings for 90% or more of the games. Unless TDs agree to lengthen the time limit to 75 or 80 minutes, 7-run innings will not get my vote....and the economics of ump fees, field rental, lighting costs, etc., seem to preclude longer games. SPA Softball, interestingly, allows for 9 runs per inning in their Major Plus Division AND guarantees seven innings for all bracket games...the only catch here is their "mercy" rule ends the game when it has become too one-sided. I would consider supporting a similar arrangement if sufficient interest exists to expand the runs allowed per inning to seven or even nine, though I firmly believe there is nothing wrong with five. |
| July 29, 2011 DD | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: LET'S FIX THE TOP---Part Three Good morning, Joe. Thanks for contributing. To your point, if you minus the "plus" and make one division, restrictions on player movement would, in theory, be lifted. Recruiting might get more competitive, but current rules regarding releases, etc. would help keep it in check. As for SPA, I'm a big, BIG fan (as you know) but we were unable to go this year primarily due to financial constraints for many of our players. And speaking of financial constraints, this allows me to explode one other myth regarding Major Plus...that of the "sponsored" team...you know that guy with huge sums of money who loves to pay for all the hotels, rental cars, plane tickets, meals, uniforms, entry fees...you know..the guy ALL MAJOR TEAMS HAVE IN THEIR POCKET...just throwing money at all the players... You do know that guy, right??? Well, could you introduce me to him. I'm bringing my $24 to Prescott this weekend to pay my share of the entry fee for GSF 60/Major Plus...an UNSPONSORED TEAM that just happens to have TWO CONSECUTIVE SSWC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TO ITS NAME. Sponsored??? Yeah, right. |
| July 29, 2011 DD | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: LET'S FIX THE TOP---Part Three What does the top level of senior softball look like? Or better yet, what SHOULD it look like? The current perception of the top level (now known as Major Plus) for many, many players is that it is dominated by the home run. Historically, with the disingenuous "One-Up" rule that allowed for unlimited homeruns, there may have been more than a shred of accuracy to that perception. But, since 2008 when homeruns became limited in all divisions, THE FACTS ABOUT MAJOR PLUS TELL A DIFFERENT STORY...that explodes the myth of Home Run Derby in Major Plus. Since HRs are now counted and the overage ruled as dead ball outs, fewer than 10% of all Major Plus games see the limit reached by even one team...it's less than 10% of all games for BOTH teams to hit 10 each. Thank God for that...20 balls that leave the park in any one game is TOO MANY...and the game quickly becomes boring. My experience in Major Plus (55 and 60) has taught me the best teams do everything well (and I'm looking at you, Turn Two in 60s, and Nighthawks in 55s)...they pitch well, they field well, they run the bases smartly, have good arms in the outfield that prevent extra bases, they hit to the opposite field when the situation calls for it, they hit very few solo homeruns, their managers manage the game and substitute accordingly, they courtesy run for injured players but don't burn out all their fast guys before Sunday, and a lot more. In short., they do all the little things correctly...and shouldn't that be the hallamrk of the top level of senior ball? The Major Division---(minus the "plus")---should feature the best speed, the best arms, the best defense, the best pitchers, as well as the top hitters. The HR is a vital part of the game...but it is only a part...and too many of them quickly turns the sport into a comedy that good ballplayers do not really want to play...why should they? Too many dingers neutralize their skills because there is no defense for it. The top level of senior softball---the Majors (minus the "plus")---should find an acceptable HR limit...say 6...merge the divisions...and have at it. With 5 runs per inning and a reasonable HR limit...all the ingredients are in place. PLAY BALL! |
| July 29, 2011 DD | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: LET'S FIX THE TOP--Part Two Just what is wrong with the top division of senior ball? Currently, the top level is Major Plus and Major Plus represents a mere 6% of registered teams. That's simply not enough teams to have a marketable business. Yet, Major Plus players are arguably the most passionate, committed, and frequent players in the sport. IN OTHER WORDS...HEAVY USERS. In my case, as a player/manager on two teams, I will play in 26 tournaments this year...many other Major and Major plus players can say the same or even more. Business leaders always want to satisfy their heavy users...that's just common sense...yet in today's climate, SSUSA is giving these heavy users planty of reasons to look elsewhere for a more satisfying experience.... ...TOO FEW MAJOR PLUS TEAMS IN TOURNAMENTS; ...HOME RUN LIMITS; ..."STIMULUS PACKAGE" (as Tate22 calls it) RUN SPOTS; ...EXTRA FIELDERS FOR LOWER-RANKED TEAMS; ...GAMES OVER IN LESS THAN 7 INNINGS (getting better here); ...EXTREME RESTRICTIONS ON PLAYER MOVEMENT TO OTHER TEAMS; ... it's a virtual blizzard of rules and restrictive regs that make it rare indeed for Major Plus players to play Major Plus rules in any given tournament. The same restrictive rules apply when major teams play down. It's time to consider merging the Major and Major Plus divisions into one level...the top level of senior softball. The numbers don't lie and with a third of all players now in Major or higher, teams will look for tournaments that allow them a satisfying, complete experience. We can do this. |
| July 29, 2011 DD | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: LET'S FIX THE TOP OF SENIOR SOFTBALL-Part One CORRECTION: Major and higher teams comprise 33%, not 36%. |
| July 29, 2011 DD | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: LET'S FIX THE TOP OF SENIOR SOFTBALL-Part One Since becoming an active player in 2004, I have been convinced that SSUSA/SSWC management is determined to protect the lower division of the sport. The primary mechanism to do this is the Ratings procedure which is designed to elevate more competitive teams and prevent tournament bloodbaths being rendered to AA (and weaker AAA) teams. Point taken. Most of us support the notion of protecting your 'bread and butter' customers...and historically AA and AAA teams have comprised upwards of 80% of all SSWC registered teams. However, that is no longer the case. Through the aggressive elevation of good teams (another position most of us support) the current slate looks like this. These are ratings for 50, 55, and 60 teams only...no offense to 65+, but I did not tabulate your results for this thread. TOTAL NUMBER OF RATED TEAMS---695 TOTAL NUMBER OF AA TEAMS---129 (19%) TOTAL NUMBER OF AAA TEAMS---334 (48%) TOTAL NUMBER OF MAJOR TEAMS---185 (27%) TOTAL NUMBER OF MAJOR + TEAMS---47 (6%) Even allowing for duplication and several defunct teams, this data suggests teams rated Major and higher now comprise over a third of all SSWC teams...36% to be exact. Major teams now outnumber AA teams by a significant margin. We applaud the elevation of competitive teams to appropriate levels and hope it continues. However, with a commitment to protect the tournament experience for the lower division, isn't it now time to offer the same assurances to the top level? Future threads in this series will explore ways to do this...feel free to contribute. As always, Sacramento will respond, but only if they know what you want. |
