Chico,
I understand your point about the 3 teams. What the premier league seems to omit in the determination is the quality of teams. Presently it's a matter of equity. Meaning, the RIII East offers 2 spots to FL, GA, NC, SC, and TN. If you look at the drumbings that one of the FL teams and the team from TN are taking, it doesn't make much sense. Coupled with that TN can also put teams in the RIII North, and I believe that FL can put teams in the RIII South. So in the effort of equity, 2 teams per state, NC, SC, GA are at a disadvantage becuase of the method of determining the invites. NC is different in that not only do teams particpate in the RIII league, but they also must participate in the Statewide league. For logistical reasons the RIII East has been limited to 10 teams.
This year, the RIII East runner up from last year, only made it in because one of the teams from TN decided not to take it. With the way that NC sets their teams, the NC West League Champ and NC East League Champ, the ultimate State Cup Runner Up and RIII East Runner up was almost out of the dance.
All I'm saying is there needs to be a way to make this league quality based and not equity based. As for the premier/platinum tournaments, there aren't too many of those around. Atlanta Cup for Labor Day, Columbus Cup, Va Beach (I think), which Bridge was playing in but it was rained out, and CASL Shootout, which is the day of the first round of our State Cup. SCYSA knows who these players are, as most of them are 90 and 91 ODP participants, and should be able to make a case for this team, without regard to tournaments.
You were right and we agree, it will be tough for 3 teams to get in, and the cards will have to fall in the right way. Or like in tournament group play, win and be done with it, and let someone else plead their case.
Again, I'm looking forward to some good matches.
