Anonymous
Years ago
Alternative to Pro/Rel and Current Format
What about this for a compromise between the pro/rel lobby and the current system. Each has its limitations so let's find some middle ground to the current stalemate.
All 12 team grades.
Div 1 and Div 2 each consist of:
The 9 member clubs + Eastern
The next best 2 (or more if member clubs do not take up their spot) sides which could be member clubs 2nd sides or a non-member club/ Country association). Rankings are based upon the lower age group 2 years ago (eg U/14 2006 rankings based upon U/12 2004 final placings).
Div 3 and down as nominated but with no more than 12 in a grade, except for the lowest 2 divs which will have equal numbers eg 7+6, 7+7, 8+7, 8+8 etc).
11 round grading season + 2 weeks finals (no change from previous years).
Clubs re-nominate in January based upon performances in grading season.
Finallists from a lower division may challenge a member club's 2nd side / non-member club side for a spot in the higher division if the challenged team finishes 11th or 12th. These games take place on the Sunday of grand final week (eg 1 or 2 days after grading season grand finals) and are determined on the Monday before when finallists are known.
Rounds 1-11 , round robin format.
Then split Div 1a top 6, Div 1b bottom 6, Div 2a top 6, Div 2b bottom 6 etc.
Rounds 12-21, 2 round, round robin
4 Round Finals (can be done in many different ways but currently is a Final 5) for both a and b groups.
I think this takes the best things of pro/rel and provides some protection for lower member clubs so that they can always play Div 1 if they like but not get thrashed every week, or they can choose to play Div 2 as some have opted for this year. It also allows member clubs 2nd and 3rd sides or non-member clubs to play at the highest level if they are good enough.
I am sure there are some holes in it, but that's what discussion is about.
