Who gets the breaks...

This year's regional tournaments between Districts 6 and 7 have a lot of people scratching their heads trying to figure out who created this one-sided monstrosity.  It is fair to say that both sides are equally responsible and here is why.

If District 7 Athletic Directors had taken their concerns to the WIAA about this year's regional tournament format and site, this would not have happened. Let me point out a couple of facts.

1. District 6 athletic directors and coaches have repeatedly said they do not want to give up or share any of their state berths. If they are granted two, then they want them both.

2. District 6/CTL is not necessarily guaranteed both state berths when the two of the following things occur:
A. the closest geographical district has only one state berth.
B. that district then petitions the WIAA for a second berth.

When those two things occur, then a regional tournament will be implemented between the two districts.  If the district with one berth does not petition the WIAA for an additional state berth, then they are at the mercy of any district that does agree to regionalize with them.  In this case, district 7 had to agree to District 6 rules and regulations.

The next things that occurs is that both District 6 and 7 reps get together and iron out a tournament that both side can agree upon. If there are no problems on either side, the tournament takes place.

If either side is not satisfied with the proposed tournament and have tried everything to come to a mutual conclusion but cannot, then the next channel is to go to the WIAA. The WIAA will listen to both sides and then come up with the final solution. Whatever the WIAA decides is what will take place.

District 7/NEA did not do this. They simply did not want to make waves and did not appeal this to the WIAA. So, District 7 is at fault is this case. They simply went with whatever District 6/CTL said. Having the tournaments in Oroville and Brewster is what District 6/CTL said and District 7/NEA said okay.

Because the Northeast A League has been the stronger of the two leagues in recent years and taking the majority of the state berths, the CTL has felt slighted. This is a big part of the on-going disagreement between the two districts.

If the two leagues would try and make this regional tournament a big-time event (just like a mini state tournament) then both sides would always come out on top. This would give all participants a feeling of major accomplishment of making it to regional because it would be just as important and fun. Both sides would also prosper financially as well.

Here is an idea for a Regional format that I took to one of the District 6 representatives.  Click here to view.  I thought it to be the happy medium solution for both sides concerned.  

Editor's note: I welcome any and all points of view on this subject.  If you think I am wrong, please say so and I will post your rebuttal word for word.  Do not send me a rebuttal if you do not want it posted.  I will post every e-mail I receive.  Send your e-mail to smc@icehouse.net.