A.J. Stevens wrote:Since it is time to start looking at the 08' season, lets talk about teams that want to move up to the A div along with subdivisions. There has been some discussion about not allowing A teams to play down after this year. The teams that are currently playing down are Nebraska, Memphis & Arkansas with Mississippi hoping to join. The travel would be difficult if we add 4 more teams to our current system. An idea that could make things easier would be three subdivisions with the top two teams making the playoffs. Teams would be allowed to play other GRLC team but the games would not count in the standings. This would allow for more out-of-conference play. This is just an idea that I am putting out there to spark discussion. What does everyone think?
South
Arkansas
Lindenwood
Memphis
Mississippi
North
Illinois
Illinois State
Iowa
Nebraska
West
Kansas
Kansas State
Missouri
Missouri State
I am curious, is this something the UMLL has ever considered? Currently as it exists today we have 8 teams in the A division. Has it ever been considered to be divided up into two, 4 team subdivisions?
The benefits of the subdivision could be the following:
1. Less travel for some teams (specifically Marquette and UWSP)
2. More Out of Conference Games possible
3. Save money for the conference on referees (assuming there is less travel for them)
If we were to consider this, based off Geography, we would have the following divisions (in my opinion):
North
Duluth
St. Olaf
St. Cloud State
Minnesota
South
Marquette
UWSP
Iowa State
Mankato
In this case, travel times for teams could really stay down. Perhaps we do one weekend of crossover games (at Iowa State maybe?) where each team plays one from the other division which does count towards league record and playoffs in order to get every team at least 4 meaningful conference games.
This does not mean teams cannot play other teams in other divisions, it just provides the ability for teams to possibly schedule more out of conference games.
I don't want to confuse anyone in saying I believe this is the best way to go now, or ever. I am just throwing this idea out for consideration and hoping to get the opinions of some of the more seasoned veterans of the UMLL as I am certain this question has come up before. Thoughts, reactions....
