Today the District made two key updates to the 2020 Grand National Teams D24 conditions of contest.
Club Qualification is no longer required for any flights
For the past two years, players in Flight C required club qualification. The goals were two-fold. Field protection in the Opening Round, and more importantly, advertisement and encouragement to attract more teams. Many 0-500 might be intimated by the sheer name “Grand National Teams,” but strong performance at the qualifier would both act as a confidence boost and early deadline to form teams.
For this year, eligible teams of 4, 5, or 6 players simply show up to the Opening Round. The discussion of the pros and cons will wait for another day.
Replacement Teams for NABC Rules Update
In flights B and C, two teams are eligible to attend NABC as long as 8 or more teams participate in the Opening Round of the District Finals. Previously, if the 2nd place team elects not to go to NABC, the District would only send the 1st place team.
The updated conditions will allow the semi-finalist teams to play a head-to-head match to determine the substitute team. If neither semi-finalist team elects to go, or they are unable schedule a match, the district has discretion to form a replacement team.