In 2006, the number of teams entering the Tamar Valley league increased quite significantly. To reduce the length of the season to an acceptable number of weeks, a third division was created. Since then, the three division format has remained, regardless of the number of teams taking part. Each team we lose reduces the length of the Winter (or Summer) season by two weeks and consequently, brings less business to the venues we strive to support. Players also experience fewer venues and teams in each season.
I would like to propose that we introduce a simple formula to determine the number of divisions that should be contested in each Winter/Summer season.
I propose that the number of divisions in the Winter League is based on the total number of teams who sign up to play. We should ensure a minimum of 9 teams per division.
|
Teams |
Divisions |
Weeks |
Comments |
|
18 |
2 |
16 |
|
|
19 |
2 |
18 |
Premier=18 weeks, 1st=16 weeks |
|
20 |
2 |
18 |
|
|
25 |
2 |
24 |
Premier=24 weeks, 1st=22 weeks |
|
26 |
2 |
24 |
|
|
27 |
3 |
16 |
|
|
30 |
3 |
18 |
|
This ensures the winter league runs for between 16 and 24 weeks.
As per my first proposal, the number of groups in the summer league should be calculated on the total number of teams. We should ensure a minimum of 6 teams per group. The qualifying teams from each group will progress to a knock-out stage played over two matches (Home and Away).
|
Teams |
Groups |
Group Weeks |
Knock-Out Weeks |
Comments |
|
11 |
1 |
20 |
4 |
Top 4 play SF |
|
12 |
2 |
10 |
6 |
Top 4 per division play QF |
|
17 |
2 |
16 |
6 |
Top 4 per division play QF |
|
18 |
3 |
10 |
6 |
Top 2 per division play QF, plus 2 highest rated 3rd places (8 teams in total) |
|
23 |
3 |
14 |
6 |
Top 2 per division play QF, plus 2 highest rated 3rd places (8 teams in total) |
|
24 |
4 |
10 |
6 |
Top 2 per division play QF |
|
29 |
4 |
16 |
6 |
Top 2 per division play QF |
This ensures the
summer league (Group stage) runs for between 10 and 20 weeks.
A total season (Winter + following Summer) should not exceed a total of 36 weeks. In the event of the above formulas exceeding this, the minimum number of players per group in the Summer League should be reduced until 36 weeks (or less) is achieved. No Winter/Summer combination can be less than 32 weeks.