[NRLeuenb]

Originally Posted by Lhall

Game Manual, Part 1, Section 4.82 states

"1. Optional – Qualifier Host Team (NOTE: Each region’s Affiliate Partner decides if this advancement
opportunity will be offered, and if so, when the host Team must be identified. The Team should
compete at one other Tournament within the region and must meet the criteria set forth by the Affiliate
Partner in the agreement. This advancement applies to Qualifying Tournament hosts only, and does
NOT apply to host Teams of Meets, League Championships or Championship Tournaments)."

The "optional" refers to the decision of whether a QT will have a Host Team, not to the advancement.

That's not actually true. You are citing the advancement section of the game manual; it doesn't say optional to have to have a host team. It says "each regions affiliate partner decides if this advancement opportunity will be offered". The affiliate partner (NorCal) has chosen to offer the optional advancement. They are not required, as per the advancement section of the game manual to offer advancement to the host teams.