[Paul Copioli]

There will not be this kind of problem at GLR. Dave Verbrugge is the MC and I am the announcer. The rule is clear and has been the same at least since the 2000 season:

If you are in the top 8 and you decline, then you can't be picked again; but you can be a picker. Example: If number 1 picks number 3 and 3 says no, then number 2 can't pick number 3, but number 3 can be a picker when it is their turn.

If you are not in the top 8 and you don't slide into the top 8 (via top eighters picking each other), then if you decline you do not play.

This rule has two main focuses:

1. Prevents back alley alliances. 2 and 3 have a secret agreement to work together, so 3 says no to 1 so 2 can pick them. This is prevented and it actually makes the number one seed worth something.

2. Allows a team in the top 8 to control their own destiny. If a team in the top 8 wants to be the alliance captain, then they have the right to decline a higher ranking top eighter and still be a picker.


This is the way it has been and the way it should be. If it was done differently at any regional, then mistakes were made.