[GaryVoshol]

Please recall that the "Tier" system was not set up to allow all teams to have open registration. Rather, it was to ensure that each team would have a chance at going to the Championships at least once every 4 years, meaning that a student that participated all through HS would be able to go.

Until last year and this year, open registration seldom reached Tier 1. Alliances of 3 opened up a lot more spots at the Championship. In addition many teams' sponsors cut back due to necessary cost cuts. That means teams in the higher tiers, and some of those that qualify directly, cannot afford to go.