Ben,
> One of the options with Chris Hughes' plan for dividing the Tour (which we
> shelved due to lack of attendees at the AGM) is to vary the prices across
> the divisions. This would mean that the generally non-student top division
> would pay more for a 'superior experience' and the lower divisions
> (*generally* where *most* of the student teams fit) would get the usual
> bargain events we're all used to. Please spare me the "how well the
> University of Central Studentshire did" rant - yes there are some great
> student outdoor teams around but they will *never* threaten the top eight
> teams just as there are no uni soccer teams in the premiership (bad
analogy
> but you get the point)
If you are talking about individual uni teams then I agree with *never*, but
if you look at teams that are student teams then I disagree. Look at teams
like DSM, the SE student All stars more than held their own against
Hammerage a few weeks ago etc. Surely as ultimate grows and more and more
people learn to play at a junior level more and more students will be able
to cut it at the top level.
The idea of following the American system and splitting of the student
players I think is a bad one. To force the top players into a 3/4 year
probationary system before being allowed to play (dare is say it) Serious
ultimate would be very bad for British ultimate. The top student players
need the experience of the tour/European-World Clubs/GB to improve their
game. We need a system were they can do that whilst continuing to support
their student teams.
Cheers
Jon
