Permanent Regional Sites: A Regional Structure….what if?

Recently, the NCCS adopted a regional map that is consistent with the 6-region NIRSA map. Within the NCCS regional map, each region is divided into two sub-regions, making our maximum tournament capacity equal to twelve tournaments.

Why did we adopt such a map? Well, it was a bit of a compromise.

First, between the NIRSA regional map (used more often by sport club championships) and the 8-region map used exclusively by extramural tournaments, there was an obvious lack of consistency, which led to confusion all over the place.

Second, the sub-regions were developed to reduce the distances teams might travel to attend a regional tournament.

Third, it provides us flexibility if our regional tournament structure requires growth or retraction.

And finally, a more controversial – and I think, exciting – opportunity for the NCCS. If we choose to, we could designate four to six of these tournaments as permanent regional sites, or super-sites, and still have up to six regional tournaments rotating on an annual or bi-annual basis.

Let’s be honest with ourselves – there are a number of regional host sites that have hosted forever and will continue to do it every year, whether or not they are selected as an NCCS host site. Maryland, Southern Mississippi, Arizona State, Ohio State might be examples of such tournament hosts. Others might become so if they knew we were serious about this possibility.

What do we have to lose? Not much, in my opinion, as long as (1) we provide opportunities for other schools and professionals to host, if they so desire, and (2) as long as each tournament upholds NCCS standards of competition.

What do we stand to gain? Consistency…Dependability…Predictability….all of which are desirable for students, professionals and participants.

Let me hear your thoughts on this topic.

Standards and Qualifications for NCCS Tournament Staff

The 3rd annual NCCS Summit took place last week, July 28-30 in Phoenix, AZ. The group addressed a number of important issues regarding NCCS events.

The NCCS committee approved job descriptions and qualifications for tournament staff, including the Director of Officials and Director of Competition positions at the national tournaments. Flag Football nationals will be the first tournament effected and then move into full effect with basketball regionals in the spring.

For those wishing to apply to work at the NCCS Flag Football National Tournament, more details will be forthcoming via eFASTNEWS and NIRSA KNOW. In the meantime, click on the following link to check out the minimum qualifications:
http://www.nirsa.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Sports/FlagFootball/flag_football.htm -- located in the box on the right hand side.

A special "Thank You" to Jacob Tingle and the entire professional development work team and the many other NIRSA professionals who contributed to the development of these standards.

If you have comments or concerns about these standards, please post them here.