I absolutely LOVE this idea. There are quite a few details to figure out. First off Fierce Boarders, for better or worse you all are the best at finding out the weakest areas of any idea. That is one of the (annoying) strengths of the board. The big thing is cheerleading is set up to allow people to compete in subdivisions already (we already separate out by age, level, makeup of team and sometimes by gym size). This is just an extension of this at the biggest event. Lets assume this idea is mature and what it is trying to accomplish at the moment:
Give a level playing field for those who are trying to compete. Some gyms are bigger and some are smaller. There is no denying that. The situation that creates the least amount of complaining (oh who are we kidding.. B***ing) is when teams feel they have a fair shot. This will allow them to think they have a fairer shot. It takes an educated mind, but look and understand that this will lead to a more level playing field.
Sandbagging - That is the BIGGEST concern. I am sure there will be rules and restrictions to help and also ways people have to level and qualify up to the next level. First one, for me, is anyone with multi-locations cannot compete in DII, no matter HOW small an individual gym. Reduces that desire to join a conglomerate of gyms and compete at the DII Level.
Quality of Worlds win. Winning D1A in football is bigger than than winning DII in football. Winning D1 in cheerleading is better than winning DII in cheerleading. That is the prize worth going for the bigger win. Will DII teams be as good on the whole as D1? Probably not and probably wont have as big an audience either. But that is the same in football. DII teams compete on a smaller level as well.
Divisions at worlds: I think JUST small senior and coed should be in DII at the moment as well. I think that covers the 95% of those who should be in DII.
It is a really good idea that makes a lot of sense, and it is actually creating a safer environment. What can be done to refine this idea to make sense?