- Dec 14, 2009
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Many teams go as cdrcoach said for the experience. The first year I went it was on an at large bid. We were not bid chasing. We ended up getting an at large bid at a competition (CanAm) we had went to in previous years, just didnt have a level 5 team. After we got back from the competition and meeting with staff and parents we made the decision to accept the bid and go. We decided to go for the experience and to show the kids in the program at the time what the future look of the program needed to be. It was also a business decision because due to changes in the gyms in the area to not field a Worlds Level 5 team in that market would mean losing the Level 5 and 4 athletes we did have to other gyms. So in effect we had to accelerate the building process up 1 -2 years ahead of schedule or risk losing those athletes to other programs that would offer them a competitive level 5 spot right away. The only goal was not to come in last place that first year. Of course we were joked on harshly by other programs, posters online, etc who said we had no right to be there, didnt have the skills, etc. We did not come in last, had a great experience, and learned from first hand experience what Worlds was like instead of reading about it on the boards.
Now that same program has been to Worlds the past 3 years. This year will be year 4. Every year getting better. From getting at large bid to getting Partial and Paid bids. The Level 5 program grew from one team to three teams. All have recieved bids to Worlds in the years since that 1st year going to Worlds. The gym has consitently made it to day 2 since that first year. But it all started with that first year at large bid that we were not expecting or trying to get.
If you want to reduce the number of bids that is fine. But for every team you say dont belong there on a large bid, didn't derserve it, cant compete or can't win there is a team that for them it is the start of something wonderful for that program. It infuses them with a hope that can't be gotten from watching youtube or facebook videos ofother programs attending Worlds. IMHO that is the shining light in the at large bids process. You may be seeing the future programs that will win a globe or domiate their division. Even if now is not their time. JMO.
Now that same program has been to Worlds the past 3 years. This year will be year 4. Every year getting better. From getting at large bid to getting Partial and Paid bids. The Level 5 program grew from one team to three teams. All have recieved bids to Worlds in the years since that 1st year going to Worlds. The gym has consitently made it to day 2 since that first year. But it all started with that first year at large bid that we were not expecting or trying to get.
If you want to reduce the number of bids that is fine. But for every team you say dont belong there on a large bid, didn't derserve it, cant compete or can't win there is a team that for them it is the start of something wonderful for that program. It infuses them with a hope that can't be gotten from watching youtube or facebook videos ofother programs attending Worlds. IMHO that is the shining light in the at large bids process. You may be seeing the future programs that will win a globe or domiate their division. Even if now is not their time. JMO.