- Dec 15, 2009
- 103
- 115
So (assuming the generally accepted reasoning is correct) I understand the 4 US teams - it sounds like USASF prematurely released scores before any disputes had been settled, then some element of judging of Wildcats' routine was incorrect, which increased their revised score to top 3 of the US teams. Because top 3 had already been announced, it would be unfair to take away finals from Blink, having already awarded it. It was one option, but on balance imo they took the best possible action in this situation. It's happened before, generally from prelims to semi-finals, so in a way they were being consistent as far as they could be after they made a mistake.
HOWEVER, Spring Tumbling then kicked up a massive fuss on Twitter, saying it was unfair, wrong etc. etc., and got international EPs/coaches to join in. Interestingly, USASF then added another Canadian team to finals, but no extras from any other country. This is where I completely lose trying to follow the thought process of the USASF.
In short, they made a mistake, tried to take best possible action afterwards, then caved to pressure from the loudest voice. Imo.
I feel they need to level the playing field here. If USA get 4 teams because of a mistake made by USASF then they need to allow the other countries to have 4 teams too. Yes it would have been mean to take away finals from blink but enforcing and following the rules would have been the right thing to do regardless of hurting peoples feelings or whats even the point of having rules? This is worlds and this is the international division, one of the only divisions at the competition which truly represents the world. If they are going to start changing things at the last minute then it needs to be fair on the other countries too especially considering how Canada now magically have 4 as well.