- Apr 8, 2011
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I'm just tossing some thoughts out there on NT, but...
1) NT could be a great avenue to retain the higher level blocking, chronically injured, or NT athletes that are now put on lower levels because of the current mastery skill percentages needed to be competitive on all levels.
2) With the current level of competition on all levels requiring mastery skills across the board, it is slowing progression and reducing the number of openings to newer athletes. NT could provide an avenue to those that become bored remaining on a level if they hit their skill ceiling.
3) Bangkok. I'm not a fan of their tumbling, but their stunting definitely belongs at World's. I'd love to them in a NT division where their tumbling is replaced with more stunting!
If the *World* championships are truly about worldwide participation, then IMO #3 in your list is the only relevant one. The United States does not need help retaining kids or growing programs. The only thing the United States needs help with is to stop pricing-out their families and driving down participation numbers.
I don't hate non-tumblers. If this were an ICU division addition I would be in full support.
I would also be in more support if USASF/Varsity was honest and instead said, "Hey, with Worlds, Summit, and D2 Summit, we're contracted for three full weeks on Disney property and we need to bring in more revenue on our "off" days - enter "International" Summit divisions on the weekdays before Summit and, I can almost guarantee, an extension of Worlds into more weekdays because there's too many divisions." At least it would be honest.