To keep the Championship fair and balanced, divisions will be assigned following these rules:
1. Returning Teams (and Promotion & Relegation)
Teams that continue together will keep their earned position from the previous session, based on final standings (including promotion and relegation).
- Example: Team A finishes 1st in Division 2 → promoted to Division 1 next season.
- Example: Team B finishes 4th in Division 3 → remains in Division 3 next season if they register again.
- If a team repeats in the next session, we respect their exact place in the division, as well as their promotion or relegation status.
- If a team does not repeat, the slot becomes available for new teams.
2. Broken or Split Teams
- If one player stays and brings a partner of similar level, the team may keep the division.
- If the new partner is much weaker/stronger, organisers may move the team to another division.
- If both players split and form new teams → both are treated as new entries, no priority.
- Example: Player X from Div 2 finds a beginner partner → may be moved to Div 3.
3. New Teams & New Players
- Complete new teams (two new players): treated as new entries, placed by coach assessment.
- Example: Two strong new players may enter Division 2 if there is space, but not Division 1 directly unless a clear gap exists.
- Mixed teams (one returning + one new): the returning player’s division right counts, but final placement depends on the new partner’s level.
- Example: Player Y from Div 1 with a strong new partner → stays in Div 1.
- Example: Player Z from Div 1 with a weak new partner → moved to Div 2.
- Single new players without a partner: organiser assigns a partner. The pair is treated as a new team.
4. Division Capacity
- Each division has a fixed number of teams.
- First, fill with returning teams (promotion/relegation).
- Remaining slots go to new teams, respecting level balance.
- Example: Division 2 has 8 slots → 6 returning teams + 2 strongest new teams.
5. Principle of Fairness
- Returning teams are respected for their performance.
- New entries are placed where they fit best to keep balance.
- Organiser reserves the right to adjust 1–2 teams if needed, to avoid unbalanced divisions.