Updated Nationals Seeding system for 2008:

Many clubs have expressed concern in the process to develop the seedings for the Nationals. Issues raised included:

- clubs would develop their schedules to avoid difficult travel that may result in a loss to a lower ranked team
- it appeared that previous Nationals performance did not count to a given years seeding
- seedings were announced late and no clubs understood their likely division.  

Because of these issues and in the interest of improving clarity, the subject was debated extensively at this year’s Executive Board retreat.  As a result of this debate and after receiving feedback from club presidents, the following system will be implemented for the 2008 Nationals:

The top four teams from the 2007 Nationals will retain their place in Division One.
The winner of Division Two will be offered a Division One berth (they have right of refusal).
The remaining 3 spots will be determined by the seeding committee, taking into account each teams’ performance at last years nationals, in addition to their 2008 performance.
Their will be a minimum of one team from each region of country (West/Central/East), in keeping with spirit of a national championship.
 

Runner up in Division 2 guaranteed a Division 2 spot for this year
 

Winner of Division 3 is offered a spot in Division 2 (they have right of refusal). 

Richard Mann
USAFL President

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