CIF could change playoff format dramatically for all sports in 2016. Do you like it?

CIF-SS commissioner Rob Wigod is actively working on a competitive-based playoff model for the 2016 playoff groupings cycle where individual schools would be placed into appropriate divisions for section championships based on their school’s performance in that particular sport. Under Wigod’s vision, CIF would no longer place leagues into divisions for section championships as is currently taking place with the exception of basketball. Read his latest letter explaining.

Note: Click on the commissioner’s message to make it bigger and easier to read
wigod

Fred’s thought: I absolutely hate how basketball does it because league play means absolutely nothing. This is how Bishop Amat girls basketball finished fourth in league a few years back and won a CIF championship in a desirable division by not having to compete in the playoffs against the top teams from its own league. Damien basketball beat a team that was 0-10 in league in a CIF championship game two years ago. Should you finish last in league and be placed in a more desirable playoff division than all the teams that finished ahead of you? That’s flawed. I don’t like this new plan for a number of reasons, that’s just one example.
Teams don’t want to be promoted into tougher divisions just because they had a couple good seasons or a once in a generation season so that a third place team can have more of a competitive chance in a playoff division the following year. What happens if you finally win a championship or advance deep in the playoffs with your once in a generation all-senior boys soccer team. Are you going to punish the class that’s rebuilding by placing them in a tougher division the following year? How is that fair? This whole idea could result in teams scheduling easier games or tanking games because of strength of schedule and altering win/loss records in order to get placed in a more desirable division. Seriously, should you really finish third in Valle Vista league soccer and have a better shot at winning a CIF championship the following year than the team that won league because it works harder and develops a better program. If demographics, school size and the schools are close in proximity why are you trying to level the playing field based on performance? It’s up to a school to get better, not a formula that rewards mediocrity. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, TEAMS FROM THE SAME LEAGUE SHOULD ALWAYS be in the same playoffs. Otherwise, just get rid of league play and allow everyone to play freelance. Is that what you want?

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email