The NCAA team tennis tournament should be constructed fairly and randomly, striving to create a truly special student-athlete experience. Each year, however, the event falls short of this goal when competitors are paired according to geographic location rather than season-long success. The same teams are repeatedly sent to the same first and second round sites - ultimately playing against common opponents year after year. Instead of honoring the excellence and resources required for qualification, this draw-making process lacks integrity and spoils a contest that should be the pinnacle of the student-athlete's season.
The NCAA implements these methods to decrease travel expenses. This motive is heavy-handed since colleges and universities are personally responsible for these costs. It is also illogical, as teams spend thousands of dollars each season traversing the country in pursuit of victories. Yet, those fortunate enough to earn an NCAA berth eventually experience a championship that has been shortchanged, literally and figuratively.
Since the NCAA selection process is inextricably tied to the ITA collegiate rankings, it makes sense to subsequently follow these rankings while determining seeds and draw positions. Teams should be placed throughout the draw according to ITA rankings, not geographic location.
Student-athletes have the greatest potential to change this defective system. By signing this petition you can voice your support of a championship that promotes competitive integrity and a truly memorable student-athlete experience. YOU can help enact change.
Please enter your full name and email address in the fields provided, and then write the name of your college or university in the field marked “comments.” Current and future generations of college tennis players will thank you!
I have been reading your stories about the monotony of playing the same opponents every year and it only strengthens my resolve. The current system ignores the hard work of these athletes just to save a few dollars on travel. We are pushing for a structure that actually values competitive merit over convenience.
December 3, 2008
Seeing this kind of movement confirms that so many of you have felt the same frustration I experienced watching my brother play through these flawed brackets. We are finally proving that the current system is not just inconvenient but fundamentally unfair to the athletes who work all year for a better experience.
Reached 100 supporters
December 3, 2008
6 Comments
K
Kevin Parker
17 years ago
Featured
Finally someone said it. The current setup is just weak.
M
Mike Harris
17 years ago
Featured
The travel cost excuse is so lame. These kids work their tails off all year to play new people and then they get stuck playing the same neighboring school. Boring.
B
Brian Bell
17 years ago
Featured
Rankings exist for a reason. Use them!
J
Jason Saleh
17 years ago
Featured
Fix this. It is supposed to be a national championship not a regional meetup.
A
Amanda Lane
17 years ago
Featured
My son puts in so much time for this and it really sucks that the brackets are just lazy geography. Change it up.
S
Sarah Harvey
17 years ago
Featured
Totally agree. It feels like the NCAA just wants to save a buck at the expense of the players experience. Rankings should matter more than gas money.
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The NCAA team tennis tournament should be constructed fairly and randomly, striving to create a truly special student-athlete experience. Each year, however, the event falls short of this goal when competitors are paired according to geographic location rather than season-long success. The same teams are repeatedly sent to the same first and second round sites - ultimately playing against common opponents year after year. Instead of honoring the excellence and resources required for qualification, this draw-making process lacks integrity and spoils a contest that should be the pinnacle of the student-athlete's season.
The NCAA implements these methods to decrease travel expenses. This motive is heavy-handed since colleges and universities are personally responsible for these costs. It is also illogical, as teams spend thousands of dollars each season traversing the country in pursuit of victories. Yet, those fortunate enough to earn an NCAA berth eventually experience a championship that has been shortchanged, literally and figuratively.
Since the NCAA selection process is inextricably tied to the ITA collegiate rankings, it makes sense to subsequently follow these rankings while determining seeds and draw positions. Teams should be placed throughout the draw according to ITA rankings, not geographic location.
Student-athletes have the greatest potential to change this defective system. By signing this petition you can voice your support of a championship that promotes competitive integrity and a truly memorable student-athlete experience. YOU can help enact change.
Please enter your full name and email address in the fields provided, and then write the name of your college or university in the field marked “comments.” Current and future generations of college tennis players will thank you!
I have been reading your stories about the monotony of playing the same opponents every year and it only strengthens my resolve. The current system ignores the hard work of these athletes just to save a few dollars on travel. We are pushing for a structure that actually values competitive merit over convenience.
December 3, 2008
Seeing this kind of movement confirms that so many of you have felt the same frustration I experienced watching my brother play through these flawed brackets. We are finally proving that the current system is not just inconvenient but fundamentally unfair to the athletes who work all year for a better experience.
Reached 100 supporters
December 3, 2008
6 Comments
K
Kevin Parker
17 years ago
Featured
Finally someone said it. The current setup is just weak.
M
Mike Harris
17 years ago
Featured
The travel cost excuse is so lame. These kids work their tails off all year to play new people and then they get stuck playing the same neighboring school. Boring.
B
Brian Bell
17 years ago
Featured
Rankings exist for a reason. Use them!
J
Jason Saleh
17 years ago
Featured
Fix this. It is supposed to be a national championship not a regional meetup.
A
Amanda Lane
17 years ago
Featured
My son puts in so much time for this and it really sucks that the brackets are just lazy geography. Change it up.
S
Sarah Harvey
17 years ago
Featured
Totally agree. It feels like the NCAA just wants to save a buck at the expense of the players experience. Rankings should matter more than gas money.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach
250 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
or sign with Email
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
Finally someone said it. The current setup is just weak.