Help Needed - New League Format

[ChunkIOW]

Hi all, I wonder if some of you may be able to help either through experience or just a good idea!

I have been asked to come up with a point system for a new league format, which previously was 3 divisions of 8 teams but now is going to be 4 divisions of 6 teams, each match has 10 points available in any variation of 10-0, 9-1, 5-5 etc which will remain the same.

Here's the twist;
Its the allocation of these points for teams going up and down throughout the season which is causing the headache. The new format is being played over 3 thirds, with promotion & relegation for 2 teams at the end of each third. Due to lack of input the point system agreed so far is at the end of each third promotions and relegations will take place based on points in each third, however to determine the end of season winners etc it will only be the points earned in the last third that count due to it being too complicated to work out a point structure for all the teams involved who go up and down between divisions. For argument sake, 1st third Div 2 side wins 5 matches and get promoted, then get beat every week in div 1 in 2nd third, 3rd third they then play in Div 2.

It has been considered that its not fair for the original Div 2 side to count all their points from each division as if they get battered every week in Div 1 then a team who stays in Div 2 for all the 3 thirds could end up on more points overall and win Div 2 when the other team are clearly stronger. However, it is also agreed that just counting points for the 3rd third is not ideal as Div 1 side could romp away with the 1st and 2nd third but then when the points actually count have a mare in the 3rd third and end up 2nd when they have been far more the consistent over the whole season and not actually win anything, also makes the 1st and 2nd third fairly pointless for the top sides.

If you're still reading thanks for sticking at it!

So has anyone been involved in a format like this where a point system worked across all 4 divisions fair for all teams going up and down and the teams at the top? Or anyone got any bright ideas?? Any help very much appreciated.

[ChunkIOW]

Only option I have come up with so far is the sides who remain in Div 1 over the full 3 thirds count all their points over the full season to determine the winner as each of these teams will have played the same teams, and then just count the last third points for Div 2, 3 & 4 for winners and losers etc. However, I'm still not sure that's fair on all?

[Dicie]

Ok, iv had a think about the 3xthirds system and point system as well m8.

Im sure you have thought of this as well.

Why not have a system where you win the league based upon all 3 thirds of the season, rather than the last one.

Every point you pick up counts. From whatever league you are in.

Relegation and promotion still count.

So eg of this would be.

Team 2 in division 3 get 56 points in the first league.
They get promoted, and only managed 24 points next time round, and get relegated, but manage 57 in the 3rd section of the league.

Total points for the season. 137 points.

Or introduce a qualifying structure into the league.

Teams that win a section, qualify for a grand finals day to determine who wins the league.

If you win a section twice, the team that is below you in that section get the place.

So team 1 win section 1, and qualify for finals day.

Your league then could have a massive grand finals, with 12 teams in it, (4 groups of 3) winner from each section goes to a semi final, and so on.

Make it a spectacle for your league, maybe hold the finals of your cup/singles/doubles or 3 a side on the same day?

[ChunkIOW]

Thanks Dicie

Yes all points from all thirds was considered, but there is quite a gap in strength between the teams (hence changing to 4 divs of 6 rather than 3 divs of 8), if you count all points for all 3 thirds the only division this works out ok for is Div 1, as in the lower divisions there is concern say a Div 4 team goes up to Div 3 for the 2nd third and scores nearly zero points, when they go back down the teams they are now playing could have lots more points than them as they stayed in Div 4 for the 2nd third.

I like the finals night idea etc, however two issues. 1. Old stuffy not really up for new ideas players, this took some getting through in the first place to try to even things out. 2. Due to the gap in abilities absolutely no point putting Div 3 winners v Div 1 winners etc as it would just turn out 10-0 every game.

Thinking hats still on. Im out for rest of day but will check in later and maybe discuss this one further tomorrow Dicie, cheers.