babyengineer

BRB, I think someone said it best earlier. It's a good compromise. One and out makes a short trip for the teams. Double elimination makes for a good tournament but there isn't time for an if necessary game at the end. That would add another day to the tournament which would take away from the student part of student/athlete. It may not be the fairest but it is a good compromise.

Good question. Haven't thought about it that way. I have never been a fan of the if necessary game though. It will take me a couple of days to come up with a good answer...

Ok then. In my opinion the format is great. Not saying fair, but I like it. Wouldn't change it if I were coaching or playing. As long as I knew the format going in I would be fine with it.

I'm not saying that it is fair. Just in the grand scheme of things is it important? It is a game, the format is set, everybody knows the format, move on. It won't be the most unfair thing that happens in the athlete's lives, guaranteed.

I don't think the format is unusual. I agree with CM. Get to the finals, then all or nothing. Life is full of unfair things. This is not one of them.