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@citygent
I also think it was coincidental. But perhaps it's a coincidence that could've been avoided,if a decision was made with more info or understanding of London Polo currently, rather than assumptions based on where we were in 2013/14. It can't be argued this would've been difficult to do, or ask for input on. Indeed, it was even challenged by multiple 'non elite' teams from London. These last two points especially, led to the feeling of segregation/divide Miles talks about.
To answer @HA, I think it is a good analysis of the outcome, but not the aims: I totally understand the aims of the TBC league, and it has helped those smaller scenes out, which is awesome! But I have to say I never understood why it couldn't have happened alongside the London League (which is quite short-lived)? Especially considering those elite teams would've been focussing on international stuff (as there is more of that about now?).
Furthermore, it's surely easier to run a UK Series of tournaments alongside one or two cities local leagues, than it is to run a TBC Series yet expect there to still be regional tournaments that are more open, as Rob points out. What scene can afford to effectively double the amount of tournaments it throws every year? Even London would've struggle to put on an NS alongside the Open in its heyday. This year we are doing neither: There simply aren't the bodies.
Basically what i'm saying is, in my opinion, the TBC would've been a great thing to execute in that way it was executed about 2 years ago. The international, national, and regional situation is very different now and that wasn't realised/addressed. The segregation of London wasn't a good thing for anyone.
There's still a summer ahead of us. Podium is better than ever. Get organising and fix this! I haven't been to any tournaments this year and it sucks.