Several sources have reported some consistent, albeit unsubstantiated, cases of alleged discussions between management of a number of Second-Division sides about the possibility of forming a break-away competition.
It is rumoured such a situation would see a joint consortium from interested teams establish a separate Rebound Table Tennis league and offer some Second-Division sides, and even possibly some First-Division sides, the opportunity to switch to the rebel league.
It is also rumoured such a consortium would seek to set up rival clubs in the same cities as existing ARTTSL clubs.
ARTTSL Dirctor Bernard Elksteine has not offered to comment on the rumours, it is believed he will not make a statement until an official announcement is made. Meanwhile there is little doubt he will be gathering an army of lawyers to fight a possible split.
The Second-Division Australasian Rebound Table Tennis Challenger League is scheduled be take place in late 2010, after the regular season. However dissatisfaction among a number of clubs, further fuelled recently by percetion of a raw deal in the Pre-Season Trophy, have seemingly driven on the break-away speculation.
It is likely the success of a rebel league would hinge on it being able to secure enough competitive clubs from the existing pool of established clubs, the attraction being to be able to compete in a "top-teir competition".
Another rumoured option is to establish clubs in major regional centres, such as Albury-Wodonga, Wagga Wagga, Ballarat, and so on, however this has been criticised as a poor option as it would then consitute a lower-ranked competition anyway.
More likely the biggest targets of a rebel league would be the new secondary expansion sides in Australia's three largest cities - Greater Blacktown, North Melbourne and Ipswich. However these new teams may not be enticed due to the risk and the likelihood that if the rebel league failed they would have no grounds to return to the ARTTSL competition. Not surprisingly, none of these three clubs have made any comment on the issue except to re-affirm wherever possible their commitment ot competing in the ARTTSL Second-Division Competitiion (the Challenger League), with a view to finishing in the top three to progress to First Division in 2012.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
We wish to reaffirm our commitment to the ARTTSL and its associates, sponsors and tennis partners, and are excited to be taking part.
Kelvin Speedy
Coach, Greater Blacktown
I can't believe the league is pushing to expand at this rate. Why dilute the quality of the game by adding teams that can't be properly supported. The league needs put more into grass roots comps and increase the younger player base before we go running off into the great corporate unknown.
I was as the Perth Darwin game on Monday and the basic errors made on both teams made my $80 ticket and $10 beer a complete joke. What's worse is that most of it would be avoided if the teams had players who had more than 2 yeas of junior league under their belt.
Listen up Bernie. It's Business Time
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your feedback. It certainly is business time, especially in Perth. Let's hope we don't end up in an enquiry.
There certainly are some creases to iron out in the national competition including ticket pricing structures and the cost of a schooey. But we believe firmly in the idea of a multi-national competition, not a partial national competition like the NRL who have no sides west of Canberra.
Perth have had their difficulties recently with plank supply problems holding up completion of their new table, and getting a good player base. However we're confident in time they'll sort these issues out. Meanwhile it's worth noting that Perth have just progressed to the Semi-Finals of the Pre-Season trophy and will be giving their best against Melbourne, and you're in luck Mark, we'll send you two free tickets. If you can't make it send some friends or a mop.
Regards,
Bernard Elksteine
Post a Comment