I like provincials plus if you do away with them what do you do with provincial councils?
A structure change I'd like to see would be increase the number of teams in AI series to 18, same selection process as now, just extending the bottom of league standings to 2 demoted teams from Div2. Rest of teams play in TC, same as now.
6 groups of 3. Top 6 in group proceed to AI QFs. 2 best 2nd placed teams to AI QFs. If it can't be determined conclusively by group standings, then league position determines these 2 teams.
The other 10 teams play in new Intermediate AI championship, straight knockout, obviously with 2 preliminary QFs.
I think it gives weaker counties a better chance at winning the TC by removing a couple higher ranked teams, it reduces number of group games plus it gives teams outside the top 6 a crack at alternative decent silverware. And of course, it gives an added incentive to finish as high as possible in league.
A structure change I'd like to see would be increase the number of teams in AI series to 18, same selection process as now, just extending the bottom of league standings to 2 demoted teams from Div2. Rest of teams play in TC, same as now.
6 groups of 3. Top 6 in group proceed to AI QFs. 2 best 2nd placed teams to AI QFs. If it can't be determined conclusively by group standings, then league position determines these 2 teams.
The other 10 teams play in new Intermediate AI championship, straight knockout, obviously with 2 preliminary QFs.
I think it gives weaker counties a better chance at winning the TC by removing a couple higher ranked teams, it reduces number of group games plus it gives teams outside the top 6 a crack at alternative decent silverware. And of course, it gives an added incentive to finish as high as possible in league.