TRI-CUPS – WHAT, WHY, AND HOW

What: 3 . One held after each session where qualified teams compete for a slot in the LTC’s and win additional cash and prizes.

Why: To create a more exciting playoff/LTC qualifying format that also helps manage the size of the LTC’s. This format could potentially allow us to be able to run a double elimination format LTC. The Tri-Cup is the most popular format used across the country.

How:

 Division with 5 or less teams: The team with the most points at the end of the regular session will compete against a wildcard team during the divisional on their regular night of play. The playoff winner will advance to Tri-Cup. (One team will qualify into Tri-Cup)  Divisions will 6 to 11 teams: The team with the most points at the end of the regular session will qualify for the Tri-Cup. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th and a wildcard team will compete in the divisional playoffs (2nd vs wildcard, 3rd vs 4th). Each 1st round playoff winner will advance to the Tri-Cup. Therefore the “Point Leader” and the 1st round “Playoff Winners” will advance to the Tri-Cup. (Three teams will qualify into Tri-Cup)  Divisions with 12 or more teams: The two teams with the most points at the end of the regular session will qualify for the Tri-Cup. The 3rd, 4th, 5th and wildcard teams will compete in the divisional playoffs (3rd vs wildcard, and 4th vs 5th). Each 1st round playoff winner will advance to the sessions Tri-Cup. Therefore, the “Top Two Point Leaders” “and the “1st Round Playoff Winners” will all advance to Tri- Cup. (Four teams will qualify into Tri-Cup)

As our league continues to grow, so will our Tri-Cups. Our Tri-Cups will be run as a single elimination event (considered an extension of the ) played down to “qualifying positions”.

Additional Information about Tri-Cups

Tri-Cups increase the frequency of cash payouts.

Tri-Cups result in more tournaments for the players, resulting in a more exciting experience.

Tri-Cups encourage all teams to “play hard” every session.

KEY REMINDERS OF NEW FORMAT:

 Teams that Re-Qualify for an LTC slot will be the first teams eligible to receive a . A random draw will be used to determine teams placed on the LTC board.  Any team that loses in the finals of a Tri-Cup tournament to a team already qualified from a previous Tri-Cup will also be qualified (unless already qualified from a previous Tri-Cup).  Teams that qualify for the LTC must remain active in the NRV APA to retain their qualified status.  All qualified teams must finish in the top half of their division in all subsequent sessions prior to the LTC or risk the loss of their qualified status.  The Travel Assistance Fund will be used for those teams advancing to the APA World Pool Championships. If a team chooses not to go to this event, the slot and the travel assistance will be given to the team they last eliminated on their LTC board.