Starting in the Spring of 2024 we are introducing a new approach to splitting gender in the Youth divisions. Historically we did not separate by gender - only subdividing larger divisions of 8+ by belt first (ex: Grey with Grey, White with White), then weight when applicable. This approach allowed us to offer more children the maximum of 4 matches during the day.
Thanks to feedback from coaches and parents, we have been able to get a better understanding as to how (and at what age) splitting gender becomes more important and can supersede the desire for more/maximum matches. Inevitably splitting by gender will result in fewer matches for a Youth competitor, but it can mean more equitable and safer matches as well. Additionally, with the introduction of Double Elimination for all ages (Youth and Adult), we are no longer running Round-Robin across all Youth divisions (please read more about that here) which means fewer divisions are set up in a way where everyone is getting four matches regardless of results.
Please understand, this is NOT an exact science. It will undoubtedly require our Bracketing Team to work even harder in the mornings to make sure we get everyone into a fair and equitable division without slowing down the day.
Short Explanation of our Policy:
- All Divisions 9 and Under are inherently MIXED Gender, BUT will be split when division size allows
- All Divisions 10 and Up will separate boys and girls
Extended Explanation of our Policy:
(1) All Divisions 9 and Under are inherently MIXED Gender, BUT will be split when possible:
Any child that wants to move up in weight or age in order for the opportunity to fight only their gender may do so
- Competitors who are alone will be handled on a case-by-case basis as we always do, weighing different options in higher weight/age/belt classes as well as the possibility of setting up exhibition matches.
- Ages 4-5, 6-7, & 8-9: In these divisions we will maximize # of potential matches and only split gender as long as it is not giving one gender significantly more matches than another (had they been split). For example, a division of 7 kids with 2 girls and 5 boys will not be separated by gender, as the girls would have significantly fewer unique matches/opponents. Once each gender has 3 competitors, we will entertain splitting as it guarantees two unique matches.
(2) All Divisions 10 and Up are SPLIT Gender:
- 10-11, 12-13, 14-15: In these divisions we will split by gender.
- If divisions are large enough (8+), we'll further split by belt (Whites with Whites and Greys with Greys, for example).
- Competitors who are alone will be handled on a case-by-case basis as we always do, weighing different options in higher weight/age/belt classes as well as the possibility of setting up exhibition matches. By splitting gender more competitors will be left with no options and thus get their entry fee refunded, but this is seems to be the prevailing preference of parents/coaches and we are happy to oblige.
Policy Updates
UPDATED FRIDAY, MAY 3rd - We are no longer leaving divisions as-is when left with two competitors of the opposite gender or when a competitor is the lone gender in a larger division with no other options to move. Instead they will be treated as solo competitors and we will only entertain moving into other divisions of the same gender (moving up in age, weight, belt, or some combination of the three).