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When the 2005 International Softball Congress World Tournament begins on Friday, August 12 in Eau Claire , WI. , there will be a “new wrinkle” on display.
And the fans should expect to love it!
It is sure to provide more competitive and more exciting round robin pool play games during the Friday – Wednesday period.
It will also expand the number of teams going into the playoffs for the World Championship. And add a sudden death element to those playoffs.
Here is how it works:
When teams are placed into the eight pools with five teams in each pool, the top 10 teams (as ranked by the ISC) will all be placed in two pools (A and B). Each of the teams in these two pools will be guaranteed a spot in the playoffs at the end of round robin play.
The remaining 30 teams will be placed in pools C through H. The top two finishers in each of these pools will gain a spot in the playoffs. In addition, the two teams with the best records while finishing in third place in pools C through H will also make the playoffs.
Result: More competitive pool play contests leading to a single elimination playoff which includes 24 teams.
The top finisher in each of the eight pools will receive a first round bye in the playoffs.
The bracket pairings for the playoffs will not be released until Wednesday, August 17 following the round robin play in the pools. The bracket lines and the game times will be posted earlier, but the actual pairings won't be known until pool play ends.
The purpose for the changes is to provide a better “product” for the fans who follow the International Softball Congress World Tournament - - - the greatest show in the sport of fastball.
June 29, 2005
Gordon Wise - - - ISC Information Officer
www.iscfastpitch.com
sgwise@woh.rr.com
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