The possibility of an "Invite Only" format maybe the next step for the 8-Man Eligible Pro Division in the World Championships in Las Vegas, NV beginning next March 2010.  The MCFFU and the National Competition Committee are discussing the possibility of formatting the Pro Division for 8-Man Eligible as the "Best of the Best - Invitation Only” division while the Competitive and Recreational Division will both remain open to all.

The purpose of the "Invite Only" format is to identify the countries top 8-Man Eligible teams from across the country with a wide representation of multiple states looking to represent their state and compete against other states in the World Championships; followed by a qualifying process in 2010 (Similar to the current 9v9 circuit).

Understanding that the overall goal of the MCFFU is to create, develop and foster the most competitive flag football circuit in the country, supported by an "Open" circuit for teams building for the next level; the U is looking to create a highly competitive environment for 9v9, 8v8, 7v7, Women and possibly other competitive national styles.

With this approach, the idea is NOT to have the “most” teams in the Pro Division but the “best”.  Complete uniforms, top-skill level players and organization to allow the sport to be successfully promoted outside of its current, withering market.  The failure to attract new players to form new teams has been the major cause of competitive flag football being frozen in a non-productive state that’s literally choking growth off with improper roster control and the failure to implement the necessary changes needed for the game to thrive. 

One of the pressing issues with "Open" tournaments today is the fact that rosters can be expanded at will, easily swallowing up other teams reducing overall numbers as competitive teams push to stack their rosters with top-notch players.  This does nothing for the development of the sport, nor does it allow for new teams to form. 

Without a solid system that controls rosters and roster movement; new teams can never form and the sport will continue not to grow.  Teams with a reputation of winning, will always out bid newer, less competitive teams for premier players.

Should the process be in a controlled environment, new teams can be built without having to restart so often due to key players being pulled away.  Yes, it would mean fewer teams in the Pro Division, but it would provide more quality to the sport and would appeal to more (players, teams and companies looking to support something competitive) like all other competitive sports (Pro or amateur). 

The fact is “Open” tournaments have yet to produce quality over extended periods of time and in most cases numbers have either leveled off or dropped for the most part, leaving tournaments with fewer new competitive teams and a small pool of the same teams competing over and over in an endless cycle. 

The idea of making this year’s 8-Man Eligible Pro Division an “Invite Only” is to jumpstart the new format that will roll into a national qualifying process in 2010.  The Super Series is a prototype of city/state represented teams competing in a highly competitive event in a controlled environment (rosters, uniforms, etc). 

The fact is that tip competitive teams travel the most, but over time the drive to travel is lessoning with each passing event due to the lack of new competition.  Can this format work for competitive flag football or can the game successfully grow with the - anyone can play on the top level approach?