Change #1: Protected Regions
When the rankings first began, all national championships outside the U.S. were
considered protected. They offered increased ranking points in recognition of the
lack of tournament opportunities outside the U.S. The intention was that
international players arrive at major championships without being at a rankings
disadvantage, simply because of the region where they live.
Because there are so many countries in Europe and such a fired-up
community of event organizers, European freestyle is in a completely
different place than in 1993. With a fired-up community of event organizers
and many national championships throughout the continent,
there is actually a potential for the rankings to become imbalanced
with an overload of 200-point events.
Change #1 addresses the development of the European tournament schedule.
Beginning in January 2006, Europe graduates from having "protected status" to being the
equal of North America when it comes to ranking points.
National championships in Europe will receive the same points as
regular events - except they would be protected from points
adjustments if attendance is less than 20 players.
National championships in South America, Asia and the Pacific
will continue to enjoy protected status until their jam scene has
grown enough to revisit the issue.
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