Assallamu Alaikum.

After reviewing waiver forms for all teams involved in the tournament this morning, I came across a few teams that are in violation of tournament rules. The point of this tournament was to bring all the divisions together. We made it mandatory for teams to include at least one individual from each division and have them present for the games. I am very disappointed to see that multiple teams did not follow the rules. It is not ok for a team to register D3 and D4 players and not have those players show up. That is not meant to disrespect D3 and D4 players, rather it is a desire for their involvement in the the tournaments and in our league. This also the reason why players must play 2 out of 3 pool play games to be eligible for playoffs.

A team playing without their D3 or D4 players (either by having them not show up or by benching them all game) not only breaks the rules, but also creates a disadvantage to the teams that included those players on their squads and gave them the opportunity to play. Having only D1 and D2 players show up and play when you are facing teams who put D3 and D4 players on the court is not fair and is contrary to the goals of this tournament.

The League will address the violations from last night's games. Because this is the first time we have had this tournament and situation arise, we will consult with MBL Board members who are not playing in the tournament so that the decision can be as unbiased as possible. We are confident, however, that there will be some sort of disciplinary action to correct this situation.

Every team has been informed of the rules before their first game. The intention of this tournament was to be an ode to the ways the league used to be, a way to bring the divisions together. So we are not happy to see teams choose instead to go against the grain and disregard the requests we put in place.
To the teams that embraced what we tried to do, thank you. We appreciate your cooperation, and we know that there was a lot of fun in it for the players of each division being able to mix and mingle with each other.

A decision will be made as quickly as possible, but please be aware that the decision may effect teams in terms of wins and losses. Moreover, there will be no patience for anyone trying to argue whatever is decided. So please refrain any desire to do so.

Thank you.

MBL Commissioner

-Ziad Ziko Pepic