JFLOCI 14U POSTSEASON BRACKET UPDATE

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Due to the withdrawal of the two Metamora teams from the 14U postseason, the JFLOCI full board has approved an adjustment to the bracket that will allow the six remaining teams to continue competing for the championship.

 

This is an unprecedented situation for our league, requiring careful consideration of how to move forward while maintaining fairness and minimizing disruption to the remaining teams.

 

The original postseason bracket and team seedings were established in accordance with our Board-approved rules. Those decisions remain unchanged.

Because our league rules do not specifically address this situation, we reviewed the IHSA postseason procedures, which JFLOCI follows when our own rules do not cover a particular circumstance.

 

While IHSA has established a precedent for adjusting postseason brackets when teams are removed from competition, its rules do not specifically address our unique situation involving two teams forfeiting their first-round matchup.

In the absence of a directly applicable rule, the league used the principles reflected in IHSA's postseason procedures to guide its decision, focusing on three priorities:

1. Preserving the original team seedings and recognizing teams' regular-season accomplishments.

2. Maintaining meaningful competitive opportunities for all six remaining teams.

3. Minimizing disruption by making only the adjustments necessary to complete the postseason.

 

The revised 14U bracket will be structured as follows:

First Round

• #3 vs. #8

• #6 vs. #7

• #1 and #2 receive first-round byes.

Semifinals

• #1 vs. Winner of #3 vs. #8

• #2 vs. Winner of #6 vs. #7

Championship

The winners of the two semifinal games will advance to the championship.

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This is a one-time adjustment necessitated by the team withdrawals, not a change to our approved postseason seeding rules or a reconsideration of the original bracket.

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We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our Areas, coaches, players, and families as we navigate this unprecedented situation.

 

Our focus remains on providing a positive postseason experience, emphasizing player development, sportsmanship, and allowing the remaining teams to finish their seasons on the field.

 

Best of luck to all our postseason teams. Let's finish strong and keep the focus where it belongs, FOR THE KIDS!