I really don't like tournament splits... and I'll tell you why:

1. It's not what the sport is supposed to be about. What happened to wanting first place for the glory? Now, it's a financial decision as to whether or not it's worth risking first place and guaranteeing you another $5 - $10.

2. It's basically ripping off the location. The location added money for that tournament. Why? To have those bodies in the bar. So, isn't it kind of a slap in the face? "Hey, thanks Location Owner for putting that cash in the tourney. But, we're sick of playing now so we're just gonna call it quits, take your money and go home."

Hey, I understand at 2:30 am, you gotta put a stop to it. But what's up with these 10-team tournaments where people are splitting first. Come on!

Here's what I'm thinking of doing: If it's before 1:30 a.m., or there's not another "big shoot" starting somewhere else within an hour, you have to play for first place. OR ELSE, the winner of the winner's bracket takes first and first place prize money and the winner of the loser's bracket takes second.

If the rules are ignored and they still choose to split, hmmm, what to do? Perhaps we'll let 'em split it all but each player has to give back $5 to the location as a refund for their add, it's only fair, and we can leave the "splits" for the gymnasts.

Kitty Scott, Hurricane Games