Yes, even Volleyball is not immune to entire teams "sandbagging" or playing WAY below their true level of play. At least this time around, those in charge of Volleyball formed a committee of players from ALL levels of play and experience. (Ranging from "B" all the way up to " AA"/"Open" ".) There were SEVERAL teams that tried to sandbag and attempted to NOT be noticed. One team in particular, a certain team from Singapore had 1 "Open" level player (who plays for the Singapore National Olympic Team), 1 "A" level player, who plays at the state level in Malaysia, several "BB" rated players and 1 or 2 "B" rated players. They (even knowing their true place), decided to enroll the team in the "C" Division. Even after the team captain was informed 2DAYS before competition even started that they still had the chance to play fair and bump themselves up to the proper level where they should have been in the first place. Thanks to this committee of 10 experienced players, it was UNANIMOUS that this team in question should be playing in the "A" Division. Sure, there was a LOT of complaining/bitching/moaning. But after all was said and done..............of the 35 teams that we either bumped UP or DOWN (out of 110 teams), only 3 had complaints. Team Filipino, who tried to sneak by in "B" Division, got bumped up to "BB", Peru Inca Empire, who had the nerve to try and play in "BB" got bumped up to "AA", where, by the way, they took the Bronze Medal out of 6 VERY strong teams.......and of course, Singapore NewUrbanMale.com, who had the audacity/lack of true sportsmanship to attempt to play in "C" Division, got bumped up to "A" Division. BUT, do to threats of a lawsuit/whining/complaining/threats of calling the Singapore Embassy........a low-level "NAGVA" rep made the command decision (having over-ridden the final verdict by several "A" and "AA" players), to fold in on their demands/complaints and let the team play in the "BB" Division. Besides undermining the unanimous decision from the Rating/Sandbagging Committee, this individual from NAGVA made the decision WITHOUT consulting anyone one of us who was on said committee. What a shame.........but at least this time around, the situation was dealt with, unlike what had happened in Sydney. For future games, I think ALL sports should have such a committee to look at players and over-all team performance, to make sure people are playing at their appropriate level. A good chunk of these queens either have no clue of the concept of "sportsmanship".......or just choose to throw it out the window. Either way, there are enough of us out there in the International Volleyball circuit who KNOW most of the International players. Play where you belong and you will avoid the shame and embarrassment you not only brought on your team, but also to Gay Games and Volleyball as a whole. And for those teams/players who DID play at their level.........your true sportsmanship did not go un-noticed. I, along with the entire Committee thank you for making our job not only easier, but quite enjoyable (despite the 3 teams who caused unneeded drama.) Kudos to those who came and played their game!

Peace,
M

Already a thread on this, so I am closing this.