World Provisional Draw for U21 Question

[lambdapro]

I saw the provisional draw for the World Championships. I also just printed and read the new ICF Canoe Polo rules. In 83.8 of the rules, it says, "In the categories U-21 Women and U-21 Men 10 teams per category will be invited to enter the last three rounds."
But the provisional draw, http://www.canoeicf.com/?page=2040&format
has 16 U-21 Mens team positions listed. Why the discrepancy? Are they bringing back U-21 Women's competition?
David

[Greg]

David,

The 'provisional' draw is correct.

After WC Germany 2002 the U21 Women's category was only suspended and is currently being re-considered by the ICF Canoe Polo Committee and Board of Directors for possible inclusion from WC 2010.

As the category is only 'suspended' the rules, which I'm sure evryone is aware take a long time to actually change (Congress to Congress = 2 years), have not been amended.

With the category suspended the number of U21 Men was increased to 16.

As and when things change in the future National Federations will be notified first.

So for WC 2008 there will not be U21 Women and there is available 16 places in the U21 Men as indicated in the 'provisional draw' you refer to.

I hope this answers your question.

Greg Smale

[lambdapro]

Yes, it does. I was just surprised that the 2007 rules had not been updated for the reality of Japan 2004.
David