I don't doubt the tournament wanted you there it is all about the money and they don't want to cancel tournaments or have brackets of three teams. I agree with the first guy ridiculous and don't think it doesn't hurt your brand and image. I was on the sidelines and people aren't sitting there thinking "wow, good for Dukes Nationals" the comments I heard were 100% negative. The other poster is right if you are going to play in a smaller more local tournament every single team should have played UP.

Look at Team 91 and Legacy in LI they play in the same types of tournaments as well and while they aren't a National Team they play UP. But oh...they don't usually win when they play UP, so it tells me you are a win at all costs club. Wouldn't have it been better for individual player development if each team challenged themselves by playing UP. Classless.