Breaking Down the NCA Tournament Tier System

Breaking Down the NCA Tournament Tier System: What It Means for Crokinole in 2024-25

The world of competitive crokinole continues to grow, and with it comes the need for a clear, structured tournament system. The National Crokinole Association (NCA) has recently updated its Tour Structure: Tier Requirements for the 2024–2025 season, introducing a refined hierarchy that supports both established and emerging events across the crokinole landscape.

Photo from CrokinoleCentre

Here’s what players, organizers, and fans need to know.

Why Tiers?

The NCA’s tiered system creates a balance between maintaining high standards at elite tournaments and encouraging the growth of new events and communities. There are three tiers, each with its own set of criteria, privileges, and expectations.

Tier 1 – The Pinnacle of Competitive Crokinole

What it is:
Tier 1 events are the crown jewels of the NCA Tour. These tournaments are run by experienced organizers, hosted at large venues (minimum 40 participants), and meet the highest standards set by the NCA.

Requirements Include:

• Approval via a Tournament Sanctioning Application (up to 12 months in advance)
• Registration opens at least 2 months before the event
• Adherence to detailed NCA standards (found in the “Tournament Tips and Standards” document)
• $75 CAD sanctioning fee
• A consistent level of competitive draw (e.g., at least 10 top-30 NCA players in past editions)

Perks:

• Priority scheduling (no other Tier 1 event within 3 weeks and 500 km)
• Maximum NCA Tour point value
• Prestige and visibility

Notably:
The World Crokinole Championship qualifies for automatic Tier 1 status as long as it maintains a positive relationship with the NCA.

Tier 2 – The Competitive Climb

What it is:
Tier 2 events are serious tournaments that either emerged successfully from Tier 3 or are run by proven organizers. They offer solid competition and follow a good portion of Tier 1 guidelines, though with slightly looser requirements.

Requirements Include:

• Application approved at least 4 months before the event
• Minimum 30 participants
• Openness to experimental formats with NCA approval
• $50 CAD sanctioning fee
• Registration is open 2 months in advance

Who fits here?

• Former Tier 1 events that have lost status
• Promoted Tier 3 events
• Well-run tournaments seeking growth

Important Note:
Success here opens the door to Tier 1 status in future seasons, pending compliance and calendar compatibility.

Tier 3 – A Gateway to the Tour

What it is:
Tier 3 is the entry-level tier for new or experimental crokinole events. It allows more flexibility in tournament structure and format while still offering a place on the NCA Tour.

Requirements Include:

• Application approved 2 months in advance
• Minimum 12 participants
• Registration open at least 1 month in advance
• $25 CAD sanctioning fee
• Some format deviation allowed with approval

Ideal for:

• New communities wanting to join the NCA scene
• Events testing out new formats
• Invitationals with broad club representation

Future Possibilities:
With a successful Tier 3 tournament under their belt, organizers can aim for Tier 2 and beyond.
Final Thoughts

The NCA’s tier system strikes a smart balance—upholding excellence while nurturing growth. Whether you're running a grassroots event in a local hall or competing at the World Crokinole Championship, the tiered structure ensures that every tournament contributes to the bigger picture of competitive crokinole.

For full guidelines and support documents like the “Tournament Tips and Standards,” head to the NCA’s official website. And if you're thinking about organizing an event—now you know where to start!

Join the Discussion: Have you played crokinole before? Share your experience in the comments below!