Conference games only for the LNCUTMV

With this years D4 expansion many had hoped for a round robin type of non-conference schedule amongst the 20 teams. However, the Lower North Central Upper Tennessee Middle Valley Conference refused to break with tradition and will not schedule any non-conference opponents. Their argument is that having an out of region National Champion, Alaska-Adak, already in the conference does not require them to play any more games than they want to. Home Exhibition games versus D1 Electoral College will still be permitted. This has left the MANIAC, UCWI and Independent teams struggling to schedule enough games to make the 30 game minimum required for post season play.

A series of non-conference "Challenge Tournaments" have been planned but many are concerned how the Independent teams will benefit as all of the games would be out of region for them. A provisional tender has been offered in which Independents may play International teams and have those games count towards the 30 game D4 minimum for post season play. Similarly a proposal for all games played between D4 teams, regardless of region, will count.