Question: Per the SPA rule book, both the 1st place winning team and the 2nd place team in a world tournament are moved up by mandatory rule to the next higher division for 1 year. The Texas Mavericks finished second to Alabama Brick in the 50 Major division in 2016 YET the team is entered in the 50 M World tournament beginning this week in Dalton Ga. The Tx. Mavericks began 2017 as a 50 MP team. How is a 50MP team allowed to compete in the 50M division?

I would have asked this question on the SPA board but SPA does not allow any discussion on its web page and does not provide a good resource like this message board on this SSUSA page.

Zac7 • Please contact SPA directly with your inquiry ... To our knowledge, SPA does not post here and any response by us (including the posting public) would be inappropriate and likely incorrect, neither of which helps you with a reliable answer ...

If I read the spa rule correctly the winning team is bumped for a year mandatory. The second place team is bumped but can appeal after 2 tournaments. If a team breaks up they can only keep 3 players. 4 or more keeps you still bumped. So I don't know if mavericks appealed and were allowed to go back to major or they busted up. anyway I guess we will see them in Dalton.

SPA should take a closer look at their methods of moving teams and players up and down. Their national tournament in Dalton has gone from one of the biggest to this year's disappointment.
I attribute it partially to their administration (or lack) of their team and player rating system.