A look at how the league’s rules and structure have evolved, and some insight into the thinking behind them. This section is meant to be a constant work in progress - check back to see what’s next for the Open League.
On this page
Overview
Changes
Implemented
- Expanding the Playoffs (2022-23)
- Changing how the Club Championship is awarded (2021-22)
- Prize breakdown / history (ongoing)
Under Consideration
- Adjusting loss points
Conveners
- Stan Shiraishi (approx. 1988–2009)
- Dave McDowell (approx. 1988–2009)
- Stephen Bernard (2009–2010)
- Pete Child (2009–2011)
- Kris Blonski (2009–present)
Significant League Moments
| Year | Format | Moments |
|---|---|---|
| Pre 1996-97 |
| League goes digital with Microsoft Excel |
| 1997-98 |
| — |
| 2000-01 | — |
|
| 2001-02 | — | League increases to 3 draws, adding a Thursday draw for the first time. Teams increase from 20 to 30. |
| 2003-04 | Wins worth 10, 8, 6, 4, and 2 points | Full junior teams are allowed to participate |
| 2009-10 | League changes to a modified ladder format (A, B, C1, and C2 Flights) | League launches its database-driven website |
| 2013-14 | — | League changes name from “Open Competitive” to “Open League” |
| 2017-18 | League trials A, B1, B2, C1, and C2 Flights for the first time | League expands to 4 draws and 33 teams (the most up to that point) |
| 2019-20 | League trials A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, and D Flights for the first time |
|
| 2020-21 | — | Despite best efforts, the season is cancelled after two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2021-22 | League replaces A Flight Playoffs with the Club Championship Playoffs; adds the Regular Season Championship (originally planned for 2019-20, delayed by COVID-19) | — |
| 2022-23 | League expands the playoffs (originally planned for 2019-20, delayed by COVID-19); replaces single-elimination (QF-SF-F) with pool play (RR-SF-F) | — |
| 2023-24 | League trials A, B1, B2, C1, C2, and D Flights for the first time | — |
Last updated September 23, 2026