I'm not fully aware of the situation, I watch results and keep my ears open. I heard that the kids that compete now are required to attend several pre-competition training events. Is that true? Does that involve significant travel? If this is true, is this driving some competitors away? Many kids are working in the summer and parents are on budgets, mandatory training sessions seem like an unnecessary obstacle to me. I can see the benefit in it too but it seems like it would be an obstacle for some.

Also, It seemed like several top tier kids were missing from the line-up this year. That alone is going to bring down overall results.