Oh, 4:3... it seems we are still a bit confused about this new guideline we've put into effect this season. I know it may seem a bit late for this, but please humor me a bit and let me explain it one more time. First of all, it is NOT OFFENSE DICTATES. The guideline is intended to offer some degree of flexibility to the captains (you) on any given day, so you can adapt to your attendance. The way I think of it is as follows:

1. Do I (as a captain) have fewer than 3 women?
   YES - I planned my roster poorly, and can only play 5:2. I should be ashamed, and will eat five mouths full of Anacostia mud in pennance.
   NO - Proceed to step 2

2. Do I have exactly three women, not many men, and the women don't mind 
playing savage?
   YES - I will play 4:3 frequently, but will probably have to play 5:2 a few points to a) give the women a break, and b) equalize gender playing time.
   NO - Go to step 3

3. Do I have exactly three women and many men, and the women don't mind 
playing savage?
   YES - I should probably play 5:2 most of the time, but could probably play 4:3                                       for a good number of points.
   NO - Go to step 4

4. Do I have more than three women and a comfortable number of men?
   YES - I rule! I'm going to play 4:3 as much as possible, then when I get home I'm going to write Alex a nice long e-mail boasting about what a good captain I am.
   NO - Go to step 4

5. Do I have more than three women and a whole slew of men?
   YES - I should play 4:3 frequently, but will want to consider playing 5:2 occasionally to equalize playing time as required.

Please look at your attendance on game day using a similar thought process, figure out what is best for your team, then discuss with the opposing captain how you wish to proceed. I expect that - this being a tournament day - we will have fewer attendance problems during the season, so hopefully we can play lots of 4:3. By the way, there's a STRONG chance that "4:3 all the time" will be the rule next fall, so start recruitin'.