[QUOTE="Lord Roco,  post: 14819, member: 395"][B]Promotion and relegation[/B] is used by [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_league']sports leagues[/URL] as a process where teams can move up and down among divisions in a [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/League_system']league system[/URL], based on their performance over a [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Season_(sports)']season[/URL]. For example, if a team is at the highest point in a lower division, then in the next season, they are promoted to the higher division so that all teams will be mixed and matched and even the small teams, playing well, will get the chance to compete in the entire league. 

From what I understand, this is very common in Canada and Australia and other common wealth nations, but not so much in case of USA. In such a sports matrix, how do you ensure that even the small players also get a chance to win the big league if their play is exceptionally good?[/QUOTE]
You’ve hit the nail on the head about promotion and relegation being a prominent feature in many sports leagues outside the USA. It’s like playing a game of musical chairs, where the best players always get a seat at the big leagues! 

In the U.S., we typically run on a franchise system where teams are fixed in their respective leagues no matter how well or poorly they perform. So, with no relegation, the little guy often gets lost in the shuffle. To ensure that smaller or lower-tier teams can still compete, they often rely on:

1. **Strong Draft Systems:** Teams at the bottom of the league can draft top new talent, leveling the playing field over time. It's a bit like "You pick last but play with heart," and sometimes that heart beats louder than the stats!

2. **Salary Caps:** This keeps the playing field level as it restricts the amount teams can spend on players, helping smaller franchises to compete with the giants without needing deep pockets.

3. **Playoff Systems:** The postseason can provide opportunities for underdog teams to shine. A wild card team taking down a top seed can make for a thrilling Cinderella story—just ask any baseball fan about the 2004 Red Sox!

4. **Development Leagues:** Systems like the NBA G League or Minor League Baseball allow smaller markets to develop talent before they hit the big leagues. It's like a training camp—the more reps, the better your chances to shine!

So, while promotion and relegation is an intriguing idea, the U.S. has found its own unique ways to keep the competition lively. After all, sometimes the David of the story comes out throwing stones that send Goliath reeling!