What a great topic! I think if an athlete has already qualified for AYOP at State, then she should let someone else represent Region. If she's using region as a "warm-up" for AYOP, then go for score-sheet only. It may not be such a problem for Beg/Int. because any win would count toward advancement, but advanced can win all they want. I saw a bio for a twirler once that touted her as MM of her state for 12 years (one would assume advanced but you never know) and MM of her region for another huge number of years. I understand that you have to compete to qualify, but think of all those years when nobody else got to have either title. On the other hand, if someone else would have been better, they could have won.

Our state and regional contests are one week apart, so the deadline for region has already past before you know if you qualified at state or not. Then you end up entering both just in case. I don't know if you could get a refund if you withdrew from the regional, that might make a difference.

As far as NBTA updating the rules, writing the rules and enforcing the rules are very different things. Just look at the MM titles post that's getting a lot of buzz, not all of the contest directors aren't enforcing that rule.