[More Cowbell]

Then why not change the name of the tournament and call it pre state tournament instead of All A, which should mean only class A teams play in it. When this tournament began, and really meant something, only class A teams were allowed. I think as the tournament got a little age with it people lost interest in it and the tournament officials had to find a way to get more revenue into it so they opened it up to almost every team that want's to play. Personally I was just interested to know why a team that isn't considered to be in this classification would want to participate in it.
I personally don't like classification tournaments. I think every team should be playing.

What is your problem with Shelby Valley? SV isn't bending any rules, and neither is the 15th region. If they didn't meet criteria to be considered a class "A" team, then they wouldn't be allowed in the tournament. There is an enrollment cap, and any school under that cap is eligible. The reason why Valley isn't always in the All A is that their enrollment is usually right around the cutoff point, some years it's above and some it's below. Apparently this year it's below. Plus, I think you may be confusing football classifications with that for basketball. As some have mentioned earlier in this thread, there are separate guidelines for what constitutes a class A team in the eyes of the All A Classic.

As for why they would want to be in the tournament, why not? They get to play games in a tournament setting against competitive teams in Pikeville and Paintsville. Then, if they advance to the state All A tourney, they will play even more strong competition. So I see no drawback to participating, and I hope they do so every year they are allowed.