Looking at the overall picture, sad indictment that it is, but five teams appear to be the tipping point of whether the league will be competitive or not... Oxford and Birmingham were out of their depth in 2025, and Northampton last year, (with KL just about hanging in there).. The sixth (and heaven forbid seventh), team, just dilutes what the fifth team could be given so few riders of a "decent level" ride over here....  

Nothing wrong with that as long as top 6 riders count towards points limit.

Surely there has to be some kind of average based cut off, otherwise you could end up with a rider at the top of the averages whilst riding at no.7?

Because cooper isn't a rising star and will's average is to high 

You can have 7 if you want. But you are missing the point. Why BSPA always tries to complicate things? Why can't both mentioned riders be used as 6/7 as long as they are U21?

Probably to 'even out' whats left. Cooper and Will are always going to get their ride as the 'other' U21 anyway. What beggars belief is the lack of a 'Rising Star' scheme in the Championship where both reserves really should be young Brits.