Ranking matches rules and confusing rumors

"Don't pity me. I will have to take the number one spot next year. That's all." Melissa announced. Unlike her love for praise, Melissa hated being pitied the most. She only loved positive attention.

*Bam* Maria hit the table for attention. "Quite down, or I will stop explaining. 

*Tsk* Maria clicked her tongue as if she wanted the student to continue speaking and give her an excuse to stop the explanation.

*Sigh* "Because this is the last week of the month, each team must participate in at least one ranking match from the next month onwards. That means each team will have to decide on which of the four to five Thursdays they compete in."

Maria looked at Melissa and continued, "However, if a team has missing members, they will not suffer from the penalty of participation stacking."

[I thought it would be something problematic, but this is already the last week of the second month.]