I have been to both and I like both. I like straight through MORE as a spectator and as a coach. I am not big on 45 to 1 hour down time. The split format creates some head aches for people running a tournament. Maintaining a strong volunteer group - I think it is much tougher running split format. "Some" parents tend to think when their kids are done wrestling it is time to go home. It also depends on the club size and availability of KNOWLEDGABLE volunteers. Also the people normally complaining about anything to do with a tournament - have never organized and directed a tournament and probably limited volunteer time at anything. I understand split format completely - shorter day. It never made any difference to me - I wanted to spend the day in the gym with the kids, family and friends when it 0-10 degrees outside.