We went over the spring season and how difficult it was from a scheduling perspective. Sanjay mentioned that almost all teams were accommodated under difficult circumstances. Some players apparently sent some nasty emails to the exec team. The exec team asked captains to educate teams about how hard everyone works to make the league run. Believe it or not, there are people who spend 40, 50, 60, 70 hours or more each season to meet the state requirements, get fields, etc.
Sked - the season starts Aug. 30th. We're off Labor Day Weekend. Rosters are due in the 4th week, or by Sept. 26th before the Sept. 27th game. Makeup date is Nov. 8th. Playoffs hopefully to start Nov. 14th. Thanksgiving is our hard stop.
Fields - Commish reminds players to clean up after themselves at the fields and to respect the rules, whether it's no peein' or no bringin' dogs, or whatever. We work hard to get permits and develop relationships. Seriously, it takes major networking to compete with the other leagues, the youth teams, the church groups, etc. We're a nonprofit and extremely successful thus far. We have a field fund of approximately $50,000 in a money market account that we've been accumulating for a longer-term solution for field space. Teams contribute $100 of their dues each season to the fund. We want to buy a field or enter into a partnership. It's difficult though. Our best options seem to be to offset the cost of new construction in exchange for preferential or exclusive treatment. We could also think more broadly by teaming up with other leagues and/or private sponsors who could potentially leverage tax breaks to build a field. Anyway, it's not close, but something to reach for. BTW, we're always looking for field opportunities, if you have ideas, or even better, connections with the Athletic Department.
Finances - Dues were paid in the amount of $1650. No increase this season after all. The league levied fines in the amount of $500 for 3 teams who didn't make their minimum reffing requirements. 1 team was subject to the forfeit fine of $200, but I get the feeling it was forgiven. Teams must notify the league by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday to avoid a forfeit.
Coed cup - the national organization is sponsoring the National Coed Cup again this year on October 24-25, 2009 in Dallas, TX.
Player passes - we haven't moved to implement player passes yet. However, if you need one for a tournament, the registrar can arrange it with 2 weeks notice for $5. This is an accredited league so USASA passes are possible.
Referees - We have a good roster of refs but we need more. Refer to past posts about new certification opportunities. This is the best way to help your team and your league! If you register and work 10 games, the league will refund your registration costs. All equipment is apparently tax deductible. Our only working ref is Jeremy, who made our 5 game minimum last season. Nate and Katya are/were once certified, and may be pressed into service in the future. Refs get $55 as a center and $40 as an assistant referee - per game.
Website - players can enter in their stats on the league's website if they want. We have never participated, for several reasons. But I'm not opposed to players entering their own stats if they want.
Discipline - there were only 2 incidents last year, both from red cards, which are usually reviewed I believe to assess the appropriate suspension. I'm going to be on the disciplinary committee this season.
Socials - we're going to do a tailgate for DCU this fall, or for the US vs Costa Rica game.
Promotion/relegation - Premier Division: Backdraft is coming up; Team X is going down. First Division: Flirts and Capital Crew are coming up; Itchy & Scratchy and Prism are going down. Second Division: Quicksilver and Celtic are coming up; Tsunami and DC Thunder are going down.
Thus, we are losing fully four teams from our division last season. The Flirts and the Crew are going up to 1st. Tsunami and DC Thunder are going down. In their places, we will be facing Itchy & Scratchy, Prism, Celtic, and Quicksilver.
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