1. General notes
There was talk about how well organized the league is. Many people with a lot of experience in rec soccer think that CCSL is one of the premier leagues in the whole country. We have competitive teams, we play on great fields, and we're quite large - 37 teams with about 1000 total players, some sponsors, a functioning referee pool, a growing social scene, and a healthy promotion/ relegation system. There are many teams on the waitlist. Few ever get in. In fact, the Goleros were one of the last teams to be admitted, in 2006 I believe, when I had developed a relationship with the Scheduler, who I played with on another team. He vouched for us and moved us to the top of the list, ahead of probably 20 teams. Thanks again Lou! Anyway, one team is likely folding this year, and another will take its place, probably in the 3rd Division. Folding rarely happens because the spot is so valuable, people find a way to reconstitute the team, regardless of who's running the ship. I hope that is the case with our team someday.
2. Promotion/relegation
The Commish reminded teams that promotion is not guaranteed. The Executive Board must determine whether there is space in the next division, and that may be dictated by whether teams are being added to a particular division.
Each season, two teams are eligible for promotion (first, the winner of the regular season, and second, the winner of the playoffs) and two teams are eligible for relegation (the bottom two teams in the regular season). At the meeting, all of the eligible teams were promoted, except for Hoover FC out of the First Division, which declined, and thus the second-to-last place team in Premier avoided relegation.
3. Schedule and fields
Games start March 28th. We're on a lot of turf fields in VA and DC. Trinity, still my favorite field because it is level grass, is our "worst field" so people are pretty happy about the state of things. The Commish and the Field Guru have worked hard to build relationships. It's always fluid though. Just because you have a great reputation and find an "in" doesn't mean you will keep your spot. Field spots can be yanked for any reason - if we litter too much or whatever. I remember when CCSL got significant time on the GW fields in Georgetown. Suddenly, the next season, we were told they were full. Rumor has it the commissioner of another league - a for-profit league - had struck up a cosy relationship wtih the field manager that may have included a fancy lunch. We ain't like that. We have to do things the old-fashioned way. That's why the league constantly impresses upon captains how important our behavior is on the fields. We want to be invited back to the fields we've secured. Many of you are new to adult coed and may not realize how bad it can get for playing conditions. When you're stuck on a small bumpy baseball diamond 10 miles outside of Rockville, the game isn't quite the same. The Goleros did that for many years. This is our third league in 10 years - and it's by far the best.
By the way, before each season, the Scheduler accepts scheduling requests. If ever you know of weekends that don't work or you have suggestions, send them to me before the season starts. This season, I made two late requests -for a bye on April 11th and a late start on March 28th. We'll see if they are accommodated.
4. State and National Association news
Two former league officers are now part of the national and state associations. They are working to implement an automatic registration system (the players register and pay directly with the league) and also a reduction in the amount of insurance we pay. Since we are an accredited league, the insurance is mandatory. Currently, I believe we pay close to $18 per player per season . This is supplemental insurance, over an above your base policy, that covers some injuries sustained in the course of play. So, if you get hurt, which you won't, you may be able to get some of your costs covered. But, like I said, we're trying to reduce the cost of insurance, because right now, it's not really worth it.
5. Scheduling rules
The Scheduler reminded teams that forfeits are a pain for everyone. There is a new policy, which was passed at the meeting. Scheduling requests may be made before the season. If, during the season, a team cannot make a scheduled game, they may request accommodation. The league doesn't have to accommodate, however. And, if you do not notify the league of an impending forfeit before Wednesday COB, there is a $200 fine. $100 of the fine will go to league coffers and $100 will be used as a credit to the opposing team as compensation for being shorted a game.
6. Referee Report
The Ref assignor attempted to change the slide tackle rule to something more simple. Because the new proposal would result in an automatic penalty kick if the tackle was made in the box, the captains didn't like it and it failed. We'll cover the existing slide tackle rule in a subsequent post.
New designation on rosters - this season, all game rosters handed to the refs before kickoff must designate the team captain. So, if Ally or I aren't playing in the game, we will need to designate another captain. This person is responsible for keeping team behavior in check. While most refereees prefer only to discuss calls with captains, there is no special right of captains to object to calls or to be belligerent.
Remember, each team must supply a referee(s) that works five CCSL games each season. Our sole ref at this time is Jeremy. Without him, our dues would increase by $500.
7. Registration
Rosters are due to the league before the 4th week.
8. Fields
We are always looking for newer or better fields, or relationships that we can strike up for long-term gain. Everyone should think to see whether we can leverage connections to get our league good fields. We would benefit from this - all scheduling requests on that field and others would likely be honored, among other things.
9. Social committee
More events are planned this season.
10. Fees
We paid our $1650 dues. There was no increase versus last season.
No comments:
Post a Comment