Sunday, May 6, 2012

Game, forfeit rules, and announcement

Good evening Men of Boones United,

Please bear with me as this will be a long post as I’m on 1/3 of the way through my second margarita.  There are several things to discuss tonight including the forfeit rule, game today, and another announcement to wrap things up.

Before we get into the rules, let me start by saying that I appreciate your willingness to sit the Mother’s Day game out.  We have played for 6 years (12 seasons) and NEVER forfeited a game.  Many would say that we really never practiced either, but that is another story.  Our hard work all season enabled us to spend this time with our families on Mother’s Day, which we all know that NTPSA hates all Mothers, as they continue to schedule games on their day.  Here are the specific rules as they pertain to our dilemma on Mother’s Day:

IV. PAYMENT OF REFEREE (Game Officials)

F. Should a team forfeit for failure to appear for the game, not enough players, no ID cards or no nets, the team responsible for the forfeit is required to pay the entire referee fee incurred (referee and assistant referees) plus an additional $30.00 assessment to NTPSA prior to any further participation in NTPSA activities.

VIII. FORFEITS

E. A team must notify the Association Commissioner, Division Commissioner or NTPSA League Office at least 48 hours prior to the regular scheduled game of any cancellation (forfeiture) or they will be forced to pay the entire referee fees plus assessment as stated in Rule IV.

As you can see, a $110 bucks is a bit steep for missing a game.   I will make the call and send an email to NTPSA on Thursday morning in order to confirm their receipt (will also send an email and bcc the team) and ask what would happen if both teams forfeit.

On to the game recap which #10 Pele Julio sent a brief summary (I sure miss the old ones), but I had a few thoughts that I wanted to share as well.  As you are accustom to seeing, I’ll do this in a list format.

1.       5 subs today were great and really beat down the other team who had 11 midway through the first half.

2.       Out today were Georgie – traveling to NY, Davey, Mucio and Todd to injury.  Mucio did show up to feed Drew and cheer on the team.

3.       Brady is back to full power.  So great to see that speed, a long run, then ended by falling down because you were fouled of course.

4.       I’ve never seen Tutt celebrate like he did on his 25 yard laser from the right post.  Awesome goal.

5.       Chuck is catching fire.  Great low shots that always have a chance.  If the goalie wasn’t playing as well as he was, Chuck, Eric, and a couple others that were pummeling him with shots would have blown this game out.

6.       Good to see D-Ray back.  I know you aren’t 100%, but providing quality shifts and giving teammates a breather was fantastic.  I hope that you continue to heal.

7.       After a brief spout of terrible passing, we pulled it together.  Our game was more balanced today and good to see that again.  Fundamentals of our most successful days are great goaltending, good defense, pressure and hustle, working the ball through our midfielders, sharp passing from the edge, and plenty of quality shots.  That’s how we played today.  It’s really fun to watch that develop from a defenders perspective.

8.       I would really like to play that team at full strength.  It would be a great game.  The 30E division has been solid with many good teams this season.  Except for the team last week, any team is capable of winning.

9.       We had good turnout of fans today.  This is one of those things that I really enjoy is seeing all the young kids, wives, and others out there at the game.  Our camaraderie between the players and each other families is special to me and something that I did not envision when we first started playing Boones United soccer.  A quick story…Bryce was standing on the trash can and Claire went over to him and told him to “get down this instant”.  Can’t coach that!

10.   Our biggest strength is our fellowship. 

My goal when starting our team, in the beginning, was to a)give me a chance to see my friends more often, b) get my buddies exercising as we got older, and c)to provide a competitive atmosphere to satisfy our need to push ourselves and grow as men.  For the guys in the early days, there were many embarrassing days where it took us 4 or 5 games just to score a goal, but the seed was planted.  We have lost, cut, or retired many guys over the year, but have a very solid group of men on our team now.  Guys that I enjoy seeing on and off the field whether it be at Ranger games, Thanksgiving, weddings, etc…you all have become a second family to me, and for that, I’m extremely grateful.

As time would have it, my home life is a bit more consuming with two children who our Lord has blessed me beyond my most wild imagination.  For those that have 2 kids, you understand what I’m talking about here.  It is my job to strike a fair balance between work and play.  Honestly, I need to relieve some of my type-A stress which I’m so good at creating.  I’ve spoken to a few guys on the team and I want to make sure I clear the air on the subject.  Your feedback was honest and appreciated.  Therefore, effective for our Fall season, Pup will take control of Boones United FC.

Let me make this very clear for everyone, what Pup says goes.  This is his team to make any and all decisions regarding divisions, player acquisition, co-captain requirements, practices, etc…I will move to a non-committal part-time playing basis.  If I can’t be there 100% of the time, I need to rely on someone that can and there is nobody I would rather have in that scenario than my Brother, Pup.  My biggest concern is setting the wrong expectation for you guys by saying that I will be there every week, when that is just not possible any longer.  I know that you will understand my decision and I look forward to many more seasons of Boones United FC soccer with each of you, my teammates and brothers.

I'm excited for our playoff run and for the future of Boones United FC soccer.  I hope that you are as well.  Let's go win this bitch!

Boones for Life,

Coach Stu Dawg

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Gentlemen,

We are quickly approaching the end of our season and are winning, but paying the price for it.  As you all know, we have two games left with the last game on Mother's Day which I'm not expecting a very good turnout (we play Cruz Azul again who is in last place). 

The only team that can catch us for the playoffs is the team we play this Sunday.  Our game is at 3:00 at Five Star #1 which is the field closest to the high school.  Please be on time and ready to play.  I will also need to know who will be missing on Mother's Day.

See you on Sunday,

Stu Dawg