Dale Jr - I assume that this is in reference to the "workers comments" in other threads. We understand that there are certain situations that are beyond our control when dealing with volunteer work.
I think the biggest thing that has ruffled some feathers is the fact that there are more than 300 teams in South Carolina and we literally had only a handful of workers for an entire weekend. If just the Columbia schools alone had contributed "A" worker we would have more than 40-50 coaches to share the load.
I understand that there are factors - family illness, etc. that prevent certain folks from lending a hand, but there are some coaches that actually attended the games and were in the stadium and they too could pitch in. It is after all for their kids. The entire proceeds go to the all-star games and that is not a cheap event.
We haul ice -- so we don't have to buy it -- but after 3 trips on Friday and another 6 on Saturday, you start to get a little perturbed at the fact that there are others that could do their part.
We constantly address the work issue at the Winter & Summer Clinics, the all-star meetings, etc. Not real sure what else we can do. A couple of years ago, we had an outcry for help with our all-star game when our major sponsor pulled the financial plug on us. Immediately there was an outpouring of support, but in the past couple of years it's been a return to normalcy and not much of an issue in financially supporting the event - whether it is a $100 game sponsorship or $75 program ad.
Someone earlier said something about having principals that allow us time off to work the games, let me clarify that issue. I take a day of personal annual leave to work the state championships, to set up for the Winter Clinic, to work on all-star nominations, etc. That's three personal days of annual leave that I've taken just this spring for the association. They are not "professional days" and they are done for the good of the SCHSSCA. Am I bragging or looking for an "attaboy" -- no, but I do want folks to understand that sometimes you may have to sacrifice something for something else. So be it. Part of being a professional coach in my opinion.
I sincerely appreciate all of those that find time to give back to the SCHSSCA as it truly exists to serve high school soccer and promote the sport for our kids. However, it just "does not get done" -- it takes lots of time, energy, and effort to pull it off. Even Roger Hazel of the SCHSL acknowledged that we do more for our particular sport than any other prep auxiliary group. To me that is simply what it's about! Nothing more, nothing less.
If some folks got their feelings hurt by the way the message was relayed, then my apologies on behalf to those that were offended. However, that does not excuse the fact that our association needs more assistance from its' membership.
