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Post deleted by Dale Jr

Dale Jr,

I've been away from the computer most of the day due to yard work and I had a club soccer meeting this evening. Kevin informed me it's been an extremely busy time "moderating" today.

I don't know what all has been written or said, but I believe somewhere (in one extreme or the other) some things needed to be said, stated, commented on, and, in general, publicly acknowledged to address an issue that was absolutely shocking and pathetic this weekend.

The SCHSL State Championships were great. The venue was excellent. The level of play outstanding (save for one match). The crowds were tremendous.

However, the S.C. High School Soccer Coaches Association membership really let itself down in terms of the quantity of coaches that actually helped out this weekend. This is not directed to you, but it is to the SCHSSCA -- help out if you are not playing. Things just don't "get done". It takes organization, preparation, and a self-determination to "give back" -- simply for the sake of the players it benefits. I know you realize how much work goes into staging the All-Star matches as you were fortunate enough to coach in last year's North-South Soccer Classic in Anderson.

When fellow coaches show up and basically thumb their noses at their associates that are busting their rear-ends, then a measure of frustration and resentment is bound to set in -- and it did for the majority of the dozen or so workers. When Roger Hazel of the S.C. High School League comments, "it's always the same coaches pitching in" -- well, that speaks volumes.

Dave Snyder coached his girls team at Bishop England to another Class 2A/1A State Championship and found the time to volunteer his services at the concession stand after his match. Thanks Dave! My thought process has always been that if you are not playing in the State Finals, then you need to be assisting those other coaches that try to put on the best show possible to showcase prep soccer. That didn't happen this weekend.

Do people really think it was easy for any of us associated with the Brookland-Cayce boys soccer team to work this weekend? B-C battled to a scoreless draw on Tuesday at Chapin and after 110 minutes were played the Bearcats lost 4-3 in a penalty kick shootout. Then, to turn around and work the State Finals on Saturday was not exactly an easy thing to do.

I'm not asking for pats-on-the-back -- I'm going to be at the event win, lose, or draw, because it's a lot bigger picture than what I'm directly involved with or get out of it. But, I do want the sport to be recognized in the best possible light it can be (not an easy thing to do in this state) and the only way I know how to do that is to give my time and efforts.

Hopefully this will serve as an eye-opener to some of our SCHSSCA members. This has got to improve, because a number of coaches that have paved the way for the rest of us are nearing the end of their careers and it's up to the younger coaches to pick up where they left off.

Again, this is not intended as a response only to Dale Jr -- we all have other commitments and obligations, and once or twice is definitely acceptable. However, when it's folks that have benefited in the past that don't show up or if it's just coaches that show up when they are honored, well, the amount of respect I have for those individuals wanes a little more each time. It's not an oft-occasion, it's a pattern and one that I take personal.

I guarantee you that every coach in the SCHSSCA would have found time to coach their team in the State Finals this past weekend. Why should it be any different if you truly want your fellow coaches to experience what should be one of the best days of their coaching careers?

My comments from Sunday, May 18:
http://www.scsoccer.com/forum/showflat.p...true#Post105294

Kyle,

I said I wasn't going to comment on this in this thread, but folks keep plugging away at it nonetheless...so here goes.

I know you missed most of the comments earlier, and most of them have been wisely deleted. The fact is, although your personal comments may not be directed at any specific person or people, the fireworks started when two of us were called out by name and implied to be slackers by someone who has no idea what our personal responsibilities may be or how far we may be already stretched to meet them. These comments were not a universal appeal for assistance, but rather a pointed effort to make specific people look bad, for whatever personal reason. I am disappointed in any individual who would use a widespread lack of volunteerism as an excuse to resort to personal attacks, and I would also be be disappointed in any school or organization that supports and justifies such tactics. There are certain practices that are unacceptable in civil, sportsmanlike interaction, no matter how great certain needs may be.

Your point about needing more support is well taken, though; I know what it's like to try to run something for the benefit of others with few if any hands pitching in to help. If I could make a suggestion for next year, though, I think this forum could be put to good use in helping people to know exactly what the needs are and how many people are needed to meet them.

A thread-based "sign-up sheet" could be posted listing the jobs that need to be done and slots for the number of people you think would be optimal to do them. Coaches who have the time and who can travel to the location could sign up for these job slots. That way everyone could see how many unfilled slots are still available BEFORE the games begin instead of only finding out about the shortage AFTER the game when the lamenting and finger-pointing begins...in other words, when people still have time to recognize the problem and do something about it. You might be surprised at how many people would be willing to take time and travel if they know that there really is a job waiting to be done and nobody else signed up to do it. It would be fairly simple to put together, and I think it would be more effective than an after-the-fact "If your coach didn't drive 100+ miles on the uncertain possibility that there might be something left that needed to be done and nobody to do it, then please ask him to justify why not." If the "something" that needs to be done takes a solid, visible form before the fact, I think it's more likely that the "someone" who needs to do it will do the same.

Respectfully,

Chass

Coach Chass -- That's a very good suggestion. We will certainly implement that for next year.

We are in negotiations with the SCHSL and USC about our future at Stone Stadium. There is a faction within the HSL that would prefer not to use Stone Stadium due to the fans not being able to be split on two sides of the field. Also, the HSL has a concern on the security arrangements provided at USC.

I'm meeting with USC folks today to address these issues as well and hopefully we'll reach an understanding. Personally, I love having the state championships at USC. The only other venue in the state that I would support over a move from USC would be Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island and that's simply due to the fact that it is one of the premier soccer-specific stadiums in the country.

Thanks again for a positive and constructive post.

I think Stone Stadium is a great location and the atmosphere is tremendous. I'd hate to see it moved.

By the way, the Low Country girls are doing just fine in Columbia, they don't need any more of an advantage by moving the finals into their own back yard!

From Roger Hazel of the High School League:

Kevin -

Please express my thanks to all the coaches who helped with the soccer state finals. It really is a shame to have such a large group of coaches that could help but only a few (the same few) work the event. Maybe when you guys retire, they may get the point. Again, thanks for all your help this past weekend & I believe we had a great event with 4993 paid in attendance-out largest crowds ever!!

ROGER HAZEL

As I read these posts I find myself feeling a little embarrassed that I was not in attendance helping my collegues this past weekend. Yes, my family is in the middle of a move and I have responsibilities with that,but in reality, it is just another excuse(no family emergency).

And while I have made the trip several times to help out it is always and I mean always the same people in attendance.I am sure alot of Columbia area coaches could have pitched in. It was the same old stoty in Charleston when the North/South was held there.

It was easier for me to help out because of my location but the vast majority of the Charleston area coaches were no where to be seen.

As my coaching days are behind me now and our family move takes us closer to the Columbia area I will pledge to try and make this event a priority for my involement with I hope other fellow coaches(especially in the area)trying to do the same thing.

The trips from the Carolina field house are exhausting with ice.

Thanks Anthony, your service over the years has always been great appreciated!

FWIW, five of the ice trips were from Brookland-Cayce HS and one from USC Fieldhouse (thanks Bert!) and one from Memorial Stadium (thanks Dave!).