|
Post by Chris on Jan 24, 2007 16:11:42 GMT -8
Just when you think things are going great some folks make a moronic decision and take the wind out of your sales. Intrigued? See you Thursday cause I need a beer.
|
|
|
Post by trevor9 on Jan 24, 2007 16:45:26 GMT -8
The A/E tryouts this Saturday.......is it 9-1 or 1-5? The flyer says one thing and the LL website says another.
|
|
|
Post by Randy Edwards on Jan 24, 2007 16:48:18 GMT -8
9-1 on both Sat.
|
|
|
Post by Randy Edwards on Jan 24, 2007 16:49:37 GMT -8
"Just when you think things are going great some folks make a moronic decision and take the wind out of your sales. Intrigued? See you Thursday cause I need a beer"
Chris I have a managers meeting can you post it ?
|
|
|
Post by scrapper on Jan 24, 2007 16:51:04 GMT -8
You must be wanting it to be Thursday it is 4:43 on site. you must be using mountain time. Wish I could help you out Chris. Are you going to be there at Soderquist tonightht at 5:00. I will be there about 5:45.
|
|
|
Post by Greenie on Jan 24, 2007 16:54:20 GMT -8
I was just informed of it myself. I don't know WTF the thinking was. No it something that shouldn't be posted here unless We have had a few beers first We are having a work party tonight at Soderquist around 5 for inquiring minds.
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Jan 24, 2007 17:31:48 GMT -8
I'll fill you in Randy but its not an A/AE issue. Scrapper! Shit all the wrk will be done by then LOL.
|
|
|
Post by Greenie on Jan 24, 2007 17:42:56 GMT -8
Now we know why he's such a lard arse.
|
|
|
Post by leftymom on Jan 29, 2007 20:26:15 GMT -8
Being new to the forum, I don't know what the moronic decision was that started this thread, however I would like to add something that is deeply upsetting to me. My son plays for the National A's, and as everyone knows, they went winless all last season. Regardless of that, 9 out of the 12 boys were set on coming back this year, and happily at that. On Saturday, the kids found out that their coach was told not to come back this year, that he was voted off by the board members. People have many reasons for doing what they did, however the reasons he was given were flat out lies. He was told (1)he missed numerous games and practices,(2)none of the boys improved throughout the year or appeared to know what they were doing during game time and (3)that the parents went to the board and complained about him. All lies folks. (1) He missed maybe two practices and zero games. Being a strictly volunteer position, I didn't realize that attendance and tardies were being kept. Does this mean that all the other coaches missed less than him? Sounds a bit far fetched to me. (2) All the kids improved tremendously throughout the season, and we almost beat two of the top contenders. Did the kids make mistakes? Of course, they did, they are kids! Show me a game last year where no mistakes were made and then that line of reasoning would be valid. Lastly, (3) not one parent went to any board member and complained. Now, thanks to the board, we aren't sure where our team is headed this year. Some of the boys may not come back, and if that's the case, I would like to say thank you of behalf of my son. I'm sure the children love having zero consistency year after year! As far as Mr. Finney being our coach, that's not true either. He's not. I don't know who is, but I imagine the board knows. So while all the other teams have the privilege of getting together to practice a little bit and get reaquainted with eachother, we don't have that option, because nobody has contacted any of us in regards to who the new coach is. My son will continue to be a National A, regardless of how little he was thought of by the adults on the board. Be prepared for an onslaught of complaints. Letters have already and will continue to be written to Ralph Serpa. The board's personal agenda will be reveled. Beth Benson
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Jan 29, 2007 21:40:56 GMT -8
Ms. Benson ~
Let me first congratulate you for signing your post. Having been around Little League for several years now I have come to appreciate folks who stand up publicly for what they believe. Usually people gripe, complain and then insist on remaining anonymous.
I'm not on the BOD and consequently I'm not privy to the reasons why Vic wasn't reappointed but I have my own opinions. Little League has a policy that no manager/coach has tenure and must be reappointed by the President and approved by the BOD each year. Consequently, no manager/coach has a "right" to return.
During my tenure as President I used a Manager/Coach evaluation form that I mailed to parents to help guide me with my appointments. I too came under fire for my decisions. I searched my soul on every appointment and truly believed my appointments were in the best interest of the kids and the league. Nevertheless, people still suggested I had my own agenda and that hurt.
Unfortunately, Little League Presidents are stongly encouraged by Little league International not to give reasons for their decisions related to the appointment of managers and coaches. Consequently, although I had my reasons I had to keep them to myself and couldn't defend my decision publicly.
I would encourage you to reserve your judgement on the decision to pick a new manager for the A's until you hear from Ralph directly. As you stated in your post you haven't yet heard from the BOD and if the BOD follows protocol you will never know their reasons. I don't know where you got your information but I'm relatively certain it wasn't from Ralph or the BOD so take it with a grain of salt.
I can tell you the new manager of the A's is Rob Spiller and all of my interactions with him have been very positive. He wasn't part of the decision making process and I believe he shouldn't be judged or indicted for any reason. He's a good guy.
I hope the A's have a wonderful season and all the kids and the families enjoy themselves.
|
|
|
Post by leftymom on Jan 29, 2007 22:07:12 GMT -8
Chris- My intention is not to cause problems for the new coach, I don't even know him. I am also aware of the no tenure clause in the LL rules. I am trying to view this from my child's perspective. I don't see how revolving coaches can be productive to the athlete's growth. For some boys on this team, this will be their third different coach. I may be new to the game, since my son is only 10, but it sure doesn't feel right. It feels like if your not part of the 'club', you're out. I am aware of Vic's shortcomings in the BOD's eyes, however, he has never been anything but kind to the boys, and isn't that what this is all about, the boys? I realize we may never agree, and that is fine. I just wanted to put my feelings out there. I am not a whiny-everything needs to be fair- type of mother either. It just feels like this season is already starting out on an off-kilter note. Hopefully I am wrong. Thanks for listening. Beth Benson
|
|
|
Post by mflema on Jan 29, 2007 22:44:22 GMT -8
Mrs. Benson; I am also thankful that you gave your name. I also like people who stand behind what they say. Just to answer a few of the items you brought up. First of all, the board of directors can only vote on managers and coaches that the president nominates. The president has to nominate all managers, coaches, and umpires. The BOD then can vote for or against the people he has nominated. The meeting that this happens at is a closed meeting, much like any meeting that personnel is discussed at. My position on the board is player agent, and when I have a player problem, I ask that the meeting be closed so that the players name can be kept confidential. I normally go a step further then that and not mention the name unless I have to. The teams have not been put together yet. Tryouts are still going on, and until tryouts are completed and draft has been completed there should not be any official meetings or practices of any Little league team. The most practical reason for this is a liability one. Little League Insurance covers the players from January 1st to December 31st from year to year. Last years permission slips signed by the parents are no longer valid, and the only ones valid are the ones that the player agent has, and will be handing out when the draft is held. This is one way that we know that the insurance is in force and will cover our players at any meeting or practice. These permission forms are not handed out until draft to all of the managers and they will receive them all at the same time. Because of this there should not be any practices or get together's of any teams. Practising without the proper paperwork will put our league at risk for lawsuits in case of injury, which is serious. No league or youth program has the money for lawsuits. This is something that all board members, past and present, know. My husband and I have been on the board or been involved for the past 28 years. My husband has been on the district staff for the last 15 years. Every decision reguarding personnel is heart wrenching, hard, and done with deep thought. No matter what is decided, we will always be questioned, and we have learned that we will not ever make everyone happy. But, like ever one in Little League at the local level, we are all volunteers, and we try our best. I hope that all the parents will keep this in mind also when considering everything.
Again, thanks for your thoughts and for your honesty. Sincerely; Melody Lema Player Agent, 2007
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Jan 29, 2007 23:01:45 GMT -8
Beth ~
I apologize if I appeared to be proselytizing. I'm not disagreeing with anything you've said. I was just trying to explain what my experiences have been.
I do agree there is a club. The club is usually comprised of afew folks who carry the bulk of the water for the organization. Sometimes they feel their decisions are beyond reproach and they are entitled to do as "they" please. We know thats not true.
I started this forum to provide a place for a rigorous debate. I think the views you have expressed above are honorable and can only help make our league better.
Chris
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Jan 29, 2007 23:04:29 GMT -8
Oops, Melody got in ahead of my last post. Thanks Melody for your insight.
|
|
|
Post by leftymom on Jan 30, 2007 6:57:11 GMT -8
To Chris and Melody- Thank you for your thoughtful and considerate input. I have viewed past posts and opinions and knew I could say what I said without there being any personal vendetta against me. Many people know who I am through LL and Vikings football. If I said anything that anyone took personally, please feel free to approach me and we can discuss it. I am not one to hide behind an alias. Again, thank you for your thoughts and explanations.
Beth Benson
|
|