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This blog is for discussion of AYSO Region 22 La Mirada. It is designed to allow free discussions of all things related to our region, as well as questions, concerns, suggestions and comments. There is also currently a coach's blog and referee's blog for topics specific to coaching and refereeing.
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30 comments:
BLESS ALL YOUR SOULS FOR WORKING SO HARD TO HELP THE KIDS. BUT US ADULTS NEEDS SOME ANSWERS, LIKE WHERE DOES ALL THE MONEY GO. THE BEST THAT I CAN FIGURE IS THAT IT COST LESS THEN $65 PER KID, SO THAT LEAVES OVER $55 PER KID FOR WHAT.
WHY DO SOME OF THE BOARD MEMBER HAVE REGION CELL PHONES? IF THEY ARE NEEDED THEN WHY DON'T WE HAVE THE NUMBERS. IT WAS STATED THAT ONE BOARD MEMBER HAD OVER 850 CALLS FOR WHAT, WHEN THE NUMBER ISN'T PUBLISHED.
STATEMENTS THAT WERE MADE "WE WON'T WORK WITH YOU ON SCHEDULES" IF YOU COACH 2 TEAMS WHAT IS TRYING TO BE DONE HERE I COACH TWO TEAMS, HAVE NO KIDS IN THE REGION AND IF I WOULDN'T HAVE STEPPED UP THEN 26 KIDS MIGHT NOT BE PLAYING, WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO PUNISH? BACK IN THE DAY THEY WERE HAPPY TO HAVE SOMEONE VOULENTER AND HELP OUT, NOT CHASE THEM AWAY AND PUNISH THE KIDS.
LASTLY BECAUSE THE AREA DIR STILL HAS SAY OVER WHO AND WHAT WE WILL NEVER BE RUN BY "US"
Coach,
CELL PHONE: I was the one who stated that I have had over 850 calls for region purposes. My number (562.447.8665) has been published on the website since the day that I received it (you know it because I have received calls from you). Previously, I was responding to calls on my personal cell phone at no cost to the region (I know this to be the case in some instances right now for those who do not have a phone.
SCHEDULES: I was the one who pushed for the "Head Coach of Only One Team" policy for two (2) reasons: (1), the scheduling associated with ensuring that Head Coaches with multiple teams is a a complex and time consuming job that occurs before the season and then again before the end of season playoffs. Add the fact that we have three (3) different fields that the teams play on (need to allow for late games and "travel" time between the fields) and a complex job gets impossible. (2) We do make scheduling allowances for other areas with adds to the difficulty (i.e.; carnival dates, religious purposes, etc). With that being said, there are exceptions to the policy in extenuating circumstances as you know (you are one of them). Although I endorsed your taking two teams, I doubt tht the kids would not have played because since I have been involved with the Region (going back many years) I do not recall a time when we did not secure a coach for every team before the season started.
Regarding the cost per child: You mentioned that you figured out that the cost per child was $65 to put on the season, and that $55 was left over.
65
+ 55
====
$120
Our registration cost is actually $85 for the first child and a discount of $5 per child for each sibling living at the same address.
In any case, your point is well made. It's imperative that we provide an accounting that shows a cost per child so that your question can be answered properly, for you and every other parent.
If a correction is needed in registration costs for next year, then one will be considered. But, until we can complete the analysis, we won't know the answer precisely. We will ensure that is done this season.
Also, regarding cell phone. I have one as RC that is used far too often for the comfort of my ear not getting too sweaty, but I think it's pretty necessary (especially this year). Our Coaching Administrator and Referee Administrator both have one,and the fourth is with our treasurer.
This is great, as far as the the phone # I returned your call and thats how I got your # and didn't know that was the region phone. I don't see everyone # listed and there problibly is a good reason-to many calls.
We didn't have all the coaches on Aug 1 and we are filling with what ever we can get, maybe if we were to have experienced coaches doing more then one team then we could train the asst coaches so they would be better prepaired when the situation comes. Back in the day scheduling wasn't an issue even with area teams as I did two area teams at the same time. Hech I even know of a coach that 4 teams at time in this region. Scheduling should not be an issue with giving qualified coaches mulitable teams, because the kids will benift in the long run.
As far as the cost $85 + $35=$120 plus how many sponcerships are there my two teams turned in 3 and i believe that the region will make at least another $200 just from my teams.
one of the biggest issue so mant had in the past was the poor usage of the kids money, like paying for board meetings at "Draft Picks".
Bob- I have been a member of the Board for 3 years now and this is my second season as Treasurer. In the entire time I have been a member, the Region has NOT paid for a Board meeting at Draft Picks. This might have been something in the past. In fact for the last year and a half we have had our Board Meetings at La Mirada Christian church or at Whittier Christian High School. Yes, we may go out afterward but it is NOT on the Region's dime.
Bob, I didn't realize your figure was talking about the fundraising also. Sorry. But, I think the nuts and bolts of the issue is that once we have a cost-per-child figure for this season, we'll be in a better place to evaluate that stuff. In the case of this season, we're incurring great expense to live scan the volunteer-base, so the fundraising would seem to be needed. But, we'll all see the figures and then we can tweak and make adjustments as necessary. It's not really possible to act until we have all the info. Thanks Bob!
I think once we've had an opportunity to review the events' budget, we'll be in a much better place to respond to the various comments. I think all comments, suggestions, and questions are vital to a sound solution acceptable by all.
Thanks to everyone who's blogging! :)
The comment about Draft Picks was when I was on the board and we would go to Draft Picks and have a few. I was told that the then RC would pick up the receipt and turn it in to get reimbursed, books were closed so no could ever verify. Some of the thing that need to be overcome is the spending of money for the special people like a Christmas parties for a few, although “legal” is it ethical to send out little kids to hustle cookie money to pay for it. You all have an up hill battle convincing people that things will be better –please keep trying- and with all the things that have been going recently it is going to be tough and take time.
I for one believe that we are still controlled by the area director. Proof- just a few weeks ago when I heard that the region was looking for an interim RC, I told a board member twice to put my name in the hat and they told me both times that I wouldn’t be approved by AREA. Not to toot my horn but I have over 10 years experience on the BOD of a soccer league and was the president for the last 3, I would think that maybe that may make me the most qualified person.
Many of us are unsure what is going to happen because we were treated so badly in the past by this region just because we questioned the dictatorship attitude.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU
coach I don't think you have been involved with this region for a number of years and do not realize all the quality volunteers who have filled in during your absence.
There are many caring and very hard working coaches, refs and team moms not to mention board members that spend countless hours working for the kids that deserve accolades instead of criticism. There may be some coaches that aren't as experienced as you but I doubt that they are any less dedicated to the kids than you are.
I think that you should worry more about spending your time with your teams instead of throwing out groundless accusations of board members spending the kids money at Draft Picks. I'm sure that the issue of money will be cleared up just like it was the last time, two years ago when someone called for an audit, which came up sterling.
Bob- In regards to your comment about Draft Picks, why would you bring it up now? The RC at that time is no longer part of the Board or has been in a long time. Did you question the RC at the time? or did you just accept the drinks with no question?
Yes we have a Christmas dinner for Board Members but we also include several other volunteers, last year the All Star Coaches were included, the year before that it was Refs that had ref'd more that so many games. Personally, I do not see the problem with rewarding volunteers with a dinner for their countless hours away from their families to insure a top rate program for 1000+ kids. The Region does this for Coaches as well as Referees. We are a program built on volunteers.
In regards to you being RC, when the former RC stepped down and we were looking for a successor it was listed on the website for anyone to apply for. In fact you applied for it and when the Executive Board met to interview the various canidates we were informed that you no longer wanted to be considered.
Yes it appears that we "have an up hill battle convincing people that things will be better" especially when baseless accusations are made on things that may or may not have happened 3+ years ago with people who are no longer part of the Board.
I just want to volunteer in a program that has the kids best interest in mind, which I truthfully believe La Mirada AYSO does. Let's just play some soccer.
Yes I was forced out of the region for standing up to a dictator –not that long ago- when I was allowed back - thx Scott- we have the same problems, hidden money (probably not the current RC prob.), area running our region and total chaos meetings at city hall with the city council. I do honestly believe that John is trying to get things worked out but he and the board have tough job ahead trying to convince people things will/are getting better. We still have a VERY MAJOR problem ahead that will take a lot of work to get straighten out.
I have never said anything about dedication of the great people that volunteer. I have great help with both of my teams and couldn’t do it without them, I spend over 12 hrs a week training your kids and will start adding another 6-8 hrs helping out this region with Saturdays and ask for nothing in return but just being treated fairly. I have even volunteered to help train the coaches- look at the coach’s blog. One doesn’t have to tell me about what it takes to run the region I ran a soccer club for over 3 years (was voted in by ALL it members) and know that it takes dedication from volunteers like you –I assume- to make things works. As far as Draft Picks I stand by what I said I was there.
I was told that it wasn’t an open audit - who in this region ever saw it. No I didn't just take the drinks because i heard about it latter. As far as the past books are still not available but heard that is being worked on. Yes things are different now we have the city wanting answers now.
I just don't like the idea of trying to force little kids to sell cookie dough and yes we do. I quess that when the book's are opened up then we will know. As far as the RC I put my name in at the begining of the year AND when Scott stepped down (never even got a thank you- but notice). That was when I was told AREA would not approve me. Many of the things I bring up aren't from 3 years ago. Books are still closed parents still have little to no say of how the region is run and coaches are punished for trying to help out. THESE STAEMENT ARE NOT ALL ABOUT THE PAST AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR WITHOUT MY FRIEND RUNNING THINGS. I do believe that John will try and do what is right but without dialog how will he know what the all people want. This is fun and will bring changes, remember what city councilman said to all of us that when to the meeting "parents you have no say on how things are being done" Maybe a change to this might be for next years board put out a clear message that "if you would like to be a board member notify me/us" then if no one stepps up then they have nothing to say. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION NOT THE PROBLEM.
BE FUN AND KINDA MISSED THE REAL TOPIC OF THE BLOG. As far as opening day it was a bit crowed with all of us hanging around the restroom area. I did find out latter that my bu14 team did take cuts in line but we really didn’t know until latter. Sorry to those that put back.
Bob, you are right that we have an uphill battle. And, we have the city watching. This is good as it provides the elements needed for improvement.
If your interest is in a quality AYSO program that is responsible, transparent and responsive to the input of members and parents then my suggestion is we all stay positive and constructive. That we don't lament about the criticism of times gone by, but that we sign the praises of the present and future and that we focus on items that still require change.
You have an organization that has asked for input, that has dedicated itself to solving problems and that has promised, and is demonstrating, its transparency and openness. I thought that was what you wanted. If it is, then please continue to work with us.
When January comes, I want to have a quality youth soccer program available to the children. If we don't work together for that in this very short time and get on the same page, then the program may not exist. I hope by the time we get close to January that our work has convinced you that our program is worthy of your support and praise. My goal is that it will be. Thank you for your comments.
Let's give John Schneider support and time to turn this around. This is only my second year coaching in La Mirada but coming from another city (and program)I do see that things have not been handled properly in MANY areas in the past. That is the PAST. I believe John (and his team) are trying to change the present and set the tone for the future of La Mirada AYSO. However, John has to understand that people (parents,coaches,etc)will be very inquisitive and proactive when something SEEMS not to be going in the right direction, this is due to reaping what the past leadersips have sowed. I also think that things ARE being turned around and that it is good to have the city watching over us to avoid past mistakes. RC, let's keep the transparency and communication ALIVE, that is all we can ask as parents, sponsors and coaches. Let's all pull together in the same direction to keep this program past January.
John, I wouldn't be spendng my time here if i didn't believe that you really want to make things right. So just to put this to bed I WILL NEVER BELIEVE THAT AREA DOESN'T HAVE SOME CONTROL OVER OUR REGION because it is in there guildelines to.
Forcing kids to sell cookie dough our punish their team just doesn't seem right, the coaches don't get to pick their players, so one kids can ruin a whole season for a team? Supporting coaches that are willing to take on more and help out the region shouldn't be discouraged they should be thanked. Lastly I will always be here for the kids because people were for me when I played way way way way back in the day.
I REALLY DO MEAN BLESS ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HELP OUT FOR THE KIDS
Hello Everyone,
Thank you for all of the help this weekend. Your teams were great with allowing the VIP team access to the front of the line. As you all saw the crowd was not good for them. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
If anyone (U12 and above) has a buy and would like to play the VIP team on a Saturday at 10am please email me at VIP@ayso22.org.
Hey Everyone, this blog stuff looks like fun. I have never taken part in something like this. But, an old man like me who hates all these new fangled contraptions, I think I will put my two-cents worth.
First Bob you are somewhat right. For the past 7 years this program has been abused and misused by the previous RCs and to some extent board members. And that simple put is why our little city may loss a GREAT program like the AYSO.
8 years ago and plus it was a QUALITY program run by quality people. It was open to everyone. It published a financial report annually. (Which, incidently, is an AYSO National requirement.) Coaches and Referees and all volunteers were treated with fairness and respect for their efforts. When a coach had 2 or more teams the region bent over backwards to accomidate their teams schedules so that our kids AND our hard working coach were not shortchanged. So basically it was a well run BUSINESS. And I think in some small way because of that, the teams did exptremely well. Winning STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS in all ALL-STAR divisions. In fact I remember one year where 4 of the 6 teams representing SECTION 11 at the State tounament were from Region 22, La Mirada. (That, believe me, is not small feat)
Then starting 7 years ago we got an RC who didn't feel answerable to the people of La Mirada. They stopped publishing an annual financial statement. The board meeting because closed and unannounced to the general public.
The RC and board members allowed the region to pay for the food and drink bills that they amassed during and after official board meetings. (see past post by Mr Davis).
The board members who complained about this and other types of abuse, mismanagement or other violations of the AYSO rules were removed by the RC. With little or no outcry from the remaining board members.
Then new RCs entered the picture.
Each one, in their own way, followed some of the style of the past RC. They refused to publish an Annual Financial Statement even though it was mentioned many times at board meetings. They removed ANYONE who openly disagreed with them. And brought on board people who agreed with them, didn't know them well enough to see their abusive style or just felt like it was none of their concern and just wanted to do thier assigned job.
But, just as a side note, I would like to say that the last RC NEVER once used region funds to pay of anyone's alcohol.
That is such a violation of everything that the AYSO stands for that I am surprised that someone would admit it.
So that, in a nutshell is why we are where we are. The dictatorial aditudes of the past RCs have left so much bad blood and so many bodies on the field that they have come back to haunt us.
Now we get to the present. A region board has removed an RC. This again, for those of you who don't know the AYSO program, is no small feat. In fact in my 21 years of volunteering in the AYSO I have never seen it done.
But it was done and now we must go from there.
The board has picked itself up. Even though there are still several of the old RCs people on the present board let's see if they can fix it. They say they will fix everything. Lets at least give them a chance.
So here are a few recomendations:
1. Starting with thier additude.
If someone complains don't become so defensive. Find out what the underlying problem is and see if it can be fixed. Such as:
Instead of trying to be hard corp work with the volunteer.
If a coach has 2 teams you can adjust the schedule so that the games are not on so close together.
Stop trying to act like you are doing the coach a big favor.
I have done scheduling and it does involve a little extra work but heck its not that big a deal.
Stop acting like it is.
2. Publish last year's financial statement and this year's budget ASAP.
Posting them on the web site should do the trick. As the financial year ended in June and a budget must be submitted to AYSO National before the beginning of each season this should be no problem.
3. Guidelines should be drawn up for an election to be held so that anyone who wants to can see that this is an open volunteer program and not an INBREED hand-picked regional board and RC. There were 3 candidates for RC last season, and a supposedly fair election was held. When the winner was removed a new and open election should have been held. Instead it was handled internally thereby showing the city council the wrong picture.
This is just the beginning and if this program is to survive beyond January I suggest someone get on it.
Because, as a member of our city council said. "There will be soccer in La Mirada, just maybe not the AYSO".
Steve you may not be able to hear but you can write.
And yes this is fun, just wait until we get past the bickering and start helping each other out.
Nice post Steve! Thanks for joining in!
I am actually in process of doing all of the action items you mentioned. So that this post doesn't get too long and convoluted, I'm going to post a few new posts to address some of those. Thanks again!
What I find incredulous is that there are NO complaints about the product on the field.
Isn't that what's important.
I think it shows we have a good program.
And we are showing the city mostly petty issues.
Yes the financials should be made public but I have not heard one expense that I didn't think was reasonable.
I haven't heard of any extravagant expense and I am confident that the audits will show this to be true.
I have known many people on the board and they have made mistakes but ALL have worked for what they thought was in the best interest of our children.
La Mirada is talking about killing AYSO in La Mirada. Are these issues worth killing it?
I am involved with LMBA and La Mirada Little League and they are horrible in how they are run compared to AYSO.
In LMBA and Little League your child doesn't even have to play half the game.
In AYSO it is 3/4 of the game. And this is a local rule not a national one. Isn't that what youth sports are supposed to be about? Participation by our youth!
The baseball leagues do NO training of volunteers. No Safe Harbor.
Any warm body can coach.
Anyone can be an umpire. All of the Refs in AYSO have to be trained and pass a test that they know the rules.
And I would argue that on the high end our REFs are far superior to any umpires I have seen in La Mirada.
AYSO requires more volunteerism than the baseball leagues. This is a good thing.
AYSO has balanced teams. And in my experience this has come to pass.
LMBA and Little League are JOKES in this area.
LM Little League Treasurer was arrested, for embezzlement!
A coach got in a fight with a parent on the field and got a 1 game suspension?
And La Mirada is going after AYSO?
And the negative people are helping them?
Give me a break.
We should all be working to KEEP AYSO in La Mirada.
To: johnl
The La Mirada Little League Treasurer was NEVER arrested on any such charges. Freddie has been Treasurer for along time and is still serving on the La Mirada Little Board. Please make sure your FACTS are true - that is not a kind thing to say about someone so dedicated to L.M.L.L.
John, I don't think that people are going after AYSO as a group and don’t want to see it disappear. They just want the board to be answerable to ALL those that support it. Until just this past week no outside the board ever had a chance to become RC, but they still would have to be approved by the area director who happens to live in the evil empire of LA Habra. The city really only wants what is best for it residents, local control of local kids, of local faculties.
Ps don’t forget about the old treasure of AYSO that left with a reported $25k.
Hey Guys,
Let's do our best to keep it about OUR program.
EVERY other youth program has their problems, their leadership abuse, financial abuse, volunteer/parent abuse and the like. But they were not singled out and attacked by the City Atheletic Council and the City councilmembers. Our AYSO program was.
And by the way Bob, that misappropriation of funds that you claimed happened, must have happened when you were on the board a very long time ago. As that sure didn't happen in the last 10 years I have been involved with Region 22.
Everybody knows that all programs have their faults. This is common knowledge and our city council is not made up of ostriches with their heads in the sand. They know exactly what they are doing. It's just that they have been misinformed and misguided.
The things is now to show the City Council that we want an AYSO program in this city. It has served the city's families and youth well for 35 years and we should let them know not to throw out the baby with the dirty wash water. It is being cleaned up and the poor leadership is removed.
And don't misunderstand the problem, poor leadership is what started this whole mess.
We have to find a way to let the city council know that they are elected officials and as such are answerable to US.
An attack on our program is an attack on a program based on FAIRNESS, SAFETY and FUN. And don't forget all those VIP (special needs) kids who will loss out on a local place to play.
My point is this, WE have to let the city council know that if they remove a program that has serve so many so well for so long they, as elected officials, will be held accountable for it. And they CANNOT hide thier accountability behind the City Atheletic Council or their paid city recreation department. The final decision is theirs and theirs alone.
Mr. Davis:
Are you one of the people working on a new soccer organization for La Mirada to replace AYSO?
Hey everyone,
The city council members will be at the Beatitude carnival this Saturday around 4pm at soamething called "Water Ways".
We should ALL make an effort to let them know that we need/want thier support for the AYSO program.
Give them a piece of your mind.
As far as the money disaprearing it happened when Tim was in charge.
YES
The group is not looking to replace AYSO. But if AYSO isn't here then there will be a REC soccer program here for the kids.
opps i forgot the most important thing i was not on the board when the money disapeared. but after it the point is that Ayso isn't perfect, anyone remember how much money the rc from the newport region got away with?
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