Pulling out of State cup?

Hello everyone,

I'm wondering if any team on this board has pulled out of State cup or any tournament for that matter? Generally, there is a fine that occurs when this happens and I'm trying to see who pays this. Is it only the families who pull out or does the team just divide it up? I can add some context.

Our team is a lower level team.... We were around .500 for most of the season and planned on going to State Cup mostly for the experience. We figured we would go 1-2 but either way we decided to go knowing that we could have to travel a bit. Of course we got put in Lancaster which is 3 hours from us. Adding to it is that our goalie broke his foot and our backup is basically refusing to play goalie. We have someone who can play but we would prefer it if he didn't as he is a better field player. As the team stand now, we would probably go 0-3. The parents are having a hard time justifying the trip only to get crushed. As of now, there are 3 families that are for sure not going.

So the goalie's mom was our team parent and I am getting stuck with this mess. In the mean time, we are looking to pick up some players and might get lucky but as it stands now we are running down to 12 kids, and hopefully no one else decides to skip.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Hello everyone,

I'm wondering if any team on this board has pulled out of State cup or any tournament for that matter? Generally, there is a fine that occurs when this happens and I'm trying to see who pays this. Is it only the families who pull out or does the team just divide it up? I can add some context.

Our team is a lower level team.... We were around .500 for most of the season and planned on going to State Cup mostly for the experience. We figured we would go 1-2 but either way we decided to go knowing that we could have to travel a bit. Of course we got put in Lancaster which is 3 hours from us. Adding to it is that our goalie broke his foot and our backup is basically refusing to play goalie. We have someone who can play but we would prefer it if he didn't as he is a better field player. As the team stand now, we would probably go 0-3. The parents are having a hard time justifying the trip only to get crushed. As of now, there are 3 families that are for sure not going.

So the goalie's mom was our team parent and I am getting stuck with this mess. In the mean time, we are looking to pick up some players and might get lucky but as it stands now we are running down to 12 kids, and hopefully no one else decides to skip.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
what age group my son can play goalie help out / better field player but also can get the goalie job done .
 
Then it gets down to the definition of "tryout".
I think a better solution (if this is actually a problem) would be to freeze the State Cup rosters earlier. That way, team jumpers would have an incentive to stay at least until after the cup.
 
I think a better solution (if this is actually a problem) would be to freeze the State Cup rosters earlier. That way, team jumpers would have an incentive to stay at least until after the cup.

For reasons I don 't understand, they got rid of the "cup-tied" concept which seemed to have the purpose of keeping teams intact after the seeding draw but still allowed players whose teams were not going to participate the freedom to transfer to teams in the tournament up to the roster freeze date. Sometimes things like this that appear to be illogical and/or counter to an entity's best interest (or at least the entity's previously expressed intent) is the threat of a lawsuit. But I really don't know and I'm not as much in the insider's loop as I used to be.
 
There is a thread like this every year it seems, Cal South is part of the problem but they don't seem to care since the CUP's are their #1 money maker

[Some background before this starts]
Yes my player(s) have enjoyed the cups and won them and have made it as far a the USYS national championships out of state. But at the same time it gets old and they wanted to move on to something else after rather than playing the same teams again at the same places. My suggestions are based on our experiences, my kids are either older now or not playing in CS league any longer so just trying to make things better for the next generations.
[end background]

Just as teams are done with the fall season and should be peak form, let's ignore that, allow transfer and then take a 2-5 month break (olders) and try to put the pieces back together.
This is part of the problem and never really works all that well for many teams.

So what could be done instead? Well like what Nocal does the league(s) can be regional qualifiers or you can simply have a regional qualifying tournament right after the league instead of all the thanksgiving tournaments before high school starts.

Roster freeze is when the regional starts or the qualifying league(s)

After the regional tournament the younger who qualified could move on the the area or whatever you want to call it 2nd phase of the tournament in January. The teams that didn't make it out of the regional could then have conflict free tryouts, those that are still playing would have to wait until they are done playing.
This method would cut down on the amount of travel since some of the comp could be local but the schedules would be known in advance.

After the area or 2nd phase the teams that qualified say top 8 would move on the the final phase to determine the Cup champions.

Repeat for the older's & don't give preferred seeding to CRL teams simply because the paid some $$$ and in that league.

Don't allow teams to play down (petitions) or bring players in from other leagues. All players should have to play at least a minimum number of qualifying league games to play in the cup unless they new or club passes or transfers. Limit the number of transfers or new players and have a minimum number of players for continuity (say 9 for younger and 11 for the older) Require the clubs to cross check players so they don't dual register players just for Cup's play but allow some sort of club pass say 2 players per team.

Yeah these are rough ideas, some holes I'm sure and they would need some refining, somebodies are gong to say no this or that can be done because of xyz. That's fine but at the same time provide some alternative or solutions rather than saying can't be done lets just continue with the status quo.

If High school can have non-league, leagues, tourneys and playoffs all within a 3 month or so period why can't club? same with AYSO but they do draw that out some more

Would this cause the cup tournaments to be less popular and CS to lose some $ yes likely they would but there are solutions like what Coast does with there league cup.

CS could also have a regular open tourney without most of the above stuff and just let club play that don't qualify in the regional s sort of like want they have done with the CRL cup.

Anyway have fun and enjoy the journey
 
There is a thread like this every year it seems, Cal South is part of the problem but they don't seem to care since the CUP's are their #1 money maker

[Some background before this starts]
Yes my player(s) have enjoyed the cups and won them and have made it as far a the USYS national championships out of state. But at the same time it gets old and they wanted to move on to something else after rather than playing the same teams again at the same places. My suggestions are based on our experiences, my kids are either older now or not playing in CS league any longer so just trying to make things better for the next generations.
[end background]

Just as teams are done with the fall season and should be peak form, let's ignore that, allow transfer and then take a 2-5 month break (olders) and try to put the pieces back together.
This is part of the problem and never really works all that well for many teams.

So what could be done instead? Well like what Nocal does the league(s) can be regional qualifiers or you can simply have a regional qualifying tournament right after the league instead of all the thanksgiving tournaments before high school starts.

Roster freeze is when the regional starts or the qualifying league(s)

After the regional tournament the younger who qualified could move on the the area or whatever you want to call it 2nd phase of the tournament in January. The teams that didn't make it out of the regional could then have conflict free tryouts, those that are still playing would have to wait until they are done playing.
This method would cut down on the amount of travel since some of the comp could be local but the schedules would be known in advance.

After the area or 2nd phase the teams that qualified say top 8 would move on the the final phase to determine the Cup champions.

Repeat for the older's & don't give preferred seeding to CRL teams simply because the paid some $$$ and in that league.

Don't allow teams to play down (petitions) or bring players in from other leagues. All players should have to play at least a minimum number of qualifying league games to play in the cup unless they new or club passes or transfers. Limit the number of transfers or new players and have a minimum number of players for continuity (say 9 for younger and 11 for the older) Require the clubs to cross check players so they don't dual register players just for Cup's play but allow some sort of club pass say 2 players per team.

Yeah these are rough ideas, some holes I'm sure and they would need some refining, somebodies are gong to say no this or that can be done because of xyz. That's fine but at the same time provide some alternative or solutions rather than saying can't be done lets just continue with the status quo.

If High school can have non-league, leagues, tourneys and playoffs all within a 3 month or so period why can't club? same with AYSO but they do draw that out some more

Would this cause the cup tournaments to be less popular and CS to lose some $ yes likely they would but there are solutions like what Coast does with there league cup.

CS could also have a regular open tourney without most of the above stuff and just let club play that don't qualify in the regional s sort of like want they have done with the CRL cup.

Anyway have fun and enjoy the journey

Agree with all of the above.
Cal-South has gotta do something. But my kids will probably age out before that happens.
 
People...quit your bitchin' and write your checks.
You people act like it's about you, or even worse, about your child...
For those of you that have trouble with basic concepts, this isn't about you, about logic, or any scheduling issues.

IT IS ABOUT MONEY. LOTS OF MONEY. The only things that change are the changes that bring in more money. Either to Calsouth or to the Mega Clubs themselves!!
 
I’m sure cal-south resources are very, very busy.
The age group changes, player development initiatives/small sided games, the coaching class changes and the rising of DA and DPL leagues likely has had them scrambling like crazy over the past few years. Selecting and scheduling ODP and State Cup is probably not a simple task. Then you have tons of tournaments that they sanction, player registration, insurance, coaching, referees and crazy parents demanding all kinds of stuff from them. I'm sure the pay over there isn't spectacular for the amount of work that needs to be done, just to keep the lights on.

BUT - They have remained (from what I can tell from the outside) very status quo while the landscape around them has had some dramatic shifts. Maybe they are just trying to stay caught up and don't have time to breathe - Let alone start to make some changes.

Does anyone know if Cal-South sees these items that we all talk (complain) about as issues? Or do they think "Everything is fine. Soccer in So Cal has never been better. "
 
On the flip side, I remember a starting GK that was moving to a new team, but wanted to honor the commitment to her current Hotspurs team by staying with the team until after State Cup. The family drove all the way to Lancaster, but the coach (Paolo Landini) did not let her play at all that weekend since he questioned her "commitment" to the team. I have always make sure to tell people about what happened when they ask about him.

My daughter played for him in the past, and that’s not at all like the experience we had. In fact, there were circumstances with the team where he kept it very professional, even when, in my opinion a couple of the players didn’t deserve it. I can’t help but think there is more to this story.
 
My daughter played for him in the past, and that’s not at all like the experience we had. In fact, there were circumstances with the team where he kept it very professional, even when, in my opinion a couple of the players didn’t deserve it. I can’t help but think there is more to this story.
I was there, saw it with my own eyes. She went from starting keeper to benched.
 
I was there, saw it with my own eyes. She went from starting keeper to benched.
Seems pretty typical for a Hotspurs coach. Matt Robertson has been on this site making up lies, bullying and swearing about coaches, parents and young players. And when caught red handed, failed to accept responsibility. All around a sad club.
 
Seems pretty typical for a Hotspurs coach. Matt Robertson has been on this site making up lies, bullying and swearing about coaches, parents and young players. And when caught red handed, failed to accept responsibility. All around a sad club.
I don't know Matt and don't know much else about Hotspurs. I am sure they have good coaches and not so good coaches like any club.
 
I don't know Matt and don't know much else about Hotspurs. I am sure they have good coaches and not so good coaches like any club.
I am sure they do have some decent coaches, but when the DOC knows about his behavior and does NOTHING, it proves that the poor club culture starts at the top. Geez the guy called little girls names in PMs and stalked a team.

I was asked to keep quiet but realize that nothing will change if parents allow this type of behavior to go unchecked. And I gave Mr. Robertson multiple chances to apologize, including introducing myself but he continues to lie.
 
Seems pretty typical for a Hotspurs coach. Matt Robertson has been on this site making up lies, bullying and swearing about coaches, parents and young players. And when caught red handed, failed to accept responsibility. All around a sad club.

Funny, I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback about Matt as a coach. I have several friends whose kids have played for him, and a couple whose currently play for him. Great feedback as a keeper coach as well.

In all the years my family has been involved in club soccer, one thing that has remained consistent is the parents being on this forum bad mouthing clubs, all of the clubs. Like a poster said above there’s good and bad coaches at every club, and parents with good and bad experiences. Having been around some absolutely crazy sports parents over the years, I shouldn’t expect this behavior wouldn’t end up on this forum as well. It’s the one part of club sports I will not miss when my kids are done.
 
Funny, I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback about Matt as a coach. I have several friends whose kids have played for him, and a couple whose currently play for him. Great feedback as a keeper coach as well.

In all the years my family has been involved in club soccer, one thing that has remained consistent is the parents being on this forum bad mouthing clubs, all of the clubs. Like a poster said above there’s good and bad coaches at every club, and parents with good and bad experiences. Having been around some absolutely crazy sports parents over the years, I shouldn’t expect this behavior wouldn’t end up on this forum as well. It’s the one part of club sports I will not miss when my kids are done.
This summer I decided to introduce myself to Robertson at the Great Park. Watching his 04 team he yells and joystickss them the entire second half. When my kids were younger we played his team and 3 of his players kicked our down goalie in the head repeatedly until the ref broke it up and gave 1 red card. Any decent coach would have pulled all 3 girls out and suspended them. No apologies at all.

As for Roberson being on this site, his screen name was Really and he used his real email address and birthdate. And he was stupid enough to use the password “Soccer”. Since I have no culpability and cannot remember where I got all my info from, I have no problem posting all my evidence if you want to continue this nonsense? Since he is such a great guy, why don’t you ask him to accept responsibility for his poor decisions?
 
Although I must say Robertson has brought me many laughs. When he was called out, he tried to quickly delete all his posts and private messages. Too bad everything had been copied before he was tipped off.
 
They haven't published any meeting minutes since July of 2018.
https://www.calsouth.com/en/minutes-board/
Other posters know much more than I, but lots of shenanigans over the past few years.

I imagine one of the reasons that no minutes have been posted is the Secretary resigned around June/July and its unclear how long Cal South had the vacancy. There was also some issue with a failed computer, according to the previous minutes.

All I know is the Operational Group works hard and long hours to create a State Cup experience that few other State Association members enjoy. Cal South is the class of the US Youth Soccer Association, and its teams receive substantial subsidies to attend Regionals, Nationals, and ODP, whereas many other state Associations don't subsidize. Compared to Cal North, Cal South is the best thing since sliced bread.

Just like almost every other non-profit with a diverse geographic draw, Cal South has its issues and challenges. Some of its board members dislike the other board members, each have their special interests/projects, etc. The Board has traditionally been the biggest impediment because the board members want to micro-manage decisions. Its not really the fault of the Cal South day-to-day employees, but the Districts within Cal South that keep on electing well intentioned soccer loving volunteers with little executive business experience to the positions.

One of the things we all need to understand is Cal South exists as a State Association of U.S. Youth Soccer and operates under the mandates of USYS. Its members (Affiliate Members) are the Leagues and Clubs, who elect the Commissioners/Directors. The players/parents are served by Cal South, but don't really have any say on the management of the organization (they are all non-voting members (Associate Members). If you have a problem with Cal South, you should be looking at your Club and saying "what are you doing about this?"
 
I imagine one of the reasons that no minutes have been posted is the Secretary resigned around June/July and its unclear how long Cal South had the vacancy. There was also some issue with a failed computer, according to the previous minutes.

All I know is the Operational Group works hard and long hours to create a State Cup experience that few other State Association members enjoy. Cal South is the class of the US Youth Soccer Association, and its teams receive substantial subsidies to attend Regionals, Nationals, and ODP, whereas many other state Associations don't subsidize. Compared to Cal North, Cal South is the best thing since sliced bread.

Just like almost every other non-profit with a diverse geographic draw, Cal South has its issues and challenges. Some of its board members dislike the other board members, each have their special interests/projects, etc. The Board has traditionally been the biggest impediment because the board members want to micro-manage decisions. Its not really the fault of the Cal South day-to-day employees, but the Districts within Cal South that keep on electing well intentioned soccer loving volunteers with little executive business experience to the positions.

One of the things we all need to understand is Cal South exists as a State Association of U.S. Youth Soccer and operates under the mandates of USYS. Its members (Affiliate Members) are the Leagues and Clubs, who elect the Commissioners/Directors. The players/parents are served by Cal South, but don't really have any say on the management of the organization (they are all non-voting members (Associate Members). If you have a problem with Cal South, you should be looking at your Club and saying "what are you doing about this?"

Secretary or not, failing to post board minutes may put their non-profit corporation status at risk. Let me ask a question for which most people already know the answer -- Are there any soccer parent lawyers out there?
 
Secretary or not, failing to post board minutes may put their non-profit corporation status at risk. Let me ask a question for which most people already know the answer -- Are there any soccer parent lawyers out there?

Failing to post board minutes in not a problem. Failing to hold board meetings and keep minutes can be. The concern is maintaining corporate formalities, the failure to do so is grounds for to pierce the corporate veil and attach "alter ego" liability to the board members and executives. At the end of the day, we can assume Board minutes are being kept and its just up to the Secretary and President to finalize and certify those minutes.
 
Failing to post board minutes in not a problem. Failing to hold board meetings and keep minutes can be. The concern is maintaining corporate formalities, the failure to do so is grounds for to pierce the corporate veil and attach "alter ego" liability to the board members and executives. At the end of the day, we can assume Board minutes are being kept and its just up to the Secretary and President to finalize and certify those minutes.

I see it as a problem.
 
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