Thanks to all!!! Notice From the League Office Official MAPLE policy statement regarding games for 10/20/02 The following message was sent to all Club Contacts at 12:10am on Wednesday morning, October 16th. This e-mail represents the official and final ruling of the MAPLE commission regarding games this coming Sunday October 20th. Unless otherwise notified these are the rules governing cancellations for this Sunday: ************************************************** FOR ALL TEAMS WISHING TO ATTEND THE MLS CUP ON SUNDAY By unanimous vote, acting under Article 7(j) of the Constitution, the Commission has decided to allow the following exception to our normal scheduling rules on a one-time basis in an effort to accommodate those teams wishing to attend the MLS Final: [Please take careful note of all the requirements; they will be enforced to the letter.] A MAPLE team wishing to postpone its Sunday, October 20, game may do so, provided that 1. It obtains the consent of its opponent. 2. The MAPLE office receives from both teams before 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18 written notice (by fax [508-655-7287] or email [ kirwin@maplesoccer.org ]) of willingness to postpone, and of acceptance of all applicable make-up requirements. Make-up Requirements Teams must notify the MAPLE office in writing of the time, date and place at least 72 hours prior to the make-up game, or the League will not take responsibility for assigning and paying officials. The League will take no responsibility, under Article 10(d) of the By-Laws or otherwise, for assisting postponing teams in the scheduling of make-ups. Make-up requirements depend on your age group and section or division: • For Under 11 and Divisions One and Two of Under 13 and Under 14: • The game must be made up and a score reported, if at all, by midnight on November 10. • A game that is not made up by this deadline will be recorded as a non-game. • For Under 12: • The game must be made up and a score reported by midnight on November 10. • A game that is not made up by this deadline will be recorded as a 0-6 loss for both teams. • For all MAPLE-D sections: • The game must be made up and a score reported by midnight on October 27. • A game that is not made up by this deadline will be recorded as a 0-6 loss for both teams, or such other result as the Commission, in its sole discretion under Article 7(j), determines to be appropriate to avoid injustice to teams not involved in the postponement. Note to all teams: In order to ensure referee coverage of all games on October 20, the Executive Director may, in her sole discretion, relocate games or adjust start times by up to 90 minutes.
Great news! I don't understand this part, though: Why not have it go down as a 0-0 draw? Can anybody who knows please enlighten me? October 27th gives them just one week to make up the game...
If this rule weren't in place, there are scenarios in which a team could deliberately forfeit, gain a 0-0 draw, and advance, rather than actually playing the game. The reason a forfeit is recorded at 6-0 is that in the MAPLE league, 6 is the maximum goal differential obtainable per game. For all those who ripped Mr. Irwin and the MAPLE league, a second email to the league office thanking them for this decision seems appropriate.
Impressive work Danizinho! I just "feel" that you have some connections with Doug Chapman & FDA. The twice mentioned MAPLE dilemma on the recent FOX broadcast, plus mentions in FDA columns in THE Globe. In addition to the postings here and various emails lead me to believe that you should consider a career change. How about doing PR for the REV's instead?
I think the above part of the note from MAPLE may be the most telling....not that the cards and letters didn't help. I think I read someone saying that the refs would play a role in this decision..... Now it is up to the teams to prove that the decision isn't a debacle and help MAPLE come to this decision more easily the next time.
How about: Dear Mr. Irwin, It was much appreciated that you acted in the interest of the children under your care, if belatedly. It's a shame that your exception came only after MAPLE was humiliated by the spotlight of public scrutiny. It is also regrettable that this was a one-time exception since reasonable exceptions occur with some frequency. The Rev final was, after all, only an extreme example of common conflicts that could be setted by coaches without the guiding fist of the MAPLE central committee. JM
Re: Re: MAPLE Agrees To Rule Change To Accommodate MLS Final I had made mention that MAPLE was likely to lose many referees to the Cup Final. I for one told my assignor at the beginning of MAPLE season that I would cancel my Oct 20th matches if the REVs made the finals. I have to believe that I'm not the only one. Scott
Also, after all this bickering with MAPLE, I'd hope to see many club teams at the match Sunday! Scott
"Note to all teams: In order to ensure referee coverage of all games on October 20, the Executive Director may, in her sole discretion, relocate games or adjust start times by up to 90 minutes..." Proof in the pudding that soccer moms understand and appreciate bad publicity. The Magpie
According to the word on the street, there weren't going to be many refs or ref assignors available this Sunday. Heck, they were the first ones in line when tix went on sale Suffice it to say, I'm very pleased with this ruling.
I have no idea what you're talking about! (I've got to stop watching those Godfather movies). FWIW, I purchased 19 tix this a.m. (Reportedly, they're at 40K sold and the lower bowl is almost maxed). Rui Costa told me there's one row of seats left on the lower bowl - Sect. 143, Row 30 - that's it. Please, please, please don't forget to send a note to the Irwins, too. Unfortunately, they got a black eye over the incident (Deservedly, too). I do, however, fundamentally support the League and its programs. Please, leave the piss and vinegar out of the e-mails, too. We might have to cross this bridge again. Finally, Revs flack, Jurgen Mainka, and his staff, do a great job - talk about a lot of work for nominal return [Play PowerBall, baby....play heavy, too) Thanks...