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Post by ga3v3 on May 23, 2020 8:04:11 GMT -5
I’m curious how everyone is planning on registering and paying for the upcoming season without a written policy regarding the possibility of cancellation or postponement of the upcoming season. A few smaller clubs have put out very informative policies that address that possibility
It’s a very easy thing for clubs to do but most are reluctant to give parents that piece of mind. It should be the clubs taking risks next season and not the parents.
All parents should demand a written policy prior to paying any fees for the upcoming season. If enough customers demand this the clubs will have no option but to comply.
#parentsunite
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Post by soccerlegacy on May 23, 2020 22:04:16 GMT -5
I’m curious how everyone is planning on registering and paying for the upcoming season without a written policy regarding the possibility of cancellation or postponement of the upcoming season. A few smaller clubs have put out very informative policies that address that possibility It’s a very easy thing for clubs to do but most are reluctant to give parents that piece of mind. It should be the clubs taking risks next season and not the parents. All parents should demand a written policy prior to paying any fees for the upcoming season. If enough customers demand this the clubs will have no option but to comply. #parentsunite Have you done this? Demanded? Not meaning to be condescending. If so, would you post it here? Maybe others can use it an build on it. You have spoken about uniting before, and I support parents coming together , but someone would have to lead the effort. |
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Post by soccerspin on May 24, 2020 8:00:44 GMT -5
I have made such a request and used the Rush Union posting along with other points made on this forum to help support my argument. However, it is not something I intend to post here.
I believe where we stand on this is less than a handful of clubs offered an actual partial refund for this past spring season. And then a few others are offering a credit towards the next season or some free summer training. So even if those clubs don’t put something in writing up front, at least you have some level of confidence those clubs would at least make similar offers should a second shutdown (even partial) occur.
I will say I am a bit surprised by the lack of interest from others whose clubs did not offer anything for the spring and (of course) do not intend to add any covid language to next season’s contract. It appears to be business as usual. I really hope it all works out for them because if not, it will be too late to demand anything after the no refund contract has already been signed.
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Post by rifle on May 24, 2020 8:25:51 GMT -5
Contracts are either going to turn up to 11 because of insurance company lawyers... or as I suspect - nothing will change. If you are seeking a force majeure clause in a youth soccer contract.. I personally think you’d be better off paying with Amex and trying to charge it back.
There could be a huge shift coming. But many clubs are run by volunteers doing the best they can. I suspect nothing will change and the willing suckers with disposable income will be expected to get back in line like every year prior.
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Post by docnfulton on May 24, 2020 9:17:14 GMT -5
We are extending payment plans, partial refund or larger credit for next year (average is $325 for Academy/Select). We also are including Sports Fee Insurance for the entire club to cover season injury injury or death of a parent. Players will be able to upgrade the policy to include coverage for parent job loss, player partial season injury/illness, mental illness, a few other things. It doesn’t cover league suspension but we will spell that piece out
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Post by SoccerFirst on May 24, 2020 9:36:28 GMT -5
Contracts are either going to turn up to 11 because of insurance company lawyers... or as I suspect - nothing will change. If you are seeking a force majeure clause in a youth soccer contract.. I personally think you’d be better off paying with Amex and trying to charge it back. There could be a huge shift coming. But many clubs are run by volunteers doing the best they can. I suspect nothing will change and the willing suckers with disposable income will be expected to get back in line like every year prior. You’d be correct that at many clubs there are volunteers, but until you have sat on a board or looked at a club’s budget in detail you won’t know what those “volunteers” are really getting. I have been a true volunteer, I’ve also received a stipend or gotten a player comped. If you have multiple kids and are getting their registration comped, you aren’t a volunteer. Imagine having kids playing top level and getting that comped...You do the math. I only know the inner workings of one specific club, but it isn’t one of the big 5, so if club admins are paid at a small non-profit you can bet they are paid at the big clubs. The amount of money being thrown around at these clubs is almost sinful, and the parents/players are the customer that need to demand something in writing before you agree to sign. Stop allowing the clubs to treat you and your player like you are just a number. Let your money do the talking, if the club won’t give you a refund, or a refund policy, to the contracted customer, then you the customer are not the club’s priority. The next ECNL club is probably just a few short miles away... contact their EDOC or board and see what they are offering their members bc I know that some clubs are putting together refund policies, some did give partial refunds this spring, and others will do just about anything to not have to give you your money back. They are the clubs putting these abbreviated seasons together to make good on some commitment (even if it isn’t in the best interest of the player), they are the ones that kept procrastinating on making any kind of decision bc they were hoping GA soccer would make it for them. They are the ones that tell your player on the last day of tryouts they aren’t making the team they expected, hoping your player will stay bc you don’t have anywhere else to go at this point. They are the ones holding small sides tryouts for outside players while their members sit at home hoping to get a call/email, not even allowing them to defend their roster spot (some older players haven’t been seen by club coaches since before high school season but the decision has already been made). Demand more at whatever club you decide to sign up for and fork over money to. If these clubs want membership loyalty then they need to start being loyal to their members, the people that pay their pay checks. Now excuse me while I step down off my soapbox. |
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Post by bogan on May 24, 2020 10:07:27 GMT -5
Contracts are either going to turn up to 11 because of insurance company lawyers... or as I suspect - nothing will change. If you are seeking a force majeure clause in a youth soccer contract.. I personally think you’d be better off paying with Amex and trying to charge it back. There could be a huge shift coming. But many clubs are run by volunteers doing the best they can. I suspect nothing will change and the willing suckers with disposable income will be expected to get back in line like every year prior. You’d be correct that at many clubs there are volunteers, but until you have sat on a board or looked at a club’s budget in detail you won’t know what those “volunteers” are really getting. I have been a true volunteer, I’ve also received a stipend or gotten a player comped. If you have multiple kids and are getting their registration comped, you aren’t a volunteer. Imagine having kids playing top level and getting that comped...You do the math. I only know the inner workings of one specific club, but it isn’t one of the big 5, so if club admins are paid at a small non-profit you can bet they are paid at the big clubs. The amount of money being thrown around at these clubs is almost sinful, and the parents/players are the customer that need to demand something in writing before you agree to sign. Stop allowing the clubs to treat you and your player like you are just a number. Let your money do the talking, if the club won’t give you a refund, or a refund policy, to the contracted customer, then you the customer are not the club’s priority. The next ECNL club is probably just a few short miles away... contact their EDOC or board and see what they are offering their members bc I know that some clubs are putting together refund policies, some did give partial refunds this spring, and others will do just about anything to not have to give you your money back. They are the clubs putting these abbreviated seasons together to make good on some commitment (even if it isn’t in the best interest of the player), they are the ones that kept procrastinating on making any kind of decision bc they were hoping GA soccer would make it for them. They are the ones that tell your player on the last day of tryouts they aren’t making the team they expected, hoping your player will stay bc you don’t have anywhere else to go at this point. They are the ones holding small sides tryouts for outside players while their members sit at home hoping to get a call/email, not even allowing them to defend their roster spot (some older players haven’t been seen by club coaches since before high school season but the decision has already been made). Demand more at whatever club you decide to sign up for and fork over money to. If these clubs want membership loyalty then they need to start being loyal to their members, the people that pay their pay checks. Now excuse me while I step down off my soapbox. Agree. 20+ years ago before the “cartels” took over soccer there were true volunteers and volunteer coaches. However, I will say that “we” the parents wanted better coaching/better competition and we pushed for that...and we ended up with mega clubs and exclusive leagues so we can call our player “elite.” So, the parents have some culpability here. However, the clubs do need to be transparent about their refund policy, if any, in case of stoppage in the fall. The leadership at these (large) clubs make a lot of money to lead-so lead. |
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Post by SoccerFirst on May 24, 2020 10:34:38 GMT -5
Many years ago, I was one of those players and my parents were “those parents” wanting better for their kid. We still had a dad as our coach and they wanted a paid “trainer”. We ended up with a young coach just out of college who is still one of the best youth coaches in the area. I dreamt of playing college soccer and my parents wanted to give me every opportunity to fulfill my dreams, like most parents want for their kids. However, I’m not sure that vision included EDOCs making 6 figures or a list of directors being paid $50k+. It’s gotten out of hand, the money should be going back into the club, to make the members experience the best it can be. Providing conveniences, experiences and helping members achieve their goals as players and people. It’s the members/parents responsibility to hold the administration accountable.
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Post by bogan on May 24, 2020 10:45:07 GMT -5
Many years ago, I was one of those players and my parents were “those parents” wanting better for their kid. We still had a dad as our coach and they wanted a paid “trainer”. We ended up with a young coach just out of college who is still one of the best youth coaches in the area. I dreamt of playing college soccer and my parents wanted to give me every opportunity to fulfill my dreams, like most parents want for their kids. However, I’m not sure that vision included EDOCs making 6 figures or a list of directors being paid $50k+. It’s gotten out of hand, the money should be going back into the club, to make the members experience the best it can be. Providing conveniences, experiences and helping members achieve their goals as players and people. It’s the members/parents responsibility to hold the administration accountable. [ Don’t disagree with any of that-would be nice. I want the clubs to be forthcoming and justify their remuneration . If you aren’t planning on offering any refund should the season end abruptly say so and explain why. Perhaps some clubs do a good job at this (communication)... But from what I see on this board and others is that they do not. |
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Post by SoccerFirst on May 24, 2020 11:43:22 GMT -5
Many years ago, I was one of those players and my parents were “those parents” wanting better for their kid. We still had a dad as our coach and they wanted a paid “trainer”. We ended up with a young coach just out of college who is still one of the best youth coaches in the area. I dreamt of playing college soccer and my parents wanted to give me every opportunity to fulfill my dreams, like most parents want for their kids. However, I’m not sure that vision included EDOCs making 6 figures or a list of directors being paid $50k+. It’s gotten out of hand, the money should be going back into the club, to make the members experience the best it can be. Providing conveniences, experiences and helping members achieve their goals as players and people. It’s the members/parents responsibility to hold the administration accountable. [ Don’t disagree with any of that-would be nice. I want the clubs to be forthcoming and justify their remuneration . If you aren’t planning on offering any refund should the season end abruptly say so and explain why. Perhaps some clubs do a good job at this (communication)... But from what I see on this board and others is that they do not. Couldn’t agree more. We have all been told honesty is the best policy, but at times fall short in the practice of said policy. Be up front and transparent with your membership and allow them to make the best decision for their families. |
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Post by SoccerFirst on May 24, 2020 11:43:34 GMT -5
Many years ago, I was one of those players and my parents were “those parents” wanting better for their kid. We still had a dad as our coach and they wanted a paid “trainer”. We ended up with a young coach just out of college who is still one of the best youth coaches in the area. I dreamt of playing college soccer and my parents wanted to give me every opportunity to fulfill my dreams, like most parents want for their kids. However, I’m not sure that vision included EDOCs making 6 figures or a list of directors being paid $50k+. It’s gotten out of hand, the money should be going back into the club, to make the members experience the best it can be. Providing conveniences, experiences and helping members achieve their goals as players and people. It’s the members/parents responsibility to hold the administration accountable. [ Don’t disagree with any of that-would be nice. I want the clubs to be forthcoming and justify their remuneration . If you aren’t planning on offering any refund should the season end abruptly say so and explain why. Perhaps some clubs do a good job at this (communication)... But from what I see on this board and others is that they do not. Couldn’t agree more. We have all been told honesty is the best policy, but at times fall short in the practice of said policy. Be up front and transparent with your membership and allow them to make the best decision for their families. |
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Post by SoccerFirst on May 24, 2020 11:43:48 GMT -5
Many years ago, I was one of those players and my parents were “those parents” wanting better for their kid. We still had a dad as our coach and they wanted a paid “trainer”. We ended up with a young coach just out of college who is still one of the best youth coaches in the area. I dreamt of playing college soccer and my parents wanted to give me every opportunity to fulfill my dreams, like most parents want for their kids. However, I’m not sure that vision included EDOCs making 6 figures or a list of directors being paid $50k+. It’s gotten out of hand, the money should be going back into the club, to make the members experience the best it can be. Providing conveniences, experiences and helping members achieve their goals as players and people. It’s the members/parents responsibility to hold the administration accountable. [ Don’t disagree with any of that-would be nice. I want the clubs to be forthcoming and justify their remuneration . If you aren’t planning on offering any refund should the season end abruptly say so and explain why. Perhaps some clubs do a good job at this (communication)... But from what I see on this board and others is that they do not. Couldn’t agree more. We have all been told honesty is the best policy, but at times fall short in the practice of said policy. Be up front and transparent with your membership and allow them to make the best decision for their families. |
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Post by soccerelite11 on May 25, 2020 22:50:48 GMT -5
I have made such a request and used the Rush Union posting along with other points made on this forum to help support my argument. However, it is not something I intend to post here. I believe where we stand on this is less than a handful of clubs offered an actual partial refund for this past spring season. And then a few others are offering a credit towards the next season or some free summer training. So even if those clubs don’t put something in writing up front, at least you have some level of confidence those clubs would at least make similar offers should a second shutdown (even partial) occur. I will say I am a bit surprised by the lack of interest from others whose clubs did not offer anything for the spring and (of course) do not intend to add any covid language to next season’s contract. It appears to be business as usual. I really hope it all works out for them because if not, it will be too late to demand anything after the no refund contract has already been signed. . Our club did offer a refund policy but I don’t trust it. Seems like they have made it even stricter than last years and I think it is due to Covid and the financial strain they are facing. I am personally annoyed that they are asking for over 60% of the payment for the season be paid before a single bit of soccer takes place in the fall. Why would I want to fork over my hard earned dollars and then pray it is given back to me not if but when the second wave hits? I get it, the clubs have to survive, but so does my family. I accepted that no money would be refunded for Spring. But they can’t have fall money until I am sure there is going to be a season at all. |
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