Post by teddyandtimmysdad on Sept 8, 2012 10:09:30 GMT 8
Let me start by saying that this post is not meant to harm, ostracize, or in any way denigrate the good work that RIFA has done in the development of youth, over a long period of time. However, I have heard some very troubling information from highly respected sources - some of whom have direct knowledge and experience dealing with RIFA and can attest to these comments. Thus, this is a post which is not to decry, but rather to seek information and clarification from RIFA themselves if they would care to do so. Please keep in mind I do not have direct dealings with RIFA, so everything below is strictly hearsay. Nevertheless, I feel it is so astonishing and profound in its position that I hope someone from RIFA would reply and clarify their position.
Here is the situation as I understand it.
My boys play varsity football at a private school which participates in the RIFA league. The boys are currently 10 and 12, so play on different teams. Up until recently, all was well. However, it seems that within the last couple of months, RIFA has taken a position towards youth players which may actually be highly damaging to youth development. As I understand the situation, RIFA has declared that any players who join an outside club, and play in tournaments with that outside club, would be subject to suspensions from play in the RIFA league. Furthermore, if the varsity team engages in tournament play outside of RIFA, the players of the team would be subject to suspension.
I really don't understand these positions. If true, there would be some big implications for the development of the youth -
1) Youth players would miss great opportunities to broaden their experience for example missing the most prestigious tournaments in the country like Alaska Cup and many others.
2) I know that teams like Southridge have participated in overseas tournaments. I assume that these opportunities would no longer be possible if the RIFA position were true.
3) Varsity training alone is not enough. For example, my boys only get 2 days a week of varsity training due to facility overload - and that is further reduced due to inclement weather. Like many parents, I try to supplement this with club training - which has the reward of occasional participation in tournaments with the club team. Presumably, all these opportunities would disappear if my understanding of RIFA's position is true.
4) There might be an impact upon the club system as well. If my understanding is correct, the club teams would in all liklihood see a decrease in the players joining them because if they continued, they would be subject to suspensions. Thus RIFA, through their position, would have a direct negative financial impact on all of the clubs which provide an important role in further developing our youth. If the RIFA position is true, it seems to set up an "us versus them" situation which is based upon a win - lose scenario, versus finding ways to work cooperatively.
I could go on, but I believe that the above is probably sufficient. I truly hope my understanding is wrong, because I truly cannot believe that an organization which has worked so long for the good of youth development, would implement rules which seem to clearly contradict the forward momentum we are all trying to achieve. If someone from RIFA reads this forum, I would invite them to respond and clarify, since I cannot find any RIFA website or official statement/policy on this from the organization.
Here is the situation as I understand it.
My boys play varsity football at a private school which participates in the RIFA league. The boys are currently 10 and 12, so play on different teams. Up until recently, all was well. However, it seems that within the last couple of months, RIFA has taken a position towards youth players which may actually be highly damaging to youth development. As I understand the situation, RIFA has declared that any players who join an outside club, and play in tournaments with that outside club, would be subject to suspensions from play in the RIFA league. Furthermore, if the varsity team engages in tournament play outside of RIFA, the players of the team would be subject to suspension.
I really don't understand these positions. If true, there would be some big implications for the development of the youth -
1) Youth players would miss great opportunities to broaden their experience for example missing the most prestigious tournaments in the country like Alaska Cup and many others.
2) I know that teams like Southridge have participated in overseas tournaments. I assume that these opportunities would no longer be possible if the RIFA position were true.
3) Varsity training alone is not enough. For example, my boys only get 2 days a week of varsity training due to facility overload - and that is further reduced due to inclement weather. Like many parents, I try to supplement this with club training - which has the reward of occasional participation in tournaments with the club team. Presumably, all these opportunities would disappear if my understanding of RIFA's position is true.
4) There might be an impact upon the club system as well. If my understanding is correct, the club teams would in all liklihood see a decrease in the players joining them because if they continued, they would be subject to suspensions. Thus RIFA, through their position, would have a direct negative financial impact on all of the clubs which provide an important role in further developing our youth. If the RIFA position is true, it seems to set up an "us versus them" situation which is based upon a win - lose scenario, versus finding ways to work cooperatively.
I could go on, but I believe that the above is probably sufficient. I truly hope my understanding is wrong, because I truly cannot believe that an organization which has worked so long for the good of youth development, would implement rules which seem to clearly contradict the forward momentum we are all trying to achieve. If someone from RIFA reads this forum, I would invite them to respond and clarify, since I cannot find any RIFA website or official statement/policy on this from the organization.