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 Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the more popular inquiries that we get:
Why can't I pick who I play with?
Our league is recreationally based and we are trying to keep the teams balanced, along
with allowing players to meet new people each year. If everyone got to choose who they played with, there wouldn't be
a lot of difference in teams from year to year. Even unskilled players who play together for extended periods of time
can turn their team into a strong one. The league would eventually be very competitive.
Why is the league in Belle River?
The league was started by residents of Belle River. Even now, more than half the league
is from the Lakeshore area. We also have the help/support of well-organized leagues like Belle River Minor Soccer and the
Belle River Men's League. Plus, we don't have to pay for fields in Belle River - and in 2005 or 2006 there will be a large
soccer park for us to enjoy.
Why do you play on Sundays?
Belle River has the second highest registration in Windsor/Essex County. The fields
are used every day except for Sundays.
Why do you play on Mother's Day?
To ensure that the season balances out, we need to play on Mother's Day. Otherwise,
you would have your first game and then immediately take 2 weeks off for Mother's Day and Victoria Day. With 22 people
on a team you should be able to field a team. Hey, why doesn't anyone complain about playing on Father's Day?
Why do you play in the rain?
We still need to play in the rain so that our schedule can stay on track. Only the
referee can determine if the field or the weather is unfit for play. PLEASE SHOW UP!
Are there tournaments?
Near the end of the season there will be a 5-on-5 tournament. We are not registered for any other tournaments, but that doesn't mean that we won't enter
any. Running the league is a very time-consuming job and we don't have time to research tournaments and arrange
exhibition games. If someone wants this job, please contact us!
Why aren't there linesmen?
During the regular season we ask that volunteers act as linesmen for the game. This
is to help the referee for calls that are too close for him to judge from the centre of the field. Several people have
suggested that we pay linesmen but this would raise the registration fee significantly. It would also elevate us to a
higher competition level, and we are trying to remain recreational.
If there is a waiting list, why can't we just add another team?
Our waiting list doesn't grow until registration is closed. We have to set a specific
closing date because we need a lot of time to arrange the fields, book refs, reorder equipment, etc. At present, we can
only have 6 teams due to field availability. Adding a 7th team would give everyone a BYE week, which means you could
have 2-3 weeks off in a row.
If the spare week isn't used, why can't we just move the playoffs up?
Our schedule is set at the beginning of the year so that people with other commitments
(work, family, etc.) know what to expect for the entire season. This also helps us book our referees. Changing the
schedule at the last minute (and it would be last minute, because you don't know if you need that spare week until
that last regular season game) is unfair.
Most people have no idea how much work the board puts in to ensure that the league
runs smoothly. Everything that you experience through the year comes down to 9 board members. The clinics, the
equipment, the refs, the stats, the prizes, the banquets - just a small part of what the board organizes.
Why not help us make a better league by sharing your suggestions with us? You can call
us, write us or send us an anonymous message through this web site.
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