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[Lurker-Man]

Is NWN one of the Big Six?

The original "Big Six" from the DoC proposal to the state, dated January 2006:

!. Crossfire
2. Emerald City FC
3. Eastside FC
4. NWN
5. (United and Royals)
6. Spokane Shadow

[soccerloco]

UpperV - Actually, you couldn't be more wrong.  I don't feel everything is perfect with my dk team at all.  (and no it doesn't happen to be a playing time issue) I feel there are some areas that can definitely use improving.  There are things I would like to see our coach do differently and change.  What I am saying is that it is not appropriate to make accusations about people and put their reputations on the line without solid proof.  

As far as what I have done for this club or how much time I volunteer, here we go again throwing accusations out there without the knowledge to back up what you are saying.  

Is there anything wrong with me pointing out things that are inaccurate according to my experiences with these coaches?  

As far as the BOD goes,  I have said that I would like to see an entire new board and see the club start fresh.  That means a complete change in the board.  I don't in any way feel that the board should consist of 3 or 4 coaches.  I think the Nationals really need to look at what is best for the club as a whole and I personally feel this is going to be very difficult to resolve.  I feel that NWN has a very good group of coaches and I would hate to loose them to another club.  Maybe things need to be revamped so it is a fresh start without members that have been at each others throats, have their own agenda (and yes I also mean coaches)  Maybe the board needs to consist of a wider variety of members.  i.e. parents, maybe a few former players, doc, (but not coaches).  I am not exactly sure, I think it will take some time to resolve and hopefully everyone will start acting in the kids best interests.

[EWSoccer64]

I think that we should drop any further conversation about Ben Somoza out of this thread.  

Many coaches have unwarrented charges placed against them by disgruntled parents.  (And sometimes, by disgruntled X-parents whose kid did not make it back on the team for the next year!   ).

Sometimes charges are placed when certain people misread a situation.  

Many charges levied against coaches are in the nature of asking a yes/no question:  "Have you stopped beating your wife yet?".  If you say no, you are admitting that you beat your wife.  If you say yes, then you are admitting that you used to beat your wife.   And no other answer is allowable.    And even though there was no substantiation of any charges, the onus of being charged like this will be a black mark against this coach henceforward, no matter what.

Whatever the situation, it does no one any good to rehash that situation at this point.

In terms of NWNs, the legitimacy of the board has been publicly called into question.    While I do not think that this was the best way to address the situation, in one way it is heartening to see that it was done this way.  

If the coaches calling the legitimacy of the board of the NWN Club into question had been politically savy, they would have filed a grevience and requested a removal of all board memebers by the district, new elections to be held within 30 days under the old (and undisputed at the time) bylaws, and likely would have gotten that without too much difficulty, based on the information provided by both sides so far.   So their approach makes it seem that they are not politically savy.   That - to me - is a good thing.  It also helps their creditibility.

One thing to remember folks, that every coach whose signature is on that e-mail is liable to face charges of "Bringing Youth Soccer into Disrepute" if they fail to prove their accusations.  That can amount to a lifetime ban from all USYSA youth coaching.   And after what one their brethren just went through, if the incumbenet Coaching Directors are not aware of such consequences, they are incompetent and deserve to be removed for failing to know enough to protect and guide their coaches.
So let us accept at least provisionally that the coaches know and understand that the consequences of their failing to prove their charges.  So they would not have made them unless they believed that they could prove them.  By making their charges, by signing that letter, these coaches are risking their future as coaches not just at NWN (obviously) but anywhere in the USYSA.


Again, the more open and transparent that this entire thing is, the better for everyone involved in NWN and the better for everyone else to learn from.

[UpperV]

Please re-read my previous post.  Nowhere in there did I mention any coach by name, that was intentional out of respect.  Soccerloco, by the content of your posts, that seems to be the bulk of your grievance with the BOD and I understand loyalty, but NOWHERE did I mention him.  You may keep that as your issue, not mine.

I asked questions I would hope any of us would want the answers to.  My asking them will have consequences I don't look foward to (because you are wrong on your assumptions), but Squash is right.  If we don't make an effort to find the truth, we deserve what we get.  If you have any answers or information, I am happy to listen, I am hoping for a positive outcome for all of us. 
You made a number of assumptions (which I was trying to show you is very risky) and you are wrong.  You belittled the previous posters concerns with "oh I can tell your kid doesn't get playing time so your mad", and tried to show you that could go both ways by copying your wording back at you.  Not all parents are like that.   When did I say I wasn't worried about my kids playing time?!  Your comments are interesting and show some pre-concieved notions.
 
The issue here is leadership and true intentions.  Nothing is perfect for any club, any team, any coach, any player.  But I want to know that the people in charge care about the kids they are responsible for, this is supposed to be the FUN in our kids lives.  This whole thing makes me very disheartened.  If people have been spending their time undermining the very club they want to control, it's just wrong. 
I threw no accusation at you, only asked the questions of how informed you are on the volunteering issue, since you are free with your degradation of those who do.  I've volunteered for many agencies and I'm sorry, but it's horrible for those who don't to publicly slam those who are putting in the time and effort, just because they are on the other side of your issue.  The solid proof theory needs to apply to everyone, not just those you like.  My question has always been, who will serve the kids best, that's all I want, that's what we all should want.

[soccerloco]

Upper V - I know that you did not use any coaches name, my post was referring to patient 1. (sorry if I made it sound differently)

EWSoccer64 - Thanks for the post, very well put.  I do believe, that at least one of the board members for Nationals (treasurer) is also a big part of SSCYSA and another is the registrar.  I believe this makes it rather difficult for the coaches. 

Squash - Thanks!

Hopefully this all gets worked out and the kids start coming first.  Would love to be a fly on the wall at the meeting tonight...

[Coach Pele]

A don't know the facts here but offer the following based on past experience with matters like these.

1. The Board of Directors should be mostly parents and those that are not parents should NOT be coaches active in the club.  Coaches are employees.  i can see that the DOCs should be at the Board meetings for most or all of the agenda but they should not have a vote on the Board IMHO.

2. Coaches sending out letters to parents on behalf of the Board should be fired on the spot. 

3. NWN should get a lawyer to advise them on how best to clean up matters related to annual meetings, bylaws, elected Board members etc.  Just bite the bullet and clean things up.  If it means holding new elections then so be it. 

4. Cliff McGrath is the perfect guy to take a good look at this and advise the Club. 

Exactly what you said!!!

The current coaches on the board of Directors are only there to clean up the mess and make sure that the past alleged abuses by the DOC do not reoccur...One of the issues that came to light was an allegation that the current DOC's raised their own salaries by 45% last year.  Given the fact I've rarely seen, heard or received anything from the DOC's I often wonder what is it they are actually doing for the club...What the hell are Mark and Arby doing?...Another troubling allegation was that the DOC's wanted tyo utilize the NWN Scholarship monies from the auction as a "Slush Fund".

I've been with the club for quite some time now and IMO the weakness of NWN is it does not have a visible LEADER...Someone who is the face and voice of the Club...IMO Arby and Mark may be nice guys and great coaches but I just don't see their involvement in the club other than them getting paid.  I think they coach a team or two but other than that they are Ghosts...I'v not seen either one at any trainings in over a year.  Hopefully Cliff steps up and takes over becoming  a leader this club sorely needs.

The Board should be comprised of the following:
NWN Administrative Personnel (1 or 2)
NWN Parents (majority)
1 Elected representative from the NWN Coaches

The Board should be fair and impartial and be inclusive to all components that are essential to every voice in the club...These voices include parents, administrative personnel and coaches.

AS for the rogue e-mails...That was and is some garbage and the person responsible for that should be fired ASAP...Tell me what company any of us could work for and get away with such insubordination.  The coach that sent out that e-mail did a disservice to the club and more importantly the families.  Now on the other hand whoever is handling NWN Public Relations handled the whole debacle poorly...From the naming of Ben Somoza in the player coach dispute to the rogue e-mails.  As a NWN Parent I was shocked that they even named Ben before the matter was administratively reviewed by the state and all other appropriate parties.  The appropriate dissemination of information by the club should have been to briefly advise the parents that a Coach/Player dispute exists, the general nature of the dispute and that the club is in compliance with all state and Youth Soccer guidelines in addressing the matter...Then once the issue is resolved give the parents the final resolutions.  Why drag Ben's name through the mud and pinpoint the team?..That was just handled very poorly.  I mean how does some parent know the abuse wasn't a sex crime or something like that???...Then all of a sudden after being told this coach was suspended he is later seen on the field with kids with no prior notice or information concerning the outcome of the dispute...Just very POOR communication by the Club IMO.

On a more positive note though..Those damn NWN kids love their coaches and all the teams are improving..They could give a rats ass about the board or the coaches... These adults need to get together and work this nonsense out asap...Hopefully Cliff has the SOCCER BALLS to make it happen.

GO NATIONALS!!!

[Sage]

It time for the majority of the posters replying to this post to grow up. Personal attacks on other posters, attackes on coaches who are identified by name, spreading disinformation, and thinly veiled hidden agendas, are wrong, irrelevant, and potentially defamitory. Period. Grow up. Identify the issues, discuss them rationally, and if you have a suggestion of how to resolve/address them, then do so. I suspect none of us, know the exactly what, if anything happened, why it happened, or the particulars thereof. I suspect, that reality is something far different than what has been alledged by anyone associated with the issues.

I think few comments are warranted regarding the processes involved if an allegation is made against a coach, or for that matter, anyone who is involved with children. Any allegation has a lasting effect, and potentially a devasting effect on that person's curent job, future livelihood, and reputation. This is true even if the allegation is 100% false, and made maliciously.

Once the allegation is made, for risk management reasons, the organization involved should and normally does take action, such as administrative suspension. The sanctioning body of the organization gets actively involve, e.g. a state governing body. It is charged with the duty of doing a due and diligent investigation. It interviews persons with knowledge. It may conduct a hearing if such is warranted.  The process is quasi judicial.

For risk management reasons, this process, IMO, favors the purported accuser. A person accussed of an act is not cleared if the allegation is supported by reasonable "evidence", which may, if credible, be the accuser's statement unsubstantiated by any other evidence. A person accussed of an act is cleared if the allegation is not supported by the evidence presented. The burden of proof in these types of situations varies but is generally exceeding low, biased toward the alleged victim, and likely, well below the burden required in our courts, e.g., ponderance of evidence (most civil cases), clear congent and convincing (some civil cases) or beyond a reasonable doubt (criminal cases).

Even though there may be no evidence supporting the allegation and a person is cleared of any wrongdoing, an employer may still feel it appropriate to take some action, such as a re-assignment of duties. This is not indicative that the "accused" was guility, but a recognition that we live in a world of sue happy parents, who resort to name calling, and slamming clubs and coaches merely because their dks (who are all the next Mia Hamm) don't get enough playing time, or  were told by the coach not to follow their parent's "playing instructions", or some other silly reason.

More than half of you will not like my comments because I pick on parents who need reality checks. To them I say "grow up." You will understand my comments in 10 years, when your dks are out of sports, and when you wake up one day and actually realize that there more important things in your life. Till then give me more negative karma to again prove my points.            
      

[Stormin' Norman]

Well,  I think I have figured this out.  Your a parent or should I say I think possibly a board member from the GU-15 team.  No wonder you are out to slam the G-DOC and Mr. Somoza and no wonder playing time is not an issue for your dk.  I understand it is not okay to have a difference of opinion from the almighty who thinks this is her club and everything revolves around her and her power trip.  

What did I say so wrong:

     1.  Have a meeting if people, parents, coaches or whoever are requesting it.
     2.  That board members should be elected not appointed.  (this would be in the clubs best interest so no one can say anything unethical is going on)
     3.  I said IMHO Ben Somoza is a very stand up guy.  I feel he is very ethical and I know for a fact that he had a ton of support behind him.  
     4.  I said that I have witnessed myself on numerous occasions that Arby is at a lot of Nationals practices and games.  (I wonder how many games the President of the Board or Treasurer of the Board have attended, besides their own dk.)
     5.  I do not feel it is right to throw names of people out there and slander their name and damage their reputation without solid proof.  If the board was doing such a bang up job of handling the Ben ordeal why in the world did they send out such a one sided e-mail to all the parents.  The professional and ethical way to have handled the situation would of been to say:  Yes, we have had an accusation made against one of our coaches.  We take this very seriously in regards to the player and the coach.  We will be investigating the incident immediately and in a very appropriate manner.  Please know that we will handle this in the best way possible.
     6.  Do you think it is right for the board to not respond to e-mails on who is going to coach Ben's team, not provide a field and the parents have to hold their own practice because the board won't respond to the teams e-mails.  If you are going to handle things professionally from the boards point of view, you should be fair across the board.  Treat the team fairly don't punish them because they have faith in their coach and believe in him.  Try to be understanding that this is a lot for all the families to go thru and also the coach if he is falsely accused.  What if false accusations were made against you or a member of your family??  If I remember right doesn't it go something like this INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!!!!
     7.  If the board was investigating why didn't they talk to other parents, players, team managers of other teams that Ben was involved in to find out if they had ever experienced anything like this.  
     8.  Lack of evidence means that you don't have enough evidence to bring forward a case. (CASE DISMISSED DUE TO LACK OF EVIDENCE)  That certainly doesn't prove guilt the last time that I checked.
     9.  What would be so wrong with bringing in some fresh faces to the board.  I would like to see a new BOD, maybe people without agendas who are just looking out for what is best for the kids.  People who don't have to be in control of everything.  
    10.  Lastly, I truly hope NWN can work all of this out and do what is best for the kids and the parents since we are paying the bill.  

As a parent from the GU15 team...You need to shut your trap!!   Do NOT bring our team into this mess.  Just because you may not like a parent from our team there is no need to bring her daughter into this and make the assumption her daughter only plays because of her mother.  You couldn't be more wrong!!!  Speak for your own team and leave ours out of it.

[patient1]

Well,  I think I have figured this out.  Your a parent or should I say I think possibly a board member from the GU-15 team.  No wonder you are out to slam the G-DOC and Mr. Somoza and no wonder playing time is not an issue for your dk.  I understand it is not okay to have a difference of opinion from the almighty who thinks this is her club and everything revolves around her and her power trip.  

What did I say so wrong:

     1.  Have a meeting if people, parents, coaches or whoever are requesting it.
     2.  That board members should be elected not appointed.  (this would be in the clubs best interest so no one can say anything unethical is going on)
     3.  I said IMHO Ben Somoza is a very stand up guy.  I feel he is very ethical and I know for a fact that he had a ton of support behind him.  
     4.  I said that I have witnessed myself on numerous occasions that Arby is at a lot of Nationals practices and games.  (I wonder how many games the President of the Board or Treasurer of the Board have attended, besides their own dk.)
     5.  I do not feel it is right to throw names of people out there and slander their name and damage their reputation without solid proof.  If the board was doing such a bang up job of handling the Ben ordeal why in the world did they send out such a one sided e-mail to all the parents.  The professional and ethical way to have handled the situation would of been to say:  Yes, we have had an accusation made against one of our coaches.  We take this very seriously in regards to the player and the coach.  We will be investigating the incident immediately and in a very appropriate manner.  Please know that we will handle this in the best way possible.
     6.  Do you think it is right for the board to not respond to e-mails on who is going to coach Ben's team, not provide a field and the parents have to hold their own practice because the board won't respond to the teams e-mails.  If you are going to handle things professionally from the boards point of view, you should be fair across the board.  Treat the team fairly don't punish them because they have faith in their coach and believe in him.  Try to be understanding that this is a lot for all the families to go thru and also the coach if he is falsely accused.  What if false accusations were made against you or a member of your family??  If I remember right doesn't it go something like this INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!!!!
     7.  If the board was investigating why didn't they talk to other parents, players, team managers of other teams that Ben was involved in to find out if they had ever experienced anything like this.  
     8.  Lack of evidence means that you don't have enough evidence to bring forward a case. (CASE DISMISSED DUE TO LACK OF EVIDENCE)  That certainly doesn't prove guilt the last time that I checked.
     9.  What would be so wrong with bringing in some fresh faces to the board.  I would like to see a new BOD, maybe people without agendas who are just looking out for what is best for the kids.  People who don't have to be in control of everything.  
    10.  Lastly, I truly hope NWN can work all of this out and do what is best for the kids and the parents since we are paying the bill.  

NIce guess but you are still not close! I can guess I do know who your coach is, you must be one of the crazy parents from his team.  No wonder you have a personal vendetta against the board.  I can understand you protecting him, but you have turned this whole thing into a B.S. issue. (great initials by the way) He was mentioned yes, but if you look back he is not the topic of the questions I would like these select group of coaches/DOC's to answer. I am not concerned with his issue really. 

My issue is what have these guys done for the kids? Have they earned their pay?  Have they fullfilled the job description of a DOC?   Why are they not answering these questions?  There is a reason why you can't answer these questions and it's because they have not done what they are being paid to do.  What a waste for the kids in this club.  Before you condemn the volunteers in this organization for their commitment to this club, what have you done and how much of your time have you donated to help raise money for the kids?  Talk is cheap, action and results speak for themselves and I applaud our board volunteers for all that they do for NWN.  Don't forget this club has thrived through the years for all the time these people have put in for our kid's benefit and I support ALL of them.       

I have attended almost every one of my kid's practices and I can say they have not been to one of my kid's practices in over a year.  They have not been at any of the practices that practice at the same time as my kid.  As a NWN parent you know how many teams can be on one field at one time. 

I hope the coaches that signed that letter realize they are being lead by questionable people and the risk they are taking with their coaching careers.  We'll  see what happens and it will be interesting to watch to see who the last ones will be standing. 

[Bad Boy's Girlfriend]

Will someone please clearly state what Ben S. was accused of, something obviously bad enough to warrant the state involvement.  I understand there wasn't enough evidence in the matter to find fault, but I am tired of people dancing around what this guy was accused of doing.  Let's hear it.  If you don't want to post on the forum, then PM me...tell me in the PM if you would like me to post the information or not and I'll do as you wish.  My DD's club has a history of absorbing great coaches, so I'd like to know the scoop.  

[HuskyDawg]

On a more positive note though..Those damn NWN kids love their coaches and all the teams are improving..They could give a rats ass about the board or the coaches... These adults need to get together and work this nonsense out asap...Hopefully Cliff has the SOCCER BALLS to make it happen.

GO NATIONALS!!!





You are true in that those kids like their teams and coach's.  We have great match's against them and consider them a very competant opponent and if you don't bring your "A" game you're going home a loser!  I hope this stuff goes away too.

[Coach Pele]

Will someone please clearly state what Ben S. was accused of, something obviously bad enough to warrant the state involvement.  I understand there wasn't enough evidence in the matter to find fault, but I am tired of people dancing around what this guy was accused of doing.  Let's hear it.  If you don't want to post on the forum, then PM me...tell me in the PM if you would like me to post the information or not and I'll do as you wish.  My DD's club has a history of absorbing great coaches, so I'd like to know the scoop.  

Allegedly a player on his team was not present for a State Cup Game...Ben then called up a B team player who did quite well in the state Cup...Long story short the B team player became the starter relegating the absent player to seeing more time on the Pine...Now thats the BACK Story.  When I first heard of this issue from the very beginning it sounded like some parents blowing something outta proportion because their kid wasn't playing as much as they thought he/she should.  Apparently the evidence did not support abuse in anyway so Ben should have his name cleared and continue his good work and commitment to the young athletes.

What Ben was accused of was hitting a player...Now my sources tell me it was nothing more than a coach urging his player to get it together in the heat of the game that entailed a competitive flip of the girls ponytail..That along with some alleged verbal abuse is what this was all about.  Now I don't really know Ben on a personal level but I had discussions with him and seen him coach...He's not an abusive person and I was having a hard time believing he would do anything to harm one of his players mentally or physically.

Bottom line and my personal opinion is parents are too soft on their kids nowadays...Kids need more constructive criticism...My daughter is not perfect and she needs alot of reminders and ultimatums to get her game together or settle with being an average player.  ben played Soccer on a professional level and dudes like that are innately competitive...They push their players to be the best.  Too many parents pay fees and think their kids should be playing when more often than not the kid shouldn't even be on the field.  Having been a collegiate athlete myself who played ball back in the day I have the utmost respect for the fiery competitive types that will command the respect and effort from young athletes.  Too many parents want their kids to be babied and they don't understand that Premiere Soccer is highly competitive and only the strong and competitive survive...Every day these kids go out to practice they need to bring their A mental and physical game.  If parents don't understand this their children should be playing rec or some lower level where the kids get handled with baby gloves.  Half of these parents of Premier soccer players never played any sport on a competitive level so they do not understand what is necessary for their child to achieve.  I want my daughter to compete on a high level so we are in a Premier program.  I also fully explain to my daughter that she has to work to get her minutes and work even harder to be a special player.  I use the same philosophy in athletics that we employ in the class room.  Many parents pay the fees, drop their kids off and have no idea that their lil darling is not invested in the sport or even committed...Too many parents just have extra bucks to waste...I don't...My daughter is here to compete and if she doesn't play then she needs to work a bit harder...That's my message to her...It aint the coaches fault...I think I heard a wise man once say...The cream always rises to the top...Its competition...Not romper room.

[Bad Boy's Girlfriend]

Will someone please clearly state what Ben S. was accused of, something obviously bad enough to warrant the state involvement.  I understand there wasn't enough evidence in the matter to find fault, but I am tired of people dancing around what this guy was accused of doing.  Let's hear it.  If you don't want to post on the forum, then PM me...tell me in the PM if you would like me to post the information or not and I'll do as you wish.  My DD's club has a history of absorbing great coaches, so I'd like to know the scoop.  

Allegedly a player on his team was not present for a State Cup Game...Ben then called up a B team player who did quite well in the state Cup...Long story short the B team player became the starter relegating the absent player to seeing more time on the Pine...Now thats the BACK Story.

What Ben was accused of was hitting a player...Now my sources tell me it was nothing more than a coach urging his player to get it together in the heat of the game that entailed a competitive flip of the girls ponytail..That along with some alleged verbal abuse is what this was all about.  Now I don't really know Ben on a personal level but I had discussions with him and seen him coach...He's not an abusive person and I was having a hard time believing he would do anything to harm one of his players mentally or physically.

Bottom line and my personal opinion is parents are too soft on their kids nowadays...Kids need more constructive criticism...My daughter is not perfect and she needs alot of reminders and ultimatums to get her game together or settle with being an average player.  ben played Soccer on a professional level and dudes like that are inately competitive...They push their players to be the best.  Too many parents pay fees and think their kids should be playing when more often than not the kid shouldn't even be on the field.  When I first heard of this issue from the very beginning it sounded like some parents blowing something outta proportion because their kid wasn't playing as much as they thought she should.  Apparently the evidence did not support abuse in anyway so Ben should have his name cleared and continue his good work and commitment to the young athletes.

Okay, assuming this is accurate, at least people know what happened before they decide to start bashing Ben.  Lots of coaches that rack up the wins are verbally harsh, because it's the way they learned to motivate players.  Some girls respond well, some don't.  Seems in this case Ben ran into a player and/or parents that were already pissed and this was the final straw.  I can see why the state didn't do much about it.  Sounds like NWN have a lot more important issues to deal with.

Now if we could get the real story as to why the NWN coaches all decided to make an attempt to dump the board.  I'm sure it was more than just trying to stay within state and IRS regulations.  Question is, what?  Until we know, I think it's a bit inappropriate to start showing support for a particular side of the fence.   

[extremesoccer]

Will someone please clearly state what Ben S. was accused of, something obviously bad enough to warrant the state involvement.  I understand there wasn't enough evidence in the matter to find fault, but I am tired of people dancing around what this guy was accused of doing.  Let's hear it.  If you don't want to post on the forum, then PM me...tell me in the PM if you would like me to post the information or not and I'll do as you wish.  My DD's club has a history of absorbing great coaches, so I'd like to know the scoop.  

Allegedly a player on his team was not present for a State Cup Game...Ben then called up a B team player who did quite well in the state Cup...Long story short the B team player became the starter relegating the absent player to seeing more time on the Pine...Now thats the BACK Story.

What Ben was accused of was hitting a player...Now my sources tell me it was nothing more than a coach urging his player to get it together in the heat of the game that entailed a competitive flip of the girls ponytail..That along with some alleged verbal abuse is what this was all about.  Now I don't really know Ben on a personal level but I had discussions with him and seen him coach...He's not an abusive person and I was having a hard time believing he would do anything to harm one of his players mentally or physically.

Bottom line and my personal opinion is parents are too soft on their kids nowadays...Kids need more constructive criticism...My daughter is not perfect and she needs alot of reminders and ultimatums to get her game together or settle with being an average player.  ben played Soccer on a professional level and dudes like that are inately competitive...They push their players to be the best.  Too many parents pay fees and think their kids should be playing when more often than not the kid shouldn't even be on the field.  When I first heard of this issue from the very beginning it sounded like some parents blowing something outta proportion because their kid wasn't playing as much as they thought she should.  Apparently the evidence did not support abuse in anyway so Ben should have his name cleared and continue his good work and commitment to the young athletes.

Okay, assuming this is accurate, at least people know what happened before they decide to start bashing Ben.  Lots of coaches that rack up the wins are verbally harsh, because it's the way they learned to motivate players.  Some girls respond well, some don't.  Seems in this case Ben ran into a player and/or parents that were already pissed and this was the final straw.  I can see why the state didn't do much about it.  Sounds like NWN have a lot more important issues to deal with.

Now if we could get the real story as to why the NWN coaches all decided to make an attempt to dump the board.  I'm sure it was more than just trying to stay within state and IRS regulations.  Question is, what?  Until we know, I think it's a bit inappropriate to start showing support for a particular side of the fence.   

I wonder how many views and responses this thing will get? You know I see small clubs making a big comeback with the economy where it is and all the problems the big clubs seem to be having. Money and power ruins everything, why do you think our economy is in the tank. We get greedy. Its like feeding your dog until he is full. He never does get full

[IslanderCoach]

All clubs have their drama.  The fact is the bigger you get, the more public the drama becomes!  I believe there is a place for big and small clubs, however I am anti-big club (respect the heck out of 'em, but don't like them).  Soccer is for the kids and all about the kids, everyone needs to step back from these types of posts and think about that.   

[extremesoccer]

All clubs have their drama.  The fact is the bigger you get, the more public the drama becomes!  I believe there is a place for big and small clubs, however I am anti-big club (respect the heck out of 'em, but don't like them).  Soccer is for the kids and all about the kids, everyone needs to step back from these types of posts and think about that.   

I think it is more than it becoming public drama. The larger you are the more people involved, hence the greater risks of having the wrong people make decisions.

[corncobb]

LET'S GET REAL! Let’s not be chicken anymore let’s put the names out there and not hide behind agendas any longer.   NWN is a great club unfortunately what people don’t know is we have corrupt DOC’s (ie. Mark Collings and Arby Busey) and coaches (i.e Ben Somoza and John Wagner) who are all behind the scenes.  What have they done for NWN this year other than create an undercurrent and problems?  They better be careful for all that they are doing right now as they will be exposed for their unethical acts and non-accountablity.  You don’t think people know, but we do!  Honestly, you should be ashamed of yourselves for creating this chaos.  You should know better than to jeopardized NWN and SPU’s reputation.   I think in the long run these people will get their own and realize NWN’s board has protected their unethical behavior and the truth will come out eventually.  What are you afraid of… losing your job?  Cliff McCrath is the best thing that NWN can have right now, why don’t you be accountable and stop this good ole boy system.  Coaches beware of what you really don’t know because you may be sorry.   
We know that half of the 13 coaches felt pressured to sign this letter, it is not majority by any means!  They are being coerced!  GET THE FACTS!! Good Luck with your so called meeting!

Is this about the Ben thing,him hitting one of his players or somthing like that ?? does all this have any thing to do with all this talk?? i wonder.

[corncobb]

I agree with socpop93 & upperv.  There is so much that people do not know and what these 4-5 disgruntled coaching staff have done is try to play the undercurrent and emotion card of parents.  If these DOC’s and coaches are really thinking of NWN’s, the program and especially the players- A Big Question that needs to be answered!!  What have you done this year for NWN???  We have not seen Mark or Arby almost all year but they both collect hefty paychecks and continue to take from this club.  How about show up for the Auction to help raise money for the kids?  We know that Ben S had some issues with the State this year and apparently still having issues with the State which many people don’t know.  Is he disgruntled with NWN’s?  He should be grateful he still has a job anywhere and should be grateful the board paid him his full salary during his ordeal?  What about the kids Ben??  Do you really think all 13 year old girls lie?

Get the facts people!  The Board consists of people who give the most to this club and volunteer (do not get paid) a lot of their time for the benefit of the kids (how quickly people forget!).  The coaches on the board are the finest we have and are the few who really care about the kids.  When Chuck Sekyra was the Tech Dir, the club was outstanding and the coaches under him did not make waves and actually did their work- not like now.  The board has hired Cliff McCrath to give the club direction again, a new fresh way to get NWN to another level.  The coaching staff that are revolting are the ones who are afraid they will be eliminated and with all that they have done, they should all be exposed and canned! Go NWN!

ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[corncobb]

patient1 you obviously have no idea what you are talking about whatsoever.  Ben S. was cleared by the state of the absolutely ridiculous accusations that were made against him.  He is a fantastic coach, very professional and is highly respected.  When people make your type of remarks it tells me one thing, maybe it was your dk who played for him and, oh I can guess their playing time was probably cut and now you are disgruntled and out to get a fine coach.  

Where in the world do you get your information?  Perhaps you are friends with one of the corrupt and unethical members on the board.  I think it is very unfortunate that a couple of board members would have so much control.  What are they afraid of i.e. why don't they have a meeting?  why don't they hold proper elections and be elected to the board?  I can guess they are probably worried that they wouldn't be reelected.  I personally feel it is time for the entire board to go......  Let's clean house at the Nationals and start fresh.  Let's get rid of the board members that are on a power trip and want to be the big wigs in control.  I am tired of all the games that they play and in the process don't do what is best for the kids.

As far as  your remarks go about Arby, think again he is out there at everything.  He puts in a ton of time for this club.  He is constantly going and watching games, helping with other coaches practices and is a great guy.   He is a very caring coach!!

He may have got cleared by the state, but he will never get cleared by the rumors ,thats just how it is, kind of like a nightmare you have every night.

[corncobb]

Obviously a volatile issue with ALMOST ALL OF YOU having NO idea what is going on at NWN. LEAVE IT BE!

ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[corncobb]

patient1 you obviously have no idea what you are talking about whatsoever.  Ben S. was cleared by the state of the absolutely ridiculous accusations that were made against him.  He is a fantastic coach, very professional and is highly respected.  When people make your type of remarks it tells me one thing, maybe it was your dk who played for him and, oh I can guess their playing time was probably cut and now you are disgruntled and out to get a fine coach.  

Where in the world do you get your information?  Perhaps you are friends with one of the corrupt and unethical members on the board.  I think it is very unfortunate that a couple of board members would have so much control.  What are they afraid of i.e. why don't they have a meeting?  why don't they hold proper elections and be elected to the board?  I can guess they are probably worried that they wouldn't be reelected.  I personally feel it is time for the entire board to go......  Let's clean house at the Nationals and start fresh.  Let's get rid of the board members that are on a power trip and want to be the big wigs in control.  I am tired of all the games that they play and in the process don't do what is best for the kids.

As far as  your remarks go about Arby, think again he is out there at everything.  He puts in a ton of time for this club.  He is constantly going and watching games, helping with other coaches practices and is a great guy.   He is a very caring coach!!

Your cheap shots against my kid are so far from the truth it is actually funny.  My kid actually very rarely comes out of the game, but thanks for the concern on the playing time but no need to worry.  I am sorry, but Ben was not cleared by the state, the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence.  In legal terms that means two different things deary.  

I am still waiting for anyone to please tell me what these DOC's have done this year while they collected their paychecks.  You can't seem to tell it either.  You have a right to your opinion and I have mine.  We can agree to disagree.   To say the board is not doing what is best for the kids but Mark, Arby, Ben and John are?  Get a grip.  Please tell me what they have done for ALL the NWN kids.  What have they put together to help raise money for the kids?  What exactly have they done to tell all of us parents they are in it for the kids?  Everyone says they are great coaches, there are alot of great coaches but what else are they doing to make this club better for the kids?  Last year Mark couldn't even show up at half his practices.  

I would love to see how many practices they have attended (besides Arby attending his own).  They have not been at one of our teams practice nor I have seen them at any other practices at the same time as ours.  Maybe it is just a certain few they attend.  What have they done for these kids this year to show they care and should be in charge?  Change my mind please.

One more thing soccer loco (like your name by the way it is very fitting for this post): 
It's really noble of you to stand up for the men that you think have integrity but the real truth will be coming out soon.  Don't worry no hard feelings, you're not the only one- alot of other parents have been fooled too.  It's important you get the facts straight though- I would like to re-iterate the case with the State was dismissed, not cleared and he's still not out of the woods yet. 
 
With reference to G-DOC(i'll refer to him this way from now on), I was thinking you must have been at ODP and not at any NWN's league games this fall.  Comments: "Who is the Girl's Coaching Director and what does he look like?"  SPU will definitely be affected and it doesn't really matter what side anyone is on....Time tests everything and the truth will be known soon enough to put this all to rest. 
 

ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET YOUR CHECK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[corncobb]

Upper V - I know that you did not use any coaches name, my post was referring to patient 1. (sorry if I made it sound differently)

EWSoccer64 - Thanks for the post, very well put.  I do believe, that at least one of the board members for Nationals (treasurer) is also a big part of SSCYSA and another is the registrar.  I believe this makes it rather difficult for the coaches. 

Squash - Thanks!

Hopefully this all gets worked out and the kids start coming first.  Would love to be a fly on the wall at the meeting tonight...

aRE WE STILL TALKING ABOUT BEN?

[corncobb]

Will someone please clearly state what Ben S. was accused of, something obviously bad enough to warrant the state involvement.  I understand there wasn't enough evidence in the matter to find fault, but I am tired of people dancing around what this guy was accused of doing.  Let's hear it.  If you don't want to post on the forum, then PM me...tell me in the PM if you would like me to post the information or not and I'll do as you wish.  My DD's club has a history of absorbing great coaches, so I'd like to know the scoop.  

HE HIT A GIRL ( HIS U13 TEAM),THATS WHAT I HEARD.

[corncobb]

Will someone please clearly state what Ben S. was accused of, something obviously bad enough to warrant the state involvement.  I understand there wasn't enough evidence in the matter to find fault, but I am tired of people dancing around what this guy was accused of doing.  Let's hear it.  If you don't want to post on the forum, then PM me...tell me in the PM if you would like me to post the information or not and I'll do as you wish.  My DD's club has a history of absorbing great coaches, so I'd like to know the scoop.  

Allegedly a player on his team was not present for a State Cup Game...Ben then called up a B team player who did quite well in the state Cup...Long story short the B team player became the starter relegating the absent player to seeing more time on the Pine...Now thats the BACK Story.

What Ben was accused of was hitting a player...Now my sources tell me it was nothing more than a coach urging his player to get it together in the heat of the game that entailed a competitive flip of the girls ponytail..That along with some alleged verbal abuse is what this was all about.  Now I don't really know Ben on a personal level but I had discussions with him and seen him coach...He's not an abusive person and I was having a hard time believing he would do anything to harm one of his players mentally or physically.

Bottom line and my personal opinion is parents are too soft on their kids nowadays...Kids need more constructive criticism...My daughter is not perfect and she needs alot of reminders and ultimatums to get her game together or settle with being an average player.  ben played Soccer on a professional level and dudes like that are inately competitive...They push their players to be the best.  Too many parents pay fees and think their kids should be playing when more often than not the kid shouldn't even be on the field.  When I first heard of this issue from the very beginning it sounded like some parents blowing something outta proportion because their kid wasn't playing as much as they thought she should.  Apparently the evidence did not support abuse in anyway so Ben should have his name cleared and continue his good work and commitment to the young athletes.

Okay, assuming this is accurate, at least people know what happened before they decide to start bashing Ben.  Lots of coaches that rack up the wins are verbally harsh, because it's the way they learned to motivate players.  Some girls respond well, some don't.  Seems in this case Ben ran into a player and/or parents that were already pissed and this was the final straw.  I can see why the state didn't do much about it.  Sounds like NWN have a lot more important issues to deal with.

Now if we could get the real story as to why the NWN coaches all decided to make an attempt to dump the board.  I'm sure it was more than just trying to stay within state and IRS regulations.  Question is, what?  Until we know, I think it's a bit inappropriate to start showing support for a particular side of the fence.   

I wonder how many views and responses this thing will get? You know I see small clubs making a big comeback with the economy where it is and all the problems the big clubs seem to be having. Money and power ruins everything, why do you think our economy is in the tank. We get greedy. Its like feeding your dog until he is full. He never does get full

ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Flip Flop]

 

[vms]

This thread should just go away.

[Brat Jr]

I agree Flip Flop!
There was NO REASON to bring the 'what I heard, whys and what-fors' of this issue as it was OVER!
Whether he was cleared or the action 'dismissed' is NOT relevant. The case could go no further so no action was brought forth. END OF THAT STORY!

[Flip Flop]

 
 

[Brat Jr]

This thread should just go away.

It will when everything is done and over with VMS. Until then, we have to hope for the best.

[cheersme95keep]

Will someone please clearly state what Ben S. was accused of, something obviously bad enough to warrant the state involvement.  I understand there wasn't enough evidence in the matter to find fault, but I am tired of people dancing around what this guy was accused of doing.  Let's hear it.  If you don't want to post on the forum, then PM me...tell me in the PM if you would like me to post the information or not and I'll do as you wish.  My DD's club has a history of absorbing great coaches, so I'd like to know the scoop.  

HE HIT A GIRL ( HIS U13 TEAM),THATS WHAT I HEARD.

Didn't someone say he just "bonked" a dk's ponytail in the heat of the game?

That's what I'd read "above" and wanted to make sure it was "high lighted" again because the "hit a kid" comment is harsh compared w/ what was said in comparison about the ponytail comment.

This really needs to be put to rest because it's pretty dramatic for the 13 year old girls involved - especially when they love and admire their coach (which most young girls do at that age and this level of contact w/an adult in this authority position).