Redkard, sorry to disagree but
#1 - The Plan is not just about the top level, it is about every level. That much has been made clear. The current debate has focused on the top level, but the plan clearly delineates state levels and control for RCL, open league (lower Premier), Select Advanced, Select Developmental and for Recreational.
#2 - The state has said that it wants to do away with Districts and to consolidate associations. Some associations - so their board members have told me - have already been told whom they are to merge with.
#3 I agree with you. But so far at least, and there is no reason to think that things will change, all CLUB mergers are entirely voluntary (except in the case of the Seattle Youth Soccer Association where the Association overwhelmingly decided to do it) entirely voluntary.
#4 The Plan has been presented, at least in its embryonic form, to the PDL, to the associations, and even to the clubs. At least that is what people from each of the 3 groups have been saying. So it is safe to say that the plan has been presented publicly, at least in its current form.
#5 Well said, and well thought.
#6 Excellent point. 99.5% of the kids do not know about any of this, and the rest do not much care. All they want to do is go play soccer with their friends and teammates.
That is the point I'm trying to make.
Rumors & Facts:
#1 there is a proposed plan to revamp "only the top level of youth soccer" (could happen in 2010, I believe no sooner than 2011)
#2 people are worried about the consolodation of clubs and the potential demise of districts (some clubs may consolodate after the initial top level plan is introduced) (the demise of districts and or associations won't even be addressed until the next phase of the plan is introduced)
#3 are clubs talking about merging together (yes there are clubs talking) if anyone thinks that mergers will happen smoothly (just read the may threads on this site about a proposal that has yet to come down the pipe) I see no problem with being proactive as we wait. It takes time for mergers to take place. No matter what level we are speaking about, egos will slow down the process.
#4 people are overreacting to a plan that has yet to be presented to the soccer community
#5 the best thing about all of this is that we are all rethinking why we are involved in youth soccer and now trying to re-define how we will interact with one another (from an adult standpoint) as we move to the future.
The one true fact: our children (yours not mine/he's no longer a youth player) are all clueless about what is going on. They just want to play soccer.