COVER
photo exclusive #1 of 3 The Mysterious and Sexy 94soccermom! Photo's in this issue! :mrgreen: The Pulse! No. #15
COVER STORY & LATEST HEADLINES:GABE ROOD, WESTERN REGION MANGER ~ US CLUB SOCCER...
Speaks out on the future of US Club in Washington!US Club Soccer in Washington
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to inform your audience about some of our future endeavors in Washington. Before I get started, I would like to tell a little bit more about US Club Soccer, so the audience has a better understanding of what we do.
US Club Soccer is a non-profit organization committed to the support and development of competitive soccer clubs. It is founded on the belief that soccer clubs, which are in the business of elite player development, need an organization of their own to foster growth, address concerns, and sanction and provide programs with a minimum of rules and restrictions. US Club Soccer has been a National Affiliate member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) since 2001, and as such registers players, and sanctions teams, leagues, tournaments and other soccer programs. A nine-member Board of Directors, who must be experienced coaches in member soccer clubs, makes policy decisions for the organization.
US Club Soccer Highlights
• Limited rules and paperwork (no travel requirements or paperwork needed to travel beyond state boundaries)
• League and Tournament Sanctioning
• National Cup & State Cup
• Player Identification Program- id2 program
More information can be found on our website: www.usclubsoccer.com
State Cup in Washington
The Washington teams have shown great support at our National Cup so we are reciprocating our support to the Washington clubs/teams by bringing a US Club Soccer State Cup to Washington. We want to give Washington clubs another opportunity to experience the benefits of being a US Club Soccer member, and the event will also provide another opportunity for id2 scouting.
The inaugural Washington Cup, will be contested Nov. 9-11, 2007 in Tukwila, Washington. Hosted by Starfire Sports, the Washington Cup will be held at the Starfire Sports Soccer Complex. The tournament will be held for Boys and Girls U11-U14 teams. The registration deadline is Oct. 26. After this date, applications will only be accepted on a space available basis. Applications and more information are available at: http://starfiresports.com/main_addedpages/2007tournaments.asp
Future US Club Soccer Tournaments in Washington
US Club Soccer realizes the talent and the strength of the clubs in Washington. Because of this and the support the clubs have shown, US Club Soccer has been exploring the possibility of holding a National Cup Regional in Washington. We are currently investigating different venues and dates. We most likely are a year away from this happening.
However, there is a growing trend of clubs turning to US Club Soccer to sanction their tournaments. This year in Washington “The Showcase of Champions,” hosted by Washington Premier, and “Clash at the Border,” hosted by FC Vancouver, were sanctioned by US Club Soccer.
There has been a growing trend of clubs turning to US Club Soccer to sanction their tournaments due to the benefits our tournament sanctioning program offers. I’ve seen a significant number of tournaments turning to US Club Soccer because they are listening to the clubs that want to participate in their events. Clubs want to use their US Club Soccer passes when traveling because there are no travel restrictions and also due to the ease of transferring players. There are no sanctioning fees and both US Club Soccer teams and teams registered with other USSF affiliates may participate in a US Club Soccer-sanctioned tournament. Because of these reasons many of the top tournaments in the United States have switched to US Club Soccer. As more clubs become aware of these advantages, the trend will only continue to grow.
US Club Soccer League in Washington
While a couple of Washington clubs participate in the Pacific Northwest Division of the Super Y-League, a US Club Soccer sanctioned league, we have been in discussion with a few Directors of Coaching (DOC) regarding another US Club Soccer League in Washington.
I have been in talks with DOCs in every state in the western region and there are many leagues set to kick off next spring. Some of these leagues will replace the current system, but many of these US Club Soccer leagues will supplement the current leagues. Every area is different and deals with different situations. However, there are a few themes that are common in each area. Most DOCs want to:
1) Do what is right for the player
2) Play against like competition
3) Make a league cost effective
4) Create a calendar that works for the member clubs
5) Be in control of the league format
We have a model league in Northern California that is being shown to others around the country. The Nor Cal Premier League has revolutionized soccer in Northern California. The league is administrated and managed by soccer people. The league has grown in four years to over 500 competitive teams. The Nor Cal Premier League has created a Player Development Program that identifies the top players and showcases them to id2, the U.S. National Team programs, colleges, and professional teams. The Player Development Program is free to the players so they are getting the best players in the state.
The Nor Cal Premier League also created a free coaches education program. They have brought in top domestic and international coaches to give courses to the coaches in Northern California. Some of the coaches whom have given clinics include:
? Frans Hoek (Barcelona, Ajax, Holland, Poland)
? John Owens (Liverpool U18 & English National Team U15)
? Paolo Baio (Vicenza)
? Giovanni Barbugian (Vicenza)
? Pepijn Lijndiers (PSV & Porto)
? Steve Sampson (US National Team)
? Cam Rast (Santa Clara University)
? Molon Giorgio (Calcio Padova)
? Grandini Gaultiero (Calcio Padova)
? Dennis Te Kloese (Chivas USA)
? Jaime Pajarito (Chivas Guadalajara)
? Hugo Dias (Chivas Guadalajara)
The DOCs in Northern California have come together to create a calendar, league, state cup, player development program, and coaches education program because they felt it was lacking. The league is continuing to grow and is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the clubs.
I’ve been presenting this model to the DOCs in each state. Once they have seen the model they want to do something similar that can fit their situation. Every area is different, but they are all interested in how the coaches have taken control of the calendar and created a league, state cup, player development program and coaches education. The Nor Cal Premier League has been willing to share bylaws, rules and regulations with other leagues, so we will see a number of new leagues in the western region in the spring.
Player Identification & Development
US Club Soccer’s id2 program takes a fresh approach to identifying players for potential inclusion in the US Soccer National Team program. Rather than try-outs, players are scouted for the id2 program as they compete in their club’s competitions. Selected players are invited to an annual four-day regional training camp in the fall, attended by US Soccer staff. Former international and professional players as well as college coaches participate in the id2 Regional Training Camps, offering lectures, individual assessments, and group training.
We have set up a group of scouts in Washington that have been recommending players to the id2 program. The Washington players that have attended the program have done very well. We are interested in finding more talent in Washington to participate in the program.
One of the benefits of the id2 program is that it is free for the players to attend. This program is not trying to replace any other identification program, but rather to assist in identifying top talent. The program is about identifying talent that might slip through the cracks. At the id2 camp in Irvine, Calif. from Oct. 5-8, a player was discovered that was not playing in any USSF sanctioned club. He was playing in the local Hispanic leagues and now he might have a good shot at being invited into the National Team camp. The camp has improved every year in terms of talent. This year the National staff told us they were impressed with 10-12 of the players.
Adult Services
US Club Soccer has also begun an initiative to register member club and league’s adult teams from U-20 and above. These teams receive the same registration benefits as the organization’s youth members. Adult US Club Soccer player passcards can be used for all US Club Soccer competitions and any competition that accepts registration cards from USSF member organizations.
Among the benefits youth and adult teams carded by US Club Soccer receive are:
• A quick, simple online registration process
• The emailing of cards in a .pdf file for printing
• Paying for cards online
• A simple check box method for requesting card renewals
• No travel permissions required
Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to express our support to the clubs of Washington and to give a little insight into our future plans. If you have any questions, please contact me at 707-571-1425 or grood@usclubsoccer.org.
Sincerely,
Gabriel Rood
US Club Soccer
Western Regional ManagerThank you so much for doing this article for us Gabe :mrgreen:
HEADLINES!A proposal to WPS and the Clubs/Coachs in Washington!Topic: Making informed soccer decisionsObjective: Send up a trial balloon with the WPS faithful and see how much interest there is in having a section (forum?) dedicated to coach, club and team profiles. Recently, much has been made about the idea of jumping from one team or club to another. Included in that discussion is the question “when is it the right time” to make such a move. Although there are varying opinions about what is right and wrong, one common theme appears to be the desire to make the most informed decision possible. It seems WPS has a unique opportunity to provide the soccer community with a vehicle for assisting in that process.
Whether you’re a new parent to the world of competitive soccer or a grizzled veteran, apples-to-apples comparisons along with common baseline information about coaches, teams and clubs is difficult to come by. Couple that with a myriad of soccer organizations, leagues, implicit rules and hearsay policies and you have a very high potential for making a poorly informed decision—including the one about “should we stay or should we go?”
It also occurred to me, and apparently many of you, that both you and your child share the responsibility for determining which team (coach, club, etc.) is the most qualified and/or best fit for your situation. In the end, kids should be enjoying and learning from their experience. If they have repeatedly suggested they are not (having fun and learning) conventional wisdom says they’ve already contributed their part to the equation. Parents should be assisting with a positive experience by taking on the responsibility of “evaluating”. Being provided with the information to evaluate current and future considerations—e.g. what is the teaching philosophy of coach X, who will most likely be leading team X at U?? +1 yr, +2 yrs, +3 yrs, does coach X’s communication style compliment my values and expectations, <insert your favorite criteria here>—all become critically important. Options about when to make a move (or not) then become second-tier considerations.
WPS is one of the few places you can get current information on topics like coaching styles—e.g. interviews can be VERRRRRYYYYYY telling—and IMHO have provided a number of opportunities for some coaches and organizations to shine while others have underscored their preferred approach to simply “shine us on”. Most team/club websites, as many of you know, do not even come close to providing this kind of information. Forget trying to compare and contrast teams and coaches across different organizations. It’s a time consuming, frustrating and often futile effort. I for one, would be very hesitant to suggest my family opt out of our current situation if we didn’t have a good base of information from which to make our decision. Conversation with members of a prospective parent group can be beneficial, and most likely warranted, but presents a tall order unless you have scales, breath fire and happen to moderate your own highly successful soccer forum.
*Disclaimer: last comment submitted with a tip of the hat, not a slap in the face
I propose WPS consider doing the soccer community a much needed service by creating an area or forum targeted at “WA Soccer Profiles”. It could include one stop shopping for the soccer public on WA team coaches, their past records, coaching styles, player comments (especially past players), stated position on WPS interview topics, parent opinions and experiences, etc. This section could eventually include Administrators, DOCs and any job classification that might significantly impact a soccer family’s decision making process. An informed soccer community helps create a healthy balance between the establishments created and those of us ultimately responsible for our children's well being. WA Soccer Profiles could go a long way toward helping contribute to that healthy balance.
Thanks for entertaining this proposition WPS.SWEARING COACHS?? Is it a Myth or a Reality?!
..are there coachs that are Swearing around our children?Well needless to say Dragon has heard a coach a time or two "let one slip" and say an "off word or two" during the heat of a game. It is even more common at the older ages...but around 12 year olds?? :shock: Dragon heard a rumor of a "filthy mouthed" coach a couple a weeks ago, so he sent out a "sideline reporter" to get the scoop. What Dragon got back is too inflamatory to even post here on the Pulse!!
Here is just a small piece of what the reporter sent the Pulse:
"The parents on this team are starting to have a problem with the bad language this coach constantly uses with the girls. It started out as no big deal but it's out of hand now!!!! This is a person the girls are supposed to look to for leadership, instruction, and should set a good example. Most people can understand a coach being upset, losing their cool, and letting a four letter word fly now and again, but to use it in every day conversation with these young ladies is Horrible! Does this coach talk like this all the time? Does this coach talk like this at his day job? This coach is getting paid to coach so shouldn't there be a professional standard that should be adhered to? I cannot post everything this coach has said, or it would single them out in a heart beat. Would like to see a discussion among the readers of the Pulse. Now I could be totally wrong and using words such as; B****. F***, and S*** is a normal way for coachs to talk to young players"? :?
Whoa! If this is happening, I hope this coach takes notice! Some parents don't approve of a "Pirate as a coach" :lol: "HUGE MERGER IN COWTOWN IS ALMOST A REALITY!!! :mrgreen:
...merger time, means these little cowtown kids will be in great hands in the future!!!Central Vancouver Soccer Club, Evergreen Soccer Club, and Orchards Soccer Club are looking at merging into one club called (possibly) Vancouver United? There will be an open Board Meeting for CVSC (and Tri-Mountain) on October 21...with steering committees from all three clubs slated to begin meetings/discussions on October 23.
So the rumors the Pulse has heard were true! Central Vancouver Soccer Club, Evergreen Soccer Club, and Orchards Soccer Club might merge to form the
largest soccer club in Southwest Washington. Each of the clubs' stakeholders (coaches, parents, players, and board members) will be meeting prior to that date in order to provide input and feedback on the proposal to the steering committee members. The goal is to have the merger approved and completed by
Spring 2008.
According to sources close to the merger, the vision of
Vancouver United is to have the club recognized as the center of soccer in Southwest Washington by providing the best in player and coaching development. In addition, the club hopes to provide a safe and best-in-class complex to increase opportunities for player and team development.
The merger is necessitated by increased competition from Vancouver Parks and Recreation as well as the increased numbers of "premier" teams being formed by the Big Three advanced competition clubs in the area (
CPSC Timbers,
FC Vancouver,
Salmon Creek Soccer Club). And, as with most mergers, there is the hope of achieving substantial economies of scale by combining resources, sharing facilities, and slashing expenses. Boards of Directors, registration, teams, and league management would all be be merged under the proposed plan.
According to sources, the plan would divide Vancouver United into two distinct divisions. The Eastern Division would consist of what is now Evergreen Soccer Club and the southeast portion of Orchards Soccer Club. The Western Division would encompass the current Central Vancouver Soccer Club boundaries plus the northwest portion of the Orchards club. Details on how the Tri-Mountain Soccer Club (select club for CVSC) would fit in were not immediately known.
Actual details will be worked out in the next few weeks. Insiders report that all three clubs are eager to make this happen quickly. We'll keep you posted on the details as they happen.
Special tidbit.... it seems like they want to invest in some serious training for kids and coaches. Looks like Coerver is going to sign a contract to provide advanced competition training on a regular basis!!!
(another Pulse exclusive)...
Here is a sample of the "possible logo"
LEAGUE LOONEYNESS!"League News!"First we will look at the "highlighted" games that happened this past weekend:
PASTLets see how Dragon did with his GOTW picks in week #6!
U11Boys PDL A
Snohomish United vs
Eastside Red -
Dragon say - Snoho 4-2final was 2-2 :oops: U12Girls D3 GP
ISC Arsenal Blue vs
BlackHills FC K. -
Dragon say - Blackhills 2-1final was 2-1 Blackhills...Dead on baby!! :mrgreen: U13Girls PDL A
Sno-Ho Chika Lobos vs
Crossfire Batgirl -
Dragon say - Tie 1-1final was 2-0 Chikas :oops:
U14Girl PDL B
Sun City Strikers A. vs
HPFC Eagles M. -
Dragon say - Strikers 3-1final was 0-0 :oops: Dragon 1-3 this past week...I suck! :lol:
For all other game scores go to our new
STANDINGS AREA. For recaps though, you know what to do....please look to our Recap thread for week #6:
http://www.washingtonpremiersoccer.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=6597and as always, If there is not enough blah blah blah there for you, then you only have
yourselfs to blame :lol:
FUTUREU11Synergy vs
Crush - this is the battle Syngy be waiting for! Each team has battled hard in their last 2 meetings (both ties). Will it be another tie? Think not, time for one of the teams to step up to the plate!
Dragon say - Synergy 1-0U12Dist 6 baby!
Mead Sabers F. vs
LC United - it is the battle of 1st place (sabers 8-0 with 26GF and 4GA) against the very last place team in D6 GU12 Umbro, LC United (winnless with 0GF and 27GA). Hope the LC gals keep the heart and fire light on and still have a lot of fun, this one is going to be over soon.
Dragon say - Sabers 8-0U13Or. Silver time
FCSC Nemesis vs
LOSC Dynamite - This is always a battle when the two teams meet. The Lords of Cowtown have the upper hand in last meeting but the Jimmy Walker gals never gave up. Who will get the final say so in this one?
Dragon say - Nemesis 2-0U14P1 time
MRFC Thunder vs
SSFC White 94 - This is the battle for the two teams with the lowest GA in P1. (7 each) The two teams have yet to face off so this will be the big one. Will the 94 team stay undefeated? Will the Thunder bring it down under? Sad to say, but D's gut says.
Dragon say - Thunder 1-0That's it for now. Will do 4 more
"highlighted gotw" next issue :mrgreen:
WPS PLAYERS OF THE WEEK!!!
**Any age group that has more then 5 nominations will also get some "shout outs" from Dragon!U11NONE! :cry: :cry: :cry:
U12NONE! :cry: :cry: :cry:
U13#19 KIAYA - SNO-HO CHIKA LOBOS!Wow, for the 2nd week in a row a "Crazy girl" has earned the POTW honors! This time had several parents from the opposing team nominate the little super star, one even went so far as to say; "she was the best goalie we faced all year!" Even though it was in a loss, this young Goalie, who recently came up from the B team, put on a goalie clinic for all to see. Too many shots to count were saved by this superstar goalie! Great job Kiaya, Dragon is very proud of you! :mrgreen:
U14#4 JESSICA - SYNERGY RITTER! This young goalie star is surely a difference maker. On Sunday she was on fire! Twice in the first half she came way off her line to snatch the ball from the girls feet to make the save, and once in the 2nd half. In the 2nd half she made some great diving saves that parents all thought were goals for sure! Way to bring it with Heart and Fire girl! Dragon is proud of you! :mrgreen:
Thats it for this week, keep those nominations coming in next week!! :mrgreen:
CRAZY PARENT WATCH:"Shout out to da newbies"A few new posters this week that Dragon noticed! As always lets give a shout out to all the new ones that have taken the time to post at least one post since joining recently:
This week Dragon would like to point out!
Luvurbutt
snowstorm
socceroo
son of spam
Fab
lifeboat
As always it is great to see so many new members here on the Pulse of Washington soccer! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
"A view from the Mini-Van"
Life Lessons
Are you all seriously thinking soccer is all about life lessons?? Yes, things happen that in the end will teach everyone involved a lesson, but is that really why your kid started playing?
I liked what PnJ had to say about this issue, Just let the kids play and quit trying to make it more than it is, and screw it up for them!!!
Talk about lessons, what lessons are you teaching them by talking trash about other players or your dk's coach in front of them? What lessons are you teaching them when you berate them after every match? What lesson is in it for them when they hear you scream and yell on the sidelines at them, and the other players? I am sure it is not the lesson you want them to learn!!!
"WPS Paparazzi"Our Paparazzi pulls out all the stops this week, and goes undercover to locate
the secret images of 94soccermom!!!! 
photo exclusive #2 of 3 The tease that is 94Soccermom is one picture away from revealing her true beauty!!! "...Out on the Pitch"Please submit pictures for the newsletter to the Pulse email
Why this team (Synergy 95) was dubbed the best team by Mufasa! :mrgreen:
Cascade FC returns the favor! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: 
all the parents, and even the Ref cannot help but stare when they see that 94Soccermom is sun bathing on the back porch of her trailer! :twisted:
**Please continue to send pix's to the Pulse newsroom! Anything soccer related is welcome!** :mrgreen: "Help! Is there a Doctor in the house?"
*Send all medical questions for "the doctor" to the Pulse email address*Question for the Doc: "Put on Ice, Put on Heat. I am always hearing this from supposed "experts" on the side lines. When is the correct time to use heat or ice?"Another good question from our CPs .
Ice and heat are NOT interchangeable . Ice causes vasoconstriction (Think George Costanza or Squash on a chilly day!) that decreases swelling from acute injury while heat produces vasodilitation causing engorgement of tissues(I refuse to comment on that) leading to improved motion in chronic injury.
.
Injuries come in two types, ACUTE and CHRONIC. Acute injuries cause muscle and soft tissue damage leading to swelling and bruising and occasional bleeding. Think Brian McBrides face after he ran into Derossi's elbow in WC! Not pretty. Swollen face,bloody nose and a shiner for a few days!
After injury,Inflammation occurs to help with healing but is a double edged sword.Increased blood flow brings in cells to fight injury and help with healing . But the increased blood flow brings in more fluid to the damaged area and it leaks into the tissues. Pain occurs for two reasons,
mechanical, from the injured tissues which become more distended by increased blood flow and
inflammatory, from the pain producing chemicals that are spilled from the damaged tissues and cells.
R-I-C-E (Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation) encourages healing the best by decreasing swelling by immobilization and local swelling control. Ice causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels thereby decreasing blood flow to the injured area and thus decreases swelling. Ice should be used ANYTIME there is swelling or bruising, both denoting tissue injury. Ice should NEVER be applied to the skin for more than 20 minutes at a time as it can actually "burn" the skin by freezing!!Use an ice pack,made or commerciably available or the frozen bag of peas which actually conforms best to the body. And use a towel or cloth between the ice bag and skin. Use ice as much as wanted following the adage "20 minutes ON,at least 20 minutes OFF". Ice is best during the first 48-72 hours when swelling is generally highest . Thereafter it can be used as needed.
Ice can also be used for any garden variety aches and pains that occur AFTER activity. It is a better pain reliever than Tylenol!!
Chronic injuries cause aches and pains that leave you hobbling in the morning when you get out of bed (Think Fred Sanford limping around moaning "Elisabeth!") When we sleep our bodies actually tighten up so everything that has been injured becomes incredibly stiff. (This happens as well after acute injury but heat early on produses increased swelling and should be avoided during the first week or so) . Would ice feel good when you wake up in the AM? Not on your life ! It's the shower you crave.And rightfully so. Heat increase blood flow and helps limber up tissues especially around joints or aching backs. This helps joint motion and function.So for chronic injury, heat reigns supreme. Avoid heating pads as they dry out the skin and use moist heat or a nice hot (but not TOO hot) shower.In general, heat for 15-20 minutes is appropriate.
Heat may also be administered through massage,using lotions that contain menthol ,camphor or arnica. These all encourage local blood flow as does the massage itself.
So remember:
USE ICE FOR PAIN RELIEF AND SWELLING CONTROL IN ACUTE INJURY FOR 48-72 HOURS AND
AFTER ACTIVITIES THAT LEAVE YOU ACHEY . USE HEAT FOR NAGGING,OLD INJURIES THAT LEAVE YOU STIFF AND SORE
BEFORE ACTIVITIES
HEAT IT UP BEFORE ACTIVITY, COOL IT DOWN AFTER ACTIVITY!!Stay healthy,
The Doc
GIRLS U13 NORTH-CALIFORNIA REPORTS!!!
Hi Washington, another weird weekend down here in Northern California. First we were rained out of our Norcal Cup game and out league game on Sat. Then in our league game on Sunday vs Deanza we gave up an own goal and lost 1 -0. The girls played well and controlled 80 % of the game just nothing found the back of the net. I am thinking Deanza who bragged about the victory afterward just awoke a sleeping giant for the rest of the teams in District 2. Hopefully the weather gods will help us get a couple of games in next weekend.
Until Then
Thanks Chili Reporter. We all love to follow your team rather you win or lose, you are the best in Ca. in our minds :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
OTHER NEWS AND GOSSIP AND TIDBITS:"SIDELINE SNIPPETS"Parent: "Hey ref. isnt that hazardous play"?
Reff: "It could be, does that mean I get hazard pay too call it"?
Hey reff: "How could that be a hand ball I only hit it with my hand, I mean my wrist.. well you know. i didnt mean to hand ball it! Do we get a drop ball if I didnt mean to hand ball it"?
Referee stops play to caution a player, and ends up in a lengthy one sided conversation. coach wants to know what is the card for? Hey ref... ref.... ref... sidelines.. wait a minute he isnt done with his sermon yet... Sunday after noon soccer isnt complete with out at least one sermon ... right? hahahha **Now a special treat. Dragon received a good question but was unsure if it was for the Coach or the Ref...so to see 2 sides to the answer, Dragon decided to send it to them both but not tell them...lets enjoy seeing how they both answered the same question!!!** :mrgreen: "COACHS CORNER!"This weeks topic for the coach is
"Boys allowed to be more physical?"
It’s time for another coaches corner and I got another great question
Why does it seem that the boys games are allowed to be much more physical than the girls. I have watched many a girls soccer games being played right next to boys games where it seems the whistle is blown every time the girls come near each other only to turn around and see boys going shoulder to shoulder and hip to hip with the play being allowed to continue. I believe the games should be viewed as soccer games and somehow the gender portion left out of the equation when it comes to the play on the field, a foul is a foul, but these girls seem to expect "princess-like" treatment. Is this really happening or is it just my imagination?
I have to say I have seen what you are talking about, and I also agree with you soccer is soccer. I think its really not as lopsided as you would think. One factor though is the speed of play the boys play at. It is so much quicker and faster then the girls that its harder for the ref to catch everything. Plus they naturally throw their body into each other more which means less ends up being called. If you see 40 shoulder to shoulder charges in a game then you start to believe “that’s part of the game” however if you only see 5 shoulder to shoulder charges in a game then people tend to say “that was a foul”. I think its less about girls vs. boys as it is with the style of play being played.
That being said there’s one thing I would like to say. If anyone is unhappy about the quality of refereeing which they are seeing week in and week out then please do something about it. Take a referee class and become a referee. We could always use more. I use to referee and it was one of the best things I could have done as a player. I would encourage all of you to have your DD/DS ref if they have any desire to. It’s a great way to earn money as a child and it will only help them in their game.
**now the same question for the Ref "VIEW FROM BEHIND THE WHISTLE"Myths of the Game and other Nonsense
Over the next few weeks in Dragon's newsletter, I’d like to help clear up some common myths in soccer. My intent is to help increase an understanding of the game and the basis of some referee decisions. I am also free to answer any and all questions. Please send your questions to the Pulse Email address.
Why does it seem that the boys games are allowed to be much more physical than the girls. I have watched many a girls soccer games being played right next to boys games where it seems the whistle is blown every time the girls come near each other only to turn around and see boys going shoulder to shoulder and hip to hip with the play being allowed to continue. I believe the games should be viewed as soccer games and somehow the gender portion left out of the equation when it comes to the play on the field, a foul is a foul, but these girls seem to expect "princess-like" treatment. Is this really happening or is it just my imagination?
The game of football is for the players. The referee needs to call the game fairly for those on the pitch that day. This includes taking into consideration age, gender, skill level, and even ethnic backgrounds of the players.
Ever seen an amateur British men's team play a Hispanic men's team? They have markedly different styles of play with different level of tolerances for different types of fouls. The referee who does not take into consideration the styles and expectations of the team’s ethnic backgrounds could end with a brawl on his hands.
Boys and girls teams do play differently. Some of this is dictated by physical differences (speed, upper body strength). How they foul and what types of fouls affect them are different. For example, girls' center of gravity is lower. Therefore, upper body fouls that would be trivial for boys are much more significant to girls. Girls will use their hips to accept and cushion a fair challenge differently then boys (although, beware of the true hip check). Without fouling the opponent, Girls tend to use their arms/hands on each other more than boys and girls more readily accept this hand contact.
But in the end, the level of physical play should reflect what those players on the pitch want. I've seen some girls' games that have been as physical as any boys, and boys' games that have been extremely "polite." Of course, this will always be tempered by what the comfort level and experience of the referee on the pitch that day.
A good referee will knows what he has on the pitch that day and adjusts accordingly. His/her job is to provide the PLAYERS a safe, fair game where they can enjoy demonstrating their skills.
As a spectator, be a student of the game and learn to admire the beautiful game in it's creativity and variety of styles.
"Dear Eggy"Dear Eggy,
Why does my mother read and post on the soccer forum?
Signed Confused Dear Confused,
Think of WPS as your mothers MySpace without the pictures and nastiness. Just like you DD's, parents like to social network too. Be glad she has WPS or she might be on MySpace posting your nakey baby pictures.
Love,
Eggy
"My 2 cents worth...The Posters Voice!" I like it when the best wins.
Every major pro club in European and South American soccer has a youth development scheme. Call it academy, school, or just youth team program, each club has a focus on finding the best talent available in their local area and beyond.
In Brazil, only the rich can afford to be part of an academy. Thus, their academy system replicates America's travel youth program where kids pay to play. Different clubs have different methods. Other clubs have open tryouts. In Brasil there is no one way of doing things. But there is a cultural style and attitude that is perpetuated throughout their leagues.
The creative skills are developed from the moment kids touch a ball. Then refined with age and put in standard competition as teenagers. The beauty of Brazil is that they believe in giving young players freedom to play within their pro leagues. They want to win as much as the next country and team but they allow players to express their individuality to benefit the team.
What we lack in America is a system that puts our teenagers with adults to accelerate the learning process, and increase the self esteem of our youth.
How many times do you see Hispanics playing in the parks on the weekend, men, boys, girls, etc. all playing together? How many times do you see Whites doing the same.
This "mixed" training is where you learn "how to play the game". You ask the old guy next to you what to do. He will be kind and show you just like he was taught. There is no hard tackling and just play to show your skills. And yes, the girls will knock you on your butt if you get lazy. However, you are not allowed to do the same. We are here to play with skill.
You are supposed to beat your opponent to the ball, frustrate your opponent with your superior ball handling skills, demoralize them by showing him/her that he/she cannot contain you. That, is the game of football.
Who reading this doesn’t like to watch a player literally dance with the ball on their foot. 
Brasil vs. US woman, their was not a single US player that displayed any skill or confidence on the ball or even tried to take players on. Compared to the Brasilians, the US team's style was plodding, lumbering and archaic.
Brasil flowed with the ball, both in flat out foot speed and in quickness and coordination. None of the US women had those qualities. We are getting the big, tough, worker athlete, but not the graceful athlete.
The extra weight comes in handy playing opponents who also have a second-rate first touch, such that the game becomes a battle of 50/50 balls. It's not much help at all when chasing opponents who have a soft first touch and can control the ball, because it's tiring to run around carrying the extra pounds.
Everything in U.S. soccer, boys and girls, men and women, is geared toward beating teams with second-rate first touch. We are very good at that task. (Afterall, most US players have a second-rate touch.)
The US backs constantly thumped the ball out while under the slightest pressure. From almost the beginning until the end, it was very obvious that the US players backs were not confident with the ball.
Is your child confident on the ball? How much $$$$ have you paid for this confidence? :shock: Hmmmm?
We need to be more creative, we need more flair, and we need to get away from picking just the bigger players.
However, it is not going to happen.
The reason, I don't think it will happen is due to the fact a majority of parents will not let it happen on their teams.
Once that player try's something different, shows that flair or loses that ball, some parents will start to complain. The majority cannot handle a player with style and flair, you will beat them down. (Mr. Showoff. Why doesn't he just pass like everyone else.)
Especially in an environment where it is not encouraged.
Every Hispanic or Latin American player I know prizes technical ability. They'll marvel at the step-over or bicycle kick at midfield that doesn't accomplish anything, or they'll try to meg a defender rather than trying to beat them and go to goal. They love the style of the game.
The Anglo players are concerned with the result. So they're more tactically astute than technically proficient. Also, since the clubs around here are so devoted to winning, they train to win, rather than to get good on the ball.
We have not yet changed the people in charge of identifying talent. This is where the change needs to be started. Starting at the local District level and working it's way up.
Is your local State/District organization currently a mostly gutless organization(s) of people who lack any vision, creative thinking, leadership, and care about our youth being treated right in the game.
Is "YOUR" association really any better in the past 5 years with the same people in charge? Is there money in the bank? SPEND IT ON THE KIDS !!!!! Are there any more fieldspace? BUY SOME !!!!!!! Are the same BOD members still going to "Workshops", "retreats" or other "vacations" at your expense? Are the same board members on 2-3 comittees?
Like hustlers, they just look to make as much money as they can from the registered youth. Are they paying themselves an over inflated wage for doing nothing but basic bureaucracy that has no affect on developing players for the future.
Is it time for a change? Get involved. Go to a meeting and see what's going on with your money.
But, one thing still makes me smile though,
at least we beat that 3rd world soccer nation England.
THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO MMMMMMMMMMMMMM?"Black Knights U14 Prediction Challenge!"
Well Due to how GREAT this weeks pulse is i'm shrinking up my contest results a little bit, but dont worry they will be back to normal next week. So instead we will just do the First place finishers.
Total Score: Nineteethree
PDLA: Extremesoccer, Monday, and DS
PDLB: Datitude, Brat, Nineteethree
PDLC: Brat (perfect score 7/7)
Perfect scores: April, Flash, extremesoccer, 93soccerdad
The overall winners are:
1st: Nineteethree
2nd: DS
3rd: Extremesoccer
Great Job NINETEETHREE. Thanx for everyone that played, I cant wait for next weeks, this has been really fun to do.
"Dragon Coachs Interviews!"For the 2nd week in a row, no coach or coach type person volunteered for an interview.... Sad but True. The great news it though, we have one lined up for next week! :mrgreen:
If you are a coach, DOC, trainer, or have anything to do with soccer, contact the editor for your chance to do an interview
Guest Editor's, EDITORIAL:
Got Soccer Forums.... GONE
StandingsPlus............ GONE
WPS......................... ALIVE AND WELL.
What makes WPS thrive where the others have failed?
There are times when heated words get the best of all of us. Be it a discussion on how many times a team can use a player pass or a discussion on whom has a better coaching style. Or why a certain team can’t play in the PDL. Heck, even who is the hottest ( or not ) soccer mom
But on WPS most of the time, they are said with tact and respect.
Some posts have a little tongue in cheek in them, but they are never meant to be hurtful or harsh. . OK I take that back. You attack one of the CP’s and you’re probably going to get raked over the coals by many other CP’s.
I know I have tried to diffuse some situations where it could have gotten out of hand. Usually a line of “that was uncalled for” or a raspberry face icon will do. 
Some things you just have to let run its own course to get it out and over with.
So why did the other sites fail?
One reason is because no one really supported the forums unless there was an argument going on, bickering happening or attacking Duffers 'drunken spiel'. Not to mention attacking him for his spelling abilities. =)
They didn't post when something GOOD happened. Mostly just the bad.
As the saying goes, Good Triumphs Over Evil!
This is the main reason WPS will go on.
WPS CP’s give kudos to a job well done, prayers when a soccer family needs them the most and plenty of LOL moments!
It has Heart and Fire and Power and Pride as its foundation.
Who am I kidding, it has Squash and Dragon as its foundation, and the bricks that keep it building are parents, coaches and kids that care to log on or lurk in the background
It has CPP’s (Crazy Parent Posters) that CARE about each other. They care enough to go out and meet you on the sidelines of your kids’ games, they sit with you at Mad Pizza and chat over a beer, they PM you with funny jokes, or to cry on your virtual shoulder. They text you with score info about the game your not at, but would like to be. And they are just crazy enough to carry around a huge soccer beach ball to have you sign it! Even the kids get in the act by having a limo to go to the Championship Cup to support another team!
WPS has a ‘family’ at its core. <cue We Are Family by Sister Sledge here>.
It has a "family" of 1200+ posters that can play nicely together and voice opinions without resorting to name calling and fighting. Even when you deserve it, right Tracie?
From Squash on down to the newest member Lifeboat.
Yes, we may have our ups and downs, but hopefully we can stick out the downs to make the ups that much better.
Have I ever said or did something that I shouldn’t have? You bet! I’ll probably say something again and have to go back and apologize. It happens.
One day, even Gumby will say something that he has to apologize for. That will probably be the final day of WPS =)
I just want to thank each and every one of you that has contributed to the success of WPS.
From “Brother” PrideNJoy to “Sister” SoccerFanDude to “Uncle” Rodney to “Aunt” CrazyLadyBlue
Keep up the great work.......ALL OF YOU!
Thank you guest Editor! That was fun, we hope to do that again in the future!
photo exclusive #3 of 3....and now, at last the final picture of 94Soccermom!!!!!...or is it? .
...Oh golly, it is just BratJr. Proving a point; "if you cannot laugh at yourself, your world is a sad place indeed".Thanks Brat, you are the best!!! :mrgreen:
&
Hopefully, a thank you to 94soccermom for being a good sport??
Thats it for this weeks Issue of the Pulse, hope you enjoy it...and as always never forget to...
Play with Heart & Fire, Heart & Fire Always!
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Topic: THE PULSE - #15 (Read 508 times)