End of an Era?

OK, I've heard, (second hand of course), that the LHGCL Board voted and the
ECNL teams are gone. (Was advised that the vote was not even close.) If so, does
that really mean DI will lose 5 teams? Losing the top four teams would certainly
promote parity in LH, but I've always thougt it was beneficial for our girls to
play against National Contenders.

Any clue on what that does to Premire League? I find it hard to believe that PL will
simply take the next four LH DI teams in line. However, I would suspect that the other
regional teams are excited about the prospect.(?)

Anyone care to speculate?

MauMau wrote:OK, I've heard, (second hand of course), that the LHGCL Board voted and the
ECNL teams are gone. (Was advised that the vote was not even close.) If so, does
that really mean DI will lose 5 teams? Losing the top four teams would certainly
promote parity in LH, but I've always thougt it was beneficial for our girls to
play against National Contenders.

Any clue on what that does to Premire League? I find it hard to believe that PL will
simply take the next four LH DI teams in line. However, I would suspect that the other
regional teams are excited about the prospect.(?)

Anyone care to speculate?

I'll speculate.

Anyone have any insight to how LHGCL may view the ECNL Club teams in the U11-U14 agegroups? Do they drop them all together for the hassle it brings at U15?

"Any clue on what that does to Premire League?"
No, but getting "kicked" out of LHGCL is one thing and kicked out of all USYSA events is a whole lot different...

When such a time comes for ECNL teams to move on they could just make all teams requalify giving teams goals to work towards. Just a thought.

1more_dd_dad wrote:Anyone have any insight to how LHGCL may view the ECNL Club teams in the U11-U14 agegroups? Do they drop them all together for the hassle it brings at U15?

This probably will be where Jr's ECNL comes into play!

its my understanding at this point....no LHGCL, no PL, no Regional play. Just ECNL. For the top teams there will only be 1 National Championship to play for and that will be the ECNL version as of August 1.

So your understanding is that USYSA is kicking out ECNL? So, no State Cup either? I don't think so... This is a LHGCL vote is what I am gathering from the discussion...

AgGermany wrote:So your understanding is that USYSA is kicking out ECNL? So, no State Cup either? I don't think so... This is a LHGCL vote is what I am gathering from the discussion...

Not so sure if they are kicking us out, but yes.....no state cup, no regionals, and only one national championship......as i stated previously. With all due respect, LHGCL is the lowest denominator to consider.

AgGermany wrote:So your understanding is that USYSA is kicking out ECNL? So, no State Cup either? I don't think so... This is a LHGCL vote is what I am gathering from the discussion...

USYSA is not kicking out the ECNL teams. It's the other way around.

BigBoy wrote:

AgGermany wrote:So your understanding is that USYSA is kicking out ECNL? So, no State Cup either? I don't think so... This is a LHGCL vote is what I am gathering from the discussion...

Not so sure if they are kicking us out, but yes.....no state cup, no regionals, and only one national championship......as i stated previously. With all due respect, LHGCL is the lowest denominator to consider.

I believe U.S. Club Soccer has a State Cup program.

State Cup

US CLUB SOCCER STATE CUP SANCTIONING



US Club Soccer will consider applications, authorizing member clubs and leagues to be designated as the Tournament Authority to conduct a State Cup competition in their state. This document sets forth the parameters of the competition sanctioning. Any interested members shall complete a State Cup hosting application, but only after consultation with US Club Soccer.

1. Tournament Authority-- Members interested in being a State Cup Tournament Authority shall submit an application, and shall demonstrate the experience and ability to conduct a tournament at this competitive level, the availability of adequate facilities, the organization (see Host Site Requirements), and a commitment to a quality competition, with a format and schedule that is conducive to a quality competitive experience.

2. Team Eligibility-- The State Cup is restricted to US Club Soccer club and league members. However, if slots are available, members of other USSF-affiliated organizations may apply to participate. If accepted, any such non-members shall register that team with, and receive player cards and tournament insurance from, US Club Soccer. The Tournament Authority shall insure that all US Club Soccer State Cup teams play with their US Club Soccer cards.

3. Competition Brackets-- The Tournament Authority may choose, in consultation with US Club Soccer, Division 1, and/or Premier Divisions for their State Cup tournament, depending on each area’s competitive goals.

4. Competition Format & Schedule-- The Tournament Authority shall determine the format, seeding, and schedule of games, and subject to the review and approval of US Club Soccer.

5. State Cup Winners-- The winners at each State Cup age group and competitive division shall be given seeding consideration for the US Club Soccer National Cup. Other State Cup team participants may separately apply and participate in the National Cup. The State Cup shall be completed by May 1 to have their teams be eligible for seeding in that summer’s National Cup.

6. Competition Rules, Rosters, Etc.-- Shall be the same as the US Club Soccer National Cup. With the exception of alleged referee assault/abuse, discipline matters shall be handled in the first instance by the Tournament Authority.

7. Event Promotions-- US Club Soccer shall assist in promoting the State Cup by providing a logo, website exposure, press releases, and solicitation emails to potential team participants.








8. State Cup Applications-- Applications for the State Cup shall be submitted online to the Soccer in College tournament software program, which shall provide a draft schedule and other tournament administration reports. The fee for utilization of this program shall be paid by the Tournament Authority from State Cup proceeds. If Soccer in College is not used, the host club shall provide access to the tournament software account.

9. Financial Considerations-- The sanctioning application shall complete a budget for the event on the form provided. The Tournament Authority shall assume all the expenses associated with the event. In turn, the Tournament Authority shall retain the following revenues:

--Cup fees shall be retained by the Tournament Authority

--Any food concessions and parking revenues may be retained by the Tournament Authority.

--US Club Soccer reserves the right to produce State Cup apparel and retain all benefits from such sales.

--Suitable awards will be approved by US Club Soccer, and paid for by the Tournament Authority.

--A relationship with local hotels may be established, with a rebate returned to the Tournament Authority; however team attendance at a tournament hotel may not be mandatory.


10. Sponsorship & Signage-- US Club Soccer reserves the right to provide exposure for their sponsors at the State Cup, and retains a right of first refusal on all sponsorship categories. Any expenses generated by the fulfillment of such sponsorship rights shall be borne by US Club Soccer.

-- Ninety (90) days prior to the State Cup, US Club Soccer may release sponsor categories to the Tournament Authority that it will not otherwise utilize.

--US Club Soccer reserves the right to provide sponsor and other signage for the State Cup, at its expense.


11. Application-- To discuss the potential to host a State Cup, more information can be obtained by contacting Leo Garcia at 843-614-4140 x13, or by e-mail lgarcia@usclubsoccer.org






STATE CUP HOST SITE REQUIREMENTS


Fields:
 Number of fields shall be available to accommodate the teams participating, lined with corner flags, goals, and benches. (Stadium field not required, but a plus). Format is flexible. Multiple sites and dates for preliminary rounds are acceptable.
 Facility location acceptable to accommodate a State Cup competition.
 Smooth, natural grass playing surface, with adequate grass cover, or FIFA approved natural grass.
 Lighted fields not required, but a plus.
 Tournament Authority is responsible for all field maintenance (mowing, lining fields, etc)
 Facility contract signed by the Tournament Authority. Insurance provided by US Club Soccer.


Grounds should offer:
 Adequate parking; parking fee OK.
 Adequate restroom facilities.
 Adequate garbage containers.
 Food concessions.
 Notice board to post game results (central location) - Recommended.
 Scorer’s tent (can be combined with registration tent) - Recommended.


Hotels should offer:
 Adequate budget level hotels within 30 minute drive from fields.
 Stay at tournament hotels encouraged, but not mandatory.


Additional Space & Miscellaneous Needs:
 Site management office/meeting space.
 Registration tent, referee tent, & trainers tent.
 Tables & chairs for tents.
 Complex layout & field maps.


Staffing:
 One Tournament Director.
 One USSF-certified referee assignor, and referees of sufficient experience and appropriate grade levels.
 All volunteers: team liaisons, field monitors (1 per field), official scorers, team check-in, field set-up and breakdown, etc.
 Staff to post game results on board, website, and email.
 Trainer (for injuries only; no taping).
 EMS vehicle on site or readily accessible.

#2420: And the purpose of this post is?

Of course, there is a State Cup and will be for the foreseeable future. The trouble for USYS is that ECNL teams will probably not be competing in State Cup after this year.

Uncle Numanga wrote:#2420: And the purpose of this post is?

Of course, there is a State Cup and will be for the foreseeable future. The trouble for USYS is that ECNL teams will probably not be competing in State Cup after this year.

Well if they will not be allowed to enter USYS state cup. They may be able to enter in a U.S. Club Soccer State Cup in the future? It could also serve as a wild card for other 1st,2nd, and 3rd teams in the (non-ECNL)clubs in the area. To move on to ECNL events or to be invited into the league. Does that make sense to you?

The real reason was to intice you into hosting a State Cup thru U.S. Club Soccer. What do you think?

I did not think their was much wrong with our leagues before ECNL either.