advice
First I would like to say as the original founder and commissioner of the GAEFL (started 1998), a dream I had for many years – I cannot thank Jasper and Leonard enough for what they have done to resurrect the functioning league in Atlanta. I knew the instant I met Jasper in my friend James’ garage - he has the drive and personality to make this work. He reminded me of myself 10 yrs ago. I hope to call him friend for many years to come. All the driving around town to ref, help players with the rules, answering the phone, setting the schedules, re-setting the schedules and listening to complaints are time consuming, thankless job. Leonard has the same drive and passion for the game. This leads me to believe there can and will be a functioning league in Atlanta for years to come. If I did not feel this way, after what happened to the league, after I was tired of the complaining and handed off the league commissionership, only to watch what I built slowly erode to nothing, I would not have signed on to play in May this year. Especially with gas for $4 a gallon. Unfortunately some people think that it says something about them as a person if they lose. The game becomes bigger to their egos than it should be. Everybody wants to win every game. That’s a part of being competitor. However, this is truly unrealistic and should not be the soul reason for playing the game. While there is a great skill involving coaching a winning team, there is also an element of luck. Some seasons everything works to your advantage and you have a good year. Other seasons, maybe things don’t go your way. That’s sports. I have played competitive tennis in Atlanta for thirty years, held ranking in the state, some years high, some not. I never gave up when things did not go the way I had hoped. You keep practicing and trying to get it right. That’s what the true competitor is. My self-worth is not based on winning or losing any game. I play miniature football because it’s fun, I loved it as a kid and here in Atlanta, it’s competitive. As far as coaches go, you will pull your hair out if you worry about who is going to play like they committed to do. After being a commissioner and watching when I was not, this situation with coaches who are really into playing and hanging around for the long haul will work itself out. It will take time to get the core right but will happen. I know it is maddening when people don’t follow though on their commitment. But there is nothing you can do about it except moving on and keeping building. I am proud to be a part of this league and great coaches we have at this time. I look forward to its continued growth. Once again, I cannot thank enough Jasper and Leonard for what they have done.
Thank you guys,
Allen (founder GAEFL)
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