League Commsioner Advice

[kingATL]

Coaches,

Leonard (daghstrydr) and Jasper (kingAtl) started the DSEFL in May 18 2008. We started with 12 coaches 5 GEFL old coaches and the rest new to the league. Our goal is to put Atlanta back on the map but it seems like the old coaches don,t really care about this type off hype. We have a couple of coaches who feel they are to good for our league they won,t show up for games, trying to avoid paying league dues, but the thing I can,t understand they were all for this in the begining. You see (daghstrydr) and myself provide our homes and food for game day. I turned my garage into the DSEFL stadium painted it provided playing fields for those who don,t have one. We have new guys that we taught how to play the game. Some of the Old GEFL haven,t won a game. Now my guestion is this can somebody tell me some history about what they no about the GA league in the past ? What I see is that some coaches think because they are known threw miggle they are exempt from playing schdule games. I started playing this game in Beltsville ,Md with Tommy, Big Keith, Will, Smitty, Tron, they showed me its all about fellowship. So it seems like some of my fellow coaches here think if you not winning just quit the league. Commsioners how do you know a real miniature football coach or a FAKE.

[Barry S.]

Jasper,

Similar struggles in many leagues it seems. As the new commissioner in the DFW league this year, I see several traits common to how successful or how committed a coach may be, but bottom line it appears to be ACTION:

* How quickly did they pay their dues?
* How quickly are they putting their team together?
* How quickly are they making acquisitions?
* Are they asking advice?
* Are they interseted in watching scrimmages?
* Has someone adopted them to encourage and guide them?

If we have to drag someone to the water, rarely will they drink. You can only only hype it so much, the rest is up to them. Since this a hobby, your heart is either in it, or it's somewhere else. Barry "Commish" Stephenson

[JerryM]

Barry,

You got right to the core of the matter. Good words!

Good luck with the season.

Jerry

[aer]

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)

[Coach Rip]

..... the finish line, ............... forget them, ..........some guys think the bigger the better, .............however, ............I think it's better to get a core of four or six guys that want to play and help each other, ............than to get others who want to prove their manhood, and not put forth any supportive effort that helps grow the league.

After your core is established, build slowly and you will find you have a much stronger foundation, and after about six years you should have a pretty nice sized league.

rule #1 Fees up front!
rule #2 help them become competitive
rule #3 have them help someone else
rule #4 NEVER BEG them to play

[jhpr3]

You were a good ACEFL Commissioner for us, like your hat again?

[daghstrydr]

I dont care if we have just two or three, I am going to continue what we have started, maybe like you guys are saying in a few years we will be as strong as the rest. Guys, keep your heads up it wont die out. As long as I have a play in it, the DSEFL is here to stay.

Leonard

[Norbert Revels]

Give me a call youngfella.

Norbert
313-208-9918

[kingATL]

Coaches

I really appreciate the time you spent giving me feed back. Now I understand where to go from here. Coach Alan you are true to the hobby Leonard and myself appreciate the dedication you have driving the distance to play your games and advice about the league. All other coaches that understand my problem I will use your advice to guide this league to where ever it may go.
My brothers anytime you come this way DSEFL house is open for you.


Thanks
Jasper (King Atl)

[jwoopie]

HANG IN THERE BRO. I'M A COMMISSIONER FROM UP NORTH AND ALSO THE CO-FOUNDER OF A FOOTBALL LEAGUE STARTED 30YEARS AGO, THAT'S BACK IN FULL SWING THIS YEAR. MY SON WAS 8 YEARS OLD THEN AND HE STILL PLAYS WITH US IN BOTH LEAGUES.

YES, BEING COMMIS......IT TOUGH AND A LOT OF WORK!!!!!! BUT IT PAYS OFF WHEN THEM MEN PERFORM AND YOU SEE THE AMAZING PLAYS FIRST HAND!!!!!!!
HEART AND SOUL.........YOUR LEAGUE WILL GORW!!!!

MATT: TELLS US WHERE 2 OR 3 GATHER......................YOU FINISH THE REST.
GOD BLESS/JW-RAMS