I spent a lot of time this week on the research project that Paul Scott asked me for last week. I've gone through all of the supplemental reports and created a spread sheet of all of the red cards since game 1 of the season, and sorted them by team. This gives us a snapshot of which teams are primary offenders, which was the initial point. However, additionally, this gives us an idea of who the cleanest teams in the league are as well. The cleanest team so far this season, by far is the Jacksonville Armada, with on only one red card all season. And that red card was for receiving 2 yellow cards (not a big deal). No violent conduct, and no abusive language towards officials.
I had what I feel was very productive call with Ricardo Campos last week. He works with me here, and is in charge of a variety of reports, as well as weighing in on red cards each week. He and I talked for nearly two hours, discussing the issue of clean play, major violators, possible solutions, etc. We then discussed the burden of reporting, and ways to make the system more efficient. He's taking my recommendations to Jeff Thiffault, the leagues managing director.
According to Paul, Jeff is desperate to get player and coach behavior under control. He's afraid this league is in danger of becoming "just another beer league".
This leads me back to my findings on the Armada. The Jacksonville Armada are a well run organization, with attendance levels that have reached over 14,000. Here in Jacksonville, they're considered a legitimate sports franchise, and thus enjoy some great business sponsor relationships. These guys are far from beer league players. However, if the NPSL continues resemble a less than professional league, the Armada are sure to leave for a better one.
I had what I feel was very productive call with Ricardo Campos last week. He works with me here, and is in charge of a variety of reports, as well as weighing in on red cards each week. He and I talked for nearly two hours, discussing the issue of clean play, major violators, possible solutions, etc. We then discussed the burden of reporting, and ways to make the system more efficient. He's taking my recommendations to Jeff Thiffault, the leagues managing director.
According to Paul, Jeff is desperate to get player and coach behavior under control. He's afraid this league is in danger of becoming "just another beer league".
This leads me back to my findings on the Armada. The Jacksonville Armada are a well run organization, with attendance levels that have reached over 14,000. Here in Jacksonville, they're considered a legitimate sports franchise, and thus enjoy some great business sponsor relationships. These guys are far from beer league players. However, if the NPSL continues resemble a less than professional league, the Armada are sure to leave for a better one.