@End of the Line , these are your words.....where did it all go south? What made you one of the “trolls” (your words not mine) you spoke of not so long ago?
Play High School or Not?
- Thread starter greekgirl
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End of the Line
SILVER ELITE
Just more ad hominem, which figures. You can't provide any substantive support for any of the issues I've raised over the last few months. Will anyone even try to put together a coherent analysis explaining why GDA is perfect and significant changes are not necessary for it to survive, let alone succeed? Why GDA is the better option than ECNL if you have the choice between the two? Will anyone even try? No?
OK then, for everyone whose daughter is deciding between ECNL (or any platform) and GDA, there does not appear to be a single person who can explain why GDA's platform is even remotely as good as ECNL's, or any other high level league for that matter. Apparently no one disputes whether your daughter is much more likely to suffer a catastrophic knee injury in GDA than other leagues by virtue of limited substitution rules and inflexible training requirements. Apparently no one disputes that GDA's decision to hold a showcase event the week before finals on the other side of the country, mandating missing three days of school to do it. Apparently no one disputes that holding another showcase in CO in late April is a bad idea compared to all the other options. Apparently no one disputes that the costs of the travel to play league games and showcases is wasted money, and that flying across the country to play teams worse than numerous others just down the street that you're barred from playing is idiotic. Apparently, not a single person here can apparently identify a single way in which GDA is a superior platform to ECNL or other leagues. Not a single person can apparently dispute that USSF favors the boys over the girls. In fact, not a single person in this entire forum has apparently even tried to make the case for GDA being a better overall platform than ECNL, other than @Simisoccerfan says it's the best option when you have no other options. No matter how much you ask politely, beg or even bait them, the best they can do is try to change the subject and block everyone who makes justifiable critiques of its platform. And, as best I can tell, the only people who believe that GDA does not need significant improvement if it is to survive are science-deniers. Shoot, some of them claim that all of the kids who play GDA love it, although approximately 20% of them fled the league after just one year, and probably another 10-15% this season. That the boys side has been such a catastrophe that the men didn't qualify for the world cup for the first time in 30 years, and now USSF is gunning to ruin the women's side too.
End of the Line
SILVER ELITE
We've already been through this. As I have already explained....
The difference between us is that I appreciate the things USSF does right and will stick up for them when they do, and I will criticize them when they don't.
Why is it so hard to understand that I don't hate USSF or GDA? I'm just pointing out that it's going to fail if it doesn't make a lot of changes. How hard is it to admit that missing 3 days of school to fly across the country the week before finals is unnecessary and that there are better options? That USSF loses important players and clubs because it does many unnecessary things that do not serve the interests of the consumers? That Phoenix (or pretty much anywhere) is a better place than Denver for an April soccer tournament? That everyone should be receptive to information that is even potentially helpful to reducing the risk of their daughter suffering a serious knee injury?
You'd think that you folks who love GDA so much would want USSF to do things that will help make it more accessible and help it prosper. The fact that you don't is just one more reason GDA will fail. Like USSF, you can't see what it's doing wrong although it's right in front of you.
So....you want answers...answer mine (I asked first) and I’ll answer yours. But , in the spirit of giving, I will say this, DA, ECNL...the leagues don’t really matter. Each has their benefits (honestly, I’d say it’s advantage ECNL for some of the obvious reasons you incessantly regurgitate to avoid answering anyone’s questions). However, the one thing for me that supersede’s it ALL......my daughter. What does she want, what are her goals, who is the BEST coach for her? The best environment for her to reach her goals. Whatever that may be, I support it as long as she holds up her end of the deal (effort, grades, etc). Except, I don’t go around crying about the fact I don’t like the decisions I made and angrily attacking anyone who attempts to defend it.
I don’t know why I am even engaging except for the fact I am so intrigued by the psychology of someone who can harbor so much resentment towards something voluntary yet still continue to pay for it.
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The dude doesn't have a kid playing DA. EOL is a bitter high school coach (or perhaps his kid was a bench warmer?). He lies about a lot of things - having a daughter playing DA wouldn't be the first.
End of the Line
SILVER ELITE
More ad hominem. That's all you have. So sad.
Or do you want to be the person who finally steps up and explains why making kids miss 3 days of school the week before finals is such a great idea? Can you be the one who points to a medical study that concludes the pill doesn't reduce the risk of ACL injury, or one that says that requiring kids to play full 90 minute games has no significant impact on the risk of ACL injury? Come on. Be the hero. Do what @Simisoccerfan can't.
Since i’m Obviously not making the arguement of ECNL v GDA because I’m an adult and know everyone has their own wants and needs and can find their own path, so I will provide you with your much desired ad hominem:
End of the Line
SILVER ELITE
I guess that's a no. BTW, I didn't ask you to make a case for GDA over ECNL. My job for you was much simpler. So who "wants and needs" their kid to miss 3 days of school the week for finals flying to FL when they could miss no school and save a bunch of money going to AZ instead, or just playing better teams down the street for $5 in gas money? Who "wants and needs" to increase the risk of their child tearing their ACL? Since you're into attachments, here's one. I know it's just a medical study and not a zinger meme, but still.
soccer661
SILVER ELITE
It's been said a thousand times -- every kid has their own path/journey so to speak.
Let's not be so judgemental, geez-- whether your kid plays HS or not, whether they choose DA or ECNL, another league, etc...
Can't we just all support one another whatever anyone's INDIVIDUAL decision or situation is, c'mon guys.
My kid played HS for 3 years (while in ECNL) -- the last year (her senior year) club switched over completely to DA and she did not play HS and it was absolutely fine.
(Many of her HS friends choose not to play either -also on the DA teams as well)
For those that did stay-- GREAT-- happy for them, it worked out.
For those that didn't -- again, all GOOD...totally fine. All that matters is: is YOUR kid happy & on the path they want to be on??
And all the girls went to great colleges/universities that they were meant to go to.
Regarding this quote from End:
"Or do you want to be the person who finally steps up and explains why making kids miss 3 days of school the week before finals is such a great idea?"
Ok guys-- Get used to it-- if your kid is going to play in college-- they MUST be able to juggle academics/school work and travel. They must be PROACTIVE with their teachers/professors.
If they play the Thurs/Sunday schedule, they usually travel on Wed-- missing 3 days of school-- quite a bit thru the college fall season.
And NCAA College Cup was also RIGHT before college finals...they have to deal with it. Is the NCAA in the wrong? When else are they supposed to do it??
NCAA Volleyball final four is now-- it is DURING finals-- I know for a fact most of the those girls had to make special arrangements and took their finals early...
It is what it is...I'm not saying it's easy, but if your kid wants to play college --this is the nature of the business.
Let's not be so judgemental, geez-- whether your kid plays HS or not, whether they choose DA or ECNL, another league, etc...
Can't we just all support one another whatever anyone's INDIVIDUAL decision or situation is, c'mon guys.
My kid played HS for 3 years (while in ECNL) -- the last year (her senior year) club switched over completely to DA and she did not play HS and it was absolutely fine.
(Many of her HS friends choose not to play either -also on the DA teams as well)
For those that did stay-- GREAT-- happy for them, it worked out.
For those that didn't -- again, all GOOD...totally fine. All that matters is: is YOUR kid happy & on the path they want to be on??
And all the girls went to great colleges/universities that they were meant to go to.
Regarding this quote from End:
"Or do you want to be the person who finally steps up and explains why making kids miss 3 days of school the week before finals is such a great idea?"
Ok guys-- Get used to it-- if your kid is going to play in college-- they MUST be able to juggle academics/school work and travel. They must be PROACTIVE with their teachers/professors.
If they play the Thurs/Sunday schedule, they usually travel on Wed-- missing 3 days of school-- quite a bit thru the college fall season.
And NCAA College Cup was also RIGHT before college finals...they have to deal with it. Is the NCAA in the wrong? When else are they supposed to do it??
NCAA Volleyball final four is now-- it is DURING finals-- I know for a fact most of the those girls had to make special arrangements and took their finals early...
It is what it is...I'm not saying it's easy, but if your kid wants to play college --this is the nature of the business.
Here are some recent "ad hominem's":
-You make a false equivalency, but of course you do.
-By all means be a useful contributor.
-I think all you're good for is the ad hominem, that you have no legitimate arguments to make and you're too chicken (or maybe wise) to defend the indefensible.-
- Unfortunately, I get the sense you consider yourself too much of a "manly man" to change your behavior, so we'll probably be back at in a week or two.
-You make a false equivalency, but of course you do.
-By all means be a useful contributor.
-I think all you're good for is the ad hominem, that you have no legitimate arguments to make and you're too chicken (or maybe wise) to defend the indefensible.-
- Unfortunately, I get the sense you consider yourself too much of a "manly man" to change your behavior, so we'll probably be back at in a week or two.
I don't know whether Simisoccer fan is a liar or has ill-informed opinions. But you are a liar, and repeatedly. How many times are you going to claim that it snowed in Commerce, Colorado last year from April 26-30? There is this thing called the internet. People can look that kind of stuff up. Why does someone so righteous have to make things up? Weird, huh?
But as to your first point, it's never a good idea to miss school. My kid seems to be handling it just fine though. Do you know kids that can't handle it? Is your kid struggling? If so, I'm sorry to hear that. My kid wouldn't be missing school for anything if it impacted her academics. Luckily most kids in SoCal can choose the less rigorous option of ECNL if they can't hang.
As to your second point, if your kid is any good, she is playing 90 minutes regardless of whether its DA or ECNL. Based on your comments, it sounds like you really never experience that. Again, I'm sorry to hear that your kid can't ever get 90 minutes in an ECNL game. At any rate, with ECNL, good kids are playing 3, ninety minute games over 3 days. With GDA, kids are playing 3 games over 4 days. You tell me what is better for kids' health?
As to discussion about the pill, I have no clue what you are talking about and I don't care.
I will respond to why no one will answer you. Why would we have to. They have already, and not just this thread but others. Therefore, why should anyone continue to answer. You just want someone to agree with you, but we don’t. More so because you don’t and won’t listen to what others have to say. You’re only interested in your agenda. Not to mention you go off on rants and tangents. Your attempt at being controversial is all about ego. And, to deflect you hide behind your new toy, the “AD HOMINEM” and redirect questions. Your lame (yes this is definitely an AD HOMINEM).
So explain how playing HS diminishes this risk? You seem to have made an arguement with another poster about how the pill helps reduce risk of an ACL tear, so you and I will agree that there are ways of mitigating such inherent risks of all high level atheletes.
Would you like to deflect further down another rabbit hole?
That’s an idiom. Careful it may be used against you.
outside!
DA
soccer661. Some people just want to argue. It is almost as if they did not read your post, or else they did and it was translated by their brain as "Blah, blah, blah Ginger, blah, blah, blah."*
*Far Side reference about what humans say and what dogs hear.
Well played!
End of the Line
SILVER ELITE
I appreciate your attempt. There is a difference between putting up with missing three days of school before finals and wanting to do it. Let me ask you this, do you pull your kid out of school every year right before finals because you think it will help her get ready for the rigors of college? How much extra will you pay for the privilege of forcing your kid to miss school?
We are arguing two different things. You are arguing that you are willing to put up with it, and I don't disagree. But I do disagree to the extent you apparently claim it is such a good a concept that everyone who plays GDA should be forced to miss school before finals. Just answer the question. Are there better weekends to have the showcase? I'd say that I am amazed that no one will concede that it's a bad weekend for the showcase but, then again, USSF agrees with you.
End of the Line
SILVER ELITE
As for you comment about snow, click below:
https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/@5417737/historic?month=4&year=2016
https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/@5417737/historic?month=4&year=2017
Thank you for at least conceding it is not a good idea to miss school; you are the first person to do that. Whether your kid or my kid can handle missing school is not relevant to the question. I'm sure most can put up with it, but being able to put up with something and being a good idea are two very different things. If it were a good idea to make kids miss school before finals, everyone would be doing it, right? Making kids miss school the week before finals deters kids playing in GDA in the first place and holds it back, and without a good reason. GDA would be a much better platform if excellent clubs and players weren't leaving it because USSF does things like this. Do you agree with that?
As for game length, no. First, GDA makes kids play 90 minute games a year earlier, which is a bad idea for a 15 year old. Second, sure, there are many bad ECNL and other coaches who will ride players too hard, that is the coach that is the problem, not the platform. When GDA forces all coaches to ride kids too hard, that is the platform that is the problem and not the coach. Third, although reasonable minds may differ, 3 games over 3 days is likely to be better when you properly manage minutes. The medical consensus seems to be that a kid is less likely to get hurt if they play 75 minutes three days in a row than they are 90 minutes 3x in four days, or even 90 minutes twice and 75 minutes once. If you have studies that show otherwise, I would love to discuss that in further detail, rather than the reflexive responses that I'm an a**hole when I say there are better ways to handle a showcase than making kids miss school the week before finals. Notably, I have asked many people many times to identify medical studies that support their "I'm an asshole and wrong" mantras, with not a single person taking me up on it. Regardless, I recommend that you look at the chart on the right of page 198 of my last post. It is amazing what a brief rest (halftime in the case of the chart) does to reduce the injury risk. If a kid could get even 5 minutes in the 70-75th minute, it could do wonders to player safety. There is no legitimate reason to force coaches to make half their team play 90 minute games, especially if development is the goal and not winning the game, which is something USSF claims.
According to whom, you?
At what age does GDA “make kids” play 90 min games and how is it a “year early?
I’ll keep this in 3 parts:
1) What makes you and “asshole” (your words, not mine) is not your position, but how you aggressively position it, attack other posters who disagree, deflect into different arguements, contradict yourself, etc....
2) Everyone who’s child plays DA made a choice, almost everyone I know with a DD playing DA are very happy with their decision. There are some who are not and will likely make a move if things don’t improve for their DD. However, not one of the issues they are having has ANYTHING to do with the points you are making. You have a very apocalyptic viewpoint on what girls experience while playing DA, yet apparently have NO actual, tangible experience with it. Only opinion.
My DD (who is off for the next 4 weeks) and I watched our neighbor (an ECNL player) play in her HS game last night. It is their 4th game in just over a week. She played the full 90 min as did 6 other players. She actually has not sat out a minute of any game she has participated in (missed 2 games with a pulled hamstring....one she pulled during HS training). SO.... If you are HONESTLY sooo concerned about all our GDA players health, what aren’t you attacking the COACHES who play players this much with the same “Scientific Evidence” to protect the non GDA players as well?
And as for the 3 days of school, those who traveled to the ECNL event in NC missed 2 days of school a week before finals. So is there a threshold for days missed that doesn’t trigger you?
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Multi Sport
DA
So this happens every year?
As for getting ready for finals? If your kid knows in advance that they will be missing finals they can communicate this with their teachers and make proper arrangements.
Does it help them prepare for college. I would argue that it could. My DD is graduating from College this Spring and the rigors of playing soccer in college, practice, travel and a heavy scholastic schedule is anything but easy. Your kid hopefully already has great study habits and is used to studying on the road.