GunScare @ Albion Cup?

I’m curious E, which measures specifically do you consider an overreaction? To me this seems to be a well thought out, thorough but very reasonable response. And I was there. Were you?

I can see that they already have rosters of the teams and coaches (any guests?) and can identify the two worst actors with a little effort - but spectators?
 
I can see that they already have rosters of the teams and coaches (any guests?) and can identify the two worst actors with a little effort - but spectators?
I hope they conduct their investigation asap so anyone that is innocent does not get penalized.

Also, I would like to know how Calsouth is going to define where parents sit. I unfortunately see many loopholes with this, for example sitting/standing at the corner flag,,,seen this numerous times.
 
Yep, was at Galway Downs today for state cup and it was implemented for our second game...a bit of confusion at first. To be honest I didn't like it as much. The parents cheering/clapping gets in the way of the coach's coaching. Also, when you are forced to sit next to the other team you tend to tone it down a notch out of respect/fear.
 
Put all games in high school stadiums with home and visitor bleachers.
Definitely not possible due to field space. But it sure solves a lot of issues.
 
Thank you Cal South for listening and taking a stand

Currently posted to Calsouth homepage ( below)

As someone who experienced this chaotic incident ( words will never fully describe the fear, uncertainty and horror hundreds of us went through) I’m pleased to see a response and Calsouth address this head on.

Cal South Statement Regarding Albion Tournament in Temecula, Calif.
Cal South is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable athletic experience. Adherence to Cal South’s standards for appropriate conduct, respect, and safety are mandatory. This applies to players, coaches, administrators, referees and spectators. Violations will not be tolerated and will be adjudicated to the fullest extent.
On January 12, 2020, an incident occurred at the Albion Soccer Club Development Showcase. An already heated soccer match was disrupted when an older sibling of one of the players came onto the pitch and assaulted an opposing player. Before the referees could address the situation and restore order, other spectators came onto the pitch. The resulting melee was intensified by unsubstantiated claims that a spectator possessed and was brandishing a “weapon,” which caused concern and panic throughout the venue. The authorities quickly responded to the complaint, conducted an initial investigation and confirmed the safety of the participants and supporters. Cal South treats this incident with the utmost seriousness. The behavior demonstrated by the persons involved will not be tolerated.
Cal South is investigating the situation with its affiliate member and the authorities, and while we review the incident, we are taking the following interim measures:
  • Due to the seriousness of the situation, both participating teams, their coaches, players, administrators and the spectators involved in this incident are suspended and ineligible to participate in any Cal South sanctioned tournaments until Cal South completes its investigation and holds hearings.
  • Failure of any team or its staff to participate in Cal South’s investigation will result in further disciplinary action up to and including de-registration from all Cal South sanctioned leagues.
Further, effective immediately, Cal South is implementing the following interim safety measures for the upcoming State and National Cup competitions:
  • On-site security personnel and/or law enforcement will be present at all the State and National Cup events throughout the State and National Cup Season. During the opening weekend of State Cup scheduled for January 18 and 19, the affected venues are Ryan Park in Escondido; Galway Downs in Temecula; Silverlakes Sports Complex in Norco; and the San Bernardino Soccer Complex.
  • The number of on-site Cal South personnel will be increased and spot auditing will be performed to assess and ensure compliance with Cal South safety and sportsmanship policies.
  • The number of on-site Referee Coordinators will be increased.
  • A “Home and Away” side initiative will be implemented and enforced to separate teams and supporters.
  • Coaches of participating teams and referee officials will be required to conduct a meet, greet and introduction session at the center circle prior to the start of each match.
  • Cal South’s Code of Conduct Policies will be recommunicated and reaffirmed to all coaches, administrators, and players participating in the competitions.
In addition, over the upcoming days, weeks, and months Cal South will be reviewing additional security and other measures, including, but not limited to, emergency evacuation plans, procedures, and training at facilities, working with referees to create a safer playing environment and holding coaches and clubs more accountable for the behavior of participants and spectators.
We understand that this incident has had an effect on many spectators and witnesses. To assist those persons, we are providing telephonic access to emotional support for anyone in the Cal South community. The service is provided by trained behavioral health counselors, is completely confidential, and offered at no cost for the next 30 days. The number to call is (866) 315-7370.
We wish to express our gratitude for the multiple inquires and recommendations received in the aftermath of this incident and we will respond to those inquiries. We look forward to working with the entire soccer community to ensure the safety, well-being and enjoyment of all participants. We will keep our members informed of the next steps to be taken.
 
Not that rankings matter but I don't believe either club is in top 5 if we are talking about 2008. Regardless there are plenty of clubs for these kids to join
We're not talking 2008, we're talking 2009, and both clubs are top 5 per YSR. Yes, not the end all be all, but a good metric.
 
Does it really take cal-south to figure this out?
How about the 2 clubs involved make an initial move and then let cal-south determine if more is needed.
100%. If you don't take care of your own business someone else will take care of it for you. Albions dismissive public responses have certainly not helped their cause.

I bet if they haven't already done so, Albion's attorneys are drafting a response to Calsouth denying any responsibility and possibly threatening legal action for any punishment. Albion has to protect its brand.
 
Put the parents on the same side as the team/coaches. Impossible to control your parents from 80 yards away.
Absolutely. I started to see more parent problems when SCDSL and ECNL was formed and had parents on the opposite side of the field from the teams. This ended up carrying over into other leagues and tournaments. I see parent problems at all ages and can usually, but not always, associate the bad parent behavior with the bad behavior of coaches. I have addressed parent problems during games with coaches and have been told numerous times, “why should I be responsible for controlling adults.” Spectators should be on the same sideline as the coach and players and in the half away from the assistant referee. Presidio used these rules this fall and I saw a drastic decrease in parent problems.
 
Both teams should be removed from competition because both sidelines participated in the melee but that should only be the beginning of their punishment... Make them the example and set the standard for any future incidents.
Ban all spectators for both those teams for a year. That should send a message. The opposing teams will see the Albion South or Azteca teams show up for games with just the coach, manager and players.

IMHO, sanctions/penalties against poorly behaving parents is too weak. They should be suspended for months and not just a game. Coaches ejected should be suspended for 3 games minimum the first time, 6 games and a fine for the second ejection, 3 months and a fine for third ejection, and a a one year ban, fine, anger management class, referee grade 8 course and coaching course completed before they can reapply for their coaches license. Cal South would need to track these ejection. I am not sure that Cal South has the courage to implement any significant coach or parent penalties for bad behavior.
 
Ban all spectators for both those teams for a year. That should send a message. The opposing teams will see the Albion South or Azteca teams show up for games with just the coach, manager and players.

IMHO, sanctions/penalties against poorly behaving parents is too weak. They should be suspended for months and not just a game. Coaches ejected should be suspended for 3 games minimum the first time, 6 games and a fine for the second ejection, 3 months and a fine for third ejection, and a a one year ban, fine, anger management class, referee grade 8 course and coaching course completed before they can reapply for their coaches license. Cal South would need to track these ejection. I am not sure that Cal South has the courage to implement any significant coach or parent penalties for bad behavior.

You may have to wait until they are old enough to drive themselves to the game.
 
What's probably going to happen is every club and then parents will get lectured as not a one of them assaulted, threatened, or faked a gun. Everybody else has to modify their sidelines and demeanor at soccer games, because one kid and adult from the same team exhibited horrible, violent behavior.
BS, this type of spectators bad behavior, minus the gun, has been escalating steadily over the past 15 years. There have been numerous assaults (physical and verbal) against referees by players, coaches and parents, between coaches, parents vs parents, parents vs players, parents vs coaches...... The punishments against the perpetrators is far too lenient. Presidio increased their punishments against teams when spectators were removed and it was successful, but they need to increase suspensions and include monetary fines against coaches ejected . Maybe Cal South needs to set some strong standards.
 
You may have to wait until they are old enough to drive themselves to the game.
Thank you for that stupid comment. Presidio did it this fall and it worked well. Parents drove their kids to the venue, walked them to the coach or manager, then returned to their car and either sat in their car or went for coffee, lunch, etc. while the game was played.
 
Thank you for that stupid comment. Presidio did it this fall and it worked well. Parents drove their kids to the venue, walked them to the coach or manager, then returned to their car and either sat in their car or went for coffee, lunch, etc. while the game was played.

Presidio did what?
 
Presidio did what?
If a parent was removed from a game, that parent was not allowed at the next two games and all of that teams spectators were not allowed at the next game. This required the suspended parents to drop of their players then leave the fields. But, I am sure you knew that.
 
If a parent was removed from a game, that parent was not allowed at the next two games and all of that teams spectators were not allowed at the next game. This required the suspended parents to drop of their players then leave the fields. But, I am sure you knew that.

I didn't know that. I had heard that Presidio had toughened up the sideline behavior rules, but I didn't know that it had gotten to the point of punishing the innocent. I didn't attend any Presidio games this year, but I had heard indirectly that the sidelines were calmer because of self-policing. Is that not true?

For me personally, if I were banned from attending a game after having done nothing wrong, we would be looking for a different sport.
 
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