Mystery Train
GOLD
Yes, they do. I hate to lump everyone into one bucket. However, in a market as saturated as youth soccer in California (especially SoCal) they are in the minority.
DOC here. Any questions on the inside dealings?
- Thread starter paytoplayisgood
- Start date
I would say 95% of what you've posted here and elsewhere on the forum is directly related to the bottom line. One line you have "At younger age groups like anything under u16 we focus on development more" which I actually call BS on because if you're GA, you've got U13 - U15 to be concerned about standings wise. But nonetheless, you are essentially highlighting what we all already know....it all comes down to money. That means clubs make decisions based on financial gain/loss and not what's in the best interest of the kids and sport. I just don't buy that any DoC would come on here preaching this and then suggest pay-to-play is a good thing. I mean it is what it is and I don't know of a better alternative in our economic and youth sports systems. I've yet to see anything that makes me go "Wow, pay-to-play is awesome".
Mystery Train
GOLD
As a clarification to the above:
*Edit* I have seen plenty of DoC's and coaches who are "decent" as people, but maybe not so great at the job or required aspects of the job. I have seen a number of coaches and DoC's that are neither decent people nor great at their jobs by my estimation. Not a ton of them, but far more than I expected when my DD started her journey. Those negative experiences generally outweigh a lot of the mild, semi-ok experiences, and they make the few really great experiences stand out as being a minority. I do know the vast majority of adults who get into youth soccer as coaches, directors or referees, generally get into it because the genuinely love the game, just as the OP says. But that doesn't guarantee a positive experience for the players and families, unfortunately.
"Director of Coaches" - DOC.
The few DOCs that I've come across don't seem to do much "directing of coaches."
They are more of a a club admin role and check on the health/competitiveness/long term viability of a team.
Maybe some of the bigger clubs have actual coach trainings to try and get teams to have a similar look on the field. But go watch 3 or 4 teams from the same club play during weekend. Not many clubs have a true "club identity."
The few DOCs that I've come across don't seem to do much "directing of coaches."
They are more of a a club admin role and check on the health/competitiveness/long term viability of a team.
Maybe some of the bigger clubs have actual coach trainings to try and get teams to have a similar look on the field. But go watch 3 or 4 teams from the same club play during weekend. Not many clubs have a true "club identity."
I also think DoCs have to spend way too much time on crazy parents and all that noise. My guess is DoCs really aren't paid enough to do what some of us wished they could focus on (coaching instruction/mentoring).
The Doc I know makes a killing after all the goodies come in. Trust me NoCal, they work with parents who know how to pay to play this game and for this Doc, that's why pay to play is good for him. The pay is good and that's why so many hate me. I am for a good pay for a good day's work. What some us have experienced is insane because we didn't have the money to compete with the rich dads and that sucks. Politics is also at play so you better do what they want you to do. Good luck to your player
GoldenGate
GOLD
The Doc I know makes a killing after all the goodies come in. Trust me NoCal, they work with parents who know how to pay to play this game and for this Doc, that's why pay to play is good for him. The pay is good and that's why so many hate me. I am for a good pay for a good day's work. What some us have experienced is insane because we didn't have the money to compete with the rich dads and that sucks. Politics is also at play so you better do what they want you to do. Good luck to your player
So why don't you just go ahead and tell us exactly what each DOC at every ECNL club in SoCal makes? I'm very interested in knowing exactly what each of these "corrupt" "fat cats" are "raking in". Can you please also tell us exactly the right amount that a DOC should make?
BTW, and not to state the obvious, but perhaps the best way to better compete with people who have money, and to pay for what things cost, is to have a job.
Keepermom2
GOLD
There are no CFOs in soccer clubs. No soccer club is going to look at a budget/cost based on prior year.
YourFather0
BRONZE
@paytoplayisgood I have heard families donating/sponsoring the club/team for their daughter to be on the top team, and guarantee X mins of play time. How true is this?
paytoplayisgood
SILVER
Yes there are people that perform tasks that a CFO would do. Maybe not a designated position though.
Although I doubt you are a DOC. This kind of direction is what's wrong with high level youth soccer. I think back to early last season when the coach of one of the big name clubs that rhymes with smurf had a parent call me and ask if I would allow my daughter to play in a big tournament under some other kids name as a younger player just so they could win. Uh F.......k NO...
Sounds like your philosophy and I'm sure the lying part is subjective as long as the wins pile up. Guess having kids with morals may become detrimental to youth soccer.
I find this so hard to believe....Especially, in this small SOCAL soccer world we live in.
Don't care if you believe it or not. Few years back while my kid was on another team, the coach for the other team snuck his college playing daughter into the game. Some players recognized her and of course forfeit and subsequent banning occurred. So while I don't believe it is prevalent, I do believe cheating occurs in various methods.
I know of someone who’s sons team lost in the round of 16 of State Cup and later showed up on another team in the Quarter Finals. Kid was subsequently banned from the league for at least a season.
It does happen.
Thanks for commenting. I don't think it's common but it does happen here and there and when the OP alleged DOC tells his coaches do anything you need to in order to win games that opens the door. He should tell his coaches to develop the players and develop the team chemistry and the wins will come.
I still highly doubt he is a DOC probably just trolling.
I have difficulties understanding the logic of cheating to win in this youth soccer. There has to be a strong incentive to risk it.
1) Every players already paid their club fee and coaches are already paid their salary. Are the coaches really under that much pressure to win?
2) If DOC really pressures the coaches then he/she must have a reason also.
3) Do parents really want to join a winning club? If 80% of revenue comes from flight 1-3 parents, I think most of these parents do not even care about winning. They do care if the kids are not playing or not happy with the team/coach.
This is a "pay to play scheme" so I think it is not smart for a DOC to take actions based on the demand of 10% of the parents (top 10% players). I have a feeling clubs will be more financially successful if they pay more attention to the bottom 80% players.
1) Every players already paid their club fee and coaches are already paid their salary. Are the coaches really under that much pressure to win?
2) If DOC really pressures the coaches then he/she must have a reason also.
3) Do parents really want to join a winning club? If 80% of revenue comes from flight 1-3 parents, I think most of these parents do not even care about winning. They do care if the kids are not playing or not happy with the team/coach.
This is a "pay to play scheme" so I think it is not smart for a DOC to take actions based on the demand of 10% of the parents (top 10% players). I have a feeling clubs will be more financially successful if they pay more attention to the bottom 80% players.
Bonus $$$ to win tournaments and National Championships is a motive for some to cheat. No one cheats for free!!!
Is it true some clubs gave refunds when DA was canceled, while others did not? Since it was approximately mid-season when it was canceled...
paytoplayisgood
SILVER
Varies from club to club but, most clubs gave a partial refund.
MacDre
PREMIER
I’m reposting this here:
Hey Doc, I have a quick question. I’m trying to help my daughter achieve her dream of playing for the USWNT. I’ve heard rumors that serving on the Board of Directors (or coaching) of my local club would substantially increase my kids chance of being selected for YNT’s, is there any truth to this?
Hey Doc, I have a quick question. I’m trying to help my daughter achieve her dream of playing for the USWNT. I’ve heard rumors that serving on the Board of Directors (or coaching) of my local club would substantially increase my kids chance of being selected for YNT’s, is there any truth to this?
paytoplayisgood
SILVER
Club directors, board members, coaches, can recommend a player to be selected for a USYNT training camp