Either ego or financial impact (maybe both) is blinding Surf Cup execs from prudent decision-making now. It is not the time to fight for playing soccer. July through October was, and they did, and I give them credit for doing so. March/April will be as well. But trying to play now--in the midst of CA stay-at-home orders, non-essential travel bans, the biggest wave of cases yet in both CA and AZ, cities in AZ closing down fields, hospital beds filled to near capacity in both AZ and CA, a D1 college recruiting prohibition, and a guarantee of worse to come by Jan. 1--seriously damages their credibility for any future advocating in the best interest of the kids and diminishes their perception as a reputable outfit. They would be an important voice for all of us soccer families when it's time to try to get back local scrimmages and local league games in the Spring--guaranteed that will be a fight with Newsom too. But taking a stand now on this one tournament will complicate and weaken their future positions. City of Phoenix even gave them an out to use as explanation to the crazy soccer parent crowd, but it looks like they're not going to take it. Very indulgent, short-sighted, and lacking in business savvy.
Last, the local AZ drumbeat will just keep getting louder over the next several weeks with more sentiment like the following...
"All Arizona cities should follow the lead of Phoenix and cancel athletic tournaments because of the COVID-19 situation, a clinical leader at Arizona's largest health system says. "
Patient occupancy in January could reach 150% of Banner Health's licensed bed capacity, a leader at Arizona's largest health system says.
www.azcentral.com
Has Surf been holding Surf Cup team deposits since July? Hmmmm, if so, that adds another layer of intrigue but will save for another thread.