I started this thread and this will be my last post in it unless things change significantly. No melodrama intended just think all the issues have been covered extensively thanks to all of you. Well done.
Given that Surf is hellbent on having this single tournament, out of state, in the middle of the worst period for this virus (with no improvement in sight for the next several weeks), the responsible adults in the room will have to be us--the parents and families of 8-18yr old children. As I've previously written, I admired Surf's efforts through October, but now I lose all respect for them as this is such an obvious malfeasance that puts health and lives at risk. Shame on them.
So, ask yourself, how important is this one tournament to your child? Will they remember missing it or playing in it 6 months from now after they play their next tournament in Spring 2021, and the next 15 tournaments in the future (including the ECNL or GA or MLS showcase events for college recruits)? Will their soccer skills greatly improve by playing 3+ games in three days after an eight month layoff? Will their long term skills diminish by not playing 3+ games in three days while sharing a hotel room with family members and eating breakfasts out of a paper bag?
Then ask yourself, will your child remember this tournament if one of her teammates or teammates' family members gets sick and can't get medical care because the hospitals are full? Will they remember playing in it if one of the thousands of other kids playing in it dies from Covid, caught from a Phoenix restaurant or hotel? Yes, the risks are low for outdoor sports and children, but they are NOT non-existent. And the more people you have, the more potential contacts you create.
I understand the temptation of giving the "middle finger" to government overreach by playing in this tournament---almost like a protest event between two soccer goals. I am frustrated too. But now is simply not the time. September was the time. April 2021 will be the time. Not now. Things really are scary now. Just ask any doctor or nurse you know.
Surf, par for the course, is only giving 2 days to make up our minds. They want our commitments before things get even scarier next week and the week after. So, do the responsible thing and tell your team managers "you and your family are taking a pass on this one." By doing so, you are prioritizing your child's health, your family's health, your local community's health, and the AZ community's health. Are these not more noble, moral, and intelligent reasons than winning a plastic trophy? You also will be teaching your kids a valuable lesson...some things are more important than soccer. Those that attend will never be able to say the same.