Severna Park forfeits county soccer title

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Severna Park - the golden child of - 2009-11-08 08:36:53

Typical of the Capital to imply that Severna Park would meet South River again. But one reader was right.....they shouldn't have overlooked Arundel. And I don't think they were exactly stunned, since the regular season game between them was won by one goal. Not exactly a huge upset! Any one of those teams (Severna Park, South River, Arundel) are capable of beating each other on any given day. But the Capital seems to enjoy covering the wins of Severna Park and South River over Arundel..not so much the other way around.

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susann miller - crofton, md - Karma: Neutral

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handbook 1 - 2009-11-06 14:02:36

the mpssaa handbook is 86 pages (paperback size not college anatomy size)...of the 86 pages..pages 21-39 are the bylaws/rules..thats 19 pages of rules..of the 19 pages...there are a total of about 3 pages worth of rules that apply to soccer..the book covers all sports..the remainder of the book is filled with contact info..org charts, etc...

3 pages of rules that a soccer coach needs to know..

as with any statement alive..you can argue that it has many interpretations..and yes some of the language can be confusing....rather than make the handbook an anatomy size book...the mpssaa chooses instead to educate county coordinators on all the rules specifcally any rule changes..the coordinators then hold coaches/ad meeting prior to each year where all the rules are explained..and every coach/ad are given a copy of the handbook...3 coaches on staf..3 hanbooks..

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billy madison - severna park, md - Karma: Neutral

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2 - 2009-11-06 14:01:08

if there is still a question about a rule..the number to the mpssaa offices is on the first page of the handbook..you can call them at anytime..in addition county coordinators are always available to answer these questions along with athletic directors..

mr. legrand is a sharp guy and knows the rules..particularly the ones that have been on the book for some time..and he would have never told anyone that coaching more than 80% of your high school kids is acceptable..he is the one that holds the coaches meeting and covers this to begin with..

perhaps it is the athletic directors fault for not staying on top of new coaches...
but in the end, it is the coaches responsibility to know the rules and comply...i have seen a lot of posts suggesting that no benefit was gained..so the intent was not malicious or meaning to cheat..

whats clear is that a rule that has been on the books for some time and is rarely broken by coaches...was in fact broken by this coach..whether it is because he intended to or was not competent on the rules or it was the ads fault..is really irrelevant..adults didn't do their job and the kids paid.. Fortunately this group is allowed to continue in the tournament and i can tell you i will be rooting for them..hopefully the kids can put this behind them and win it all..good luck to the team

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billy madison - severna park, md - Karma: Neutral

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Quick to blame - 2009-11-06 11:36:19

Why are we so quick to play the blame game in blogger world? People are human, people can make mistakes. I am sure all 3000 pages of the rule book is very clear and never contradicts another rule. NCAA and the Pro Teams have their own paid people that their sole job is to keep them from breaking the rules, and even those fail.

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Rick M - Laurel, Md - Karma: Excellent

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Blame - 2009-11-06 11:16:43

Let's place blame for this incident where it belongs..on the head of the SPHS Athletic Director. It is his job to ensure that his coaches understand and follow the rules. He failed to do that. The AD has mishandled many athletic issues over the years at SPHS--It is time for him to go!

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A Green - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Anyhoo... - 2009-11-06 11:02:45

The rest of Western PA has a whole lot of nothing. Johnstown, Altoona...not a lot in the way of economic development. And yes, there is a long history of cranking out top-rate quarterbacks. But there isn't much else going on.

How can you forget the JOHN MURTHA JOHNSTOWN-CAMBRIA COUNTY AIRPORT that has 6 flights per day that the Gov't subsidizes $147 per person to use?

Additionally, not many great QBs have come from the area recently.

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fred flintstone - , - Karma: Excellent

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Anyhoo - 2009-11-06 09:37:37

I have no love for Obama. And you're talking about Pittsburgh. The rest of Western PA has a whole lot of nothing. Johnstown, Altoona...not a lot in the way of economic development. And yes, there is a long history of cranking out top-rate quarterbacks. But there isn't much else going on.

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T. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Fred - 2009-11-06 09:30:03

I doubt the coach of a JV soccer team is a highly paid position. Neither was the volunteer coach.

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Rick M - Laurel, Md - Karma: Excellent

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Ignorance... - 2009-11-06 08:11:59

"It never ceases to amaze me the ignorance exhibited by highly-paid professionals."

Of course, the ignorance exhibited by the average bumkin, while excessive, is by definition expected; therfore it is not amazing - much like the rest of their lives.

Go SP!

LOL!

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fred flinstone - Severna Park, MD - Karma: Excellent

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LOL! - 2009-11-06 08:07:30

"It's comments like this ... that make folks hate you guys in SP"

Nah, it more likely the fact that your kids will work for our kids one day ... same as y'ins do.

Go SP!

LOL!

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fred flinstone - Severna Park, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Ignorance - 2009-11-06 07:49:43

It never ceases to amaze me the ignorance exhibited by highly-paid professionals. As it turns out, western PA has had an obsession with high school sports dating back to well before the mills closed. The list of hall of fame football players calling western PA home is long and illustrious. This indicates that the sports teams there have actual talent and truly good coaching.

Further, while we did indeed suffer a great downturn in the 80's, we have re-invented ourselves into a global power in both the high-tech industries, and healthcare, not to mention our historical banking centers like PNC and Mellon Bank. The biggest employer here is the government, either directly or indirectly; you're all just glorified bureaucrats at bottom.

And, I might add, you can even go to the public parks in western PA and find clean toilets and bathroom tissue in supply!

One last thing, then I promise I'll drop it. Can't Obama-philes come up with a new word other than "cling"?

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Michael Willis - , - Karma: Neutral

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PA - 2009-11-06 01:14:09

As for PA its a nice place and the AACO public school system employs quite a few of its citizens some good some bad.

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A Barham - crownsville, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Rules - 2009-11-06 01:09:26

First of all I feel for the kids,especially the seniors. I believe AACO athletics department has people employed to interpret the sports rules,imagine that the board itself dont understand the rules. The coach said he checked with sources and whoever that was dont use them again.

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A Barham - crownsville, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Y'ins need to calm down - 2009-11-05 22:58:38

Michael,

I'm not from SP and I couldn't care less about children's sports. My point was that places like Western PA are economically depressed areas with no economic development, so the people in that area cling to high school sports because that's all there is. Juxtapose that with Maryland, the wealthiest state in the nation. Chances are that most of the people commenting here are highly-paid professionals. However, they are obsessed with a child's sport and have resorted to pounding out lengthy posts in which they call each other "cheaters," as if we don't have two wars going on and the worst recession in several generation. So yes, again, get lives.

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T. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Unfortunate... - 2009-11-05 21:25:21

that all of Mr. Clark's statements were not included in the article. To come to an educated, correct opinion, you need to know all of the facts. Feel free to ask the reporter to further investigate this issue and include every single point, quote and discussion made on this issue. Then the truth will come out and Mr. Clark's reputation will be restored. It should have never been tarnished in the first place.

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K Bond - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Neutral

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What's wrong with W. PA?? - 2009-11-05 17:16:33

It's comments like this (Aren't we smarter than them?) that make folks hate you guys in SP. In point of fact, you're not smarter. The fact that you seem to be routinely busted for "bending" some rule or other (remember the AP test debacle last year?) and then claiming it to be an isolated incident or misunderstanding, proves that you're not only not smarter than those in Western PA, you're not even the smartest folks in AACo. Trust me, nobody is putting you under a microscope, you bunch of narcissistic, but well dressed, bumpkins. If it weren't for your flashy clothes and nice cars, nobody would even talk to yins (yes, I'm from Western PA).

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Michael Willis - , - Karma: Neutral

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Hmmmm... - 2009-11-05 17:13:27

The coach was interviewed in the article. I read the article. I do not see a direct quote from the coach stating that he spoke to Mr. LeGrand and that he personally cleared the actions and choices of the SP coaches. I do not see a direct quote from Mr. Clark stating he spoke specifically with either the state or the county offices. His quote only references "sources", which I take to mean the sources were multiple and non-specific, neither attributed to any specific governing body nor any specific individual with title or authority. Only "sources". Someone offered me correction, and being humble of spirit (I hope), I reread the article, ready to learn and grow as an individual. However, upon review, I find those facts upon which I based my personal, individual, flawed remarks to still be in the text of the article. I reread my own remarks and nowhere was I able to find any statement made by me that he asked the janitor. In addition, I give no one credit since third grade, when I gave Bobby my six cents for chocolate milk, which he swore he would pay back the next day. I went without my milk, and he never paid me back. It has been suggested here that the coach would know who to go to for guidance. I would suggest that under the circumstances that area, for the time being, based upon the facts as reported and those facts offered by the coach himself when presented with the opportunity to be heard, is unclear.

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Jane Seton - severna park, md - Karma: Neutral

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Jane Seton... - 2009-11-05 15:51:53

Mr. Clark did not seek the advice from the school janitor or the cafeteria worker. He went directly to Mr. LeGrand at the county in charge of athletic. Please give Mr.Clark enough credit to know who to go to for guidance.

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K Bond - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Neutral

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It is interesting.. - 2009-11-05 15:38:19

First, let me be clear. I stink at sports. I was kicked off the second grade recess kickball team, and never recovered emotionally. My children have shown modest interest in sports but have not asked to play for a team, and having no need to live vicariously through them I have not forced them into indentured servitude in an aggressively fun, parentally driven, socially stratified rec league program. Just thought I would be clear. I did find this interesting, though, because there is always buzz in the community and accusations seem to abound around SP (and county) athletics. I made phone calls today, and both the state and county athletic departments made it clear that the rules are not new ones, that they will always advise any coach if interpretation is needed and if any coach acts in good faith based on their advice the fault would lie with them, not the coach or the program. I would hope that the "sources" mentioned would step forward and be clear where the authority they used to advise the coach came from, because I cannot imagine any coach from programs as mature and well developed as SPHS and the Hornets would stake the hard work of those girls on advice from the school's administration or janitor. Surely individuals as well seasoned as these with full knowledge of the rules would have sought clear instruction from an agency who made the rules to interpret the rules. You don't ask your automotive mechanic to interpret the test results from your cardiologist, right?!

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Jane Seton - severna park, md - Karma: Neutral

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Well - 2009-11-05 14:12:55

why resign then, if truly nothing was done wrong why not stand up and fight it. That would be a good lesson for the kids. I have no doubt that this man is a decent guy, to give your time to students and make a positive change in a students life is a noble effort.

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Pat Magnum - Arnold, MD - Karma: Excellent

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scott s - 2009-11-05 14:07:33

scott your point would b a valid one if you believe that the sp varsity kids are actually playing at the local rec organization...green horents..green hornets is primarily a low entry level program that is run by parents.. players wanting to maximize their ability tend to venture out to the soccer only clubs..
if you do your research i would be willing to guess that most if not all of the sp varsity players boys/ girls particpate in "proper" soccer clubs..and not the local rec league.

this rule really only comes into play with the lower level teams..and their respective coaches if they happen to be on the hs staff..

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billy madison - severna park, md - Karma: Neutral

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kids & parents - 2009-11-05 13:50:18

I doubt the "overzealous parents" or the players even knew about this rule. Kids aren't learning that the rules "don't apply to them"...most of the time the coaches are the only ones even aware of the technical rules such as this.

I understand the reasoning behind this rule, as confusing as it may be written. However, from the kids' perspective, how can they avoid it? There's one primary rec league in town, and one public high school. If someone wants to play in both, there's not much choice of who they can play for.

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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Pat... - 2009-11-05 13:10:26

You have just proven my point...you are uneducated about the rules and therefore comment negatively.

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K Bond - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Neutral

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K Bond - 2009-11-05 13:07:35

The wrong is being corrected. And maybe the coaches will learn a hard lesson.

I think it is funny I get negative votes for saying punishment should be given for bad behavior.

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Pat Magnum - Arnold, MD - Karma: Excellent

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rules - 2009-11-05 12:55:55

Owning up to your mistakes is a great lesson to learn. What does Broadneck have to do with anything?

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Lilly Anna Poelis - Annaplois, md - Karma: Neutral

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to finish my sentence... - 2009-11-05 12:53:43

They should apologize and "right" their "wrongs".

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Yes it does matter - 2009-11-05 12:51:45

and the kids suffer, but it is the overzealous parents and coaches that cause this problem. It sets the kids up to believe that the rules do not apply to them. And do whatever you have to do to get ahead.

grown up town... - 2009-11-05 09:17:48

I agree about the children's sports and getting wrapped up. However, these are high school students who play at schools with great soccer reputations. College scouts pay attention to these teams and recruit players. So, yes - in a that respect, it absolutely matters.

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Pat Magnum - Arnold, MD - Karma: Excellent

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It's a shame... - 2009-11-05 12:49:53

that the more successful a team is, there are always those who want to try to bring them down with slanderish remarks.

What the article and the press release failed to state is the rule in the MPSSAA handbook pg.39. It states, "the teams roster does not exceed 80% of the returning players of what would constitue a starting lineup in that sport". On page 35, the definition of a returning player is "a player who participates in preceding sport seasons who again qualifies to represent a school in a subsequent season."

What the article and press release also does not say is that 6 out of the 10 players are Freshman (who are NOT returning players), so therefore how can the county penalize a team that did not break the rules? Only 4 kids are returning players, which by the rules, is completely legal.

To those of you who have commented negitavely, remember this: Mr. Clark went to the county for clarification prior to the beginning of the season - with nothing to hide - and was told by Mr. LeGrand that everything was okay. Once "rumors" started about this possible problem, it was again, Mr. Clark who notified the school and Mr. LeGrand about this issue. It is obvious to anyone, who does not have a personal vendetta against him, that he has done nothing wrong. In fact, after reading ALL of the rules pertaining to this issue, it is clear that the school and Mr. Clark have violated no rules and the county should retract their previous press release.

Everyone seems to have an opinion about this, and it's funny how the people that have negative comments do not know, or have not taken the time, to educate themselves on what is written in the handbook. Also, if your child has had the priviledge of being trained or coached by Mr. Clark, and know him personally, you, without a doubt, realize his main priority is to teach and excel his players to their full potential.

Everyone, including the county and state officials, need to apologize to Mr. Clark and rig

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K Bond - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Head Butt - 2009-11-05 11:51:13

Oh, Zidane and Jen Mazerattii, your soccer wit and irony is not lost on me. The famous head butting incident in the last World Cup was between two players of very similar names.

Of course, you could check your spelling. It was Zinedine with an "i," not Zinedane with an "a" and it was Materazzi, not Mazeratti, which sounds kind of like you might have mistaken the player for the automobile (Maserati).

Seriously though, to an outsider it seems like you (two?) are spending an awful lot of time on this message board dragging up every possible negative thing you could say about the program.

Is it possible that you could have an agenda?

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nelson nelson - severna park, md - Karma: Neutral

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Recovering - 2009-11-05 09:56:53

Walters, I was using sarcasm when I was referring to the JV recovering from those losses. That was my point, the paper talks about a "large chunk" of the season when in fact it is 2 varsity games. We all know JV is for development and nobody really cares about those records. Also, if they are not County Champions how can they be District Champions? From what I heard some of these kids were up for that match, why did they allow them to keep this victory but forfeit the others? As far as cheating, it may not be as severe as the situation you mentioned. But better players may have been cheated out of an opportunity based on the fact that they didn't play for the HS coach's team. Simple rule, not hard to follow, it was either ignored or Clark is ignorant of the most basic rule that exists for HS coaches. I don't coach HS level recreation teams, so I can't speak to that. I can say that I do know many high school coaches and ALL of them abide by this rule. I could give him a pass if this was a new rule and somewhat confusing, but give me a break. This is the most debated and high profile rule that exists.

"The coach took the blame like the upstanding man that he is and will obviously be sure that it doesn't happen again. "

How do you know that he made sure this won't happen again? He stated he would rehire the coach in question. That means he just put his relationship with this man above the players. If those players are truly deserving of being in the program he wouldn't consider bringing this coach back. That tells me they were there because of who they played for not how they played. If those players are deserving of being on the roster then he is hurting them by rehiring this gentleman. You can't have it both ways. I wouldn't look past Arundel either if I were you, SP may just have their season end before seeing SR.

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Zinedane Zidane - Severna Park, MD - Karma: Neutral

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A previous posting - 2009-11-05 09:35:12

which I took a lot of heat for. Seems I was on target. This was when GB high forfeited a game for the coach giving them a football.


Let me make a - 2009-08-09 21:55:30

salient point to satisfy you. It is not just SP it goes for other schools as well but I would say SP is more obsessed with the sports and skirting rules than most. Props to GB for turning themselves in, but it was a dumb thing to do because nobody else is turning themselves in. Summer sports and high school sports run parallel, the high school coaches are very involved with the summer sports programs. If you think they are not you are living in a bubble. Or you choose to ignore it because it benefits your school sports programs. Just because you ignore it does not mean it is not going on. Maybe the would be a good story for the Capital to look into. All of the shady crap that goes on in high school sports. Along with that maybe they could look into the assessment tests and the scoring of it as well.
Pat M. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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Pat Magnum - Arnold, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Unfortunate incident - 2009-11-05 09:27:12

Quote: "Ok Walters" you claim that this is an "unfortunate incident". That may be true but i haven't seen any other teams violate it.Ignorance is no excuse. The man who you claim "wouldn't cheat anyone" did just that and has to pay the price. As far as I'm concerned he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar and was told it was fine because he only ate a few. I sure hope the Program recovers from those JV losses.

Zinedane Zidane - Severna Park, MD - Karma: Neutral

You are taking this way too seriously - the JV team will "recover" just fine - they still won the games on the field and will all be back next year. How cold this affect them negatively in the future? It can't - it may make them more hungry next year though. If you consider this "cheating" I would hate to think what you would call it if they really gained some advantage from this. Would you consider a violation like this using JV players as bad as a violation using overaged players? There was no advantage gained on the field by this oversight, so how is it that Coach Clark had "his hand in the cookie jar"? Your claim that other teams don't violate this rule is also questionable. As someone who has coached high school level rec teams in AA County I can assure you it has happened before at other schools - just maybe not schools that are under the microscope like SP.

The coach took the blame like the upstanding man that he is and will obviously be sure that it doesn't happen again. No "reassessment" necessary - the program and the coach will live to play another day and I wish them the best of luck - except when they play South River.

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ok walters - eustis, fl - Karma: Neutral

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grown up town... - 2009-11-05 09:17:48

I agree about the children's sports and getting wrapped up. However, these are high school students who play at schools with great soccer reputations. College scouts pay attention to these teams and recruit players. So, yes - in a that respect, it absolutely matters.

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T Jackson - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Is this Grownup Town? - 2009-11-05 00:05:33

Get lives. Please. First off, we're talking about soccer. Which would be great if we lived in Europe or South America. But here in the U.S., it is essentially a starter sport until children move on to grownup sports. Second, I am always fascinated by adults who get wrapped up and completely bent by children's sports and coaches and rules. Who cares? Really. People take it so seriously and get so furious and forget that it really doesn't matter. Maybe in Texas or Western Pennsylvania, but aren't we smarter than that here?

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T. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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facts about this pt2 - 2009-11-04 22:34:01

mr. walters u are correct the players involved did not have any impact on the varsity results...mainly because the varsity is composed of div. 1, odp, and regional odp players trained outside of the green hornet organization..mr.kowalskis team is a newly promoted division 4 team...which makes it all the more concerning that 10 div. 4 players from the same team could make the sp team.. for a point of reference. mr. clark serves under mr. kowaleski in the green hornets organization. mr. clark is a soccer trainer in the green hornets as well as a trainer for coerver training..and mr. kowaleski is the deputy commishioner for the green hornets...

as you mentioned mr. clark is a local buisnessman..he is a settlement attorny (as i understand it).. a settlement attorney is unable to interpret a rule??? a rule that would allow the person he serves directly under in his coaching hobby.. mr. kowalewski.. to keep 10 of his club players??? including his daughter??..there is a lot more to this if extract the facts..allll the facts..this does not pass the sniff test...mr./mrs. gunn?? any of this untrue..if it is pls correct it?? but i think u'll find that the appraisl of this situation is more than true.

"as good as it gets" perahps you would like to reassess?

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jen mazzerati - pasadena, md - Karma: Neutral

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facts about this.. pt1 - 2009-11-04 22:32:19

first of all i am not a parent of this team but am a parent of a child that plays/has played with many of the varsity players in sp on a club tm..so i know many of them..and the varsity players are not happy with this situation..as it is mostly jv players that mr. clark seems to be favoring..

mr clark was aware of the violation from the beginning..as was the athletic director..and principal..how? a previous asst coach resigned after coaching two weeks with mr.clark..the coach had spent 4 years volunteering at the high school prior to mr clarks arrival..the resignation letter that was sent (in august) to mr.clark, the parents, the ad and the principal..mr bathrus..indicated that bringing mr. kowalski on staff would create a potential issue with not only the number of players from his club tm, but the fact that mr. kowalskis daughter was one of them.. mr. clark asked this asst to just drop it (that started the resignation process)..there was no response from either the ad or principal..

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jen mazzerati - pasadena, md - Karma: Neutral

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overlooked rule - 2009-11-04 21:47:37

Walters, I had to laugh when I read your post. I am a SR alumni and played on the '91 team that broke SP's national historic win streak (46 wins)in a heart breaking 1-1 tie on SP's field. While we didn't win, I will never forget that game as long as I live.
Never thought I'd say this, but I feel badly for the girls and the coaches of SP. While all sports have gotten out of control competitive and over-the-top serious, I don't believe this coach in any way intended to break rules. Sounds as though he was educating and preparing his players - exactly what a coach should do. Unfortunate that he overlooked a rule that cost those girls their title. Not overly upset that it now belongs to SR...kidding - good luck to both teams in their upcoming games. Might I suggest a pocket sized copy of the handbook as a Christmas present to Coach Clark...

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T Jackson - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Volunteer?? - 2009-11-04 21:39:03

How is it that he volunteers his time? Last time I checked he was paid to be the head coach, maybe it isn't a ton of money but he is far from a volunteer. The rule is simple and there is no room for interpretation. If he had received approval for this as he claims why is there any punishment at all? It seems to me that SP got off light. As mr/ms (sorry can't tell which) states "The entire reason for JV is to develop players as a part of the program; no one keeps standings at that level". So how is this a harsh punishment? "Ok Walters" you claim that this is an "unfortunate incident". That may be true but i haven't seen any other teams violate it.Ignorance is no excuse. The man who you claim "wouldn't cheat anyone" did just that and has to pay the price. As far as I'm concerned he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar and was told it was fine because he only ate a few. I sure hope the Program recovers from those JV losses.

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Zinedane Zidane - Severna Park, MD - Karma: Neutral

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As good as it gets - 2009-11-04 18:32:55

I will start off by saying that I am a South River High graduate and former parent of 3 students at South River. As you can imagine, Severna Park is not my favorite school due to many heated athletic contests over the years and some of the parents during that time. However, Todd Clark is "as good as it gets". This man is a local businessman who basically volunteers his time to help our student athletes become as good as they can get. While this violation may seem major, it isn't. The players involved did not effect the outcome of any varsity game they played in, and the intent of bringing them up was to give them some valuable experience for the future. Do not judge Todd by this unfortunate incident - this man wouldn't cheat anyone and I would be proud to have him coach any of my kids. Let this oversight be a lesson for everyone. Good luck Coach Todd - let's hope the Severna Park parents don't skewer you and run you out of town.

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ok walters - eustis, fl - Karma: Neutral

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SP Varisty & JV Soccer Program - 2 - 2009-11-04 16:26:09

It was his desire to mix-in the players resulted in exceeded the 8 player rule set by the powers to be.
He was not bringing in ringers, simply giving the JV (future Varsity) players some expose to the Varsity level competition.
The entire reason for JV is to develop players as a part of the program; no one keeps standings at that level in order to promote growth of individual players and programs.
Yes, the rule was broken, no matter how good the intensions were, and the program is punished by an administrative forfeit. The administrative forfeit does not change the wins earned by the players sweat equity on the playing pitch, nor does is chance the official score recorded by the referees at the conclusion of the matches.
The state cup is still going on and let the players play and the best team win.

See you on the pitch

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Ziya Gun - Millersville, MD - Karma: Neutral

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SP Varisty & JV Soccer Program - 1 - 2009-11-04 16:23:50

As a parent who has been to every home and away match this season, I wanted to add my 2 cents to the ongoing discussions;

Bringing in 10 players in violation of the rule has the smell of cheating, or at least willful bending of the rules for a gain or hidden agenda by the coaches. If I had just red the article and never been to SP Varsity soccer matches, I might be inclined to have a similar opinion.

Here are the facts coming from a parent who has known both coaches for a number of years and watched every match from the sidelines;

These are fine gentlemen who volunteer their time to coach our children and spend money out of their own pockets to provide them with training gear. (If you take the pay they receive and divide by the actual hours they spend, their pay would be below minimum wage).
Coach Todd has worked very hard in forming team cohesion between Varsity and Junior varsity teams, so that there is only one Severna Park Girls Soccer program.
The team cheer before the kick-off is ONE to emphasize this point.
Yes, Coach Todd wants the girls to go as far as they can in the county, and state, but also wants to develop players for the future.
He made a point of bringing about 2 JV players each week to be with the Varsity team, travel with them and perhaps get some play time in.

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Ziya Gun - Millersville, MD - Karma: Neutral

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reason for rule - 2009-11-04 16:17:38

btw-is it me or does this coach not get it..he cant interpret the rule?? did he even read it??? then he says the only way to find out is if you get burned by it..thats a direct insult to greg legrand (who he implies assured him it was ok to begin with)... and then he says he will hire the coach back next year...well unless the asst coach quits his rec team or cuts players to be inside the rule...then coach clak will be making the same mistake again..is this the best they can do at SP?? are you tellling me there were no better candidates than this guy for this job?? doesn't know the rules...throws the county coordinator under the bus and..and says he will hire him back next year???

the rule is in place to keep coaches from pressuring kids at a high school to play for theri club team year round..its a good rule..coaches can coach club, and high school but not with the same kids..

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billy madison - severna park, md - Karma: Neutral

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stupid rule - 2009-11-04 15:27:51

Why 8? Who came up with that number? If you don't want the coaches to coach club just make that rule! More dumb rules.

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j m - , - Karma: Neutral

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perhaps the sp administration shoul - 2009-11-04 15:19:03

no the kids should not have to pay the price for coaching ignorance...

This is the golden rule for high school athletics..you cannot coach your kids out of season..the rule is as clear as they come...unless you are unable able to perform the math calculations..80% of a starting line up..there is no room for misinterpretation...experienced coaches within the soccer community are well aware of this rule as many of them also coach club teams..it is the resposibility of the head coach to not only know this rule...but also to be sure his staff is inside the rule...
it is almost equivalent to not knowing the offside rule...

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billy madison - severna park, md - Karma: Neutral

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SP/Broadneck - 2009-11-04 13:28:20

SP and Broadneck both have a problem with institutionalized cheating and I hope this signals the beginning of the end.

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Fred Shubbie - , - Karma: Terrible

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interpretation - 2009-11-04 13:26:10

I'm not trying to come down on the coach at all but I am curious how the rule was misinterpreted. It seems pretty clear.

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D Russell - severna park, MD - Karma: Excellent

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poor example - 2009-11-04 13:22:54

"....rules are meant to be broken as they say"

I don't think that's the message I'd want my kids learning in school. Perhaps owning up to your mistakes and taking your lumps, as the coach did, is the better example to set.

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Jeff O - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Excellent

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rules are rules but come on - 2009-11-04 13:14:40

if they thought he was cheating for real this isn't a strong enough penalty...but i don't think anyone thinks anyone cheated on purpose ....which means the kids suffer and that's unfair....rules are meant to be broken as they say.....let the kids play..

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stanley davis - mayo, md - Karma: Terrible