Dear Barbarians:
While our season winds to a close it is imperative that the many unaddressed issues are dealt with, so that we all have a clear understanding of how we intend to move forward. Some say that the Barbarians have changed in a negative connotation and look to circumvent the approach we have suggested, only to benefit themselves without regard to others. Many more are focused on making the club as strong a they are able while even more have shown the patience we require in what we attempt to do and find that there is a greater benefit to all who work with, as opposed to those who chose to constantly go against. Some may find it hard to believe but we have an appreciation for each one for anyone who cares has merit; and for those who do not, all effort for what might be is lost.
In our growth as a club we have not lost focus at anytime on what we are attempting to do. In the end we have set our objective to raise the level of play in Western PA and have made it our aim to oversee the development of players that are members of this Coalition in a manner that demonstrates to everyone who we encounter the dynamic and significance of team. It has always been our belief that in so doing that part of the developmental process of the individual is to instill in them a sense of belonging as well as a sense of leadership. That the decisions they make in the course of the game as well as in life can effect the outcome and that true selflessness (team play) will grant a greater sense of well being than self attainment. The pass has to be guaranteed and that the goal, no matter who scores it, is not!
Our objectives have been clearly defined that we will see improvement of the individual and our teams on a weekly basis, and that the development of every individual player is our priority throughout the course of the season, from year-to-year. Yet for some, it is not quick enough. In everything we do patience is required but not always given. Over time, tolerance does not always lend itself to understanding but the lack of understanding (patience) will never allow for continuity. We seek consistency in our approach to each of you in an honest attempt to have continuity in our purpose and while the club has continually grown in numbers we have witnesses a deterioration in genuineness by some who have been here for an extended time.
It is a personal embarrassment to the Barbarians to have parents on the sideline who feel a need to coach their child while on the field of play, or engage the referees in an ongoing debate about calls for or against one of our teams. It is even more disappointing when what parents do as spectators incites players to go against everything we have represented to them prior to participating with us and while here. These type of actions demean the game and will not be tolerated no matter what any of you feel you are entitled to do for whatever reason you may have. This is not the way we conduct ourselves in the Barbarians.
Even more telling are parents who sit in the stands and comment negatively about the players on either team but in particular our own parents and teams. Keep your comments to yourself when you feel the need to coach a player or to talk negatively about a particular player with others with whom you may be seated, as though your child is the gift to the soccer world that we have all been awaiting. We are attempting to develop every player who is a member and do so with respect for the game and all of its participants. The game can be played magnificently without any spectators, and your child will develop as will the others without your inept commentary. If you wish to speak to me about your child at an appropriate time we are usually willing to accommodate but I need to caution you about attempting to engage me or any of the coaches about a child other than your own.
Similarly, for you who are constantly working behind the scene in an effort to call into question everything that we are doing without an attempt to bring it to our attention firsthand is erroneous. As it has been stated before I will reiterate, if you have a question about anything the Barbarians are doing you should ask me because I am the only one who may answer and that there is a time and place for everything. It must be noted that your actions are not always appreciated by the ones with whom you may be speaking and that on more than one occasion several others have called your motives into question. One thing that we must adhere to within this organization is to steer clear from addressing hearsay assessments or those who bear tales, though this may prove difficult for many in the world of competitive youth soccer!
It is imperative for all who are here and wish to remain here to keep in mind that I do not knowingly answer hearsay nor do I speculate about anything . It has been my experience, through running the day-to-day operations of the Barbarians, that has enabled me to usually get beyond that behavior to be productive and serve the members here better. At times it has been difficult but in most instances if you consider the source then you will find the culprit that can detract each of us from what keeps and makes the Barbarians unique. Is it so difficult to serve others before you serve yourself, and in so doing who is better served?
While we have enjoyed our most productive year in many regards, it has not come without costs and in some instances many that cannot be endured. At this indoor season’s Northeast Regional Tournament the Barbarians represented Western PA with 9 different age-group teams and had 5 playing into Championship Monday where 4 would place, but then you all know this by now. What may be unbeknownst to many is the number of players who received cautions and or expulsions in regional matches and that there were more than we have ever seen in this club and more than we have had to- date in our history! We addressed several of you at the time of the incidents but are not finished in our disciplinary assessments.
Everyone who is a member is aware that there is consequence for poor decision making. To this end we have formulated a disciplinary committee, that will enforce our Code of Conduct as it relates to any family’s participation with the Barbarians. The Disciplinary Committee will also enforce the letter and spirit of the club put forth in a Barbarian Handbook that will encompass the way in which members will conduct themselves. Many of the concepts that we have tried to instill that most are not garnering either from the information you have received over the years, and or, what newcomers read in order to participate within the Barbarian FC ,will be placed in an easy to use handbook, as a reference. While we have assured each of you that we are not in hurry to do what we are doing we find that the handbook is a priority and it will be made ready in the very near future.
More news to follow but in the interim we hope that you will play to your best and participate in life to your fullest!
__________________
As usual, I will see you on the pitch!
David W. Sayles