Petition Relating to 2013 DSYSA Varsity Football Teams

          The DSYSA Board has to date planned to have only 2 Varsity teams for the upcoming 2013 football season. Based on past participation rates that means there will be between 20 and 25 boys per team.

We believe this plan presents several problems, and request that the Board reconsider and instead have 3 teams. The primary justifications for this request include:

1.       The plan to have only 2 teams will inevitably minimize one-on-one individualized attention to each player, and in particular will mean that those still developing and maturing their incipient abilities and game-savvy will not advance to their full potential or more fully learn the game.

2.       This team size will necessarily mean that those players who have not yet attained their full potential for this level will see minimal playing time.

3.       The combination of training retardation and minimal playing time will create a vicious cycle, and will inevitably mean some players will lose their enthusiasm for the game. We will lose players who – if merely given adequate attention and experience – could greatly contribute in the future if they stay involved and advance to higher levels. It will also mean they do not have the benefit of continued joy of being part of a “team” dedicated to accomplishing a mission through shared sacrifice and work.

4.       The lack of personal attention and playing time will also negatively impact our boys’ self-esteem and confidence. They will feel like failures and this will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

5.       In the long term it will also reduce total participation rates, with the attendant lowered fee revenues, which in turn will escalate the vicious cycle. Further, those that do participate will feel that their time and money was not worth it if they rarely receive attention and see only minimal action.

          On behalf of all the boys that hope and plan to play on the 2013 DSYSA Varsity football team, the undersigned respectfully requests that the Board provide for 3 teams.  

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