DDSL vs SFAI

[Ezeikial]

Irish Indo today:


Cork clubs press nuclear button in row with SFAI

JOHN FALLON – 01 FEBRUARY 2014


The ongoing troubles afflicting this season's Schoolboy Football Association of Ireland (http://searchtopics.independent.ie/topic/Football_Association_of_Ireland) (SFAI) Cup competitions has reached breaking point after all 25 teams from the Cork Schoolboys League still involved informed the SFAI and FAI of their refusal to participate in the new version of the open draw.




More:
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/cork-clubs-press-nuclear-button-in-row-with-sfai-29969734.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/cork-clubs-press-nuclear-button-in-row-with-sfai-29969734.html)

[fifa]

Latest I've heard is fai refusing interview or to take calls from Trevor welch on local cork radio station 96fm,terry O'Donavan from college Corinthians will be on at 3:30 today might be worth a listen

[Ezeikial]

Hearing rumours of other clubs outside cork considering backing the cork clubs and pulling their teams out in disgust at FAI/SFAI behaviour

Phone campaign appears to be in full swing seeking the backing of other clubs in the last 32 for the Cork stance by refusing to play redrawn fixtures.

[fifa]

Fai would want to start communicating with the clubs this is the sort of thing that will lead those in their big fai jobs to lose them I think their underestimating the anger from around the country,can't be long before other clubs join the cork teams

[Rory]

Can't see why anyone would follow. Maybe some as they got worse draws but none of the level headed clubs leagues will follow the example of the "Rebels" in my opinion as it's more important to get on with playing football than to try to satisfy big egos...... Let the kids play!!

[fifa]

Can't see why anyone would follow. Maybe some as they got worse draws but none of the level headed clubs leagues will follow the example of the "Rebels" in my opinion as it's more important to get on with playing football than to try to satisfy big egos...... Let the kids play!!
Rory your either dilusional or a ddsl man your the reason they get away with this kind of crap all the time

[Rory]

I stick up for the players in Cork so I must be a DDSL man? You don't make sense buddy. I am neither a DDSL man nor delusional(this is how you spell that word btw) but I recon you are a Cork man. A true Rebel who would not let the Dubs get away with anything regardless who suffers. A very selfish, childish attitude. I agree with most on this topic that the re-draw was not required, but to pull all your teams out does not punish the DDSL. The Cork teams could compete for the title. Why not go for it and show that even with this going on it can still be won by a Cork team... Let the football talk. Let the players play and find another way to fight your battle with the DDSL.

[Horse24]

Rory, Roll over doesnt work pal.
From what I hear, the SFAI should have stood up to the FAI at their recent meeting. The DDSL broke the rules - whats the problem?

If no-one did anything and just made noise, can you seriously say the FAI would reprimand the DDSL?

I dont see the DDSL point on seeded draw - how many times does the small guy win or two heavyweights meet - not too often? The big guys still come out.

Blame for the lot has to lie with the powers of Irish football - they are the guardians of football for everyone from 5 to 85. How many people will use the facilities in Abbotstown from outside the county? Not too many.

30 pieces of silver

[Rory]

I totally agree with you Horse in regards to the seeding etc.. but please explain what good it would do to anyone pulling out your teams? I don't think the SFAI will take much notice especially now some of the last 32 matches have been played last weekend. I think all this will do is upset the players of the teams that have worked very hard to get in the last 32 and now see it being taken away.

I suggest that out of protest the Cork teams, and any team that are angry about this injustice, will not participate in the SFAI National cup for next season if the DDSL is allowed to do the seeding again. But pulling out at this stage is unfair to your own players.

This is my 50 cents.... delusional or not

[fifa]

Thanks Rory for pointing my spelling mistake
btw it's reckon not recon
ha ha

[dutchie]

What this needs is smaller counties backing Cork,i know Cork would have fancied there chances if Dublin teams wee thrown out,so if maybe Limerick,kerry and Galway teams pulled out and joined Cork then the Fai would have to listen.

[Ballymoreman]

The FAI are now tied to the DDSL and their €500k golden handshake so don't expect to see them wade back in to right their wrong. If any league pulls out, as Cork have done the competition will merely roll on without them as the DDSL are at the wheel now and they aint stopping for anyone who jumps off. A sad state of affairs.

[Rory]

There is now plenty of time to arrange an alternative "National Cup" for next season. I'm sure a lot more leagues will come on board. You just need to agree on a format and lobby all leagues around Ireland to participate. If the DDSL is acting up again, you just start the "alternative" cup and pull out at the very start.
Or even easier... get all the leagues to agree that when the DDSL/SFAI/FAI pull a stunt like this next season, proceed with the SFAI fixtures without the DDSL teams included and outside the SFAI.
But the agreement between all the leagues will have to be there on forehand so the SFAI knows that everyone means business and that there is a backup plan in place in case of any messing....
Just one or 2 leagues pulling out now won't do anyone any good.

[Ballymoreman]

Rory, it's not that simple. All other leagues started their 'qualification' rounds on time with a non seeded draw as per the SFAI Cup rules. The DDSL flatly refused to do so and have dragged this prestigious childrens football competition into the mire. It should be noted that this is the SFAI Cup and not the DDSL Cup so it's the SFAI who supposedly set the rules. Now what you have is the DDSL belatedly playing games making all the other clubs who qualified months ago wait for the outcome of their 'rigged' / seeded draw which will obviously see all their big guns safely through to the last 32. All the DDSL want is to have a totally skewed playing field in their favour at the expense of everyone else.

Why should the other leagues form a national competition when there is a perfectly good one in existence already if only the DDSL would abide by the rules of said SFAI competition. They broke the rules and should be out end of story.

The DDSL are a law onto themselves and obviously their €500k tie in with the FAI re Abbotstown is now paying huge dividends for them in that they got their way against the express wishes of EVERY other schoolboy league in the country. The SFAI only relented and allowed the DDSL back in when they were threatened with being disbanded by the FAI.

[fifa]

You've summed it up there perfectly ballymoreman

[Rory]

Again, I agree totally with you Ballymoreman! We have a good competition as it is, if everyone plays by the rules. I would like you to read my post again or I will try to explain what I mean a bit better below:
What are you going to do if the DDSL starts messing again next season? If the other leagues don't prepare now, they will me made to look stupid once more like this year. Pulling out now will only make you look more silly as most leagues will not follow. What you need is a plan for next season in case something like this happens again. So I mean......have a backup plan instead of just rolling over which is what will happen this year. Not ideal but that way there will be a competition for the players and the SFAI might not accommodate the DDSL the year after..

[Ballymoreman]

Rory, I do see what you are saying but thats not addressing the farce of 2013/2014 and you are therefore basically allowing the DDSl to dictate the rules of a competition they didnt organise. I absolutely guarantee you that if any other league in the country tried it on like that they would have been out on their ear, opposition teams would have been handed walkovers and the competition would have proceeded without them.

"All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others."

[Rory]

Yes, but I don't think there is much you can do about the farce of 2013/14. You already know my view on pulling out at this stage and I don't think this will hurt the DDSL or SFAI at all. All I say is make sure this can not happen again next season......and have some sort of alternative ready in case they are at it again. If not......the same will happen over and over again as it has for years I believe?

[fifa]

The cork teams have said they will play in the original draw so haven't pulled out at all as such it's really the sfai or fai are choosing to use second draw so are basically excluding them

[dutchie]

Kerry are meeting on thurs and it looks like they will follow cork and pull out.

[fifa]

Balinasloe Town first club outside cork to pull out

[Ballymoreman]

Yes, I heard Ballinasloe have pulled their U16 team alright. Very sad that they find themselves in that position.

[Rory]

Not all teams from Cork have pulled out it seems...

[fifa]

Not all teams from Cork have pulled out it seems...
Yes Bandon u14 are undecided

[Ballymoreman]

It's a difficult call to make.

[fifa]

I think it's bandons first time getting as far as the last 32 open draw

[Stuttgart88]

I have been following this story without any great understanding of the balance of power and political fault lines present in schoolboy football.

Also, I want to make it clear that I have no axe to grind whatsoever, although I admit that the financial relationship between FAI and DDSL looks "inelegant" to say the least.

However, I have long felt that Irish football's structures need ripping up and starting again. There are too many competing factions in Irish football and the FAI has lost control. I suspect certain individuals in the FAI benefit from this - everyone votes for the status quo at the AGM because they're allowed to keep control of their own fiefdom while the FAI bods keep their jobs.

So, to what extent does this standoff present the opportunity for a fresh start, especially if SFAI can't survive? Is the SFAI really a force for good in Irish football? Would the FAI - assuming the right individuals held the key roles -not be better off running schoolboy football, especially if it contributed to a more joined up domestic game?

I am told that the NDSL is doing super things with regard to coaching kids and delaying competition until kids have the technique etc. I am also told that South Dublin is in the stone age still. Would it not be best for everyone if something like the NDSL model was the national model, fully coordinated by one single entity also with a mandate to join up underage football to all levels of "grown up" football, junior, intermediate and senior?

[Rory]

I agree Stuttgart. We need change. We need people running the SFAI with a passion for the game and a drive to improve the standard of schoolboy/girl football across the country. The guys that are there now seem to be of the type "politician" and will just destroy the game as they have no interest in progressing and just do as they are told by the FAI in fear of losing their cosey jobs.
Schoolboy football might as well be handed over to the FAI as they are already in charge of the "Regional Development/Emerging Talent" across the country and also the Kickstart and Junior cert courses are run/developed by the FAI. Not sure if we need a separate body (SFAI) to organize whatever is left after that.

[Ballymoreman]

I'm sure the FAI will ask the DDSL if it's ok that they administer the schoolboy game.

I am amazed that the SFAI's existence is being questioned here when the DDSL have clearly broken both their own rules and the rules of the SFAI cups in taking the line that they did to the detriment of the game and then blatantly and brazenly colluded with the FAI so they get their own way.

[Rory]

The SFAI has not done anything to develop Schoolboy football for as long as I can remember. It might be slightly off topic but it always seems to be the FAI that it taking initiative to develop the schoolboy game in Ireland whith coach education and elite player development (which I do not agree with btw). I do agree that the FAI should not have done what they did and are the cause of this National Cup shambles, but they have shown to have more interest in Schoolboy football than the SFAI.

[Stuttgart88]

I am amazed that the SFAI's existence is being questioned here I'm not condoning anything the DDSL is doing but I've been told by a pal who lives and breathes underage football in Ireland that the SFAI isa bunch of old blazers hopelessly out of touch with accepted modern views on youth development.

Is there any substance in this?

It strikes me that your enemy's enemy is your friend here, i.e., because you don't agree with the DDSL then you must support SFAI. Maybe they're both an obstacle to underage progress?

[Ballymoreman]

I'll admit I am not au fait with the intimate goings on of either the SFAI or DDSL 'blazers' as I'm sure they exist in both camps but I cannot see how the DDSL have done anything to progress schoolboy soccer in this particular episode!

[Terrasini]

I'm not condoning anything the DDSL is doing but I've been told by a pal who lives and breathes underage football in Ireland that the SFAI isa bunch of old blazers hopelessly out of touch with accepted modern views on youth development.

Is there any substance in this?

It strikes me that your enemy's enemy is your friend here, i.e., because you don't agree with the DDSL then you must support SFAI. Maybe they're both an obstacle to underage progress?


My contacts seem to also confirm this Stuttgart88. However, the DDSL like all the leagues around the country do great work at the core level, that is provide quality coaching and facilities for kids to play the game we all love. But it is administered by people who comply with the wishes of the big 6-8 clubs and the rest of us suffer because of it. The 49km issue is a case in point, it only affects 6 clubs max yet 1000s of kids have their ALL Ireland dreams held to ransom because of the power of these clubs. i had heard that the original draw was made and the DDSL CHOSE not to attend the draw and then complained that the draw was unfair. The SDSL and the NDSL are actually very well administered and are much more democratic and transparent. The SFAI are also really a poorly run over staffed, very parochial and divisive bunch. While I have issues with the DDSL, having an allocation of only 4 clubs in the last 32 of the cups considering the number of clubs and teams they run is shameful while leagues less than half their size get more. Is the allocation based on county size?
These issues are not beyond resolving but there is no will to compromise.
The DDSL also run their Representitive teams as a special club for UK club scouts. The lobbying by the top clubs to get their players on them is embarrassing. These are quality players without doubt but when players from less fashionable clubs are vying for the same position in 100% of cases it goes to the kid with the correct crest on his jersey.
The FAI should take control of the SFAI and sort out the cup draws, mileage rules and reduce the number of members on the committee.
The DDSL should have a more democratic line up on their committees representing the whole league not 8 clubs.
These Leagues and SFAI have become power struggles that now are effecting the kids playing ball. Is that right?

[GitYerKorna]

IMHO, the whole strategy for underage development needs to be rethought starting with the day an U-8 starts enjoying a kick about.
No individual governing body is solely as fault but as a collective organization these 3 bodies drive more good players out of the beautiful game than they develop to their full potential.
DDSL - arrogant organization promoting self interests at the expense of others
SFAI - is a like a general without an army
FAI - ?

[Ballymoreman]

Another meeting in Cork on this debacle tonight. Will be interesting to see if they buckle or stand firm.

[dutchie]

heard the meeting was last night with Delaney and Cork will now take there place in the new draw next weekend,wonder what was promised there.

[dutchie]

I'm not condoning anything the DDSL is doing but I've been told by a pal who lives and breathes underage football in Ireland that the SFAI isa bunch of old blazers hopelessly out of touch with accepted modern views on youth development.

Is there any substance in this?

It strikes me that your enemy's enemy is your friend here, i.e., because you don't agree with the DDSL then you must support SFAI. Maybe they're both an obstacle to underage progress?

The motion to have the ddsl teams removed from the competition was passed by every assosiation,they got no support whatsoever,you cant blame the blazers,it was the coaches on the ground that wanted them out.

[fifa]

heard the meeting was last night with Delaney and Cork will now take there place in the new draw next weekend,wonder what was promised there.
Cork clubs are meeting tonight to report back on meeting with Delaney from yesterday as not all clubs went to Dublin I think the fai pr/rumour machine has started already also balinasloe town confirmed again today their withdrawal with sfai

[Rory]

The Kerry teams were meeting tonight as well. Any news on the outcome of that meeting?

[Ballymoreman]

I heard Cork are still out.

[fifa]

Cork are staying out confirmed by statement to sfai no explanation was given to why ddsl were allowed break rule about seeded teams

[Ballymoreman]

Apparently Cork have been 'guaranteed' that it wont happen next season and they will return then. Not much consolation for their players who made it this year and may not even be in the competition next year. Pure poppycock, once the DDSL get away with it this year they will make sure it's an annual occurence no matter what John Delaney thinks. He has set the FAI on a slippery slope. DDSL definitely the tail wagging the dog at the minute.

[fifa]

Fai=joke

[razor]

Statement on behalf of Cork Clubs regarding SFAI National Cup Competitions 2013/2014

It is with deep regret that the Cork Schoolboys League Clubs listed below confirm that they are unwilling to participate any further in this season’s National Cup Competitions. The decision to withdraw was a unanimous decision and is fully supported by the Cork Schoolboys League.

We would like to make it clear that the decision to withdraw our teams from the competition was not taken likely and every effort was made to reach some compromise. However despite meeting with Chief Executive of the FAI John Delaney in Abbotstown on Wednesday night, unfortunately the explanation received as to why a particular region was allowed to breach Rule 2 (c) of the SFAI Rules was not acceptable.

Rule 2 (c) states that "All teams from all regions will be included in the first round draw, no seeding of teams shall be allowed."

On the basis that this Rule was not complied with by all regions we believe that the integrity of the competition has been undermined and in the interests of the children of our Clubs we will not be participating any further in a flawed and unfair competition.

However having received assurances from FAI Chief Executive John Delaney that this situation would not occur next season we look forward to participating in a fair and just competition in 2014-2015.

Corinthian Boys, Carrigaline AFC, Wilton United AFC, Mayfield United AFC, Ringmahon Rangers AFC, Buttevant AFC, Rockmount AFC, Leeds AFC, Springfield Ramblers AFC, Douglas Hall AFC, Lakewood Athletic AFC..

[Rory]

Looks like Kerry did not pull out. They just put the SFAI fixtures up on their website:

http://www.kerryschoolboysgirlsleague.com/?page_id=89

[Cici900]

Looks like Kerry did not pull out. They just put the SFAI fixtures up on their website:

http://www.kerryschoolboysgirlsleague.com/?page_id=89

Pity because by staying in it you let the DDSL get away with breaking the rules. They break the rules, Cork look for what is right, no one supports them and they're out. Schoolboys football looks to be in a sad state of affairs in Ireland.

[ball-hop]

I have played, officiated and attempted to coach with one of the Cork clubs who had teams qualified for the Schoolboy National cups Open Draw stages.
We've clearly had a breakdown here. There is something seriously wrong when clubs are forced to take the radical action of withdrawing.

Get a grip and sort it out!!

[fifa]

And what's john Delaney doing telling the papers it needs to be sorted by cork clubs in the boardroom not the pitch it just shows you how out of touch he and the fai are I don't know of too many local clubs with "boardrooms"

[Rory]

What he means is to take any dispute away from the playing pitches. Don't let the kids be the ones to suffer in an adult's argument. And for once I have to agree with him.

[fifa]

If he cared about the kids he would of tried to sort this 2 weeks ago