There was a question that I read the other day "Will pigskin and smyfl ever join league's my answer is No probley not no where in the near future at least I wouldn't want them to join but play each other now thats a good southern maryland rivalry like the redskins and cowboys what a great time that would be if everyone could get along we are mature men and women I believe it would be a great match up go to each others bowl games and all, but am I in a fantasy land or dreaming of the perfect world or can this thing really work post your answers or opinions here. pigskin and smyfl supporter friendly site

There was a question that I read the other day "Will pigskin and smyfl ever join league's my answer is No probley not no where in the near future at least I wouldn't want them to join but play each other now thats a good southern maryland rivalry like the redskins and cowboys what a great time that would be if everyone could get along we are mature men and women I believe it would be a great match up go to each others bowl games and all, but am I in a fantasy land or dreaming of the perfect world or can this thing really work post your answers or opinions here. pigskin and smyfl supporter friendly site
It depends on a lot of different things. The biggest that comes to mind is what the County intends to do. A lot depends on that. They want club football last I heard.

It depends on a lot of different things. The biggest that comes to mind is what the County intends to do. A lot depends on that. They want club football last I heard.

The county getting involved is the last thing we need. They are so busy with baseball/softball and soccer that youth football would be neglected. We all need to unite and stop that from happening.

One thing I think needs to be done in all leagues is to have 1 travel team per division. It should be a hand picked team of all-stars that have the chance to play with player of similar skills throughout the area. I grew up playing in the pigskin league back in the 80' and early 90's. We never had to move a QB or RB to play the line because we were winning by too much. I understand that the "mercy rules" were put in to prevent humility but the ultimate problem is some of the kids in these leagues are just so much better than others. Have a "Travel" team would hopefully curb the talent level difference. What are peoples thoughts on that?

The county getting involved is the last thing we need. They are so busy with baseball/softball and soccer that youth football would be neglected. We all need to unite and stop that from happening.

One thing I think needs to be done in all leagues is to have 1 travel team per division. It should be a hand picked team of all-stars that have the chance to play with player of similar skills throughout the area. I grew up playing in the pigskin league back in the 80' and early 90's. We never had to move a QB or RB to play the line because we were winning by too much. I understand that the "mercy rules" were put in to prevent humility but the ultimate problem is some of the kids in these leagues are just so much better than others. Have a "Travel" team would hopefully curb the talent level difference. What are peoples thoughts on that?What would be the best thing would be to have a bi-county league with Calvert. Then do A and B teams in St. Mary's with the Mechanicsville Braves, Hollywood Blue Raiders, Lex Park Hornets, and Pax River Raiders playing as part of it.

As far as County involvement, all I can say is that as a volunteer board member of SMYFL, its too much for all-volunteers to run a league as large in a county like this. Let the County do the regulatory stuff: weigh ins, officials, schedules, etc. Then you have an unbiased (not implying we are biased) third party so nobody can be accused of favoritism, nobody is pressured to make changes mid-season to schedules or rules.

The county getting involved is the last thing we need. They are so busy with baseball/softball and soccer that youth football would be neglected. We all need to unite and stop that from happening.

One thing I think needs to be done in all leagues is to have 1 travel team per division. It should be a hand picked team of all-stars that have the chance to play with player of similar skills throughout the area. I grew up playing in the pigskin league back in the 80' and early 90's. We never had to move a QB or RB to play the line because we were winning by too much. I understand that the "mercy rules" were put in to prevent humility but the ultimate problem is some of the kids in these leagues are just so much better than others. Have a "Travel" team would hopefully curb the talent level difference. What are peoples thoughts on that?

I think there should be like you said a all-star team from each league and they play each other at the end of the year for a all-star medal or something and the coach's from each league pick a 20 or 30 man roster and play each other no mercy rule applied at that game, and no mercy rule for division 4 or 5 if there is one because the kids are all old enough at that point in time and in the younger division ther should be a mercy rule because a 30 to 0 blow out isnt nice

What would be the best thing would be to have a bi-county league with Calvert. Then do A and B teams in St. Mary's with the Mechanicsville Braves, Hollywood Blue Raiders, Lex Park Hornets, and Pax River Raiders playing as part of it.

As far as County involvement, all I can say is that as a volunteer board member of SMYFL, its too much for all-volunteers to run a league as large in a county like this. Let the County do the regulatory stuff: weigh ins, officials, schedules, etc. Then you have an unbiased (not implying we are biased) third party so nobody can be accused of favoritism, nobody is pressured to make changes mid-season to schedules or rules.

I really like the direction that SMYFL is going with the feeder programs. St. Mary's high school teams are so far behind the Charles county teams because they all have feeder programs that the kids learn the offenses and defenses of the high school in that area. This puts our high school teams in this area behind schedule and gives the Charles County teams a huge advantage.

I really like the direction that SMYFL is going with the feeder programs. St. Mary's high school teams are so far behind the Charles county teams because they all have feeder programs that the kids learn the offenses and defenses of the high school in that area. This puts our high school teams in this area behind schedule and gives the Charles County teams a huge advantage.To me personally, its not so much about teaching the middle schoolers the exact offense and defense of the HS's, but about making sure all of the coaches teach sound fundamentals and such to these kids from anklebiters on up. High School kids can learn a scheme or system fairly easily, but if they come in with no experience or fundamentals its bad.For instance, running a 4-3 defense with middle schoolers who aren't loaded with talent might be a recipe for losing and crush their love of the game. Whereas running a Wide Tackle Six with solid fundamentals might allow them to be stout and win. Then they can easily adjust to the High School defense in 9th grade.

Just my thoughts. :buddies:

To me personally, its not so much about teaching the middle schoolers the exact offense and defense of the HS's, but about making sure all of the coaches teach sound fundamentals and such to these kids from anklebiters on up. High School kids can learn a scheme or system fairly easily, but if they come in with no experience or fundamentals its bad.For instance, running a 4-3 defense with middle schoolers who aren't loaded with talent might be a recipe for losing and crush their love of the game. Whereas running a Wide Tackle Six with solid fundamentals might allow them to be stout and win. Then they can easily adjust to the High School defense in 9th grade.

Just my thoughts. :buddies:

This is true. Fundamentals is key.

I think there should be like you said a all-star team from each league and they play each other at the end of the year for a all-star medal or something and the coach's from each league pick a 20 or 30 man roster and play each other no mercy rule applied at that game, and no mercy rule for division 4 or 5 if there is one because the kids are all old enough at that point in time and in the younger division ther should be a mercy rule because a 30 to 0 blow out isnt nice

I agree here. There wouldn't be enough teams in the area to support a travel team. We'd be traveling far up the road and probably facing much more superior teams and having to face the same mercy rule that a lot of teams are facing now. I would go a little further and say to let the top two coaches from each division pick the 20 to 30 man roster. As a parent of a player I like what SMYFL has done so far and have gone through the season realizing that it's their first year. I would hate to see the county get involved and think that the parents can step up and provide more of a volunteer role to help the season along.

This is true. Fundamentals is key.

True there, but also getting the boys together who will be playing side by side has a big part to do with Charles County's success. If our boys can play together and learn to trust one another from ankle biters I think that we'll have a much better shot at competing with the "northerners."

True there, but also getting the boys together who will be playing side by side has a big part to do with Charles County's success. If our boys can play together and learn to trust one another from ankle biters I think that we'll have a much better shot at competing with the "northerners."

I hate to be handcuffed by what the HS is running. What if that scheme doesn't work with what I have? What if I don't have the team size/speed and I need to adjust? Who wants to emulate a crappy scheme that isn't working at the HS level? What if the coaching staff at HS changes after you have been running a scheme since the boys were 5 years old?

The difference between HS ball and youth ball is significant. Size differences, speed differences, agility, growing bodies, and the mandatory playing rules. The boys can learn fundamentals, and trust just fine running a scheme that fits that team. Once they get to freshman ball, JV they can then build on fundamentals and get the scheme for Varsity.

IMO youth football is seed corn for a solid fundamental football player that is ready to mold at the school level. They know how to block, tackle, read, formations, responsibilities, and what to expect.

Charles county has a much bigger pool to draw from which is why they dominate. When you can pick the best 35 out of 1200 vice the best 35 out of 500 you get better athletes.

I hate to be handcuffed by what the HS is running. What if that scheme doesn't work with what I have? What if I don't have the team size/speed and I need to adjust? Who wants to emulate a crappy scheme that isn't working at the HS level? What if the coaching staff at HS changes after you have been running a scheme since the boys were 5 years old?

The difference between HS ball and youth ball is significant. Size differences, speed differences, agility, growing bodies, and the mandatory playing rules. The boys can learn fundamentals, and trust just fine running a scheme that fits that team. Once they get to freshman ball, JV they can then build on fundamentals and get the scheme for Varsity.

IMO youth football is seed corn for a solid fundamental football player that is ready to mold at the school level. They know how to block, tackle, read, formations, responsibilities, and what to expect.

Charles county has a much bigger pool to draw from which is why they dominate. When you can pick the best 35 out of 1200 vice the best 35 out of 500 you get better athletes.

I should of clarified a little better. I was mainly talking about the middle school age groups learning what is done at there respectitive high schools. Fundamentals are absolutely the key to success in youth football (not to mention all the way through pro football).

I should of clarified a little better. I was mainly talking about the middle school age groups learning what is done at there respectitive high schools. Fundamentals are absolutely the key to success in youth football (not to mention all the way through pro football).

I could agree with the unlimited or middle school teams emulating the HS scheme to a point but below that leave them alone.

After everything I and the pigskin organization has done I am sorry for that and stirring it all up I just want to see that the parents and coach's of both organizations can get along enough for the kids that one day maybe they can play each other

After everything I and the pigskin organization has done I am sorry for that and stirring it all up I just want to see that the parents and coach's of both organizations can get along enough for the kids that one day maybe they can play each other

First there are no "Pigskin" parents or coaches this year, but I must say you do have an interesting point. The problem you propose is that the adults of SMYFL and Pigskin should get together so that the kids can play together. Of course this is under the guise that is for the sake of the kids. Great idea and the solution is really simple but already achieved, everyone just registered for SMYFL or Pax River Raiders.

The kids are all playing together now and the adults have settled whatever issues they had. Not sure of the point of this thread unless you are trying to stir up more discontent. For the sake of the kids just let Don be out of it like he claims he has wanted to be for years.

What would be the best thing would be to have a bi-county league with Calvert. Then do A and B teams in St. Mary's with the Mechanicsville Braves, Hollywood Blue Raiders, Lex Park Hornets, and Pax River Raiders playing as part of it.

As far as County involvement, all I can say is that as a volunteer board member of SMYFL, its too much for all-volunteers to run a league as large in a county like this. Let the County do the regulatory stuff: weigh ins, officials, schedules, etc. Then you have an unbiased (not implying we are biased) third party so nobody can be accused of favoritism, nobody is pressured to make changes mid-season to schedules or rules.

Since you are a board member, do you have any idea what the county is trying to do? I saw this article yesterday and was curious.
The County Times -- October 29, 2009 - page 28 (http://issuu.com/countytimes/docs/2009-10-29.jpg/28?viewMode=presentation)

First there are no "Pigskin" parents or coaches this year, but I must say you do have an interesting point. The problem you propose is that the adults of SMYFL and Pigskin should get together so that the kids can play together. Of course this is under the guise that is for the sake of the kids. Great idea and the solution is really simple but already achieved, everyone just registered for SMYFL or Pax River Raiders.

The kids are all playing together now and the adults have settled whatever issues they had. Not sure of the point of this thread unless you are trying to stir up more discontent. For the sake of the kids just let Don be out of it like he claims he has wanted to be for years.

Sir i'm not trying to stir up anything I have apoligized for everything I have said and done at this point in time I want pigskin to come back and I would like them to play each other. If I were trying to stir stuff up I would have made a smyfl sucks site i've gotten tired of the arguing and the "discontent" I dont want to start anything just to get along.

Sir i'm not trying to stir up anything I have apoligized for everything I have said and done at this point in time I want pigskin to come back and I would like them to play each other. If I were trying to stir stuff up I would have made a smyfl sucks site i've gotten tired of the arguing and the "discontent" I dont want to start anything just to get along.

:yeahthat: aman let him have it sinse the lies are about to start.

Since you are a board member, do you have any idea what the county is trying to do? I saw this article yesterday and was curious.
The County Times -- October 29, 2009 - page 28 (http://issuu.com/countytimes/docs/2009-10-29.jpg/28?viewMode=presentation)That article says about as much as I know. The County is looking to possibly take over the administrative or regulatory end of things: scheduling, weights, officials, etc. and they have consistently said they would like to use the club model like Calvert.

That article says about as much as I know. The County is looking to possibly take over the administrative or regulatory end of things: scheduling, weights, officials, etc. and they have consistently said they would like to use the club model like Calvert.

I hope the County takes over and puts in a club model.

I had two kids in SMYFL this season and for the most part things have gone well but there have definitely been some growing pains. Most of the issues we've dealt with, such as scheduling and suspect officiating, could be overcome with County oversight like the Calvert club model.

My biggest concern is if the county does not to get involved and Pigskin decides to return next season. I've never participated in Pigskin so I don't have an opinion on them but I do know St Mary's County can't support three separate football leagues.

I hope the County takes over and puts in a club model.

I had two kids in SMYFL this season and for the most part things have gone well but there have definitely been some growing pains. Most of the issues we've dealt with, such as scheduling and suspect officiating, could be overcome with County oversight like the Calvert club model.

My biggest concern is if the county does not to get involved and Pigskin decides to return next season. I've never participated in Pigskin so I don't have an opinion on them but I do know St Mary's County can't support three separate football leagues.

It would be better if the county has more over sight. Then maybe Don would actually retire instead of fighting with everyone I know he is hard to get along wtih he's done a good job with pigskin but he is not willing to accept new idea's, Heres one of his quote's "I've done this for close to thirty years your not going to tell me how to run this league" but I like Don and everything he has done its just time for someone new. I think

bLPCAHE-C6Q&feature

How horrible is that? ^^^^

That article says about as much as I know. The County is looking to possibly take over the administrative or regulatory end of things: scheduling, weights, officials, etc. and they have consistently said they would like to use the club model like Calvert.

Zguy,

Any word on what the recommendation was last night? They published the minutes from last month which say they are recommending a club model.

http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/docs/minutes/rp_min/10-01-09.pdf

YOUTH FOOTBALL UPDATE

Mr. Rollins gave a brief overview of the current situation with youth football. He also provided a handout of R&P’s response to issues and assertions raised by the leagues during the September 3, 2009 meeting.

Staff is recommending the Club Model for youth football in St. Mary’s County for next year. Under this plan, community based non-profit, youth football organizations would be established to register players, create teams, fund raise, purchase equipment and enter teams into age and weight divisions of a countywide league that is administered by R&P. R&P would provide oversight for football operations as league administrator; establish and collect fees for league operations (game officials, field lights, field markers, other incidental costs); assign practice and game sites; administer player weigh-ins; provide a league game schedule; contract game officials; oversee league activities at County parks; continue to manage Community Standards program coaches training, background checks, parent training and code of ethics); and mark game fields. The new Board of Directors would consist of the league administrator (R&P staff) and Board members (presidents of each club).

R&P is concerned there could be three football leagues in the County next year if Pigskin comes back, as they propose to do; this will cause problems with field scheduling. R&P’s recommendation is that youth football programs must participate in the St. Mary’s County Youth Football League in order to use County fields. The main reasons for this are to help unify youth football in the County; provide accountability; and provide impartial leadership. The exception to this would be older divisions where there aren’t enough in-County teams for a County league or for Club sponsored select teams participating in other, more competitive leagues. Clubs could play older kids in
Charles or Calvert County.

Currently, the Pax River Raiders are a club in the Calvert County league. Staff feels that they should be able to play in the St. Mary’s league as a club.

Bob Richardson stated the league administrator may act in a similar fashion as the Commissioner for Babe Ruth Baseball where the teams run themselves but come to the Commissioner with issues and concerns.

Lisa Wainger-Rush asked about the issue of boundaries. Mr. Rollins stated that a policy would need to be established to either have boundaries or be County-wide; there are pros and cons to each. Boundaries would eliminate recruitment, as some feel kids should play where they want. If boundaries are established, once families make the choice of the club they want to play with they won’t be able to switch clubs. Calvert County had boundaries in the past; they do not at this time. The details will need to be worked out in the future by the Board of Directors.

Ms. Wainger-Rush asked how R&P proposes to settle issues and reach consensus. Mr. Rollins stated that under the Club Model, the League Board of Directors (Presidents from each Club) and R&P staff would meet and work to resolve issues. Some issues would be brought to the R&P Board for discussion and policy establishment.

No decision on staff’s recommendation has been made at this time. Staff has had some positive discussions recently with both the SMYFL and the Pax Rivers Raiders. Mr. Rollins stated that this recommendation can’t work unless both leagues are on board with the plan. However, the County may need to say that this is the direction youth football should be going if County fields are to be used. He feels everyone can work together to form a successful Club Model league or similar arrangement in St. Mary’s.

As it stands, staff feels there are four options.
1. The Club Model (which is R&P’s recommendation)
2. Leave things as they are
3. The current leagues agree to form a unified program
4. Implement a phased approach to the Club Model beginning with the older players

Mr. Hicks asked if any additional response has been received from parents; Mr. Rollins stated that no further response has been received.

Chairman Dugan asked if the Department has any idea on how the Board of County Commissioners feels about the recommendation this time around. Mr. Rollins stated that while he has some individual discussions about the matter with the Commissioners, he’s not sure what they would recommend as a Board at this time.

Staff will e-mail information on the Calvert and Charles County leagues to the Board before the next meeting. David Phalen stated that seeing the framework and responsibilities for the programs would also be helpful.

The R&P Board will take staff’s recommendation under advisement and make a
recommendation on youth football during their next meeting. Staff would like to present information to the BOCC and obtain direction by the end of the year.

bLPCAHE-C6Q&feature

OMG! I am absolutely speechless.

Zguy,

Any word on what the recommendation was last night? They published the minutes from last month which say they are recommending a club model.Unfortunately I was unable to attend the meeting because of other commitments. I'm sure it was probably the same as what you posted. Club model with the County basically as Football Commissioner.

Zguy,

Any word on what the recommendation was last night? They published the minutes from last month which say they are recommending a club model.

http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/docs/minutes/rp_min/10-01-09.pdf

YOUTH FOOTBALL UPDATE

Mr. Rollins gave a brief overview of the current situation with youth football. He also provided a handout of R&P’s response to issues and assertions raised by the leagues during the September 3, 2009 meeting.

Staff is recommending the Club Model for youth football in St. Mary’s County for next year. Under this plan, community based non-profit, youth football organizations would be established to register players, create teams, fund raise, purchase equipment and enter teams into age and weight divisions of a countywide league that is administered by R&P. R&P would provide oversight for football operations as league administrator; establish and collect fees for league operations (game officials, field lights, field markers, other incidental costs); assign practice and game sites; administer player weigh-ins; provide a league game schedule; contract game officials; oversee league activities at County parks; continue to manage Community Standards program coaches training, background checks, parent training and code of ethics); and mark game fields. The new Board of Directors would consist of the league administrator (R&P staff) and Board members (presidents of each club).

R&P is concerned there could be three football leagues in the County next year if Pigskin comes back, as they propose to do; this will cause problems with field scheduling. R&P’s recommendation is that youth football programs must participate in the St. Mary’s County Youth Football League in order to use County fields. The main reasons for this are to help unify youth football in the County; provide accountability; and provide impartial leadership. The exception to this would be older divisions where there aren’t enough in-County teams for a County league or for Club sponsored select teams participating in other, more competitive leagues. Clubs could play older kids in
Charles or Calvert County.

Currently, the Pax River Raiders are a club in the Calvert County league. Staff feels that they should be able to play in the St. Mary’s league as a club.

Bob Richardson stated the league administrator may act in a similar fashion as the Commissioner for Babe Ruth Baseball where the teams run themselves but come to the Commissioner with issues and concerns.

Lisa Wainger-Rush asked about the issue of boundaries. Mr. Rollins stated that a policy would need to be established to either have boundaries or be County-wide; there are pros and cons to each. Boundaries would eliminate recruitment, as some feel kids should play where they want. If boundaries are established, once families make the choice of the club they want to play with they won’t be able to switch clubs. Calvert County had boundaries in the past; they do not at this time. The details will need to be worked out in the future by the Board of Directors.

Ms. Wainger-Rush asked how R&P proposes to settle issues and reach consensus. Mr. Rollins stated that under the Club Model, the League Board of Directors (Presidents from each Club) and R&P staff would meet and work to resolve issues. Some issues would be brought to the R&P Board for discussion and policy establishment.

No decision on staff’s recommendation has been made at this time. Staff has had some positive discussions recently with both the SMYFL and the Pax Rivers Raiders. Mr. Rollins stated that this recommendation can’t work unless both leagues are on board with the plan. However, the County may need to say that this is the direction youth football should be going if County fields are to be used. He feels everyone can work together to form a successful Club Model league or similar arrangement in St. Mary’s.

As it stands, staff feels there are four options.
1. The Club Model (which is R&P’s recommendation)
2. Leave things as they are
3. The current leagues agree to form a unified program
4. Implement a phased approach to the Club Model beginning with the older players

Mr. Hicks asked if any additional response has been received from parents; Mr. Rollins stated that no further response has been received.

Chairman Dugan asked if the Department has any idea on how the Board of County Commissioners feels about the recommendation this time around. Mr. Rollins stated that while he has some individual discussions about the matter with the Commissioners, he’s not sure what they would recommend as a Board at this time.

Staff will e-mail information on the Calvert and Charles County leagues to the Board before the next meeting. David Phalen stated that seeing the framework and responsibilities for the programs would also be helpful.

The R&P Board will take staff’s recommendation under advisement and make a
recommendation on youth football during their next meeting. Staff would like to present information to the BOCC and obtain direction by the end of the year.

It's good they will have more control maybe Don can retire:killingme