Summer 2003 Survey Results & Board Responses

The MWSL prides itself on providing quality women's soccer in a fun and safe atmosphere. The only way to achieve this goal is through your assistance, so we appreciate your help.

Note(s): Only one survey was completed for each team. Confidentiality is the top priority for the MWSL. For posting of the comments, some comments have been modified slightly to remove references to teams and/or individuals. Comments recorded do not reflect nor are they endorsed by the MWSL in any way. Comments recorded are the individual opinions of the writer.

If you choose to print the results and board responses as listed on the website, please take note that you will print the survey results and board responses in their entirety (not for you specific division).

Division 1A

Division 1B

Division 2

Division 3

Division 4

General/Additional Comments

Division 1A:

Teams Responding: 2 out of 6

1) How did you perceive the skill level in Division 1A?
High - 2
Low - 0
About Right - 0
Disparity in Skill - 0

Board Response: No changes will be made

2) Did you feel that the D1A division was too small with 6 teams?
Yes -1
No - 1

3) Would you prefer to see 8 teams in D1A
Yes -2
No - 0

Board Response: To provide more variety and challenge to D1A teams, D1A will increase to 7 or 8 teams depending on returning teams.

The MWSL prescheduled fields for all D1A teams to help with the shortage of referee's and available fields.

4) Did you notice a change in the number of referee's present at each game?
Yes -1
No - 1

5) Did you notice a change in quality of the referee's at each game?
Yes - 1
No - 1

6) With the exception of a few isolated incidents, how do you view the overall quality of referee's this summer? Did they control the game and maintain a safe atmosphere? One suggestion I have for improvement for next year regarding referees is.......

-Referees need to lose the "arrogance" that they apparently believe is necessary for control. They need to put themselves in a position to understand the rules of contact far better and to apply the rules to the game for the safety of the players. The old Book Fair or Foul should be required reading.

7) Please estimate the percentage of games with 3 referees?
Less than 25% - 0
25 to 50% - 0
50 to 75% - 1
More than 75% - 1

Board Response: Referee results were forwarded to the Referee Schedulers.

8) Did your team mind playing a later game at some of the double header locations?
Yes - 0
No - 2

9) Did you feel the cost of the fields was too high for the benefit you received as a team?
Yes - 0
No - 2

Board Response: Due to the decrease of available fields for 2004 and the desire of the field managers to only work with leagues (rather than individual teams), the MWSL will continue the practice of scheduling teams to assigned fields on specific dates and times. The cost structure will be divided as it was in 2003 (all teams paying equal amounts).

10) Does your team agree with mandatory promotion/relegation between D1A and D1B?
Yes - 2
No - 0

11) If you were relegated to D1B, did you feel this move is appropriate to your team's skill level and record?
Yes -1
No - 0
Not Applicable - 1

Board Response: Mandatory Promotion/Relegation will continue between D1A and D1B.

12) Will your team return to the MWSL next season?
Yes - 2
No

Division 1B:

Teams Responding: 8 out of 12

1) How did you perceive the skill level in Division 1B?
High - 1
Low - 0
About Right -6
Disparity in Skill -1

Board Response: No changes will be made.

The MWSL prescheduled fields for all D1B teams to help with the shortage of referee's and available fields.

2) Did you notice a change in the number of referee's present at each game?
Yes- 4
No - 4

3) Did you notice a change in quality of the referee's at each game?
Yes - 3
No - 5

4) With the exception of a few isolated incidents, how do you view the overall quality of referee's this summer? Did they control the game and maintain a safe atmosphere? One suggestion I have for improvement for next year regarding referees is.......

• I thought that they did an excellent job. There where very few problems on the field. I think the ref's handled their job very well.
• MWSL did a much better job of finding referee's this past summer. If possible, find more women referee's. I noticed that a lot of MWSL women refs were also ref's for the MIAC (college soccer). That is GREAT!
• To be okay with players who want to pump up the ball. That was an isolated incident, but it was ridiculous for the old man to dispute it and act so authoritarian.
  
• 2 things: 1-if a team is winning and/or dominating a game or team, the refs should not change the way they ref the game. A few cases the ref almost called games against us to try to make it even. 2nd-if there is male refs they should not try hitting on or be trying to "pick up" any of the players, before, during or after the games.
  
• Generally the refs were ok with the exception of certain games (like our game at Hudson). Is there any way to have certain refs that are good always assigned to the women's league so they get to know the level of play, teams, players to watch out for, etc.?
  
• Fair
  
• The main thing I noticed was that most of them did not know what they were doing- having more refs of bad quality is not always best.
  
• All in all they where good. At times lacked consistency.

5) Please estimate the percentage of games with 3 referees?
Less than 25% - 2
25 to 50% - 0
50 to 75% - 0
More than 75% - 6

Board Response: Referee results were forwarded to the Referee Schedulers.

6) Did your team mind playing a later game at some of the double header locations?
Yes - 1
No - 7

7) Did you feel the cost of the fields was too high for the benefit you received as a team?
Yes - 4
No - 4

Board Response: Due to the decrease of available fields for 2004 and the desire of the field managers to only work with leagues (rather than individual teams), the MWSL will continue the practice of scheduling teams to assigned fields on specific dates and times. The cost structure will be divided as it was in 2003 (all teams paying equal amounts).

8) Does your team agree with mandatory promotion/relegation between D1A and D1B?
Yes - 8
No - 0

9) If you were promoted to D1A or relegated to D2, did you feel this move was appropriate to your team's skill level and record?
Yes - 4
No - 4
Not Applicable - 0

Board Response: Mandatory Promotion/Relegation will continue between D1A and D1B.

10) Will your team return to the MWSL next season?
Yes - 7
No - 1

Division 2

Teams Responding: 9 out of 11

1) How did you perceive the skill level in Division 2?
High - 1
Low - 1
About Right - 4
Disparity in Skill - 3

Board Response: The MWSL Board has postponed discussions of any division restructuring of D2, D3 and D4 until 2005. At the end of 2004, we will determine if teams moving between divisions help alleviate disparity in skill between teams.

2) Do you wish to continue to play every Tuesday and every other Thursday?
Yes - 7
No - 2

3) Did the modified schedule help with attendance challenges in D2?
Yes - 7
No - 2

Board Response: D2 will continue to play every Tuesday and every alternate Thursday for 2004.

4) With the exception of a few isolated incidents, how do you view the overall quality of referee's this summer? Did they control the game and maintain a safe atmosphere? One suggestion I have for improvement for next year regarding referees is…....

• They were fine.
  
• We still found several referees that focused too much on the fact that they were coaching a women's game - in some cases, they even stated that they called things differently for women than men - this was disappointing, but is most likely out of the MWSL's control.
  
• Overall, refs were decent
  
• I thought the refs were good this year.
  
• Most of the referees were good, although we had several line refs that did not know how to call off sides, which was very frustrating for our team.
  
• Other than not having referee's at 2 games this year. I think that their quality was just fine
  
• Acceptable.
  
• For the most part, I think they did.
  
• Referees were pretty good. No major complaints.

5) Did you see a variety of referees at your games, versus consistently seeing the same referees?
Yes - 8
No - 1

6) Please estimate the percentage of games with 3 referees?
Less than 25% - 1
25 to 50% - 0
50 to 75% - 2
More than 75% - 6

Board Response: Referee results were forwarded to the Referee Schedulers.

Division 3

Teams Responding: 6 out of 10

1) How did you perceive the skill level in Division 3?
High - 1
Low
About Right - 4
Disparity in Skill - 1

2) If it helped promote more teams in D3, would your team be open to a No Slide Tackle Rule for D3?
Yes - 4
No - 2

Board Response: No changes will be made in 2004

3) What is your team's opinion of a "No Slide Tackle" rule, such as one designed for D4?
It is important to most players on our team to have a slide tackle rule. - 0
It is important to some players on our team to have a slide tackle rule. - 1
Our team is neither for nor against a slide tackle rule. - 2
Our team is against a slide tackle rule (slide tackling should be allowed). - 3

Board Response: No changes will be made in 2004.

4) If it helped promote less disparity in skill for D3 and D4 teams, would your team be open to a smaller division with mandatory promotion/relegation between a D3A (top D3 teams) and D3B (lower D3 teams, top D4 teams)?
Yes - 5
No - 1

Board Response: The MWSL Board has postponed discussions of any division restructuring of D2, D3 and D4 until 2005. At the end of 2004, we will determine if teams moving between divisions help alleviate disparity in skill between teams.

5) Do you wish to continue to play every Wednesday only?
Yes - 6
No - 0

6) Do you think the Wednesday only schedule helped with attendance challenges in D3?
Yes - 5
No - 1

Board Response: D3 will continue to only play Wednesdays for 2004

7) Did your team participate in the optional Monday games?
Yes - 2
No - 4

8) If yes, will you participate in an optional Monday league if offered for 2004?
Yes - 5
No - 1

Board Response: The Board will attempt to create an optional Monday league for teams in 2004. If attendance/consistency is not improved, we will terminate the program for 2005.

9) Historically, the week of the USA Cup has been a bye week for the MWSL. Last year we scheduled D3 and D4 games during this time. For 2004, do you wish to have games during this week (understanding that you will not have a bye week for the 4rth of July, which falls on a Sunday)?
Yes - 6
No - 0

Board Response: Games will be scheduled during the USA Cup.

10) With the exception of a few isolated incidents, how do you view the overall quality of referee's this summer? Did they control the game and maintain a safe atmosphere? One suggestion I have for improvement for next year regarding referees is...

• There was quite a bit of difference between refs. Some games they were great and others they were lazy. Also, not all ref by the same set of rules which made it confusing for players. I think ones moving up from D4 didn't understand the slide tackling rule, plus a couple others!
  
• Overall, fine.
  
• Yes until the end. They seemed to call more at the end of the season and be more particular about where we subbed at.
  
• Referees were overall pretty good.
  
• OK, but a lot of refs that weren't aware of rules specific to our league
  
• Referee's did not understand MWSL procedures or rules. Almost every game a referee was telling me to take my cards off the key ring… then they would forget to give them back or they would be all over the place. It was a pain to have to put them back on my ring. When we use the ring, we never have trouble getting the cards back. Also, many referee's do not understand the differences between D3 and D4.
  
• Yes, for the most part.

11) Did you see a variety of referees at your games, versus consistently seeing the same referees?
Yes - 6
No - 0

12) Please estimate the percentage of games with 3 referees?
Less than 25% - 0
25 to 50% - 0
50 to 75% - 0
More than 75% - 6

Board Response: Referee results were forwarded to the Referee Schedulers.

Division 4

Teams Responding: 8 out of 9

1) How did you perceive the skill level in Division 4?
High - 0
Low - 0
About Right - 2
Disparity in Skill - 6

2) If it helped promote less disparity in skill for D3 and D4 teams, would your team be open to a smaller division with mandatory promotion/relegation between a D3B (lower D3 teams, top D4 teams) and D4 (keeping in mind that there may be some rule changes between leagues i.e… slide tackling)?
Yes - 9
No - 0

Board Response: The MWSL Board has postponed discussions of any division restructuring of D2, D3 and D4 until 2005. At the end of 2004, we will determine if teams moving between divisions help alleviate disparity in skill between teams.

3) What is your team's opinion of the "No Slide Tackle" rule for D4?
It is important to most players on our team to have a slide tackle rule. - 7
It is important to some players on our team to have a slide tackle rule. - 0
Our team is neither for nor against a slide tackle rule. - 1
Our team is against a slide tackle rule (slide tackling should be allowed). - 0

Board Response: No changes will be made in 2004.

4) Did your team participate in the optional Monday games?
Yes - 1
No - 7

5) If yes, will you participate in an optional Monday league if offered for 2004?
Yes - 4
No - 4

Board Response: The Board will attempt to create an optional Monday league for teams in 2004. If attendance/consistency is not improved, we will terminate the program for 2005.

6) Historically, the week of the USA Cup has been a bye week for the MWSL. Last year we scheduled D3 and D4 games during this time. For 2004, do you wish to have games during this week (understanding that you will not have a bye week for the 4rth of July, which falls on a Sunday)?
Yes - 8
No - 0

Board Response: Games will be scheduled during the USA Cup.

7) With the exception of a few isolated incidents, how do you view the overall quality of referee's this summer? Did they control the game and maintain a safe atmosphere? One suggestion I have for improvement for next year regarding referees is...

• The ref's in general were okay. The problem was consistency between the ref's. For example, I would say half of our games the ref's didn't look at our cards, commented that the games didn't really matter because they were "rec" games. The other half were very serious and made sure we checked in, looked at our rosters, and reffed a serious, good soccer game. I'm not sure what the message given to the refs are about the different divisions but there was a definite difference between them.
  
• Overall the quality of referees decreased this year since years past.
  
• Generally, they were good. My one comment is that as the coach & team captain, I'm also a player, and the refs need to realize that we're allowed to inquire about the game or calls even though we're playing. We're wearing more than one "hat".
  
• Some were good and some were not. It might be helpful in the future to perhaps submit feedback regarding that week's ref along with the score. That way if there are consistent comments (good or bad) regarding a particular ref then they can be addressed. I'm sure the good ones would like some positive feedback as well.
  
• The referees did a nice job controlling the game.
  
• Yes, for the most part. We prefer refs who call more often rather than less often.
  
• I thought the quality of refs this last summer was actually better than our first summer in the league (2002)

8) Did you see a variety of referees at your games, versus consistently seeing the same referees?
Yes - 7
No - 1

9) Did you have any games in which no referee showed?
Yes - 3
No - 5

Board Response: Referee results were forwarded to the Referee Schedulers.

General Questions (non-specific to divisions)

1) Are you, or any of your players, willing to serve on a committee organized with the purpose of obtaining more fields for MWSL games?
Yes - 3
No - 15
Want more information - 15

Board Response: The MWSL will gather additional information to provide teams. With the growing shortage of fields, the MWSL will be forced to take a more active role.

2) Are you, or any of your players, interested in becoming a referee to assist with the shortage of referee's for MWSL games?
Yes - 2
No - 21
Want more information - 9

Board Response: The MWSL will provide information to the teams requesting it.

3) Would you be interested in attending a Team Representative pre-season session to assist you in planning for next season? Are you open to being a mentor/contact to a new Team Representative?
Yes - 8
No - 19
Want more information - 6

Board Response: The MWSL will provide information to the teams requesting it.

4) What did you like/dislike about the MWSL Website? What additional features would you like to see?

• The website is very informational - no changes necessary.
  
• Keep it up to date and work with the sports center at making the field assignments available sooner than the day of the game. At Ft. Snelling do not change fields on game night without notice
  
• It keeps everyone updated- up to date
  
• The website was very helpful when it came to looking at the schedules, finding forms, and adding comments about the game.
  
• It is easily accessible. It would be nice if it were updated as frequently as possible as far as field or scheduling changes or weather cancellations.
  
• Good! A message board for each league each week. You could post things like road construction, field # at NSC, etc.
  
• Love the updated scores, standings, schedules and directions
  
• I liked the set up of the website. It seemed that you covered everything. I had very few questions last year.
  
• Web site good. Maybe update more frequently
  
• Very up to date with info, easy to navigate
  
• The online score report system was nice. The team jersey colors was a necessity. Also the updated schedule/results page was helpful.
  
• I really liked the site and how quick it was usually updated with scores etc..
  
• It's pretty good - just needs to be consistently updated on a timely basis, which I know is difficult considering that it's all on basically a volunteer basis.
  
• I like being able to report scores there, and to get information from the site. It makes it easier for me.
  
• It would be nice if the direction page could be set up to print better. I believe (heard the comment) that it scrolls off the screen when you try to print the directions
  
• I thought you did a great job with the website.
  
• The website is very informational - no changes necessary.
  
• The schedules- weather update
  
• Team contact information.
  
• It's fine, has good information on it.
  
• I liked the ease of use and the weather info -- if games were canceled or not, etc.
  
• I like the ability to report scores online and view the schedule online.
  
• I like the Web page a lot. I like to be able to get most of my infos games, fields etc. from the web page. I like to be able to download forms. I like to be able to report scores on the web. I like the fact that scores and standings can be viewed fairly shortly after each games.
  
• Overall it is a great website! Things are updated in a timely manner, and the whole package of info needed seems to be there.
  
• More automation! ;)

Board Response: The MWSL Board is currently investigating ways to improve our website. We will provide an update to our progress at the Annual General Meeting and through various announcements made to Team Representatives.

5) Would you, or some of your players, be willing to assist with the MWSL Pre-Season Clinic? What can we do better to encourage players of all skill levels to attend?

• Yes, we do every year anyway
  
• I'll have to ask my teammates, as for me, no. Time is usually the problem, the problem being not enough of it.
  
• Most of the girls are at college
  
• I think there would be a few of us interested in attending. To get everyone to attend..... ah, I don't know. It should be promoted as something fun and relaxed and a good chance to start the season off right.
  
• You did a good job sending out the notice ahead of time.
  
• Our team has historically not been interested in attending, not sure if anything would make this more attractive.
  
• Yes! I am willing to work with GK's. In order to get more people to attend, I would recommend that teams try and make it...ie- encourage team captains to get their team to come
  
• I think the clinic would be mostly attended by players who are just learning to love soccer or who are still harboring their skills (not that we all aren't doing that, but...). It's going to be difficult to get ex-college level players to attend a clinic. Just the facts of life. Maybe if you market a friendly scrimmage for the D1 players as opposed to a clinic, they would be more apt to throw on the boots.
  
• Most of my players are too busy to attend the pre-season clinic. Maybe if there was some kind of draw - Thunder players? A drawing??
  
• It is hard to talk for my players, as I have not had a chance to ask them these questions. I can not.
  
• Yes....I think more advertising stressing who is putting it on. Maybe when the better players realize that it's not just us doing something but "the pros" they will think more that they can learn something.
  
• Unfortunately, our players are unavailable for preseason...they can barely get home from school for the regular season.
  
• I don't really know about this at all.
  
• Work with Youth Associations. There will soon be a wealth of players coming out of them.
  
• I don't think anyone would be willing to assist with this. Maybe more would attend if there was more information about it.
  
• Not sure.
  
• I would if I am available.

Board Response: The MWSL will provide a pre-season clinic in 2004 but asks that all those who can attend and/or provide assistance to please contact an MWSL Board member. We are in desperate need of assistance.

8) Additional Comments:

Division Restructuring / Division organization

• I would like to see a very low division 4 for older players or beginning players who just want some fun and exercise.
  
• We would like to see more discussion, including team representatives, regarding the possible creative of two D2 divisions. We do NOT want to play the same teams too often, and don't mind getting beat half the time. The competition is awesome, and having a wide-variety of teams is ideal. We fell pretty much in the middle if I recall correctly, and when we did win or lose, the scores were never outrageous. We strongly advise to have this further discussed before it is finalized.
  
• I very strongly feel that you need to have a Division III B Bracket for teams who have skilled players but do not want slide tackling. The majority of our players are well into their 30's and 40's and cannot afford to be laid up with injury. Many of our players did not grow up playing soccer and so have not ever played with slide tackling. That makes getting slide tackled a dangerous thing for those who haven't learned how to play that way. To keep the games safe, fun and competitive, I think we need to keep evolving to meet the needs of the players in the league as it continues to grow.
  
• Is there some exception to adding a brand new team into D1A? My friend Dan Storlien coached Tsnami Sota (formerly U-19) and they are planning to play in the league next summer. They have been national runner-ups for the past 2 years and I know they wanted to join D1A instead of D1B and that would probably be appropriate.
  
• I would like to see the MWSL take a more aggressive stance on the reorganization of the divisions. It seems like almost all divisions have teams that belong one higher or one lower, but with the teams playing on different nights and their reluctance to move, it is making less enjoyable to all other teams in those divisions. I know that I don't want to have to move, but if there is a system in which it is expected that if you do go, you move up and if you do bad, you move down, teams might be more open to it.
  
• I would like to see a very low division 4 for older players or beginning players who just want some fun and exercise.
  
• We are planning for next season. We finished second in [Division]. Are we assured of being promoted to [Div]? Is there a maximum roster size? We would like to be able to roster up to 30 players, knowing that we can only field 18 per any game.
  
• I would like to see Division 4 as a true RECREATIONAL league. It seems that a couple teams were stacked with younger players just so they could win games. It doesn't make it fun for anyone to loose games by 6 or 7 goals. I was very disappointed cause when we signed up to play, we thought that we would be in a division that had teams that were new or at the same skill level as us. If we had a choice, we would move down, but there is no place to go. Isn't there any rules about teams that dominate? Seems like there should be.
  
• [Team name] would like to stay in D3 playing on Wednesday nights, several of our players play on Tuesday and Thursday night with another league. We would not be able to play if we were bumped up to D2. Please consider keeping our team in D3, we will have some new players that haven't played before and we feel that D3 is a good competitive league for us.
  
• Division 4 is no longer truly a rec. league. It seems to have increased in skill over the years as more women have played soccer longer and with more coaching. It would be nice to have a 30 years and over league. Or something like a 30+ league combined with folks of any age who have only played less than five years...or something like that. One thing is for sure, please, please, no slide tackling allowed in D4!!! I really think MWSL should serve its aging but still very active constituency by starting a 30 years and over league. I know you think there is no interest. Please give it a try.
  
• I guess I should have known but didn't really register that we were on a modified schedule. I was wondering why the games were more sporadic. It was ok, I think we could go either way in terms of the alternating Thursdays.
  
• The modified schedule worked really well for my team, so I hope we continue to play every tues and every other thursday.
  
• My team actually prefers the every Wednesday and every other Monday schedule. But, realize that it is unlikely this will change. Also - is there any possibility for us to move back down? Since we aren't going to restructure, and I am losing several key players, we would be very interested.

Board Response: The MWSL Board has postponed discussions of any division restructuring of D2, D3 and D4 until 2005. At the end of 2004, we will determine if teams moving between divisions help alleviate disparity in skill between teams.

As a response to the request for an "Over 30" or "Over 40" league, the MWSL Board feels that currently, our demographic mix, would not be able to support such structure. In addition, through a survey of our database, it was actually discovered that more than 2/3 of Division 3 is already considered part of this age group, while less than 50% of Division 4 is. The MWSL encourages teams that would like to participate in a more skewed "Over 30" league to align your team within the D3 division (as this represents the closest thing we have to it currently).

Fall League

• I would like to see standings for all fall leagues. The rec leagues are just as important to the players as the competitive leagues are to those players and not listing standings for them makes it seem the are not important enough.
  
• Overall I feel that the season went well. Our team did not like the per player fee for fall.

Board Response: The MWSL Board is reviewing the "challenges" we faced with Fall League for 2003 and will make appropriate changes to 2004.

Season Schedules / Playoffs

• We need to end the season sooner due to the fact that college aged players are not around in August.
  
• I am not sure if there is any kind of playoff or anything for the Div 1A, but last year in the Div 1B, it would have been nice to have a playoff or championship game etc.. Instead of just ending it. [Team] finished 1st, but it would be nice to have that as something for all teams to work towards.

Board Response: Due to scheduling constraints, at this time, the MWSL does not have the structure or time to support a play-off program. However, we will revisit this decision for 2005 and encourage any of those interested to share their thoughts as to how we can arrange it between teams.

General Comments

• Thanks for all your hard work and consistent efforts to address all of our needs.
  
• Thanks to Kim Anderson for being commissioner.
  
• MWSL is a great organization. Thank you for ALL of your hard work. It is much appreciated. I would also like to say thanks for being so flexible with college teams and athletes.
  
• This was a great season-- thanks!
  
• Through the MWSL....Thanks Kim!
  
• I already spoke to Kim about all my problems this year.

Fields

• I liked that the MWSL scheduled fields for the division 1 teams. It made life so much easier to only have to get a smaller number of fields. Even though we paid a little higher rate because we did not have the "season" break, I felt that it was worth it to have 3 referee's and always know when and where we will be.
  
• Our team had an extremely difficult time getting to our games at Fort Snelling. If they were the earlier times (6:15), we had to rush there after work in traffic and were late numerous times. If we had 8:15 games, we didn't get home until 11 as many of our players are from the northern suburbs (Otsego, Blaine, etc.) In the summer of 2002, we had very few games beyond Coon Rapids and the NSC, so our players did not have trouble getting there on time. If games are played once again at Fort Snelling, we will have a hard time putting together a team because many of the women will not play due to the drive. I realize that the field location changes were due to the shortage of refs showing up to games. It was nice to have 3 refs at each game, but if having only 1 or 2 refs at each game means we don't have to drive to Fort Snelling, I would much rather have less refs!
  
• Fort Snelling fields were a huge convenience for our team, however, by mid June the fields were already getting crappy. For the huge amount we pay, I would expect that they maintain their fields better. Do you know if the costs at Fort Snelling are going down for this summer?
  
• I would like to see the MWSL take on the task of getting fields for everyone. We played on to many fields this year that where not in very good condition unless you played at the National Sports Center. I would like to see all of the games played there.

Board Response: Due to the decrease of available fields for 2004 and the desire of the field managers to only work with leagues (rather than individual teams), the MWSL will continue the practice of scheduling teams to assigned fields on specific dates and times. The cost structure will be divided as it was in 2003 (all teams paying equal amounts).

More information about this subject will be available at the Annual General Meeting on Feb 21.

Referees

• Would suggest coming up with another way to pay referee's rather than players paying them at every game...causes too much confusion. Others leagues I've played in have come up with ways to pay refs prior to games and therefore players don't have to be responsible for it.

Board Response: Due to tax purposes, administrative costs, and sheer number of referee's contracted with the MWSL, at this time, the MWSL structure can not support the payment of referee's for teams.