If you're going to offer a mercy rule poll, please don't make it something mundane like, "should the mercy rule be reinstated? Yes or no?" There needs to be serious discussion about WHY the mercy rule is up for debate and not just some inane poll.
I'd like to see a poll that leads to some serious discussion on creating more competitive balance in the league. I'm not exactly sure how to structure that poll, but it would be interesting to see if something could be worked out.
What do you suggest I propose as the Mercy Rule Question?
Q
P.S.- Please send me that proposal you have drawn up about parity in the league.
As I stated in my earlier post, I haven't put it all to paper because I've heard that I'd be wasting my time. Quite honestly Q, I'd love to run for the board at some point but right now with three little ones and a wife I actually like being around, it's impossible. When the kids get older perhaps I'll have a bit more time; but right now, I'm maintaining the 35+ website and it looks as though I'll be trying to manage the Braves next season. I really don't want to pour my heart and my time into this idea if all that's going to happen is a pat on the head, an "aren't you cute," a "but you don't know what you're talking about," and then finally a "we'll just keep going with what's working" even though it's really only "working" for a select few.
If I honestly thought the board was receptive to real change and didn't just pander to the few guys who seem to be their lap-dogs then perhaps I will submit it. But I really have to question if it's worth my time.
As for the mercy rule poll, I really feel that at the root of the mercy rule dilemma is DIS-parity. If the league really wanted to fix the problem, the mercy rule wouldn't be much of an issue. If you look at the "game results" section of the 35+ website, it's really easy to see why so many games ended due to the mercy rule when you look at the teams involved. The mercy rule isn't the problem, it's a symptom of a much larger problem that the powers-that-be of the league seem to want to continually ignore.
I'm not really sure how to structure your poll because I don't think the correct question will be asked if the mercy rule is really the focus of the problem.
-- Edited by The_Hurricane on Friday 7th of August 2009 03:29:32 PM
I understand your points Rob, but there are several things I need to address here:
1) I don't know who told you that you'd be wasting your time. but as a board member, I have been behind a restructuring of the by-laws AND the administration for years now. So I do hope your comments were not directed at every board member.
2) I bellyached about the mercy rule on this forum several times and voted against it as a board member. I understand your take on this issue, and it is valid. But as a temporary fix until we restructure, I will continue to push for elimination of the mercy rule.
3) Also at the board level, I have been pushing for years to reinstate the poll question. It is, as it simplist form, a way to gauge the pulse of the membership.
We can't achieve by staying silent, so don't think you'd be wasting your time. It would take you roughly the same amount of time to write your proposals or suggestions as it does to state why you'd be wasting your time. And as a board member and former commissioner, I am ALWAYS willing to hear what the membership has to say as long as it's done respectfully and constructively. This is why I am the board, and I'm certain that is why most of us are on the board.
If anyone thinks I/we have hidden agendas, please challenge us. That is the only way to effect change.
And I thank you for the contributions you are now making to the league. They are surely appreciated.
Jim Konstantakis Hornets/Whiz Kids/Outlaws
-- Edited by sfgiants on Saturday 8th of August 2009 11:15:23 AM
