Discussions

All of BYSA equipment - nets, balls etc was put into storage - where are they??  
 
A child cannot participate in a sport and learn respect and team work in an organized situation.  
 
This is too bad as this year was to be better than the mess in the past!

Anyone know where formal complaints re- BYSA can be made? As we've all read, it's no use trying to contact the office... anyone know how to go about launching a formal complaint? Brandon Sun perhaps??

No actual soccer. Both my kids have had one day to run around a field. Not the coaches fault. At all. They are so in the dark it's stupid. Cant teach kids to play when they cant tell who is on their team. And already there is no soccer for us Monday or Tuesday.  
And btw what I said was.. I am happy to volunteer. Give me to opportunity but they are not. They have plenty of people willing. Enough people willing IS NOT the issue. Hundreds of people have tried offered messaged or asked including myself. No response. Then on top we are charged this fee. Which apparently is in the place of volunteering. No idea where this fee is going. And that is my issue.

What's going on with other spring sports ? Is it more a question of 1200 kids and no where to play or just incompetence, or a little bit of both?

Please let Manitoba Soccer Association know your concerns. They are the governing body for BYSA  
http://manitobasoccer.ca/page.php?page_id=82705

website says uniforms are in

Hello, I'm a coach for mu8. I offered to assist the league by coaching a few days before games began. I was provided little information to go by and have had to wing it. I have tried contacting the league office with little luck as the voicemail box is full and emails get ignored. To try and improve communication between parents, I have created a Facebook group called "bysa parents group". Feel free to join and post any information you receive. I feel this is our best bet as contact with the league is difficult.

So it's been a while since the S&$@ hit the fan here. Have things improved? What's the biggest problem?  
 
If you were in charge of the Brandon soccer world, in the real world situation in which they are operating, what would you do?

If you read the Brandon Sun article, the chairman was away for the last two weeks (really bad planning, I would suggest), and totally throws the Executive director under the bus, and she refused to comment the Brandon Sun's questions about how people can volunteer. She also said that she isn't responsible for make up games and that its a board decision, and they meet later this month. Sounds like a lot of "grown ups" blaming eachother, and the kids lose out. So I would suggest its the same mess it was last week. I might also add that the updated schedule for the MU18 teams was emailed at 5:00 last evening, an hour before the teams that were supposed to play at 7:30 found out the game was now at 6:00

was nothing more then blaming someone else. The Brandon Sun Facebook page has people blaming parents for not volunteering. Kind of hard to volunteer when there no one is returning messages or even in the office.....its boiling down to poor management on their end and it needs to be fix or they should be offering parents a refund.

Its almost half over refunds should be without question if some teams still dont have jerseys/balls

Are they supposed to provide a financial report yearly to the public? Or can we request a report?  
 
If we see how bad they manage the teams, coaches, equipment, volunteers, etc every year I start to question how well they manage the money.  
 
Where does the money goto? 1200 kids at an average of $140 is $168,000. We need to know where this money is spent. We obviously have lost faith and trust in their ability, we need it restored to some degree.  
 
EDIT: I sent an email to mbsoccer@manitobasoccer.ca and linked this discussion in the email. I hope to get a response.  
 
Edited by Brent Bertram, 2017-05-16 22:45:12

I agree, instead of finger pointing, lets see some volunteers - volunteering time, help set up the jersey distribution, making phone calls, holding extra practices.So maybe put down your cell phones and sunflower seed bags. We all work toward the same goal and that is making sure the kids have some fun and exercise. Ms. Ireland please PM me if I can help out in any way!

you have not tried to volunteer with BYSA otherwise you would not have made the statement you just did. I myself, along with many other parents I know have called, emailed, Facebook messaged with NO RESPONSE. I myself have gone to the office several times and no one is there during the stated office hours. Like many many have stated, hard to actually get in there and help when theres no response what so ever from BYSA. Even the coaches they do have, have stated they get little to no information as well. It's not an issue of not enough volunteers, as many have offered to help its a matter of ZERO response from the office.

As a matter of fact mamma B I have done my fair share of volunteering with BYSA and other organizations....I guess its easier for some 'nay sayers' to kick others when they are down....Unfortunate

I contacted the Executive Director nearly 6 monthes ago to volunteer as a coach and was told that I would be contacted closer to the season. My emails and phone calls were never answered. If they are looking for volunteers then maybe they should respond to those who offer to help.  
 
As a past player in BYSA I am saddened to think of the direction the organization is going. I am hearing more and more say they are going to play pick up games or form fun leagues - these are great ideas but BYSA should be the forum for this! BYSA should be able to be the place for kids to learn how to play soccer properly and respectfully.  
 
Good luck BYSA, I see a very hard time ahead of you. This organization is going to have to be built up again. And it needs to start with the Board and Executive Director. It's the children who are missing out on this fantastic sport that are the ones suffering here - no question!

Have you ACTUALLY volunteered for BYSA this year? If not, then you have no idea what you are talking about. This is a THIS year problem and it has absolutely nothing to do with any other organization. This is about how disorganized this specific organization is.

Ok. Explain why this many parents and coaches can't get a single response out of the office. Explain why coaches are being left without information. Why some teams still have no coaches. Why some teams still have no jerseys. Why some teams still have no equipment. You seem to know a lot so please, explain because us parents who have tried countless times to help have been left with no explanation. Perhaps in previous years it hasn't been like this but this year is an absolute disappointment all around

Just saying in the past 6 years with BYSA I have never had an issue....Perhaps because I was signing my kids up at sign up time and not late....Maybe your child might like baseball...

We have been involved in soccer for only two years. We signed up on time both years. Last year was a bit unorganized at the beginning but went fine. The kids had a good time. Our players had two different coloured shirts for much of the season. We could live with that. This year was much different. The BYSA said they need coaches and volunteers. People stepped up and called the BYSA to take these positions. But no one replied to them. Is it unreasonable that people wanted to know what team their children would be on when soccer was starting the next week and they knew nothing. Some didn't know anything the day before soccer season started. They finally did receive their shirts this week. As well as socks and shorts. Which was a nice surprise. But the kids still had fun playing when they didn't have their team shirts. This league has been in Brandon for many, many years. It should run smoothly, just by using the past years format. The BYSA has to look at what they did wrong this year, different from other years and correct the problem so it can run smoothly again. Just my opinion....

Hello, I signed my kid up at the first chance on line. I have also Coached or I helped coach over the last 7 years. Every other year they do a little training/practice before the season started , you also get your jerseys and equipment at well as a team list and schedule. This year they was nothing like that and even on our team which is a girls team they signed a boy up. I do understand that kids are signing up late but why are they still taking them? For the extra money !! The Registration date ended march 31. Still even at last night game we had no pinnie for the goalie and was told by the referee one of our parents would have to take their shirts off to give to her. our team manager was at the office asking for the goalie gloves and other stuff the girl at the office had no clue teams need that.

Wonderful to hear you have always had good experience with BYSA. But in case you hadn't noticed we are talking about THIS year, not past years. It has been stated over and over that in previous years things were different. THIS year, things have been horrible.  
 
Many parents, myself i:ncluded have tried numerous times to volunteer. It is IMPOSSIBLE unless you are a mind reader and know exactly what is needed and when to show up. There is NO way to contact BYSA. They have not answered their phones, cleared their voicemail box or replied to any messages.  
 
I signed my child up at first opportunity and checked the boxes indicating I would volunteer. Never was I contacted or replied to.  
 
I for one am sick of hearing how people need to "step up" and help. I agree. I would LOVE to. They have made it impossible. Yet today our coach emails saying that we are to bring our volunteer fee cheques tonight. Ummm nope. Sorry, BYSA. I have already put in my hours in my time spent trying to contact you to offer my assistance.  
 
If an organization relies this heavily on volunteers then they need to communicate that EARLY on and organize it. You cannot post vague messages on Facebook asking for help and then never taking the help you are offered.  
 
Going forward, I would LOVE to see some communication from BYSA discussing the challenges of this year and HOW PEOPLE CAN HELP for next year to avoid this.

It is time for a statement from BYSA. Clearly executive have all been informed of the articles and concerns parents have. Enough blaming and avoiding. Give us some answers and take some responsibility.

somethingtosay said "Wonderful to hear you have always had good experience with BYSA. But in case you hadn't noticed we are talking about THIS year, not past years. It has been stated over and over that in previous years things were different. THIS year, things have been horrible.     Many parents, myself i:ncluded have tried numerous times to volunteer. It is IMPOSSIBLE unless you are a mind reader and know exactly what is needed and when to show up. There is NO way to contact BYSA. They have not answered their phones, cleared their voicemail box or replied to any messages.     I signed my child up at first opportunity and checked the boxes indicating I would volunteer. Never was I contacted or replied to.     I for one am sick of hearing how people need to "step up" and help. I agree. I would LOVE to. They have made it impossible. Yet today our coach emails saying that we are to bring our volunteer fee cheques tonight. Ummm nope. Sorry, BYSA. I have already put in my hours in my time spent trying to contact you to offer my assistance.     If an organization relies this heavily on volunteers then they need to communicate that EARLY on and organize it. You cannot post vague messages on Facebook asking for help and then never taking the help you are offered.     Going forward, I would LOVE to see some communication from BYSA discussing the challenges of this year and HOW PEOPLE CAN HELP for next year to avoid this. "

I think all parents need to boycott the volunteer fee this year. $30x1200 kids is $36,000!!!!! Makes you wonder if it's being done on purpose. Parents are only left to speculate as BYSA isn't saying anything. Would love to see BYSA start communicating instead of being dead silent.  
 
And yes totally agreed, past years, while there have been hiccups (it's to be expected naturally) things always went well...this year I'm not sure it could get much worse.

BYSA should be waiving the volunteer fees this season. It's the least they can do considering the mess it's been. They should be offering an olive branch to the families to compensate for all the stress, frustration and disappointment that the parents and players have had to endure. They've made it virtually impossible for all those wanting to volunteer to get their hours in at this point. A lot of the volunteer hours should've been used over the past 2 months to get the season started. Personally my $30 will be going to my kids coaches, they deserve it more than BYSA. Especially since some have bought equipment for their team with their own funds, which is absolutely ridiculous.

Myself, several family members, several friends and family members of theirs have also been trying to find a way to volunteer. Not even possible. I will happily put in my ten hours of volunteering. It is $30 or 5 hours per child. Not fair to not be given the opportunity to volunteer and forced to pay.  
There are kids that missed their picture because they had no idea what team they were on.  
I have heard from several people that showed up on the first day but had never heard from anyone and had no idea what team they were on or who their coach was.  
I never received any sort of schedule.. was anyone's guess what field we were playing on. At least now that we have uniforms I can look for the right colored shirts. Prior to now it was a gong show of people not knowing anything.  
The people who have volunteered to coach. Have done amazing. And done most of it on their own with very little support including providing equipment.  
My kids were both signed up at the shoppers mall on their sign up day at the beginning of March.  
Their Facebook page has gone poof.. was the only way I was getting any sort of information.  
I could have my kids run around a school field after a ball with someone supervising for free.  
I hope things are starting to now get better but we are half way through the season. Lots of precious time has passed.  
I think most people are refusing to pay the $30. I have heard it a lot. I would really like to know where that fee goes before I considering paying it. I would prefer to volunteer rather than pay.. doesn't seem to be an option. What happens with this $30 fee per child? Seriously dying to know where that $36 000 goes and how it is linked to volunteering.

My child plays Westman FC, the premier league that is part of BYSA.  
We have not had a real game yet, nor will we this season.  
With no parental input it was decided that our team would be "exhibition" only this season.  
While we do practice regularly an exhibition team was not what we signed up for at all.  
Our kids are older teens, with dreams of playing college soccer. They are accustomed to playing at a highly competitive level and this is an absolute and complete joke.  
We play winter soccer in Regina and the drive is more than worthwhile for competitive athletes.  
BYSA is the absolute worst organization we have been involved with to date and our family has been involved in three major soccer organizations.  
I as well have offered time and coaching resources only to be waiting for response for months.  
What a disappointment.

In case you are a parent and didn't get the email- BYSA emailed this out earlier today to all parents Brandon Soccer Association  
BYSA Letter to Parents and Players  
May 17, 2017  
 
Dear parents and players,  
Thank you for your support of the Brandon Youth Soccer Association and congratulations on choosing to play one of the most popular sports in the world!  
 
As soccer continues to grow in the Westman region, we have experienced some challenges in meeting the expectations of the soccer community. We apologize for the lack of communication leading up to the start of the soccer season. As parents ourselves, we know how frustrating this can be.  
 
We truly appreciate your patience and understanding. We are working towards implementing changes to improve our systems and best practices.  
 
In the meantime, soccer season is now in full swing! All of our coaches and referees are in place, we have 76 teams and they are all fully equipped to have some fun on the pitch. Please note the following:  
 
•Schedules for the entire season are posted on the website - www.bysa.ca (look for Summer 2017 Schedules). If changes are made in the future, your coaches will be notified and the online schedules will updated.  
•All regular games will be played as scheduled, if games are to be cancelled due to inclement weather, cancellations will be posted on the BYSA website (and Facebook) by 4:30 p.m. Please check the website as your first option, if you are in doubt.  
•For your convenience and easy access to further updates, we will be reinstating the BYSA Facebook page in the coming days.  
•Further informational updates will be shared through the coaches, will be posted as News items on the website and shared on Facebook. If possible, try to direct general inquiries regarding games, fields, locations, times, etc. to your coach.  
•Reminder: End of season tournament will be held on Saturday, June 24.  
 
We appreciate and thank our sponsors for their generous support, please support them if you have the opportunity. They i:nclude: Tim Horton’s, Wendy’s, Cando Rail Services: Applebee’s: Source for Sports: MNP: Photography By Dale: Super Thrifty Drugs Canada: Leech Printing: Memories Chapel: Guild Insurance Brokers: FunN:Games: Dominos Pizza: Kuipers Bakery: and Donald Legal Services.  
Also thank you to the Brandon School Division for providing us with fields throughout the city to play on.  
 
Sincerely,  
BYSA Staff & Board of Directors  
 
(We are aware that there may be parents whose email addresses are not in our data base. If you know of, or hear of, someone who has not received our letter, we ask you to please forward on and ask them to please contact us to update their files. Thanks for your assistance)