Field Sports are Getting Ugly Here in Lebo

Published Sep 15, 2014 at 10:35 am (Updated Sep 15, 2014 at 10:35 am)
Note to self: the old adage “Get on the ball.! Be on the ball!” heard playing soccer as youth, still holds true. 

As summer came to a close, the smell of fall ripening filled the air; I discussed the seasonal activities with my 9-year-old son. As was standard, he made the decision to play soccer. Last year, his mother was an assistant coach, the year before, I was. After the discussion, I went online and pursued fulfilling the registration application. At this point, it was two days prior to the deadline for registration. Once I made my way onto the Mt. Lebanon Soccer Association (MLSA) website and continued on to their registration site, I was prompted to provide login information and password. I came to a standstill. I did not have an account on the registration site, so how was I able to provide this? I wasn’t. So, I attempted to set up an account. That went fine. Now to enter the player, my son onto my account. Failed! It stated that he was already assigned to an account and could not be assigned to more than one. Again it requested the login and password for the account. And still, I did not know of any. 

So, I then began a long line of attempts to gain knowledge of that information and have my son registered. To make a long story shorter, I never received the login info. His mother attempted, but at that point, it was a day after registration had closed. MLSA stated in an email, “Sorry registration is closed. Should have contacted me last night. Better luck next time.” 

I continued on requesting to MLSA that the president of MLSA be given this to consider. I asked that due to my documented attempts to register my son prior to the deadline, that an exception be made and that my son be considered registered. I received no correspondence back in writing ever. I did receive a phone call that lasted more than 30 minutes late one evening while my family was on vacation, and I was told several reasons why they (MLSA) do not make exceptions and are not going to start. I was explained to that the maximum capacity had been reached. I was informed that field space was limited. None of the reasons took into account that I attempted to register my son prior to the deadline, nor did they justify my son not having the ability to play on the field this season. Also, they offered no waiting list of any type, no option. He’s not playing here in Lebo. 

I took it further and spoke with PA West (local oversight committee, soccer specific) and to US Youth Soccer (national), also spoke with Mt. Lebanon Recreation Department. Some have a view that there should be a place for a 9-year-old to play on a soccer team. I have contacted other local clubs and they had room and would take him despite their registration being closed. However, MLSA will not be governed by their peers or by their big brothers. No exceptions. I have heard recently about how allowing another player on the field would in turn limit another’s time. I know. My son is limited completely. He can’t even step on the field. He’s 9, and he wants to play. 

Limiting a child’s ability to play at 9 years of age. Why? Let them all play. 

Justin Beinhauer
Mt. Lebanon

From: Lebo Boys Lax <lebolaxboys@gmail.com>

Subject: Mt Lebanon Lacrosse Association Elections - Important

Date: July 23, 2014 at 1:11:57 PM EDT

To: undisclosed-recipients:;

Did you know that the Mt Lebanon Lacrosse Board is having elections this summer to fill 4 board seats.

Probably not which begs the questions why not and why the lack of transparency from YOUR lacrosse association? Why doesn't the board want the Association members to know about these elections again? 

Could it be that while the entire girls program accounts for just over 20% of the program they control over 50% of the board seats and dominate the agenda and discussions?
Could it be they do not want you to know that while Youth Boys Lacrosse brings in over 50% of the income there is only 1 board seat for youth boys?

Could it be that the board does not want anyone to ask why the Youth boys play on a postage stamp sized field if they generate over $50,000 per season. Where does the money go? Maybe it goes to support the girls program, the same girls program that excludes players yet does not have enough players to financially support themselves nor fill the teams they have?

Where is the yearly budget that by the IRS 501c non profit laws must be made public to all association members. Maybe they don't want to explain the six figure bank balance they keep on hand while making the players buy uniforms and play on sub-par fields.

Maybe they do not want you to see how the board has failed to address the field shortage issue for years which only gets worse for the boys with each passing year. Perhaps they don't want anyone to know that they have failed to participate, pay dues or cooperate with the Mt Lebanon Field Alliance for years which is why the association has no voice on field decisions. 

Maybe the board wants to continue acting with impunity against coaches and players without the benefit of public notice while failing to address the future needs of the association and its members. Where are the monthly minutes that by the IRS 501c non profit laws must be made public to all association members? 

Perhaps they don't want you to know that a majority, not all but most of the coaches teaching your kids have no training or certification as coaches. A clear violation on WPYLA and US Lacrosse Rules. Maybe they don't want it known that there is no process or procedure for vetting, training or managing coaches. 

Maybe they don't want you to know that many of the board members are commissioners directly responsible for themselves as coaches. Literally protecting themselves from scrutiny, complaints and oversight as coaches and board member's, not only dysfunctional but highly unethical. 

Could it be as simple as this board wants to continue operating with your money without oversight, spending Youth Boys lacrosse money to prop up a failing and dwindling youth girls program...the same girls program that has more board seats but far less players than the boys.

Perhaps its just that the board wants to hide the rampant incompetence that has defined the board youth commissioners the last few years while continuing to define the Mt Lebanon Lacrosse Association.

Its time to speak up and make your voice heard, ask some questions and demand answers. This is your lacrosse association, for your lacrosse players, paid for by you. Elect a board that puts your kids interests ahead of their own self interest for a change.
There are many reasons that the board elections are secret and the minutes and budgets are kept hidden from Association members......... 

Make a difference in the future of this association. Our boys deserve much better than what they have gotten from this board and its members. Be an agent for change and protect the future of the your Boys Lacrosse Program. Call for open elections and open meetings! Maybe a stand alone boys lacrosse association.
Pass it on....

Sent on behalf of the Lebolax Youth Boys Supporters

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Steve Gurtner, President drsteve@gurtnerdental.com
Brian Prettyman, Treasurer brian.prettyman@pnc.com
Lori Shure, Secretary lori.shure@pnc.com 412-XXX-XXXX
Jim Cappucci, Communications Commissioner jacappucci3@gmail.com
Tim White, H. S. Boys Commissioner white89tim@gmail.com
Jim Rebisa, H.S. Boys Commissioner jrebisa@verizon.net 412-XXX-XXXX
Collette Gibbons, H. S. Girls Commissioner mtl.girlslax@gmail.com
Brian Kattan, Commissioner at large briankattan@hotmail.com 724-XXX-XXXX
Jeffrey Iovino, Boys Youth Commissioner iovinochef@msn.com
Suzanne Sieber, Girls Middle School Commisioner suzanne.sieber@verizon.net 412-XXX-XXXX
Kate Murdoch, Girls Youth Commisioner (1st-4th Grade) kathryn.s.murdoch@gmail.com