A Lebo Citizens reader sent this comment to me earlier.
I also know that the fields are not packed with kids. I have been going to them and there is plenty of space for more...teams. I have some pictures.
I also know that coaches are hand picked ... you can be a coach one year and then totally dismissed the following year. This is very upsetting to some folks who have devoted themselves to coaching and then are put out in the cold...
I know that new positions open up... they aren’t shared publicly, and they are filled by the board’s friends or colleagues...
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September 13, 2014 10:50 am. Kids' soccer game. Little kids. Parents on bleachers. Grass still wet from rain. You can see the droplets on my car window. So much for the "we need turf because rain ruins playing time" myth.
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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 BeinhauerThis letter was circulated earlier this summer:
Mt. Lebanon
From: Lebo Boys Lax <lebolaxboys@gmail.com>Subject: Mt Lebanon Lacrosse Association Elections - ImportantDate: July 23, 2014 at 1:11:57 PM EDTTo: 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
Is it time for this bumper sticker?
Funny, I have the same questions about field sports financials as the boy's lacrosse group has.
ReplyDeleteHow can these groups justify large caches of cash?
I think it's time we #AuditTheMtlFields!!!
--Tom the Tinker
It's not getting ugly, it always has been.
ReplyDeleteIt's just getting the exposure it should've been getting.
Field sports are run by a bunch of goons, including the girls sports.It has become increasingly worse over the years, but perhaps blog and social media exposure will cause some of the guilty ones to retreat and hide under their rocks. We can only hope.
ReplyDeleteWe moved to Mt Lebanon in the late 60's and it was bad then. My boys all played baseball. The oldest son played at the Little League World Series in Williamsport the year prior to us moving here. First we learned that Mt Lebanon doesn't have anything to do with Little League. Too many rules! Second the coach's son(s) get first pick at their positions. And third if you are an "outsider" that is a better player than the coach's son(s) then you don't play. When I asked the coach why my son sat on the bench every game I was told that he had too much of an advantage over the batter and it wasn't fair. After that all my boys played for outside teams. But I love that bumper sticker... Where can I get one?
ReplyDeleteWhat does the bumper sticker mean? I don't get it.
ReplyDelete3:03 PM, have you reviewed the IRS Form 990 tax returns for Lebo lacrosse ? The most recent on GuideStar.org is for calendar year 2012. Where is the 2013 return ? It was due in April of this year.
ReplyDelete2012 was not a good financial year. They lost money, had major losses in fundraising (e.g. lost $61,000 on a Giant Eagle fundraiser alone).
The parents should band together and be demanding accountability, transparency and an entirely new slate of officers and directors who will truly believe and practice that it's for all the playing children and not just theirs.
May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership.
ReplyDeleteAlbert F.
ReplyDeleteI asked about why they didn't want Little League affiliation and was told there was too much control and oversight by the parent organization.
They thought they could do better.
Take a close look at the bumper of the red GLS sporting the "Pray for Brumfield" Sticker.
ReplyDeleteNotice the lettering "ockey?"
This looks like a sour grapes sticker from a hockey parent.
It's called "LeboBall"! NEVER EVER would Little League tolerate ETOH on the bench or in the stands! Both are common in LeboBall. Is a Commissioner's son given a spot on a team because he earned it or because they fear the Commissioner?
ReplyDeleteIn case I am not the only one who didn't know what ETOH stood for, Urban Dictionary -
ReplyDelete"Chemical abbreviation for ethyl alcohol; another synonym for alcohol or booze."
Elaine
Isn't it funny that a commercial for Chevrolet that features a soccer mom and her mud splatter soccering playing son picking up their recently serviced vehicle seems normal, typical even.
ReplyDeleteBut here in the Lebo bubble the thought of our precious little ones covered in a little dirt and grass is an abomination!
Here's a link to the chevy commercial.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ispot.tv/ad/7dW0/chevrolet-oil-change-soccer-player
How gauche to suggest that any Mt. Lebanon Soccer Mom would be caught dead driving a mundane Chevy sedan.
ReplyDeleteIf this were a commercial geared for bubble moms, it would be a BMW or Land Rover dealership and the mom would be holding either a Starbuck's or a red cup.
Here's an idea. Instead of ranting about IRS violations, how about actually contacting the IRS? I appreciate the ire and the email and the pertinent questions. But you've done what so many here do. Point at a problem from a distance and say gosh, someone should do something. Well go do it.
ReplyDelete7:37 AM, the IRS will take no action until 3 years have passed without tax return filings. At that point, or shortly thereafter, the IRS will take steps to remove the tax exemption and 501(c)(3) certification.
ReplyDeleteThe parent membership of lacrosse should get together and go after the officers and board.
Any news on Cool Springs? Maybe Brumfield, He Who Won't Be Named and others fear their little power trip may be coming to an end. One has to wonder if Dick's now wishes they NEVER gave to this disaster. It's no secret that MANY soccer moms and dads pledge to NEVER step inside another Dick's store. Have a sneaky feeling that some football, hockey, tennis, golf and softball parents feel the same.
ReplyDeleteDick's is in a financial downspin and their top management is either being canned or fleeing.
ReplyDeleteSilverman and Donnellan were the principal Lebo suiters. They even wanted all the Lebo sports groups to commit to buying all their uniforms, equipment and supplies from Dick's as a quid pro quo condition for a big Dick's "donation" for the turf fiasco.
Chippy Dalesandro refused to go along, the scam died and Dick's provided a token $5,000 check, probably hoping never to have any further dealings with the Lebo turf creeps.
The corrupt...behind closed doors culture of Mt Lebanon field sports is a black eye to this community. The Lacrosse association in particular is criminal in their contempt for their constituents and their unwillingness to share with the members how and where the money is spent and refusal to hold open elections and disclose the yearly budget as required of all 501c organizations, in essence a private slush fund for the board members and the teams the coach.
ReplyDeleteBoth Associations have had run ins with the IRS but continue to operate in a vacuum because the parents care too about their kids playing time and refuse to hold the boards accountable for their actions and/or inaction's.
I am embarrassed to have my son's play for this type of association but as usual the associations hold all the cards and there are not alternatives but to play for and pay for to the corrupt system in place for years and years....The kids need to play!