Is There Truth In The Myth

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If we're all truthful and outspoken enough, then we can agree that the information being circulated as it pertains to the OPDL only benefits some people.  Dissecting and analyzing of what was truth and myth has proven to be more difficult without documented fact from someone directly related to said organization. So after careful consideration, the most reasonable course of action was taken and I contacted the manager of Ontario Soccer Association as to how truth verses myth could be separated. Robyn McMomb's conversation lead me in the direction of Mr. Bryan Rosenfeld, Senior Manager of high performance OSA, who further connected me with Ben Rycroft, Media and Communications Manager.

The contents of this blog will be directly quoted from the email exchange, as well as my personal interpretation of a phone conversation.

Some of the concerns that were addressed: 

- Coaching in high schools

- Conditions of fields 

- Officiating by referees 

- The reasoning behind four quarters in U13 OPDL

- Is there fairness in the process for advancement of players

Mr. Rosenfeld illustrated his point about coaches in school by using our neighbors across the border to explain his point. He said that they have professional coaches in high schools unlike us here where this is not available and therefore no comparison is necessary. Hence the lack of continuity between club and school. He further emphasized that the advancement method might be the best based upon the format used in the selection process. Scouting officials who have no connection to the club or individual players attend games thus making the assessment of a particular player unbiased if selected for a provisional tryout. The benefit of having four quarters is that it gives the coaches three opportunities to provide instructions and feedback to the players, instead of shouting it out while the game is in progress.


Direct summary of the chat,

1.       Conditions of Field

a. Fields are assessed pre-season, if new, and either approved or not

b. OPDL Regulations stipulate use of turf fields, in “shoulder months” i.e May & October, to be able to guarantee surfaces are up to standard

c.  Fields are assessed periodically throughout season with reports going back to Licence Holders and captured in a Game Day Evaluation Score 

Repeated inadequacy results in de-sanctioning of the given field as a recognized competition venue

2.       Benefit of Quarterly Games for U13 & U14

a.Determined with international best practices in mind (professional academies across Europe) as well as recognized scientific research on child & youth athletic development

b.      Allows for increased instruction from coaches, rather than instruction shouted across the field mid-match

c.       Allows for better distribution of playing time & breaks

3.       Standard of Referees

a.       Officials are assigned in line with Ontario Soccer grading protocol, whereby a Official must hold the relevant grade. Grades are being tied to fitness requirements. Officiating is also skill based and not just fitness, therefore necessitating increased mentorship from experienced officials. LTOD is creating increased opportunity for mentorship, practical experience & identification. In addition, mentors are assigned to OPDL games to provide feedback (not assessment) to Match Officials.

b. The OPDL uses a well distributed assigning network, starting with a provincial lead who works with regional contacts who know & assign the most fitting individuals to OPDL games. (Bryan Rosenfeld)

I thanked Robyn McMomb for guiding me  in the direction of Bryan Rosenfeld who further introduced me to Ben Rycroft.  I Applaud them all for taking the time out to converse with me through such medium as phone and email, even though I was told on numerous occasions that they would not respond. Let's not cling to rumors or myth but seek first to unravel the truth. If you have any questions or concern I boldly suggest that you drop them an email or make a call to the OSA to clarify any misunderstanding.

I’ve also included a link to a video you might find helpful.

 

OPDL – Leading Development by Design:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFr_KTNBSoo&t=2s

 ⚽🥅


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