In this day and age one would think that we have come a long way and are wiser for it. Following what has occurred this past while has brought to light that truly we have not become wiser. To believe that this could not have been avoided is foolish. To believe that this does not have long lasting implications is equally ignorant. The Executive knew that what they were doing would create problems. One does not go about seeking legal advice prior to making decisions without first knowing that there would be issues. First seeking legal advice quietly then suspending the President creates a lot of questions. Having staff leave at the rate it has this past while goes extremely beyond what would be considered normal. Perhaps the Executive did not believe it would go this far or that people would not care. Perhaps these Executive believe they are acting for the best interest of the sport. What is the best interest of the sport? Is it opinions and personal preferences? Is it that we need to stand united whether we believe in something or not? Is it that we must follow a path set out by a small group of people? Surely if one reflects on any of these questions for a moment they can see that it is none of the above. First and foremost the best interest of the sport is to the athletes. After all is that not what this is about? The organization has a duty and responsibility to keep the sport on track for our athletes. That duty is to put aside our personal preferences and feelings and insure the sport is there for the current athletes and for the ones to come. The Executive are not owners of the sport but servants to it. If the Executive have lost confidence from the majority it is a duty that they reflect on their own decisions and judgements and instead of forcing their opinions on to the majority, resign or bend to the will of that majority. The monies spent by all parties on this conflict could allow many less fortunate young athletes the opportunity to learn and play the game for years to come. To waste monies in legal opinions for this while parents pay is almost abusive. I wonder if any of the executive would like to ask parents if they like the way they are spending their hard earned money. I have read that some have requested the winding up of the organization. Although the courts have agreed that this would seem likely if things do not change, I cannot believe that anyone would find this a reasonable and sensible choice. What would this accomplish? Would there be changes for the better with this outcome? No one can say that this is looking out for the athletes of our province. No one could believe that an opinion of this sort with the magnitude of repercussions this would create would be a step in the right direction. I read the letter from CSA on this website and understood that they are forcing ASA membership to have some of the executive finish their term. This action shows how complicated this is getting to be. From what I have understood even if the SGM votes to remove these Executive, these same Executive cannot be removed. This becomes more a power struggle and less about the sport as we move forward. I hope my interpretation is incorrect and that CSA would not try to go against what the majority of members wish to happen here. At this time the only solution is to restart with a new board. No side gets their way, no more legal fees are incurred taking monies away from the athletes and the association has a chance to heal and look forward. As long as this conflict continues this sport will suffer and the athletes playing now and into the future will pay the price. In the best interest of the sport the executive should resign and allow that clean slate to happen. Do any of us have the right to impose such wills so as to make others suffer for their decisions? If we believe we are the keepers of this sport for those to come then find it within you the right solution. Support the athletes and make this sport prosper for their sake. Allen Kautz |