Burlington Old Timers Soccer Club
2016 Survey Comments
The following comments were submitted on the 2016 Club Survey that was conducted at the
end of the 2016 Season. They have been grouped into categories.
Spare and Replacement Players







The last minute players introduced before the playoffs caused a lot of negative discussions. If
the playoffs are to be continued a player must have played at least six games to be eligible.
Players who play from the waiting list can have game counted from any teams they play for.
The issue of the use of waiting listed players by several teams throughout the season and
playoffs, was an issue. If this is a non-competitive club, then why are waiting list players
required, as teams can always give their opponents players to even up the team, when players
are missing.
I personally don't understand the rules around how and when teams can use wait listed players,
but it always seems to cause issues.
These players would register and pay the fees same as every other player.
A better process for the distribution of spare pool players to replace any injury or withdraw
players to the teams.
I understand that some players are not as strong as others and I would encourage some of the
conveners to not let their players influence them on whether or not to keep a player that has
been added to a team from the waiting list.
Have more players on a team at start of season.
Referees













I think we should stay with good refereeing. Last season there were squabbles about fair versus
good tackles that can inflame players and create bad feelings if not dealt with properly.
Follow FIFA standard for water breaks. ie: only if it\'s above 32 C. This is lost playing time, often
we had water breaks when it was not necessary.
The new referees (Ian, Len W, Ron S)have been excellent
A Referee that is a player or convener, should not be able to officiate any play off game\'s within
their division.
The only thing I would change, would be to try and add one or 2 more qualified referees to try
and take the load off Chris and Ian.
Need refs also, like fish and chips, steak and kidney pie, it goes together. It doesn't look right
without one.
Team reps should not be asked to officiate a game in their own division.
I think linesman would add to our game.
The use of referees throughout the season is necessary, to ensure safety for all, I wouldn't want
to play without them.
Try not to use guys from the club either as they appear to not have the stamina to ref a game
then play or play then ref a game.
It would be great if the quality of the officials could be improved.
Consistent adherence to the Laws of the game and mentorship of officials
Linesmen for the playoffs is a real perk. I'd like that to be maintained.
Burlington Old Timers Soccer Club
2016 Survey Comments






We still need some form of refereeing for all the regular season....if not just for protocol, timing
and penalizing the infrequent egregious out-burst from some players.
Increase the annual membership fee and apply these funds for quality refs.
Hire teenagers they would get summer volunteer hours and some cash. Players would answer to
referee for giving linesman grief
Experiment with sin bins (instead of yellow cards)
If the "Club" want to remove aggressive/competitiveness from the game then, no Referees is
probably the answer. However, I think that would start a quick decline in membership, we play
this game because we are competitive people.
Better referees and/or linesmen maybe the answer.
Playing Time / Player Attendance






Have a few players that do not want to commit to every Sunday turn up and play for teams that
are short of players.
Increase roster size to 18, esp in o-55, to mitigate injury absences and "hobbling" players,
vacations, hot weather conditions, etc.
More spare players needed for vacation replacements, injury replacements. We still play short
some games.
Need more commitment from players many games with one or two subs only.
Strict enforcement of the attendance requirements with no shows replaced from the wait list
ASAP.
I would like to explore the idea of drafting two replacement players per team alongside the
regular draft so that no issues arise during the season because of player absenteeism.
Competition



Play in the over 45 division has gotten much better/faster since the split with O55 with more
competitive player joining the league. While this makes for a better, more lively game, I am
concerned that it makes it hard for some of the less skilled players to feel like they are making a
positive contribution.
It might be worthwhile allowing players to petition to play O55 (even if they don't qualify on
age) rather than risk them quitting the club altogether.
Overall standard would improve if semi-fit players participated a little less, and extra 5 minutes
rest for each player per game speeds up game and improves quality of play.
Game Format



Have points for the over 45 division so that players will show up during the season since it is
more competitive.
I feel the season should only consist of regular games, and the trophy should go to either the
team with the best record, or it could go to the most sporting team during the season.
If you only have 2 subs, the 2 top rated players would sit out from both teams. 1 sub, rule does
not apply. Ref would call the 15 minutes. Logistically, would it work? This would prevent the
strongest players playing the full game at the expense of a teammate.
Burlington Old Timers Soccer Club
2016 Survey Comments


A 15 minute period in the game where the top rated players (based on pre season team
selection) must sit out. Same time in the game for both teams. Could apply to both halves. Up to
3 players.
I think that changing on the fly should be allowed and not governed by stoppages in play and
asking the referee's permission.
Playoffs








If the playoffs are to continue some rules are needed to ensure the integrity of them are not
questions. I have only played for the club for 2 season, both times making the play-offs, even so
I feel they should be eliminated.
We all love the beautiful games, but the spirit of participation for all, at this time in our life is the
most important thing.
Making great friends and having fun and wanting to play every Sunday is key.
The level of competitiveness and aggression increase significantly as we approach and during
the play-offs, many taking it too far, with a spirit of win at all costs. That is not what the club is
about.
Would encourage all the teams (players) to be there on finals day and play every weekend.
The issue of the use of waiting listed players by several teams throughout the season and
playoffs, was an issue.
Q8 D&E should be tried for a season each, think there is merit to that, then at end of season
reaches its merit by players
For playoffs if team is 8 players or less the other team should play with 2 players more than the
other team have on the field, instead of a full team. It maintains the fun factor instead of a blow
out if the other team plays a full 11 There will still have advantage , but the game should still be
fun. no play offs , every one play on the last day I would prefer no playoffs
Exec







Having completed my 2nd season in the BOTSC, I find that the club is well run and that there are
plenty of après soccer activities. It's a well run club and my hat goes off to all those involved.
Ask the City to provide toilet facilities at Iroquois - every week we risk members being fined for
urinating in public (which might even be a sex offence!) I would have no problem with the club
only providing team shirts.
As often players seem to wear whatever colour shorts and socks.. player attendance monitored
Leave well enough alone. If it isn't broken why fix it. I think the club is being run as well as it has
ever been. Good communication and enthusiasm from the top execs. Murray and Phil in
particular do an outstanding job.
I think it is working very well. My commendation to the organizers.
This is a great club, let’s work together to make it better for all.
As it stands feel the club is doing a very good job, many thanks to all the hard workers. Would
like a Jonny on the Spot at Iroquois if feasible to prevent guys pissing up rear fences
Burlington Old Timers Soccer Club
2016 Survey Comments









I believe each team should give an award each year to the guy they deemed to have the most
fun. That might change the focus in a small way and also send a message as to what the club
feels is important.
Overall - I enjoy the BOTSC games and camaraderie. Keep up the great work guys! It's much
appreciated!!
Offer online payment for registration fees and for ad-hoc events (social and sporting) - many
people sign up for sporting events but as they do not pay upfront don't bother showing up
Stop buying shorts and socks every year - offer them for an extra $20 if a player needs wants
them. Get a better deal on shirts.
Offer football training with a coach on Wednesdays for small fee
Experiment with other social activities e.g. family BBQ day (after Sunday morning games), foot
golf, music night, etc. Enter a BOTSC team into the BSL over 50 division
Develop more exhibition games (not the NOBS game)
Great job by the executive - thank you all.
The Discipline Committee's decisions/rationale should be posted on the website. If they are
already, i apologize for missing them.
Over 60




Would like an over 65 age limit. Guys over 70 cannot compete with those in their late 50's
Create an over 60 division. Grandfather in players currently playing in over 55 that do not want
to play in the over 45
Change over 55 division to over 60.
As this club continues to age, I would hope that we would consider adding yet another age
group, logically +65. I would hate to lose a single member because he thought he was too old to
be part of our club!!!
Draft - / Team Balancing





The opportunity to balance the teams after approximately five(5) games to ensure an equitable
season maybe change the way we do the draft- we have one of the top players in the league not
being taken until the 5th round seems a bit odd
Rebalancing of teams, better rating of players, team selection to ensure all teams are fair and
competitive
I think the club does a good job balancing between sportsmanship and friendliness and some
level of competition which is still of some importance.
I think one of the key things not addressed in the survey is drafting new teams every year to get
to know everybody and keeping the teams balanced.
We had great balanced teams in 2016 and I think this is key. Conveners should carry pegs to
secure nets.