I took my kids to Clemyjontri Park this weekend and saw a flyer for an 8-on-8 flag football tourney in July sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority. The proceeds from this tournament go towards converting the 48 natural grass fields in Fairfax County to synthetic turf.

Having been screwed over by Mama Nature and that crazy soccer mom from Reston, this seems like a pretty worthy cause.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/tournaments-for-turf/

Josh, do you know anything about this?

I am aware of it. I also know that the county partnered with a rival league on this event, and that league is taking 50% of the profit from this tournament, which I believe has the county regretting that decision.

In furthering the same county initiative, the county has decided to partner with us for Bark Bowl this year, where we will take 0% of the profit. (BTW, we never make money off Bark Bowl, it`s always been 100% charity. As a matter of fact, we usually lose money.) We`ll also offer a coed tournament as well at Bark Bowl this year.

Why do you have such a hatred toward this other league? Why does it matter to you that they are taking 50% profits from the tournament or how they do business?

is in it for profit only. It is not a player`s league like iffl is. That`s the big difference.
If iffl ever went away the other league would charge ridiculous prices and everyone who played would be at their mercy.

If the other league takes 50% of the profit from the county. Then thats less money going towards turf fields. So they are just hurting all the players who complain about playing on grass.

Why do you have such a hatred toward this other league?

I don`t hate them. I don`t however support any business that takes away from our league. That would be akin to Coke saying you should buy Pepsi.

Why does it matter to you that they are taking 50% profits from the tournament or how they do business?

Doesn`t matter to me at all as I won`t participate in the tournament. It does matter to the county and it should matter to you if you chose to play. Its your money that you pay to play in this tournament to support the renovation of turf fields for the county and you should understand where your money is going.

Josh, what is the assurance that these new turf fields won`t go to youth sports first?

To be clear, my understanding is these tournaments are not to for the construction of new turf fields, but simply the renovation of the existing ones. Per the website referenced above:

"All proceeds from "Tournaments for Turf" events go to the synthetic turf replacement reserve to fund the replacement of turf fields around the county and to ensure the highest quality recreation fields are available to the community"

BTW, understanding of how the county allocates field space is important to us as a league if you`re ever interested. Primary season, youth sports always takes priority (Adult football`s only primary season is the Fall and then we`re still behind youth football and youth soccer), unless you have an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). MOUs are developed with organizations that help fund the construction of a turf field and allocate a certain amount of time on the field they help fund. And before someone suggests that we help partner with the county to fund a field and obtain an MOU, the estimated cost to build a turf field this year, including lights is ~$1.1M, of which the county will pay $175,000, with full payment of the balance beyond the county funded amount due within 30 days of receipt of the formal estimate.

And just for some fun math, let`s say we increased your cost by $100 per team across both the IFFL and FCFFL and earmarked that money solely for the fund of building a turf field, how long would it take to save the ~$1M needed?

Assuming a 4% return, compounded monthly, 66 teams per season over 4 seasons per year, it`d only take about 23 years!

50% of money going to turf field is better than none right? Still helps

It`s just a way for that league to get repped by the county. Considering they also got the field space for free, the county is probably making about as much as if they just rented the field out for the day.
I`d like to see all the complaints if that league had the balls to put up a message board.

Where are you getting a 4% return? Would love to know.

Hugs,
B. Bernanke

There really are some turds that troll this board. The other league blows, period. Refs are not very good, comp isn`t very good....and they don`t have a cool message board where everyone can whine and complain about worthless flag football games. Get a clue chisel chest.

the best teams in the other league have played in iffl and are basically .500 B teams(even on Sunday night). Watered down versions of diesel, gameface, 7pt spread and collision have all played over there and won the championship easily.
I also don`t think they have ever had a state team.

Where are you getting a 4% return? Would love to know.

Nowhere. Pulled it out of thin air.

That`s what she said!

Why is everyone complaining?!?! Do you want to play in the league for free? Get someone to sponsor your team then. I have played in both leagues and this is the best by FAR. Best competition, best refs (sorry DYELB they are) and not a bunch of refs that cant even coach a 4 year old tee-ball gane. $750/12 players, comes out to about $9 a game to play in per person. Dont drink 2 beers the night before and you will be OK. Doesnt seem bad to me at ALL.

Specials at Friday`s every night... So that`s really giving up beers, which I`m not sure I`m prepared to do...