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NewslettersPALS needs a wake up call!
I had the pleasure once again to see a fabulous ball game tonight. I'm not going to give the results because someone else who comes here does it all the time and I will leave that to her. I've seen many many games in Beaufort County and other places as well as having played in, coached, or officiated many in several areas. I have never seen a more talented and dedicated group of young players than I have have seen in Beaufort. Tonight, like most other times I have watched the kids play here, I was not disappointed, I was thrilled with their play! They play their hearts out, and they represent Beaufort and Beaufort County extremely well. I don't think we could ask more of any of them.
I do however have a serious issue with the local sanctioning body; PALS. The kids who are playing at the moment are All Stars, and have earned a high place of honor. They have played all year to reach this pinnacle of success and have the opportunity to move up though tournament levels that could reach state and even national play. They look great! They play great! They are the best of our young best! So, what does PALS do for them? PALS honors them with uniforms based around T-shirts when the teams they compete against show up in Major League quality uniforms! Obviously the powers that be in those other places care more for their kids than PALS does for ours!!!!!!!! There is something wrong with this picture!
Why not sell ad space on the outfield fences to pay for decent uniforms like many other places do? Why not solicit donations or team sponsorships from local merchants like many other places do. Heck, I would outfit a full All Star team from my business if allowed to do so, and I don't need my business name on the uniforms to do it, I would do it just for the kids! I'm sure many other businesses and organizations would love to do the same. Our local kids are the best, and they deserve the best!
Is there anyone out there who might have enough influence with PALS to get something started that might change this travesty?
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I currently have a son playing all-stars, and, was once again disgusted with the lack of quality uniforms. Our district tournament is comprised of other teams from our region, to include Hampton Co., Walterboro, Hilton Head, and Bluffton. True to form, our All-Stars have the worst looking uniforms at the tourney.
Fortunately for our team, we were able to solicit a donation from the community so that our team actually looks like it belongs on the field with these other teams. The total cost to outfit our team? Under $500.
Additionally, PAL's contracts with the Sportsman Shop to purchase the uni's, just not the local Sportsman Shop. They use one out of Charleston. So, if you need a new shirt or pair of pants, the local store won't have it in stock.
And don't even get me started on the football all-star uni's. They bought only adult sizes for 10-11 year olds.
This is really about just doing the minimum, and being happy with it.
I too am a Business owner, and I agree with your earlier comment. I would also contribute money or whatever needed to outfit our kids in the uniforms they deserve.
You can count on me also. I own a couple of businesses and have daughters who play county sports. I have a daughter who is currently playing on the Beaufort Allstars. I would gladly support any type of fund raiser or activity that would raise money to outfit our kids with decent uniforms. These are memory making moments in our children's lives. Let's do it Right.
Unfortunately, this same discussion was had last year on the same topic. The "kick" is that some of these teams we play in All-Stars are also PALS teams. The Pals organization South of the Broad is an entirely different "animal". There is a great deal of parental involvement both physically and financially. PALS needs a "Wake-up" call in so many areas it is ridiculous. What we have here is a bunch of Gov't employees content to do the very least to maintain their jobs. Uniforms are ALWAYS and issue. This year for our Major League baseball team (11-12) we received all youth sized pants and only L & XL ADULT shirts ! This meant that each of our players had to purchase new pants and wear shirts that were far too bg all season. This is the case every year with all of the teams I've been involved with. Absolutely ridiculous.
I am sure that the PALS All-Star softball uniforms cost significantly less than $10.00 per child. In reality , $5 - $6 is probably more accurate. These players (and the rest of the All-Stars ) deserve better.
If you can buy uniforms, why didn't you do that? Quit complaining about everything out there. Put your money where your mouth is.
Blaze,
I have tried to do exactly that, PALS wouldn't allow it! They seem to think it might create some sort of non-uniformity. It's OK for adult leagues who are on their own for uniforms or lack thereof anyway, but not for the kids. And, I apologize if pointing out the need to reward children who achieve something is complaining. Seems to me that you have mentioned the need to recognize local athletes. I think it is right to so for those who played in the past as well as those in the present.
PALS has also told us "no" on many occasions when we wanted to purchase respectable looking all star uniforms!!!!! After the first year, we just started doing it. We ask for donations from the community and get it done ourselves.
The problem for uniforms runs much deeper that gathering the money. In 2003 I did that myself, collected the money and PALS would not let me purchase unofrms, the money had to go to the general fund.
As is a common thread here, there is an inbred problem with the PALS Leadership. Where does one start? With the inability for PALS to effectively schedule its facilities? With the inability for PALS to manage the quality of its employees? With the lack of response by the PALS leadership when contacted?
For two years my child has practiced in a coach's backyard because M.S. (PALS director/coordinator) was not able to effectively manage the schedule. This past basketball season, two practices and one game were 'cancelled' without notice, not even the coaches. There was a scheduling conflict with other events. This included the last game of the year when all the kids were ready to enjoy their last game and celebration. Never once has our uniforms come in on time, nor have the post season trophies.
This is a common complaint of many others. However, the common reply is that the county continues to hire 'cousins, brothers and nephews' and it's the way it has always been! How Sad! It seems Gary Kubic is not concerned with it as many calls are made to his office are not returned. How about when a child is hurt because they are injured in a coach's backyard? How many dollars will it cost then?
Many other parents continue to be concerned for the lack of professionalism, response, and quality of PALS Events/Leadership. Who are the players who get the first-run on pads/helmets prior to the official date? The coach who is best friends with the Director! Who allows some players to cross over to other districs and play with another team, while others are denied? The Coach who is friends with the Director! Who blatantly violates Dixie League rules by allowing children move into ineligible age groups and others not to? The parents who are friends of the Director! What organization allows its scorekeepers to talk endlessly on their cellphones during games, yet when it is addressed, one is treated with disrespect? PALS.
Where does it end? Maybe that is why the growth in Club Teams? Club Teams are accountable to parents! PALS is accountable to NO ONE!!!
They all need to go...
There is NO leadership at PALS !
I couldn't agree more.