Easton/Rethink Study 2013

[ted]

With the release of the Easton/Rethink Study I thought we should have a new thread to discuss our reactions to whatever their recommendations might be.

• In a League of Our Own - the report summary
  
• Canada Soccer releases report on Division II soccer viability in Canada - press release from CSA
  

BACKGROUND

From October 5, 2011:

The Canadian Soccer Association announced today that it has commissioned Rethink Management Group to independently study the viability of a division two league in Canada. Former Canadian youth and senior international Mr. James Easton will head-up the project.

The study group will look at various world leagues to assess their strengths and weaknesses, evaluate administrative and legal best practices and examine previous Canadian professional soccer leagues to learn from their successes and failures. At the conclusion of the study, the group will submit a report to the Association containing frameworks and models that emerged as most appropriate to be implemented in the Canadian structure. The project is expected to run through spring of 2012.

- Canadian Soccer Association commissions independent study on Division II League viability

OTHER DISCUSSIONS

We have discussed this report and it's implications in several places over the last couple of years including:

• CSA commissions independent study on D2 league viability
  
• A Workable National D3?
  
• We need a professional league!!!
  
• Canadian Division Two Study by Rethink (Phase 1) - League Framworks
  
• Potential D3 Concepts for a Possible Rethink Phase II
  
• CSL take on soccer structure in Canada....
  

[ted]

My thoughts on first read of the summary:

I am not sure whether to laugh or cry. I cannot say I am surprised by the report but I am surprised by the bizarre reaction of the CSA.

On The Summary: well written, concise and right in line with what we have been telling the CSA for most of the last decade. It's nice to see what you have been saying validated but did we really get our money's worth?

On the Reaction: as noted elsewhere (CSA cuts sanction of CSL) the CSA appears to have used the Easton Study as justification for kicking ALL D3 leagues loose to the Provincial Associations.

The Conflict: the summary, as I read it, says that while the CSA should not be organizing a league(s) itself it does say that they need to have a part in the process of sanctioning so that reasonable oversight is provided to avoid past mistakes. The way I reads the CSA's reaction is "it's the Provinces problem to deal with." This troubles me because while Ontario and Quebec might be able to support independent leagues they would be better served as a single region and no other single Province could make this happen alone.

This non-plan offers no significant benefit over and above what is already provided by existing USL programs in either the PDL or USLPro leagues.

My Opinion has long been, and remains, that a successful D3 should be regional play under a national framework with a national cup championship based on the regional winners alongside participation in the VCup competition. This is difficult to imagine happening if the Provincial Associations have anything to do with it. After all that effort and heartache to reduce the influence of the Provinces on the CSA BoD they want to just turn around and hand this program over to the Provinces?

[VPjr]

^ ted....

your quote:

"This troubles me because while Ontario and Quebec might be able to support independent leagues they would be better served as a single region and no other single Province could make this happen alone...My Opinion has long been, and remains, that a successful D3 should be regional play under a national framework with a national cup championship based on the regional winners alongside participation in the VCup competition"

Your concerns are valid and I feel quite comfortable in stating that the medium to long term vision involves exactly what you are hoping to see happen.

[youllneverwalkalone]

^ ted....

your quote:

"This troubles me because while Ontario and Quebec might be able to support independent leagues they would be better served as a single region and no other single Province could make this happen alone...My Opinion has long been, and remains, that a successful D3 should be regional play under a national framework with a national cup championship based on the regional winners alongside participation in the VCup competition"

Your concerns are valid and I feel quite comfortable in stating that the medium to long term vision involves exactly what you are hoping to see happen.

And was stated as such in the study, I believe.

In BC, I think we need the Highlanders to make this work, even more so than the Caps reserves. What would Ted think about leaving PDL for a PCSL/VSML/VISL single table?

[Trillium]

And was stated as such in the study, I believe.

In BC, I think we need the Highlanders to make this work, even more so than the Caps reserves. What would Ted think about leaving PDL for a PCSL/VSML/VISL single table?

The Study is fine in that is says Div III Regional leagues, but what it does not do, which in my opinion is critical is set out the model for such a league, how its to be governed and one set of rules, a bried mention of how the CHL did it is included yes... but there is no indication anyone is drafting such a document for potential new Regional leagues.

The report lets the CSA off the hook in terms of inter provincial play, no mention of if a league could operate in two provinces and how it would be governed.

So basically its back to ten seperate countries, (opps provinces ) to come up with something.

I am also concerned that the study does not recognize the need to have such a Div III as open age group but with roster restrictions, i.e. certain number of rostered player between age X and Y, then rest open age, with only Canadian eligible players or at most two non-canadians/landed immigrants/refugees per team.

Anything else leaves you with the CSL model which has not worked to develop players.

[ted]

And was stated as such in the study, I believe.

Yep, the study seemed to support a national framework which why I was so troubled by the CSA appearing to ignore that part.

Your concerns are valid and I feel quite comfortable in stating that the medium to long term vision involves exactly what you are hoping to see happen.

I hope you are right and glad to hear it.

In BC, I think we need the Highlanders to make this work, even more so than the Caps reserves. What would Ted think about leaving PDL for a PCSL/VSML/VISL single table?

I have no problem with the Highlanders moving to another league. I would have a huge problem with, "a PCSL/VSML/VISL single table" as that is not what a D3 should be IMO. It should be something that sits above those leagues in the pyramid.

[DigzTFC]

^ ted....

your quote:

Your concerns are valid and I feel quite comfortable in stating that the medium to long term vision involves exactly what you are hoping to see happen.

First off, congrats on Chris Suta. Huge to have your club produce a professional player in its early years. Second, by this statement I would assume that you're party to the implementation planning surrounding the findings of this document and that there is quite a lot detail not released in the summary report. One would hope that the CSA doesn't let this sit out there without a press conference or a teleconference or some sort of media relations exercise to demonstrate that they have a plan outlined to implement the results of the study by X date. One can hope.

[VPjr]

^ The kudos for Chris' move to Germany ought to be doled out to Windsor Stars, where he has been playing the past couple of years. We gave him an opportunity but we only had him for a short time in 2010. I'm just very happy for him.

As for implementation, I'm not privy to specific details but I think the CSA did a media call an hour or so ago to provde more information. I'm sure it will be shared.

I do know that the idea, as laid out in the Easton report, is to have provincially sanctioned leagues operating at D3 who will, in time, benefit from co-ordination from a "national" organization (similar to CHL's role with the 3 Major Junior hockey leagues).

Lots of work to be done

[youllneverwalkalone]

I have no problem with the Highlanders moving to another league. I would have a huge problem with, "a PCSL/VSML/VISL single table" as that is not what a D3 should be IMO. It should be something that sits above those leagues in the pyramid.

I didn't mean those tables, but rather a single table from the elite clubs in that group. Coquitlam Metro Ford, Surrey United, West Van FC, being some examples I can think of on this side of the water that can move up.

[DigzTFC]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2013/02/04/canadian_soccer_association_division_2_report/

Montagliani said the CSL would operate under the auspices of the Ontario Soccer Association, and said he's already met with CSL and OSA officials to facilitate the league's sanctioning under the OSA

What effect this has one League One, I don't know. I also don't understand the Ben Rycroft, the CSA and the CSL that is going on right now

[A_Gagne]

haven't read the report yet, only the discussion on this thread...

My only issue with the CHL model (i.e. with a focus on u23 players) is that this will do nothing to increase the professional opportunities afforded to Canadian players. We might produce better youth players, but we will still hit a wall when it comes to graduating players from the professional ranks. A U23 league is a step in the right direction, but it is not professional soccer, and therefore in my mind is only part of the solution.

Mentioned in the Phase I Eastman Report was that they'd shown that 11 professional clubs per league was the rough point at which maximum benefit was achieved in terms of player development (beyond which point there were significant diminishing returns). It would thus seem to me that we need roughly that number of pro-clubs (D2 or higher, and actually employing Canadian players) before we would be able to actually realize the benefits of the improved "CHL" (or domestic PDL) style structure.

Between USL-Pro, NASL and MLS we may one day be able to achieve that, but a lot will have to change between then and now within those leagues themselves, in terms of creating equal working conditions for Canadians, and I doubt very much we will ever see any more than the current 3 MLS teams in D1 (i.e. MLS). I can however, see NASL one day become a peer competitor for MLS, and I think they would be more keen on Canadian expansion.

Overall, I'm a little disappointed by the direction suggested, but at least it's a lot better than the status quo (not to difficult) and with MLS and NASL occupying the country's 5 largest markets, it was never going to be anything but a D3/U23 recomendation.

[DigzTFC]

^

I think that the study is solely about the here and now. As Canadian Pro clubs join the NASL and as the MLS teams start to join USL Pro as a reserve team in a more integrated way, I think there will be a possibility of a Canadian Div2. It's just not here and now. This is the first right step. Build the player pool. Build the professionalism. Venues might come out of this in areas where there are multiple clubs working together with municipalities instead of competing with similar interests (London for example with CSL & PDL).

Div2 will grow organically in NASL & USL Pro. Once there is substantial participation, you'll see Div2 talk come up again. NASL has had some form of interest in Winnipeg and Hamilton with they're new facilities yet to be completed. With Edmonton and Ottawa already signed on a TFC, Impact, VWC needing a home for their reserve teams it will be possible in time. It's just not here and now.

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2013/02/04/canadian_soccer_association_division_2_report/

Montagliani said the CSL would operate under the auspices of the Ontario Soccer Association, and said he's already met with CSL and OSA officials to facilitate the league's sanctioning under the OSA

What effect this has one League One, I don't know. I also don't understand the Ben Rycroft, the CSA and the CSL that is going on right now

This was the quote from the head of the OSA in Ben Rycroft's story for the CBC:

The OSA is currently in the process of approving Ontario League One for full-time semi-professional status. OSA president Ron Smale said that it was too early to make a decision on what they would do if the CSL applied for similar status in Ontario.

"It's a decision that would have to go through the board but it's far too early to say at this point," Smale said.

So we have confirmation that the CSL has been desanctioned by the CSA. As far as I'm aware there is no obligation on the OSA's part to sanction them. The obvious solution is getting the CSL to merge with L1O using Jim Easton's strategy (which is not too far off what L1O was planning) as the template for how to move forward. Many of the CSL teams have a strong youth soccer commitment these days so it wouldn't be that tough to do I suspect.

[alberta white]

Going back to the concept of U-23. I flippently commented on twitter (as you know I often do) as to the situation of players who reach 23, been they ceremoniously dragged to the centre circle for incineration in some celebratory raising to the roof, as depicted in the Film Logan's Run. Except I used less characters.

However on a serious note. I would point out that Paul Hamilton, the Edmonton Centre Back is 25 this year. So technically he couldn't play in that league. Or more to the Point neither would the previously released Paul Craig. Matt Lamm on the other hand would have only One season bfore hitting Carousell.

Now they may have been jettisoned as not been up to Div2 standard. In Matt's cases its probably most debatable that to some he should still be on the roster, and that personal issues cause his exclusion. But the point been what do you do with "seasoned" pro's if they are not allowed to play down the leagues? sometimes the best coach in the world is the old lag stood next to you at centre back.

Hammy's season with the old Dutch pro Paul Matthias been a case in point.

As far as regional Leagues that play into a Champions Post season? well i'm all for that. Heck Alberta had a great year in the amature version with Edmonton scottish. Having 6 ex-eddies might have helped a bit.

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

Maybe worth bearing in mind that PDL is described as U23 but allows up to 8 overage players. I'd wait to see the fine print before getting into scenarios like that.

[alberta white]

Makes sense, but then, why call it it U23?

To me it automatically makes it sound overtly subordinate and less "Pro" than simply refereing to Division 3 would do.

[Yohan]

This was the quote from the head of the OSA in Ben Rycroft's story for the CBC:

The OSA is currently in the process of approving Ontario League One for full-time semi-professional status. OSA president Ron Smale said that it was too early to make a decision on what they would do if the CSL applied for similar status in Ontario.

"It's a decision that would have to go through the board but it's far too early to say at this point," Smale said.

So we have confirmation that the CSL has been desanctioned by the CSA. As far as I'm aware there is no obligation on the OSA's part to sanction them. The obvious solution is getting the CSL to merge with L1O using Jim Easton's strategy (which is not too far off what L1O was planning) as the template for how to move forward. Many of the CSL teams have a strong youth soccer commitment these days so it wouldn't be that tough to do I suspect.

But would this new Ontario league want any former CSL teams and the possible taint associated with corruption in CSL?

[ted]

I do know that the idea, as laid out in the Easton report, is to have provincially sanctioned leagues operating at D3 who will, in time, benefit from co-ordination from a "national" organization (similar to CHL's role with the 3 Major Junior hockey leagues).

Not how I read the summary and very disappointing if this is true. What I read was that it COULD be left to the Provinces but that it was not the best way forward and that the CSA should remain involved in some form to prevent the mistakes of the past.

As I said before, Provincial leagues would be a huge mistake. We need regional leagues that cover more than one province and operate in markets that will sustain a professional team.

What we need are teams that provide players (mostly U23) a place to train and play as a full-time job for at LEAST 6 months of the year. In order to do that you need a league that is engaging for spectators to come and pay money. A league that sponsors will get behind. A league that media might actually report on. None of that is possible within a Provincial framework.

To take BC as an example, if we started a Provincial D3 (assuming they did not simply "promote" the pre-existing PCSL) then we would need 8 markets that could support a minor league pro team with paid attendances above 1,500 as a minimum. Lower Mainland (maybe 2 teams), Victoria, Kelowna and then where? Are there really four more markets that could support those numbers?

The same holds true for every other Province except for the slim possibility that Ontario could sustain such a league.

But wait, there is already a professional league operating at a national-scale at the D3 level that could be organized regionally and provide competition with teams in markets large enough to sustain operations. It is called the USLPro and they are ready to expand right now.

If the CSA really wants to encourage professional youth development in the short to medium term they should encourage clubs to apply to the USLPro and allow them to enter the Voyageurs Cup tournament. We could have anywhere up to four teams starting in the USLPro in 2014 if the CSA gave the go ahead today and 8 teams in a year or two beyond that.

Eventually there might be enough teams in Canada to break off into a national D3 based on two conferences and that would be a great thing to see. That would be a medium to long-term goal but to get there we need the teams to survive and thrive. They cannot do that in a Provincial league playing on front of a couple of hundred spectators made up of mostly family and friends.

The MLS and NASL, while not perfect for us, has shown that cross-border cooperation can be a sustainable model. We already have clubs in the PDL which is a part of the same organization as the USLPro. Why are we so afraid to use what is clearly working both above and below the D3 level?

You can love and support Canada and admit that a stand-alone Canadian solution does not make the best sense.

[lazlo_80]

Not how I read the summary and very disappointing if this is true. What I read was that it COULD be left to the Provinces but that it was not the best way forward and that the CSA should remain involved in some form to prevent the mistakes of the past.

As I said before, Provincial leagues would be a huge mistake. We need regional leagues that cover more than one province and operate in markets that will sustain a professional team.

I believe it would be very similar to the CHL. Some regional leagues, some provincial leagues.

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

But would this new Ontario league want any former CSL teams and the possible taint associated with corruption in CSL?

Think they are probably struggling for numbers given the lack of recent press releases.

[alberta white]

...

If the CSA really wants to encourage professional youth development in the short to medium term they should encourage clubs to apply to the USLPro and allow them to enter the Voyageurs Cup tournament. We could have anywhere up to four teams starting in the USLPro in 2014 if the CSA gave the go ahead today and 8 teams in a year or two beyond that...

Problem here is how do you sell this without it first been been labeled a Farm League?

[ted]

Problem here is how do you sell this without it first been been labeled a Farm League?

Huh? What we are talking about here is a development league a D3 or "third division". "Farm" teams are development teams that are affiliated with clubs in leagues above them. No matter what model we adopt or organizing structure we embrace a D3 will always be a "Farm League" in a sense.

Changing tack slightly...

People keep bringing up the CHL as a model for the CSA-proposed Provincial Leagues option and since I know almost nothing about the CHL I started at Wikipedia. I noticed something very interesting right in the first paragraph:

For the 2012-13 season, its three leagues and 60 teams represent nine Canadian provinces (52 teams) as well as four American states (8 teams).

So, the "CHL Model" is for regionally organized teams on both sides of the border.

Tell me again how the USLPro is NOT the way to go?

I really cannot begin to fathom the masochism that would motivate someone to propose creating a network of Provincial leagues and try to coordinate them when USLPro is already running and could provide the same or better opportunities for Canadian clubs. The MLS teams are moving to place teams in the USLPro or affiliate with USLPro teams by loaning players. It would be so easy to enter three "farm teams" of the Cdn MLS teams and build from there with teams in other Canadian cities.

[lazlo_80]

Huh? What we are talking about here is a development league a D3 or "third division". "Farm" teams are development teams that are affiliated with clubs in leagues above them. No matter what model we adopt or organizing structure we embrace a D3 will always be a "Farm League" in a sense.

Changing tack slightly...

People keep bringing up the CHL as a model for the CSA-proposed Provinvcial Leagues option and since I know almost nothing about the CHL I started at Wikipedia. I noticed something very interesting right in the first paragraph:

So, the "CHL Model" is for regionally organized teams on both sides of the border.

Tell me again how the USLPro is NOT the way to go?

I really cannot begin to fathom the masochism that would motivate someone to propose creating a network of Provincial leagues and try to coordinate them when USLPro is already running and could provide the same or better opportunities for Canadian clubs. The MLS teams are moving to place teams in the USLPro or affiliate with USLPro teams by loaning players. It would be so easy to enter three "farm teams" of the Cdn MLS teams and build from their with teams in other Canadian cities.

As outlined in the report the biggest reason is that as a Canadian league we keep control of the league, meaning we can define the rules and structure to benefit Canada the most. When you give up that control you become defined by US organizations with their own agenda...which is why you see things like the 25% Canada team cap in NASL or the Canadians not being considered domestics in the MLS.

[tmcmurph]

As outlined in the report the biggest reason is that as a Canadian league we keep control of the league, meaning we can define the rules and structure to benefit Canada the most. When you give up that control you become defined by US organizations with their own agenda...which is why you see things like the 25% Canada team cap in NASL or the Canadians not being considered domestics in the MLS.

All good points but out west there is Vancouver, Seattle, Portland. You can have several teams there and do minimal travel. Where are you going to get populations for teams in a small geographic area like you have in southern Ontario out west? You have to consider cross border situations.

[lazlo_80]

I don't think there's any easy answers when you decide to start a league from scratch, but considering the circumstances of this league, to me it sounds like the markets don't need to all be that big. It would be interesting to see if they would permit American teams from joining the league.