Letter to the Lakeshore Football Officials Association

Hi Dave,

It was nice to finally meet you yesterday. In our previous conversations, I found you to be very helpful and friendly.

I will try to keep this email as short as possible.

First, allow me to apologize if I came across the wrong way. Sometimes, I know that emails can hold the ‘tone’ of the reader (as opposed to the writer) and it was not my intention to offend you or your friends/colleagues. I simply felt that based on my own observations and feelings, that perhaps you might like to know my perspective (as well as many other spectators) on the game.

Second, you really caught me off guard yesterday, which is why I am choosing to write this email now. I would have much rather discussed this with you in person, but I was extremely distracted by our disappointing loss. Having had been a coach yourself, I am sure that you can appreciate that it was probably not the best time to try and have a conversation with me.

Third, my priority is my players, not the hurt feelings of an official. Why as I feel bad if I have offended the official from last week, that does not change the events of the game, which no offence, is his word against mine, and I don’t expect you to take my side over a person that you have known and worked with for years. I knew this before I complained, as well, I knew that this would not make me popular amongst the officials or yourself. Despite that, I still felt it necessary to stand up for what I believe in and to protect the best interests of my players (and this league).

Finally, I do not appreciate the implication that I am a liar. In a league that so far has demonstrated very little integrity and sportsmanship, I pride myself on trying to make a positive difference. Between ’some’ of the coaches, the parents, and yes – even ’some’ of the officials, I am appalled by the egos that seem to be floating around this league, leaving the children to suffer.

To be clear:

- To my knowledge, the head official did not start timing the huddles until the second half (4th quarter) of the game and not until after one of the other officials warned him several times that the huddles were taking way too long (much more than 1 or 2 seconds as you had indicated yesterday).

- We did not touch the ball in the entire second half of the game until the 4th quarter was almost completed. The opposing team only drove the ball a little more than 40 yards during this time before being stopped on downs.

- We attempted to run a new no-huddle offence, especially in the 4th quarter with so little time remaining. If the head official is claiming that we were taking 6 to 8 seconds longer than the time permitted, I will have to believe that he is lying in order to protect himself/his reputation.

My apologies again for offending you Dave, but I will not waiver from my position. I trust that this will end our relationship for which I regret.

Thank you for taking the time to read my email and best of luck.

Sincerely,

James Ryan
Coach

For more information on Coach James Ryan, please click the following link: www.mrjamesryan.com