Rob Graff wrote:IF you accept the idea that UMLL is better organized ball (which is my opinion, but I know that not all share it) -- If you play them, do they have any incentive to become a UMLL team?
This is an interesting point. While it too is my opinion that the UMLL is better organized than the GLLL, I think that many GLLL teams would prefer their current state of disorganization to the alternative, which would mean significantly higher league dues, amongst other things. It seems to me that many MCLA'ers think of GLLL teams as biding their time until they can join the UMLL/CCLA/whatever. But, having talked to many GLLL coaches personally, the general opinion is that the GLLL provides these young teams with the chance to play competitively but at a low cost to players, and these coaches value these GLLL perks GREATLY over those that the MCLA provides. In their eyes, paying a $100 league fee for a full season of guaranteed close-to-home games AND a conference tournament looks pretty nice.
I'd certainly like to see some of them make the commitment and the jump to join the UMLL, but the GLLL proves to currently be the best option for the majority of these teams. I do think that once our new youth lax leagues start to churn out more players, the current GLLL teams will see significant growth. As a result, many of them will undoubtedly look to join the MCLA. It's just a matter of time.