-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [SASL e-list] SASL Masters League Plans For 2005.
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2004 23:24:32 -0400
From: Garry Archer <g dot archer at att dot net>
To: SASL E-mail at TOPICA <saslsoccer at topica dot com>

Shoreline Adult Soccer League, Inc. e-mail list; informational only.

Hello All,

As the SASL season comes to a close, I want to reignite the interest of any players, or any teams, who have been considering the transition from the SASL Over-30s League (or any league) to the SASL Masters League.

I have already received varying degrees of interest -- directly and indirectly -- from as many as 7 possible new Over-40 teams. And one Over-50 team. They're from all over the state too!

I don't want to tell you the names of any teams at this stage, unless they make an official application. New teams should apply no later than December 31, 2004.

If you're not already aware, after the 2004 season one First Division team is relegated and two Second Division teams are promoted. This gives us a 10-team First Division for 2005 and 7 teams in the Second Division. I always expected there will be more than that in the Second Division by the time 2005 season rolls around.

As you should all know by now, whether it be the Over-30 League or the Masters League, all new teams are required to enter through our lowest divisions. So, all new teams applying to the Masters League will play in the Second Division in 2005.

It is quite possible, however, that so many new teams enter that we may have to split the Second Division into Second Division East and Second Division West. At least for 2005 season. This is pretty much guaranteed if we have any more than 11 Second Division teams.

Even if it was "only" 12 teams in two 6-team divisions, you could have 5 home games and 5 away in your own division and 6 cross-over games with teams in the other division for a total of 16 games. If it was 14 teams, that would be two 7-team divisions with 6 + 6 + 7 = 19 games. Either is an improvement on the 14-game season for Second Division teams in 2004.

With regional divisions, we would have to also have play-offs to decide overall Champions and Runners-up. Those two teams, at least, would be promoted.

One decision would be, two promoted? -- Or three promoted, like the Over-30s Third Division? That last option, of course, means three down from the First Division, and I'm not sure if that is a good idea or not. It would make it as exciting as the Over-30s Second Division though!

So, there is a lot of interest from new teams and there is still plenty of time yet from other new teams. There always seems to be late entries in January, sometimes all the way up to the AGM.

Teams who have been on the fence about entering into the SASL Masters League -- and I know there are *MANY* -- better hurry up and decide or else they'll have to come through a THIRD DIVISION one day -- and, who knows, that may be in 2006!

If your team has been considering the transition and I have not been in touch with you recently, please contact me and let me know how possible it may be for your team to enter.

All new teams -- I very strongly urge you to send in formal applications as soon as possible. Application forms are on the SASL Website Downloads page. Do not wait until the December 31, 2004 deadline and certainly do not risk waiting all the way up to the AGM.

If you have questions regarding the application or any fees, etc., please contact the SASL League Secretary, Dave Carmody (dcarmody@cttel.net).

Cheers,
- Garry Archer (SASL Executive Board)