Mile Zero Ultimate Summer League Survey Results
Hi board members. We received a lot of fantastic feedback from members on the 2015 MZU summer league survey. We want you to know we’re listening, and have prepared a brief summary of the feedback we received.
We received over 60 responses, from a good mix of experienced and new players. The responses to the level of competition and scheduling, as well as the jerseys, were overwhelmingly positive, which we’re always glad to see, but we aren’t ignoring the few dissenters either. There were a wider range of responses on league social activities, subbing policy,
On what you liked best, responses indicate players find the league inclusive and particularly enjoyed the more predictable schedule.
This year we tried a new format: separate competitive (Flaherty Cup) and recreational (MZU Summer League) leagues. The response was overwhelmingly positive, particularly as it related to scheduling. There were several responses from members that said it didn’t necessarily affect them, and there were a couple of responses that the bottom teams in the competitive league were closer in skill to the top teams in the rec league than in their competitive league. A couple also expressed concern over the size of the competitive league.
There were a wide range of responses to our new subbing policy. Some wanted unlimited subbing, others wanted comp players disallowed from subbing in the rec league. There were several suggestions to limit comp subbing to the top tiers of rec league, and even one that if a rec team gets top competitive-league players the other team gets an automatic 5 points.
On balance, most competitive league players responded they were fine with the policy, while more rec league players disliked comp league players subbing in the rec league. The top concern certainly seemed to be competitive balance and fair play. It’s clear we will need to look at the policy some more, and may solicit more feedback in the future.
We also received an interesting proposal to try a mixed night once in the season where competitive league players are placed at random with rec league teams to try and help teach and lead by example.
Responses were also quite mixed on the idea of allowing players to play in both the competitive and recreational league. Some liked the idea of getting more field time and helping newer players learn the game, but there were a lot of concerns raised about competitive balance. There are a lot of logistical concerns, and it was interesting to see how many players recognized that.
There was some optimism, and a bit more skepticism, with the idea of specific-night leagues. Mostly, your responses indicated you would want more details first. Other scheduling responses included several concerns that 5:30 games were too early for players to make, especially in Mount Pearl.
There were lots of positive reactions about our gender equality week, including some who want to make gender matching a permanent league fixture. However some members thought it was a good idea that needed further examination on the best way to roll it out. In particular there were very split feelings about the double-point female assist though, both love and hate. The new board will determine if this initiative is something that MZU continues going forward.
There was also a suggestion to make teams pick a male and female all-star after games – this is currently an option for teams, but is not mandatory.
As for fields, members seemed to appreciate getting so much field space, but there were some concerns over Southlands (windy and more of a drive) and particularly Brother Egan (quality of the field). We had a few suggestions to add games at Bowring Park and Mundy Pond if possible. We’re working hard on this for the next year.
The responses to playoff day were overwhelmingly positive, with few exceptions. There were a few new suggestions we’ll be sure to take note of. While some members were open to moving to a two-day playoff, most told us they wanted to keep the one-day event.
On the question of whether every team should make the playoffs, all but two responses told us they should. Message received.
While some members liked the idea of a mid-season tournament, there was also quite a lot of skepticism. Responses were almost evenly mixed.
The most positive responses we received were on the value members felt they got for their money. We’re very happy to hear it. Several members called the league the best value for money of any sports league in the city, and one high-roller even suggested we raise prices. A couple of people said they missed the beer on playoff day and trust us, we missed it too.
On the matter of the UNL fee member responses were far more mixed, particularly regarding communication and how money is spent. We’ll pass along the feedback to them, and we encourage everyone to like their facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/unl.ultimate/?fref=ts) and join their mailing list.
On the social side of things, it seems the Rocket Room inspires either love or hate, though this time love won by about a 3:1 margin. There did seem to be a large amount of people who wanted to see award presentations at the party though. Someone even proposed some league-oriented activities as part of the party instead of just drinking; though most seemed to like that too.
As for the social calendar wish list, it seems many of you would like more mid-season events, and we’re listening. Trivia, bowling, open mic, skating (in winter), and pub crawls were all suggested, and several of you requested an outdoor event in particular – your attraction to Rocket’s deck should have been our first clue. We also received an interesting request to merge a skills clinic with a social event.
One person asked for more family-friendly fare, two people requested beer Olympics. Clearly, we’ll never be able to please everyone at once.
Especially the person who requested shorter surveys.
Thanks,
The Mile Zero Ultimate Board of Directors
