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With that being said, the overwhelming majority of cards and suspensions this year (again) came in the B ("Recreational") group. I love the irony of how teams complain about having to play in the "competitive" A Group, yet poor sportsmanship and dangerous play is most prevalent in the B (and former C) groups.
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Are you surprised? As a player in this division I can almost guarentee that most cards are generally repeat offenders. Likely players that will never play at a better level. I witnessed one player threaten to run another player over with his truck in a rage that was way over the top. He never received a card for that threat (Yes there was a scuffle before that if anyone is silly enough to defends his actions). A different guy on the same team received a RED later in the game and then attempted to play the next game (semi final). His team was outraged that our team said no, I understand someone on that team is even on the committee. Most players receiving cards are men who act is if this league was the World Cup, I think that is where the "try hard" phrase comes into play. Possible solution is to deal with repeat offenders with stiff suspensions and a possible exclusion from the league. From what I understand there are plenty of players that would love to be part of this league.
As for teams complaining about better competition I think it is justified in some cases as there is simply a large difference in talent on the top competitive teams. Our team for example has 3 ladies who I don't think ever played soccer until they joined this league. As much as I personally would love to play better soccer some nights it also would be no fun to get lumped. Not much fun for the better teams to win by a dozen every night either. I think the format this year was very good.
On a positive note this is a great league and I enjoy being part of it. Overall all the players in both divisions are out there for a good time. Nothing is ever perfect and that is what makes things interesting.
