redbirdsrock

Gas-it's probably futile.

Coach T is one of the greatest defensive minds the state of Texas has ever known and anyone that can think reasonably and objectively would support that statement. His results speak for themselves.

He may not have "won any titles" lately; however, when you look at his body of work, there is no argument.

But the funny thing is, that doesn't even scratch the surface of what Cornel Thompson stands for. The impact he's made on young men's lives are too numerous to count. The character that he has molded in so many athletes is phenomenal and the mental toughness that he has imparted into generations of Mustang football players is incredible.

He may or may not be the best DC in Southeast Texas depending on who you ask but there is no doubt that he is a coaching icon and an incredible man, leader and mentor.

I completely understand your point and believe me I sympathize with those that weren't allowed to participate. We need to keep in mind that the Beaumont group is new to the STJFL so there are going to be some hurdles, growing pains and downright mistakes made by both parties. Many hours went into the planning and integration of the WBB football league into the STJFL and I'm sure there were some things that were missed; however, the important thing is for everyone involved to learn from them so that they're not repeated.

I can absolutely unequivocally tell you that the STJFL's intention is to allow as many kids to participate as possible. Sometimes there are rules and policies that restrict player participation; however, it's never with a malicious intent to exclude anyone.

I find it extremely beneficial that these youth leagues exists (STJFL, LJF) and although neither are perfect, both try as hard as they can to provide a place for young kids to play football and cheer. My hats off to all of the people that originally put them together and to those that work so hard to make sure they are successful.

The STJFL Inc. is a non-profit youth based organization made up of communities both large and small from all over Southeast Texas. The primary goal of the STJFL is to provide all children of Southeast Texas an opportunity to participate in the Great American sport of Youth Football and Cheer. The STJFL emphasizes the value of discipline, team play, individual growth, self-confidence, and a commitment to learning. Come join or visit the STJFL for the experience of a lifetime.

If the primary goal is to provide all children of SETx an opportunity to participate then why were children denied the opportunity to participate?

GoneSouth - the rules/bylaws are one thing... Beaumont has 1 flag, 1 PeeWee, 2 Jr and 1 Sr team this season... The PeeWee team barely has enuf to have 11 on the field may have 3 kids sitting out each play every week..  They lost alot of 7-8 year old kids because they live in the 77706 zip code and they are zoned to the right school but because they aren't home schooled, private schooled or attend the school in which they are zoned because their parents teach outside of Beaumont so they take them to school with them in order not to have to pay for before/after school care the kids are being punished and aren't being allowed to play.  They aren't trying to play out of district they are trying to play in the district in which they live. I didn't read anything in the bylaws that said you can't play in the district in which you are zoned but these kids aren't allowed and their is not an alternate team for them to play in the league.

Mom, it is unfortunate that there are children that weren't allowed to partipate in the STJFL; however, the by-laws do address this circumstance. Participants have to play in the district in which they attend school. If kids attend school in a district that doesn't belong to the STJFL, they are not allowed to participate. That's the beauty of having two leagues. The LJF league has teams in most areas that do not participate in STJFL; therefore, I think there is an alternative. If you would like to put a group together and petition the STJFL to form a new association, please feel free to do so between January-March.

Southeast Texas Junior Football League, Inc.

Constitution & By-Laws

ARTICLE XII: CERTIFICATION OF PARTICIPANTS

SECTION 4.  All participants will be certified according to the school in which they attend.  In the case where a school district has more than one elementary or junior high, the STJFL board will make a determination as to how the association will have to split the participants in their association.  The board will consider size of community, locations of schools, school boundaries, etc. while making its determination.  Any child that is home or private schooled must be certified in the district they live in.  No child will be allowed to play outside of their school district without a waiver from the STJFL Board.  The STJFL Board will consider any exceptions or special considerations.