Hello coach, you are disqualified

For days, we’ve been contacting coaches to complete their registration process for the SunStar Football Cup but only had limited success. The registration process involves three parts—payment, submission of lineup, and proof of age—and some only took step 1 or steps 1 and 2.

Oftentimes, football festivals get a delayed start since some teams complete their requirements on the first day and we’ve had such experiences in the past. We’ve also encouraged coaches to complete the registration process early by using a structured fee—those who register in the last week pay more than than those who register in the first week (P2,500 vs. P2,000).

For some, it’s the fault of the coaches, who tend to take a “pwede pa na (that will do)” attitude regarding the registration process, and for others, it’s the fault of the players, who don’t comply with the coaches’ request to submit what is needed. “Gahi’g ulo amo coach.” “Gahi’g ulo ang mga players.” These are just some of the reasons cited. So for days, despite reminding them that they won’t be included in the schedule if they fail to complete the process, they still didn’t.

So, I decided to take a different tack. I sent a text blast to the coaches who failed to complete the registration process and told them that they are disqualified from joining the tournament. I also told them that as agreed during the coaches’ meeting, there would be no refund for teams that withdraw or fail to complete registration.

I sent it while I—and I presume they, too—was having coffee.

From telling them that “they will be disqualified” to informing them that “they are disqualified.” The change worked wonders and by the end of the day almost all had complied, while those who couldn’t have decided to let go of their slots.

For coaches who have a hard time asking their players to comply, that line gives them an additional push for their players. For coaches who are used to not complying, well that line means bye-bye for them.

Organizing a tournament isn’t easy; it involves a lot of steps, not just three. If we miss a step or two, all hell will break loose and we’d be the subject of complaints from players and coaches alike.

To the Aboitiz Cup and Thirsty Cup organizers, you might want to try this line.

The change worked wonders and by the end of the day almost all have complied, while those who couldn’t have decided to let go of their slots.