dcu13 wrote:I've read the press release but I'm still confused.

Where does Elite 64 fit into the USYS "pyramid"? Above National League? Alongside National League? Entirely separate?

I saw that Coppermine have joined but that seems to be the only local club entering so far.

Equal to the National League, but it's club v club rather than a promotion/relegation based team league. Clearly they didn't think this through and are having a difficult time filling the 64 slots.. Some of the travel looks horrendous- especially considering the level of play.

My other kid is a ref so I am aware of how they do it in PA. Assignor releases the schedule on Monday, you can pick the games you want, then they are approved- teams would know by Wed or Thurs. ECNL are the most sought after games, aside from college, because they pay more, the parents know the game more (less stupid yelling) than the town teams, parents are usually sitting far away due to field>HS track>stands.
Not buying this one.

How does Bethesda cancel weekend games on a Friday afternoon? People lose money on hotels at that point. We all know about the ref shortage but ECNL pays better than every other league. There is no way I'm accepting that excuse.