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Subject: Topton Soccer Club
39229 New Subject Score 2
In reading prior posts on this site, I am curious about the financial situation of the Topton Soccer Club. In the past, the club ran on a 0 carry-over budget. Based on the expenses of the club and the money in the account, the registration was charged to cover the expenses (registration, fees, referees, equipment) of the club. We didn't purchase computers for officers, shirts, etc..., the Club was for the children of the community to be able to afford to play soccer within their community. Perhaps, I am reading/hearing incorrectly, but does the non-profit Topton Soccer Club carry a balance in the tens of thousands while charging fees to ensure that the tens of thousands remain? Is this in the best interest of the children in this community? Can this club be non-profit operating in this capacity? Just curious. I would be interested in the Treasurer of his organization to list the current balance, current expenses to a detailed level (RBJSL fees, ref fees, current year equipment fees, etc..) and the current registration fees and balance in the account to meet these expenses. In past years, we did this and provided it to the public. After spending YEARS.... in the club, I would like to understand the current finances. Thank You!!
Past Board Member on:4/13/2010 9:00:43 PM
39230 In Response To: 39229 Score -1
I smelled a rat about 3 years ago when i had some dealings weith the board, and their balance then was $18-$20K. They were nickel and diming the kids and parents with pizza sales and fundraisers and debating reimbursements to the kids playing soccer @ Body Zone....it was appalling. Luckily, shortly after that my kid decided soccer wasn't for them, and I walked away from the organization. They have an amazing opportunity to use a small portion of that ridiculous balance they carry for the good of the entire community, but they just sit on it and try to figure out ways to keep more of it. How about a year with NO registration fees? Or, no fundraising or buy-out for a season as a thank you for all the parent's funds they've amassed. And, yes, as an accountant I can tell you, they technically lose their "tax exempt " and "non-profit" status when they carry over exorbitant amounts like that. If I had a kid in that organization, I'd go to the next meeting and demand some answers. That is a major problem in the making. Am I the only one who remembers when a previous member of the board embezzled money a few years back?? Time to open the windows and shed a little light on this debacle called a bloated club balance. What are their long-term plans (if any) for the money and whose idea was it to amass such a large sum??
Anonymous_6702140180221 on:4/13/2010 11:06:58 PM
39231 In Response To: 39230 Score -8
Maybe they are saving it for a synthetic turf field since it's the only way athletes in this district will ever get to play on a great playing surface other than away games.
Anonymous on:4/14/2010 7:57:39 AM
39232 In Response To: 39230 Score -6
All of the board members from 3 years ago are gone. The current board has setup a budget to be 0 sum at the end. Just because the money is in the account they aren't spending it frivously. If the current kids paid nothign to play, people would blast them for that since the ones who raised the money didn't have it spent on them....again don't blame the current board. Instead give them credit for being fiscally prudent and not just wasting the money. They are trying to figure out the best long term plan for how to spend it. Soccer is still the cheapest program around compared to baseball, softball, basketball, cheerleading, etc.
As for the person who wants the information to be public, it is, attend a meeting the reports are all there.
Also, the TSC is not non-profit or tax exempt. The current board is looking into this too. Apparently this was started several times but never finished. Just go to the IRS website and look, TSC is not on the list of 501c3. The current Tax person/Accountant just looked into this for the club and found out the status. So as usual a lot of people are misinformed. So please before spewing garbage on this site get some correct information otherwise you insight a riot and upset the masses and the club has to spend time answering questions about incorrect data to upset people instead of focusing on the kids...which is what everyone seems to want them to do.
Anonymous on:4/14/2010 9:48:53 AM
39233 In Response To: 39232 Score 2
You know what I hear when I read your post? With phrases like " don't incite (the correct spelling for that homonym, BTW) a riot", and "upset the masses" it just smacks of a monarchy. Do you really want the parents to come to a meeting?....I doubt it, unless they offer to coach or be some other coach's gopher. The parents who have paid for their children to play, even if they're not deeply involved in the workings of the organization, have EVERY RIGHT to question this board's and the past board's judgement, and the amassing of this exorbitant sum. Your reasoning is deeply flawed on several counts....in this economy, parents would welcome the opportunity to be cut a break on fundraising or registration. How many would actually complain, especially when they might have contributed in the past with other children in their family that have played? You discount the notion of returning some of the money back to the parents with a sweeping generaliztion. Ever consider putting it to a vote with your parents? This past winter would have been a great opportunity to send out a mailing and ballot (you sure have the funds to cover the postage!) and ask them what they would like to see be done with the money. Artificial turf is a great idea, as well. Simply put, what you mistakenly describe as fiscal prudence was more like fiscal irresponsibility. Over -saving can be as destructive, as over-spending. And, what, no acknowledgement of the embezzlement a few years back? But, let me guess, that was before your time, and let's not incite the masses with the TRUTH. Me thinks thou doth protest too much....
You are CYA, plain and simple on:4/14/2010 11:09:59 AM
39234 In Response To: 39233 Score -6
Please by all means parents come to the meetings and question and help out to make the club better, but if you are not happy with the way the club is being run, I suggest two options, put up or shut up. Paying the money to register and then standing back and critizing the doers is a good way to get them to quit and not have anything at all. This almost happened last year. And in the end only one new person stepped up to fill the role, so last years board mostly stepped up at the end to make sure kids had a place to play.
The club has an email address anyone can send ideas to on how to spend the money.
It is much easier to be anonymous on here and degrade the ones who are trying to provide an opprotunity for kids to play than to actual get involved or at the least attend meetings and understand what and how decisions are made.
BTW...the fact that you spend time to give english lessons on a forum is first ridiculous and second shows that it is more important for you to be right than to spend time on important issues like getting the kids to play soccer.
Anonymous on:4/14/2010 11:47:45 AM
39235 In Response To: 39233 Score 2
Please not again.. I am a parent with 2 children in the organization that have been paying for 5 years now. While I do think the balance is a little unnecessary, and while I do think the $75 buy out on top of $30 EACH child is a little tough in today's economy given that balance, I have faith in the members that it will be spent for the betterment of the kids and the club in general. The previous poster was correct, if they cut the costs there would be an outcry from people who didn't get to take advantage of that! You're not going to please everyone. I'm glad they are not spending it frivolously just to spend it, and as costs of insurance, field maintenance, tournaments, Law suit threats, keep going up, there may be a need for some funds in the future. Who knows if the school is going to demand more money to utilize the fields, or if Rockland will get sold and they will need more fields elsewhere?? This is a pretty new board, give them a chance, praise them for not making rash decisions, don't force them to spend the money that could be a detriment to the club in the future. We ALMOST had no club after last year someone came threatening to sue all of the board members! As a parent of kids that play, I am just glad that people were still willing to step up and VOLUNTEER all their time and effort, which they wont if continues to be too much of a headache to do so. Stop bashing them so they can do focus on the kids. Why do they people who arent involved anymore even care anymore then if you arent willing to take the time to go to a meeting to voice your opinions?
parent... on:4/14/2010 12:06:45 PM
39236 In Response To: 39235 Score -2
An outsiders opinion -
I think the idea of killing the balance carried over from year to year to appease the whiners is a poor idea. One unforeseen event and you will have no funds available to take care of it. The lawsuit threats alone would be a good reason to keep some money available. Having a balance also eliminates the problem of starting a season without any cash flow.
Slightly Confused on:4/14/2010 4:47:01 PM
39237 In Response To: 39234 Score -3
I am curious about the late fees. I've had kids in the soccer club for over ten years, and I don't remember late fees being imposed in the past. How much does it cost to financially cover a registration that is late by a day, a week or even two? Or is the late fee being imposed to deter people from registering late? I realize that there was a nasty incident regarding a late registration last year, but surely, others shouldn't be made to pay b/c of the rantings of one entitled parent. I'm not being sarcastic. I really am curious. Also, I read something to the effect of the club paying the district for the use of the fields. Does the club give back to the district in this capacity?
Anonymous_20501880116017 on:4/14/2010 8:16:00 PM
39238 In Response To: 39229 Score 3
First it is ILLEGAL to carry a balance in a non profit organization year to year of more than 25,000.00 or you lose your non profit status. The treasurer can be held liable criminaly as well. It also is put in place as a safeguard to not have a person or persons with access to the funds the ability to walk away with more than 25000.00 dollars. I think this actually happened in the soccer club at one time,not by this current board but in the years past. Also if the organazation ever received state or federal grant money it would have to be given back if caught which would happen if it was found to carry more than the 25,000.00 year to year. Not rhetoric...just facts. There is no good reason to carry the money of the community like this. Most clubs carry a 10,000.00 balance year to year which is reasonable and safeguards you for any shortages. Just the facts.
just facts on:4/14/2010 9:28:56 PM
39239 In Response To: 39238 Score -1
Oh please post a link to information where it is illegal for an organization to carry a balance.
anonymous on:4/14/2010 11:40:53 PM
39240 In Response To: 39238 Score -2
so how would a club go about raising a signficant sum of money for major project, would it have to raise the money in one year? What if the soccer club wanted to buy land, wouldn't it take a couple years of raising money? What would the do with the money from year to year, not sure you can get much land these days for 10 Gs
Anonymous on:4/14/2010 11:46:09 PM
39241 In Response To: 39238 Score 0
I'm calling BS on that. $25K is chump change for large non-profits. As for grants either government or from another orgnaization they are given for a specific purpose and have to be used and documented that they were used for the intended purpose regardless of how much money there is in the bank.
Skeptic on:4/15/2010 7:15:39 AM
39242 In Response To: 39241 Score -5
IF you are concerned, or have ideas on what to do with the money:
Next General Meeting will be Tuesday April 20, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Topton Legion
anon on:4/15/2010 8:20:08 AM
39243 In Response To: 39240 Score -2
I'm not an expert by any means on what non-profits can and can't do. However I do know of at least one soccer club that did fundraising and amassed a large sum of money to install a synthetic turf field for their use in Lower Makefield Township. I know very little about the club itself and I am only assuming that Yardley-Makefield Soccer Club is considered a non-profit. They had the assistance and cooperation of the township but the project was mostly funded by the club. I know they spent way more than $25,000. Considering some of the whack jobs around here are starting to talk about charging the youth groups for the use of the districts fields, perhaps the club purchasing their own land may not be a bad thing to do for the overall future of the program.
Anonymous on:4/15/2010 9:32:27 AM
39252 In Response To: 39241 Score -5
The club has been amassing money for years and yes once it was also "robbed" which went unreported even to police. How much money from the children was taken? And if you research it moron you will find that non profit YOUTH organazations can not carry a balance of more than 25000 year to year at least in the state of Pa. Go back to hicksville. This board is on the right track but in todays economic times its hard to understand charging children to play when you have sufficient funds. They dont even pay for tournaments, the parents have to pay to go!
clueless on:4/15/2010 2:59:28 PM
39258 In Response To: 39252 Score -7
Please cite the reference for the 25,000 limit for funds balance. The only thing I am aware of for non-profits in the state of PA is that to keep their charitable organization designation that if they ahve more than 25,000 in gross proceeds, they must report it on a form.
anonymous on:4/15/2010 8:21:54 PM
39261 In Response To: 39258 Score -5
I would like to see that information too. I am sure large non-profits like the Unit Way only keep 25k too..
Anonymous_208010101380119 on:4/16/2010 8:01:00 AM
39282 In Response To: 39261 Score 1
I thought the post said pa youth sports. The United Way would not be included. You are a geniouse
wow on:4/18/2010 10:04:49 PM
39409 In Response To: 39282 Score -3
Where can one obtain minutes of the April soccer club meeting since they are not posted online, or when are they usually posted? Some could not attend due to a conflict with school events.. Thanks
anon... on:5/4/2010 9:49:23 AM
39419 In Response To: 39409 Score -1
It was the same old "crap". Board members just can't get along with anyone! Why oh why did some of them come back anyhow? It's getting to the point where you don't even want to come to a meeting.....
Anonymous_2401150163040 on:5/4/2010 7:21:22 PM
39427 In Response To: 39419 Score -5
Its a crying shame you didn't run for a board position!That's probilby why they had to come back.
Every parent that attends soccer club meetings has a child playing soccer for the TSC but only a handful that are willing to help. Suppose a miracle would happen and you would run for next term... my only question is how would you be able to juggle the responsibilties of a board postion while having a family? Would you/couldyou be able yo give up your Monday morning quarteback position?
Tired of whiners from the cheap seats:) on:5/5/2010 3:55:11 PM
39433 In Response To: 39427 Score -1
It is a real shame you can complain.....have a kid play soccer.......and dont want to do anything......no wonder we have a bunch of whining kids......you should be thanking those that DONATE their time......
resident on:5/5/2010 8:46:22 PM
39513 In Response To: 39237 Score -1
I missed the registration last year for fall soccer and when I asked the registrar if I could just pay the late fee to enroll my child since it was my fault I missed. I was told no. Plain and simple. I was willing to pay the extra money just to let my child play but was told it was too much "work" in a nut shell. So I went to another Club and they accepted my late fee! Imagine that. They didn't turn down my money to have my child play. I'm very happy with the Club my child is with now and I don't think I'll have them come back to TSC.
Parent on:5/12/2010 10:54:00 AM
39518 In Response To: 39513 Score 2
And we care why ? Have fun with your other club this one has rules ,maybe rules are not for you or maybe you just want to start trouble the key is you ,you missed regisration not the club you. There is a reason why they call it a deadline. If you miss the cut off for a job interview do you think you will get the job?Sounds like you should manage your time better and stop coming on here to start problems I feel the topton soccer club is a great club.Sometimes you cant buy your way out of a mistake .But i guess you dont care because your new club is far better if only your kid could play with his freinds not the clubs mistake yours.
Anonymous_208010101360136 on:5/12/2010 3:32:25 PM
39519 In Response To: 39518 Banned
**** TRASHED BY POPULAR DEMAND *****
Slightly Confused on:5/12/2010 3:48:07 PM
39520 In Response To: 39519 Score 2
is it numBnuts?
grammEr police on:5/12/2010 4:49:23 PM
39521 In Response To: 39519 Score -3
Who started this post ...YOU the late and delinquent parent.
I think everyone reading the post understands its not a job interview and YOU ARE completely missing the point. You were late! The rules apply to everyone including you. Its time you and society get back to core values and follow all rules not just the ones that apply to you and your situation. In todays' world everyone feels they are entitled to everyting without getting their hands dirty and their outspoken opinions can be heard all over town. Hummm how successful will all of our children be when they are adults with values such as these? Not very.
Remember children follow in their parents footsteps so be careful of the role model you demonstrate daily as the future of the world depends on us as parents. Maybe instead of trying to bend rules and trying to buy your way out of a problem you had the ability to avoid you should volunteer YOUR TIME and make things better all around for everyone's child. I wish I had 1 volunteer for every 2 parents that complained how volunteer organization are run then I would have enough volunteers. Instead we always have the same 30 people who try to do everything because the paying non rule abidding parents time is more important than ours.
Stop kickiing the noble volunteers in the teeth! on:5/12/2010 5:12:22 PM
39522 In Response To: 39518 Score -9
Is it true that at a recent TSC board meeting a board member made the following comment: If parents don't have $100 to register their kid for soccer, they need to learn how to budget their money a little better? I hope this reported "rumor" is false becaus it would really speak to the insensitivity of a group of people who claim to be all about the kids. But since this comment is being reported to others by a member of their inner circle I wonder...
Anonymous_20501880116017 on:5/12/2010 6:07:35 PM
39523 In Response To: 39522 Score -1
* Is it becausE?
grammEr police on:5/12/2010 7:27:34 PM
39524 In Response To: 39521 Banned
**** TRASHED BY POPULAR DEMAND *****
Slightly Confused on:5/12/2010 8:35:46 PM
39525 In Response To: 39522 Score 1
I believe that the comment was made by a parent in the crowd NOT a current board member.
Anonymous_70044054023 on:5/12/2010 8:55:37 PM
39526 In Response To: 39521 Score -4
No wonder this area is in such a financial mess. People would rather be rules nazis than solve a simple problem using money. Youth clubs always could use more funds, parents have kids thay want to play soccer. Get off your high horse and charge a late fee, everyone benefits.
Puzzled on:5/12/2010 8:59:00 PM
39529 In Response To: 39526 Score -5
You are in Dutch country. Nothing can change.
Slightly Confused on:5/13/2010 4:52:06 PM
39530 In Response To: 39529 Score -6
Now I really don't understand the hatetitude for my previous post. Money is good for two things keeping score and solving problems. Have a hole in your pants you go to the store and buy a pair. You could have gone the previous week when they were on sale but you waited and had to pay full retail. It not like the people at Macy's would be tickled pink if you came in with coop full of chickens or a slab of beef to trade.
Really Puzzled on:5/13/2010 6:34:22 PM
39531 In Response To: 39530 Score -3
I think what you ment to state in your attempted analogy was... there was a hole in your snow pants and when you went to the store you couldn't believe there weren't any snow pants left. You drove all over the county and no snow pants anywhere. Its the end of February lots of snow on the ground the store should be filled with snow items. Silly retailers ...who puts swim suits and pool items out the end of February!
Answer... All retailers.
Please learn from YOUR error and do it better next year.
An oustiders observation on:5/14/2010 1:32:56 AM
39532 In Response To: 39531 Score -5
I always thought that a store that sold coats in winter and swim suits in summer could make a killing.
Puzzled on:5/14/2010 6:47:10 AM
39535 In Response To: 39529 Score -3
The whole point was to inform that they could've cared less about a child wanting to play soccer. Thre were other circumstances with the situation that was too long to post. I realize there are rules to follow....let me guess you've never been given a chance after the fact???? Please. You act like you are above everyone else. Yes I will keep my child elsewhere because there isn't BS like this going on. Your opionion is the only one that can be heard right?
Parent on:5/14/2010 10:09:35 AM