Volunteers deserve better

Regarding Stephanie Bertholdo's article "Athlete's Exceptional Skills Create a Flap" in the April 6 Acorn, it appears that those who aided and abetted the public lynching of certain AYBA board members forgot that these people are volunteers who spend countless hours trying to provide a positive basketball experience for kids in our community.

It goes without saying that youth sports leagues' decision-making processes are not always perfect and admittedly the instance Ms. Bertholdo alludes to in her article could have been handled better.

I recall in 2003, because of circumstances impacting my own daughter, I, too, was an upset parent. However, I made it my business to get involved and, among other things, joined the AYBA board to try to improve the world of basketball for youth players in our area.

If one wonders whether our community welcomes these sorts of attempts to make positive contributions, I invited you to join our AYBA Board to see if you can have a rewarding and gratifying experience, as I have enjoyed helping kids play better ball over the last few years.

On reflection, considering the experiences AYBA kids were a part of this past season, I can't believe that The Acorn found the matter involving the playing time of one fourth-grade player more newsworthy than, say, the November 2005 visit to Medea Creek Middle School by Coach Mark Trakh and his entire USC Women's Varsity Basketball team to host a free clinic for the community, which got no coverage.

Unfortunately, due to the relentless criticism fired by some on the sidelines, several board members are resigning. Wouldn't it be great if those who consulted with Stephanie Bertholdo stepped forward and joined the board to help better the basketball experience for our kids?

If you've got the time to complain, you have the time to volunteer. Kenny Golub AYBA vice president

Editor's Note: In reference to coverage of the Medea Creek event, The Acorn strives to cover most local school activities and we invite community members to alert us when they know something is scheduled.