BREAKING NEWS!!!

How to make the SEFL happen.

Yesterday we answered some questions about what the proposed SEFL is.  Today, we tackle a few of the elephants in the room.  How to make it happen.

First, there are three reasons why teams that are interested in the SEFL have yet to commit.  

1. They’re afraid this will never materialize.
2. They’re afraid there won’t be enough teams.
3. They’re afraid of what will happen if they leave their league.

Let’s tackles these in order.

One, the fear that this will not materialize.  Ok, fair enough.  This is a completely valid fear, and frankly, up until now, there has been no guarantee this would get going.  But with every passing day, agreement, and new revelation, we’re one step closer to reality.  At this point everything is in place.  The media.  The refs.  The charter/constitution and rules.  All that is missing is the teams.  

To date, there have been 15 teams that have truly expressed an interest at one level or another.  To get 8 will be considered good.  10 is ideal.  Remember, we’re not seeking just any Joe Schmoe franchise.  We are seeking three things - competitive, unique market, or unique opportunities brought along.  All teams have up and down years; to say no to a non-competitive team in a unique market right now is assinine.  To say no to a team that has a unique flavor they bring is ridiculous.  And to seek a team that may be competitive now, but doesn’t have a visible future is just as crazy.  

However, like a game of poker, no one is ready to go all in until they see who else is all in.  Which is why, starting this weekend, we’re going to be talking to teams to get something along the lines of the following commitment: “If we get X quality teams, will you be in for sure?”  This has been the best received idea so far, and will help to protect teams against anything that might happen while saving them a spot at the table.

Two, the fear that there won’t be enough teams.  See the above statement.  At this point, there have been enough teams interested that we feel we can lock down “If-then” commitments from teams.  And when the If is fulfilled, ie there are enough teams as agreed upon by all, the league is set.

Three, the fear of what will happen if they leave.  Some teams fear burning a bridge they may want to cross back over by declaring their interest in the league.  Should scenario two fail, they wouldn’t want to be ostracized by their league.  Others fear a different circumstance...let’s just name the elephant in the room.  One particular league has required teams to sign contracts in the past to play in the league.  Having first hand knowledge of the contracts, it is sufficient to say that any second year law student worth his tuition could blow a hole through any of those contracts.  There have been enough broken stipulations to render them null and void in any court of law.  The truth is, I’m not even sure they were drafted by a lawyer.  Most teams would take their chances, figuring the league would let them walk away.  

The big threat is the supposed transfer of ownership of the name and logos to the league that exists in those contracts.  However, unless you specifically signed contracts received from the US Copyright and Trademark office for each and every logo, you are fine.  Federal Law is extremely protective of the original artists and owners of Intellectual Property.  In order for trademarks or copyrighted material to be transferred, it must be recorded in the USPTO books and a fee must be paid.  I can guarantee you this was never done with your logos and team names and property.

But this still doesn’t change the fear of burning a bridge.  Which is ok.  Totally understandable.  And thus the following agreement is what we seek to implement.

If your team is interested in being a part of the SEFL we are proposing that we settle on X number of teams giving commitments.  If X number of teams make the same commitment, everyone is in.

Sound good?

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The ideal scenario.

Here is what could happen, in an ideal scenario:  There are X teams from the WSFL that want in...they want summer ball, they like the idea of being on the radio, etc...There are X number of IFL teams that want in...they like the ideas, the chance to have a say in their teams’ futures, etc...There are X number of MSFL or other teams that want in...again, for a myriad of reasons.

BUT...there are some teams that would be IDEAL targets that just quite aren’t over the hump yet.  Either they feel a loyalty to their league, they fear not being able to find a suitable field, whatever the case may be.  So...

Teams X, Y, and Z come over from the WSFL.  The league is now down to 5 teams, and one folds.  This leaves 4.  Of those 4, maybe one or two would consider the SEFL for competition, etc...  This now means there are 5 teams at the gate, or maybe two combine, meaning 4 teams are ready.

Teams A and B come over from the IFL.  Teams C and D see this and decide they don’t like the direction of the IFL, so they ask to come over as well.  Now there are 8-9 teams.

From other leagues come three more teams, covering several key geographic areas that will encapsulate the desired markets.  Now we’re sitting pretty with roughly 10-12 teams.

This can and will happen.  Unfortunately, we’re still bound by confidentiality agreements to preserve teams identity so that the scenario #3 above doesn’t come to fruition.  But this is building momentum, and we’re almost to our desired number of teams.

If you want more information, please email us.