EFL & PNFC merge.

[mavericksgm]

I just wanted to let my friends to the West know what going on over here.

Evergreen League & Pacific Northwest Conference Merge
November 25, 2007

Members of the former Pacific Northwest Football Conference (PNFC) and the Evergreen Football League (EFL) have combined forces to unite spring football in 2008 with all 14 teams flying under the EFL banner.

The move expands the EFL by 4 teams as the South Sound Shockers, Skagit Valley Lightning, Bellingham Bulldogs, and British Columbia Spartans join a 7 team division which will include the Columbia Basin Riverhawks, Yakima Mavericks, and Wenatchee Valley Rams. The other division will be the Blue Mountain Stars, Tri-City Knights, Spokane SaberCats, State Line Miners, Palouse Thunder, Okanogan County Commandos and the Eastern Oregon Timber Rattlers. The Valley Mustangs, runners-up to the Shockers in the PNFC championship, opted to try their luck in a summer venue, while the Lane County Dragons are taking the 2008 season off to reorganize and reevaluate the program.

"All of the existing owners of EFL teams are excited about this merger and the increase in competition, while the former PNFC teams are looking forward to the stability and structure the EFL has established over the past three seasons. This will make the EFL the largest Semi-Pro football league in the state of Washington”.

The winner of the EFL Championship in 2008 will face the winner of the Oregon Football League (OFL) for the Greater Northwest Football Alliance regional title on June 28. The Oregon Outlaws are 2-time OFL champions, while the Blue Mountain Stars are last years GNFA Champions.

[Rob]

Exciting news. Best wishes to all WA spring league teams.

[reynolds35LB]

uh oh......what to do what to do....

[reynolds35LB]

can i get on...i need to beat the shockers and they wont see the stangs or the stallions.....

[radio]

So are the valley mustangs joining the NWFL? Also is it true that teams are leaving the NWFL to form another league?

[headstang]

The Mustangs aren't joining the NWFL they have joined the NAFL Northwest Division. It is not a new league it is an existing league that has been present in the Northwest since 2003 and now it is just solidifying a division here.

[justjohn]

Rob - since you seem to be on top of this will you finish this list for all the leagues at your convenience. Hopefully that will clarify the confusion as much as possible at this time.

Thanks.


NWFL
King County Jaguars => NAFL
Seattle Stallions
Oregon Thunderbolts
Pierce County Bengals
Willamette Valley Raiders
Snohomish County Vikings
West Sound Saints => NAFL
Renton Ravens
Washington Cavaliers
Multnomah Co. Buccaneers defunct

Pacific Northwest Football Conference
South Sound Shockers => EFL
Valley Mustangs => NAFL
Skagit Valley Lightning => EFL
Northwest Avalanche => Bellingham Bulldogs => EFL
Lane County Dragons (defunct ?)
Lakewood Wolves (defunct ?)
British Columbia Spartans => EFL

Cascade Football League
Whatcom Co. Raiders
Peninsula Eagles
Snohomish Co. Thunder
Tacoma Invaders
N.King County Wildcats
Bellevue Warriors


NAFL - Northwest Division
King County Jaguars (former NWFL)
West Sound Saints (former NWFL)
Valley Mustangs (former PNFC)
East County Blackshirts (new team)

The Stallions, Thunderbolt and Cavalier logos are shown on the NAFL page with the Jags and Saints but last I heard that was posted over a month ago for marketing purposes and currently is just a miscommunication or wishful thinking on the NAFL's part.

[manager]

John,

That is the list as far as we know it for the NWFL. There may be one or two teams still considering the NAFL, but as of today, that is the list.

We will be posting a list of NAFL teams this week.

L

[reynolds35LB]

baby steps...

[G27]

Hmmmm sounds like the NAFL is the way to go. Heard traveling is paid and coaches are too. True?

[Rob]

g27 said:

Hmmmm sounds like the NAFL is the way to go. Heard traveling is paid and coaches are too. True?

Yes starting in round three. The first two NAFL playoff rounds are local rounds so no travel money is given. The North American Pro Golf Tour is the official travel sponsor of the NAFL.

As I'm sure you know, the Jags hosted the Dallas TX Diesel. The NAFL paid for most of their travel and lodging. This helped lift the teams financial burden up enough to send 50 ball players and coaches up here to Sumner. The Diesel traveled again to Las Vegas on the NAFL's dime. The Kane County Eagles who won the national championship by beating Dallas traveled each and every playoff game. Six playoff games, four of which the Eagles received a travel benefit.

In 2005 and 2006 the Jaguars were in the NAFL & MLFA tournaments. Our travel to Orlando in 05 came out of our own pockets. In 06 our travel to San Francisco was maybe 25% paid for. We had one of our two nights stay in Frisco paid for by the host team. Our Bus ride, one night hotel and eats were on our own. It was fun traveling as a team though.

[rico]

NAFL sound like a great avenue. It also sounds like the PNFC folding and the EFL expanding West is a positive move too!

[Bull58]

All the moves are cool to me. I just wish all the leagues around the nation could collaborate in order to find 1 TRUE National Champ instead of the 4 or 5 there are every year...

[The Reporter]

I concur

I'm in total agreement with you, establishing one single recognized national governing body. All these different governing bodies can be better organized into one's super organizational structure to advance the progress of adult amateur sports

NAFL, MLFA, FWFA, AFA, and other governing bodies can only coexist if they quit trying to invade others' territory. Most of these governing bodies have an "I want it all "attitude, therefore all other organizations are prey. If they would put as much energy into working together, then they do seeking to eliminate each other.

I believe you can have a true national champion for both summer and spring leagues. First, all have to agree on one organization being the main governing body, then all other governing bodies will be known as regional organizations. This will allow all regional organizations to continue operating as they were. So you create a business relationship in which all involved are able to maintain their same infrastructure, local organization, and independence.

You divide these regional organizations and assign them territory's(States).

West Coast-
Regions=1 GNFA(regional governing body)-Northwest Washington, Oregon, Idaho

Region 2 MLFA(regional governing body) California, Nevada, Arizona

Region 3 FWFL (regional governing body) Utah, Wyoming, Colorado

Eastcoast Regions- Would assigned the same

*Note: The above are just an examples of how regional governing bodies could be structured. Each regional bodies would be assigned 3-4 states within 4-7 hours or close proximity of each other, which would make bus transportation a reasonable option. Each regional governing bodies are responsible for operating their own regional tournaments. The winning regional teams would be eligible for the national tournament.


From a financial standpoint each regional governing body pay a fee to the agreed-upon national governing body to help with the costs of putting on a national tournament. Utilizing the same principles above assigning national tournament games which can easily utilize bus transportation.

Craig Jackson

[GarbageMan]

SO WILL THOSE TEAMS LEFT IN THE NWFL STILL BE COMPETING IN THE NAFL? IF NOT WHAT WOULD BENEFIT TEAMS TO STAY IN THE NWFL IF IT ISNT A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEAGUE?

[manager]

Teams that have chosen to remain in the NWFL will not be allowed to participate in the NAFL playoffs and championship. This year it was an in or out decision. Teams are in the NAFL (only) or they are not allowed to participate. This is the reason that the Jaguars and the Saints (and teams from other leagues) have made the choice to move to the fully into the NAFL.

Any team interested in the NAFL can contact me at any time for information. We still have a few spots open for teams in the two NW divisions.

As I stated before, there will be only 4 total divisions in the Pacific Region which includes, Washington, Oregon, N California, Utah and Idaho. 6 teams per division only for a total of 24 teams in the region.

[GarbageMan]

WHAT IMPORTANCE AND WEIGHT DOES THAT LEAVE THE NWFL? HOW DOES A TEAM LIKE STALLIONS AND SHOCKERS ATAY IN "DEFUNCT" LEAGUES WITH NO SHOT OF NATIONAL TITLE??? ESPECIALLY SEEING HOW A LOT OF COMPETITION WILL NOW ONLY BE NAFL?

[manager]

I don't really have an answer for you on that. All the team owners are aware of the changes in NAFL membership and they have made their decisions based upon what they want to do going forward. I can only speak for the Jags and what our business focus is moving forward.

While I agree with those that say 'there is no 'true' national champion because 'all' the teams aren't in one league', the NAFL has the most teams (127 currently) so in our opinion, that gives them the most legitimacy.

There will always be regional playoffs and championships between other leagues and I'm sure that there is also the possibility of bringing teams from other areas to play the NWFL champion.

Again, I am available and willing to discuss the NAFL option with any team owner that is interested.

L

PS: The Shockers are now a part of the EFL and the EFL has never had any interest in the NAFL (as far as I know).

[Bull58]

nobody said:

WHAT IMPORTANCE AND WEIGHT DOES THAT LEAVE THE NWFL? HOW DOES A TEAM LIKE STALLIONS AND SHOCKERS ATAY IN "DEFUNCT" LEAGUES WITH NO SHOT OF NATIONAL TITLE??? ESPECIALLY SEEING HOW A LOT OF COMPETITION WILL NOW ONLY BE NAFL?

Actually Dante, there are SEVERAL National Chips the Stallions could pursue. Look at THIS season. The most legit NATIONAL Champ will be the winner of a game between the LCFL winner (Foothill Firehawks 15-0) and the RAFL winner( Prince William Monarchs 17-0) Thats 2 leagues COMING TOGETHER doing their part to determine a true NATIONAL Champ. The size of a league means NOTHING! I played in the biggest league, the NAFL, for a few years now. The LCFL teams are EVERY BIT as good as the top NAFL teams. I say that from PLAYING EXPERIENCE! I DO like what the NAFL is trying to do with the touney they put together, but the quality of teams in the NAFL aint no different. Its still semi-pro ball. So like I said, there are SEVERAL avenues the NWFL winner can go, we will see which one they choose...

[GarbageMan]

bull58 said:

nobody said:

WHAT IMPORTANCE AND WEIGHT DOES THAT LEAVE THE NWFL? HOW DOES A TEAM LIKE STALLIONS AND SHOCKERS ATAY IN "DEFUNCT" LEAGUES WITH NO SHOT OF NATIONAL TITLE??? ESPECIALLY SEEING HOW A LOT OF COMPETITION WILL NOW ONLY BE NAFL?

Actually Dante, there are SEVERAL National Chips the Stallions could pursue. Look at THIS season. The most legit NATIONAL Champ will be the winner of a game between the LCFL winner (Foothill Firehawks 15-0) and the RAFL winner( Prince William Monarchs 17-0) Thats 2 leagues COMING TOGETHER doing their part to determine a true NATIONAL Champ. The size of a league means NOTHING! I played in the biggest league, the NAFL, for a few years now. The LCFL teams are EVERY BIT as good as the top NAFL teams. I say that from PLAYING EXPERIENCE! I DO like what the NAFL is trying to do with the touney they put together, but the quality of teams in the NAFL aint no different. Its still semi-pro ball. So like I said, there are SEVERAL avenues the NWFL winner can go, we will see which one they choose...

BULL DON'T GET MAD!!! I AM STILL A STALLION UNTIL I SIGN ELSEWHERE!!! BUT I DO REMEMBER ALL THE HYPE WE HAD AND TALK THIS LEAGUE HAD ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE AND WEIGHT OF A NAFL TITLE SO THAT WAS EMBEDDED IN MY HEAD BY YOU GUYS MY VETERANS AS THE STANDARD OF WHAT WE ARE ALL PLAYING FOR!!! SO IN CONTRAST OF MY ROOKIE SEASON PLAYING FOR A TEAM IN THEIR INAUGURAL SEASON OF NATIONAL COMPETITION ITS HARD TO SEE WHY WE WOULD CHANGE DIRECTION! SO AS A NEWCOMER I AM MORE LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON THE DIFFERENCES AND NOT TRYING TO MAKE INFLAMMATORY STATEMENTS THAT MAY UPSET PEOPLE!! I APOLOGISE IF YOU WERE OFFENDED BUT ALL WE TALKED ABOUT WAS A NAFL CHIP SO LET ME KNOW WHAT'S DIFFERENT NEXT YEAR!!!

[Bull58]

Until all the leagues combine to make ONE TRUE National Champ, their really isnt one. BUT, when you do win one of them, doesnt matter which one, it feels good as hell. In my opinion, as it is now, one National Chip is no better than another. There is good ball being played EVERYWHERE!! If you go back on this very forum, you have ALWAYS heard me giving props to the LCFL, so dont just say Ive only said NAFL or bust. I aint mad, Im just trying to stress that there are other avenues to a NATIONAL Chip.

[manager]

[glow=red,2,300]While I agree with those that say 'there is no 'true' national champion because 'all' the teams aren't in one league', the NAFL has the most teams (127 currently) so in our opinion, that gives them the most legitimacy.

There will always be regional playoffs and championships between other leagues and I'm sure that there is also the possibility of bringing teams from other areas to play the NWFL champion. [/glow]

Isn't that exactly what I said? I did not say that the NAFL is the only way to go. I said, [glow=red,2,300]that in our opinion[/glow], it is the most legitimate. It is a business decision based upon what we believe the NAFL and that national exposure can do for our organization. And that belief is based upon A LOT OF BUSINESS RESEARCH.

[Bull58]

Oh, Im sure ya'll did. Thats what makes ya'll successful. I was explaining to my teammate that there are other Chips.

[NWFL]

manager said:

John,

That is the list as far as we know it for the NWFL. There may be one or two teams still considering the NAFL, but as of today, that is the list.

[glow=red,2,300]We will be posting a list of NAFL teams this week.[/glow]

L

[Bull58]

I concur.

[seabiscuits]

Soon you will have one dominating team once this goes on another season or so. The best team in the league will not quite have enough to win the ship so they will get the best players from the other teams. Thus all the other teams will pay ther $1000 fee to the NAFL every year to send the same team every year. Why not stack one team if you are a player why not get on the best team and play in a ship then play on a good team that will never even make the ship? If you don't treat this level of football as a business then the commisioners of these leagues will get there teams taken away by these NAFL and other business like organizations. But for your NWFL league make new teams let the best teams take the headache better premadonna's and get the guys who just want to play. Then you will get your 10 to 13 team league all over again. WHO REALLY GIVES A S*** WHAT THESE NEW NAFL TEAMS DO. LET THE DORR HIT THEM WHERE THE GOOD LORD SPLIT THEM.

[Bull58]

seabiscuits said:

Soon you will have one dominating team once this goes on another season or so. The best team in the league will not quite have enough to win the ship so they will get the best players from the other teams. Thus all the other teams will pay ther $1000 fee to the NAFL every year to send the same team every year. Why not stack one team if you are a player why not get on the best team and play in a ship then play on a good team that will never even make the ship? If you don't treat this level of football as a business then the commisioners of these leagues will get there teams taken away by these NAFL and other business like organizations. But for your NWFL league make new teams let the best teams take the headache better premadonna's and get the guys who just want to play. Then you will get your 10 to 13 team league all over again. WHO REALLY GIVES A S*** WHAT THESE NEW NAFL TEAMS DO. LET THE DORR HIT THEM WHERE THE GOOD LORD SPLIT THEM.

Nice post.

[Coachclark]

So, is ignorance really as bliss as they say it is?

just curious.