I wish I could give negative stars here...that is how bad this league is. After playing in this league (in casual, competitive, and elite) for several years now, including presently, I can say with absolute resolution that once this season is over I will not be returning. I will break this down into three parts as to why FXA is not worth a penny of yours.
To start, the FXA administration is a joke. To highlight this, a response to a yelp compliant about their organization: "And we don't understand why you think the league is a joke, because 96 teams (roughly 2000 players) this Fall 2012 season seem to enjoy the league." I can really tell from that response that they truly value players thoughts and looks for ways they can take constructive criticism to better the league. I can't even type that sentence without laughing. But this attitude is apparent in the everyday organization and management of the league. From games being cancelled or moved with hardly any notice to hiring incompetent refs, FXA could care less if your team is happy or not as long as they have your money.
Secondly, the competition. There are a few good teams in this league (that literally destroy every other team) but for the most part its individuals who are looking to injure you so that they can feel tough. And don't try to rely on the refs to protect you, they practically encourage players to keep hacking away. But if you are looking to really practice your acting skills, specifically in diving/acting injured, then this league is for you!
And finally, the referees...boy oh boy oh boy where do I start with this one. And I apologize in advance because this will be the longest section as it is single most reason why FXA is a terrible league and I will not be returning. There are so many things that they do wrong that it is hard to summarize it. First off, they aren't affiliated. This means that majority of the refs aren't officially certified and instead they are certified in the same way that an individual who wants to officiate a wedding is certified. Therefore, they don't actually understand the rules of the game. Just a few snippets of things I have heard from the refs: "he was traveling, there is no such thing as a hand ball, the whistle blown does not mean you stop playing, girls can't foul, etc, etc. etc." I wish I was joking but these are actual statements that have come out of the mouths of refs in the FXA league. I am not kidding when I say that list could go on to be an essay. On top of not understanding the rules, 75% of the time they get the call wrong or just don't know what call to make. This allows the game to get out of hand (i.e. repeated wrong calls or fouls going unnoticed) and tensions to get high. Never in my life have I seen so many games, in one league, end in a brawl because the refs couldn't manage or control the game. And do you think FXA management is concerned? Not in the least bit. Instead of solving the real issue and hiring competent refs, they instituted a policy that any dissent is an automatic red card. Too bad half the refs don't even know what a red card is...
Honestly, I can't believe I wasted so much time and money into this shit league. It doesn't even make the sport enjoyable to watch or play. If you respect the sport of soccer and are looking to play a game with real competition and fair refs then go play in NVASA or any other league in this area for that matter. But if you are looking for an injury (possibly career ending) or to be yelled at by a power hungry ref then FXA is for you! read more