Hannah, Did it ever occur to you to stop blabbibg on every post and save it for the ones that you might really know something about? You always go on and on, hardly ever know what you are talking about, and make your posts so long that people quit reading after the first sentence. It really gets old with you having to comment on every single story on here. I saw in another blog that someone suggested that you get a life. I agree!

Thanks for clearing that up, Tbird. When Mr Fisher simply reiterated the 2007 thing, I was still curious. Tiny statements which don't address the root question (How was my kid in a soccer organization with Rock in the name, before 2007?) don't help anyone. Unfortunately, this seems to be his MO.

If I am reading between the lines correctly, I'm guessing that the Rock Football Federation (RFF) of yesteryear at Bond Park was indeed something of a precursor to Rock Soccer Club (RSC) as I'd heard, if only in name but not membership, not officially, and not for travelling teams in the league, or other governing group. THANK YOU!

Before and after 2007, neither Rock Soccer/Football has been the most organized or helpful club and it definitely affects their bottom line financially. (ie begging for registration info/dates/costs makes people give up and not join.)

Mr. Fisher's actions of late explain a lot about that perception but I trust he and the board will take this as a learning experience so that we can count on RSC for years to come!

I'll never, ever get over this," Damron wrote to council members. "My heart is crushed."

Seriously, never, ever?

My child will never get over not being able to play soccer on those fields if there is no money for the program, which sponsorship helps pay for. Sponsorship can not be on uniforms in this league as suggested per the MAYSA Board.

RSC is not a merger with United Club Soccer. United Soccer went bankrupt due to a poor handling of money. RSC has only offically been a club since 2007, for the traveling teams, which this part of the field is used for. The YMCA program is also part of the program but they are seperate from this part of the club that the field is on.

My question is, was there a contract written that stated the name and sign would remain indefinitely? If so was this contract with the city or with United Soccer Club? There was no contract with Rock Soccer Club.
I feel that having sponsors is a great way to make the club money. Unfortunately in this community people frown on soccer as a sport, if you ask for donations for football and baseball programs people are more than willing to donate, but not soccer. This is very sad for the many children that love the sport and want to play. What if this club goes bankrupt? Then once again our children will not be able to play, is that fair to them?

Seriously, does everyone have to have their name on a sign? If everyone that donated money to sports programs had their name on the sign there would be no place for the kids to play.

Bill Fisher and the rest of the board have done a wonderful job getting this program back up and running, why are those of you with your negative comments trying to ruin it for the children?
If there are no contracts with the city what can be posted, then just let it go people!

This sounds like a simple misunderstanding that can be cleared up with a little communication, rather than an overblown media and local polictical circus. Lord knows how they both love a good old controversy to sell papers and prove importance.
It appears the Damron family was one of the many volunteers who helped get the soccer complex going a decade ago. When the new club came into existence it appears they were uninformed about the origin of the original signs of which many were weathered and vandalized over the years.
It appears Mr. Fisher asked for permission to take down the old signs and place the new ones so apparently the Youth Sports Coalition and the City Council weren't aware of any lifetime field naming rights either or the permission would not have been granted.
It sounds like all Farm & Fleet wanted to do was support the local youth sports program by donating money for the new sign.
If the club and Damrons sit down together and come up with a mutually acceptable solution this all goes away. Both parties obviously have the best interests of the children who play soccer at heart and as long as that remains the focus here, this "problem" can be easily solved.

Dear daughters of Bill Fisher, I think that the story by Marcia Nelesen was excellent. It has the community asking some very important questions about how things were handled by the present soccer organization. It has generated some very important discussion / questions that probably should have taken place before any sign was removed. For what it's worth - I have heard MANY positive things about the work by your father. I hope that Damron and Fischer can sit down face to face and work out a logical solution to this situation. Once again, thank you Ms. Nelesen for another quality story that has created much interest and has us taking a closer look at local things that are important.

How about a compromise. Recognize past donors, such as Mrs. Damron, with a plaque on the large sign. The smaller plaques wouldn't give any credit to previous soccer clubs. However provide the current largest donor such as Blain's Farm and Fleet with the most prominent large space on the respective field sign.

My father, like this Mr.Damron, has never done anything more than care about the children who like him have a love for soccer. This should never have been turned against him or the soccer club, rather the council that did not manage their resources properly.

As another one of Bill Fisher's daughters I would like to agree with my sister. I now just have one question for Ms. Marcia Nelesen, after writing this very one sided article and getting such a great response do you wish you would have considered how this horribly written article may have "upset [MY] family"?

I just ask that before you write an article that sets my father up as the bad guy please get both sides.

This looks to me like a textbook case of BAD JOURNALISM. The Janesville Gazette did not cover both sides of this story. I blame the reporter and the editors at the Gazette for all of the ignorant and hurtful comments made about Mr. Fisher and the soccer club on this venue, because there was no substance in the story about their side. If you are going to print a controversial story about a private citizen, who has to live in and work in the community, you have the PROFESSIONAL DUTY to be thorough. As Bill Fisher's daughter, I know for a fact that he was not contacted by the Gazette for this front page story. I feel for the previous donors and understand where they are coming from, but there is no mention of the steps that my father is taking to address their concerns. What I think is deserved here is a follow-up article covering BOTH SIDES and how this all plays out. Then I'm sure all of you will have nothing more to say.

Gazette: Next time, just get it right!

I think it's clear that this was an unintentional mistake and that the parties involved are interested in rectifying it. There's a lot of loose opinion out there, though, that has nothing to do with this particular issue.

Well SarahB I am going to have to say I disagree with you on this one. After reading all the comments it sounds to me like this soccer club is the one getting torn apart by other non-"soccer moms/dads/whatevers" who don't really know much about the actual situation. This leads me to want to point out also that this article is not very detailed as to what all is out there about this situation. Most of the commenters have been trying to fill in gaps that no one but the parties involved would have the information to do.

"There is something comforting knowing people will be reminded of your sacrifices long after your gone"

lol, Wow, dream world.

Bill Fisher is dedicated to soccer and children. He gives more time and money to this sport then anyone I know. Janesville is lucky to have him for a volunteer.

Thank yous are much needed for both hard working parties, Mr. Fisher and Ms. Damron. Without the gracious efforts and many hours put in by these two people Janesville soccer would not be what it is today. Neither of these people deserve anything but our best wishes. As a previous coach, I have seen many children benefit from this soccer program which focuses on the children first, everything else second(for example, PR). I would like to take this time to thank everyone for any effort made to better Janesville youth soccer. With that as a personal friend of Mr. Fisher I KNOW for a fact that his priority has always been fun and learning for children. Any misunderstanding between Rock soccer and Ms. Damron should definately be discussed and a happy medium should be met. I know that a solution is with in grasp with effective communication, as I know Mr. Fisher would NEVER intentionally undermind anyone. Such a simple misunderstanding that can be fixed should not bring out such nasty comments, which could hurt family and friends of the individuals. Janeville soccer is about helping Janeville youth become something more, not about bitterness. I would recommend that everyone who has made a comment volunteer time to Janesville youth soccer to see the numerous benefits of the program, and gain a deeper knowledge of its workings.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Ms. Damron and Mr. Fisher, for the hard work that was put into making Janesville soccer such a success for our youth.

Russ Steebers comment saying this would be like pulling the Hedberg name from the library is a bad comparison, who pays for the upkeep and maitenence of the library? The taxpayers. You have this youth soccer complex that the city owns (the taxpayers)then you have a Janesville based club (the tax payers) that wants to use the land,they are allowed for a fee (Lease).Then it is no longer the taxpayers responsibilty for upkeep on the land.Maybe we taxpayers should be responsible for mowing the fields painting the fields multiply times installing sprinkler systems ect..Then there would not be a need for fund raising.I guess what i am saying is while these 2 situations are similar they are also very different.

These fields wouldn't have been built without the volunteers and the cash. These people went over and above what any individual family would be expected to do. Why is this being selfish? Look around you, there are contributors names all over our city. To give this money for a tribute to a person who has given to soccer in Janesville isn't being selfish or self centered. There is something comforting knowing people will be reminded of your sacrifices long after your gone. I don't know this person but is sounds as he may deserve recognition for soccer in this city anyway. The city gave them rights and I find it hard to believe there was a time limit in mind when they did it. Mr. Fisher seems like a reasonable person and I'm sure his group will do what is right. I would like all of you naysayers to list your one time donations of $6000 plus dollars to a single cause. I think I here crickets chirping......

per the article, "she said it was a GIFT to the city". It's just silly to get upset about how someone shows you appreciation especially since they have honored her for it for a DECADE.

If this was a memorial I am sure it is news to Mr. Damron. He is very much alive.

Well I guess the line is drawn with did she pay for naming rights as people have mentioned, then yes there should have been some timing clarification. However if it was simnply a donation and the complex put up a sign in thanks, I think a decade of signage is wayyyyy appropriate.

I agree with Schnckstac1. I was brought up to believe that contributing money, time, and hard work for a good cause is the right thing to do - and to do so anonymously, not looking for praise. It's astonishing that someone would act in such a manner as Ms. Damron so the spotlight shines on her and her donation of money and time. As stated by others, recognition for her efforts appears to be far more important in her eyes.

Rock Soccer Club was founded in 2007

**** Pete

I found you to be very RUDE ~ I am a hard working, (tax payer) a great mom . I was not trying to affend anyone ...

PS.
Come Join us at www.rocksoccerclub.org

Statement from the Rock Soccer Club regarding signage at the Janesville
Youth Sports Complex:

The mission of the Rock Soccer Club has always been to support youth soccer
in Janesville, and by extension, those who have made contributions to the
development of the sport.

It was never the intention of the Rock Soccer Club to dismiss the
contributions of Mrs. Damron or any of the groups or individuals that
supported the original development of the soccer fields at the Youth Sports
Complex.

Prior to pursuing new sponsorship and signage, volunteers on the board of
the Rock Soccer Club brought their proposal to the Janesville Youth Sports
Coalition,
our required representation at Janesville City Council.

At the time, no one was aware of any terms, conditions or contracts with
the original donors and permission was granted to replace the old signs that named the old defunct soccer club with new signs and new sponsors to support our growing program for kids.
The old sponsors were contacted and asked if they could continue their support.

Certainly, the club is grateful for the efforts of the original donors,
without which there would be no Youth Sports Complex.

To move forward, the club supports finding an appropriate way to
acknowledge their contributions in a permanent fashion representative of the contributions they made. The only permanent monument there now is a sign with City Council and administrators names, there is room for more.

The club also believes it is important to continue to find ways for the
city and community groups to work together in support of kids, our only goal. Lessons learned from this
process hopefully can lead to policies that will promote successful
partnerships in the future.

Bill Fisher,
Coach, Parent, President, grass cutter, referee, ditch digger, volunteer!

What ever happened to humility??? I thought when we did something good for someone we WEREN'T suppose to announce it from the roof tops, or better yet throw a temper tantrum?? Why not just call it FIELD 1?

First, Rock Soccer is NOT new. My child was involved at least 5 years ago. I believe it is a merger of United Soccer and Rock Football Clubs, in one of which the Damron family was quite active when they bought naming rights.

Second, congrats to all on your charity work. It is a fine thing. This is different. It's not merely an ego issue as you glass-house dwellers would like to believe. Ever heard of 'sell 10 raffle/dinner tickets, get your dinner free' deals at clubs or churches? Do you take them? Donate school supplies and get a free Big Mac? Same thing, simply on a greater scale. It is standard operating procedure and has worked well for decades around the world. If this club thinks they can trample such agreements with an ugly sign, it is a blemish on their already tainted reputation.

More importantly, the sign doesn't fit in, showing their shortsightedness. If all three or four clubs renting space at the Sports Complex are given free reign over their fields, we're on the fast track to ghetto billboardville and ruining a beautiful complex built by the community as a gift to present and future residents.

Consider this: the terrace in front of my home is not mine, it is the city's. Is it my right to offer Marlboro or Diamond Jim's a huge sign on my heavily travelled road?

What a Disgrace I new there was a reason I hated soccer.

What I find sad is that what people feel they need in return for "donating". I mean honestly do you need a plaque that forever states the good you've done? Do you think that your 6,000 has covered the maintenance of the field for the past 10 years and for the rest of it's existence? Thank you so very much for your contribution for the good cause of having a place to occupy our kids time in a healthy manner. In return we have been given privilege of having a alternate location for our 4th of July celebrations when in need, along with I am sure other ways they have given back. It's just silly to see people expecting something back when they "donate". Not to say that Farm and Fleet sign is quite inappropriate, because it is. But I am sure the complex needs consistent funding, but we should deny them of that because someone already donated 10 years ago?

The Rock Soccer Club needs to find a different way to raise money. This was a bad, lazy idea.

It isn't a new club. My children have been involved with this program for the past 3 years both at Bond Park and at the Sports Complex. I agree with proartist on this one! I donate to quite a few charities and I don't expect a "feel good" sign, or letter or any sort of recognition for doing so. I know what I did and I feel good about it. The same should be for the field. Maybe a compromise would be to keep her donation on one of the fields.

Ok ~ I have 2 daughters and many frined that childern that play soccer thier.. hmmmmm . This is upsetting.. My kids love soccer and thier is nothing to do in this town for kids.. I am sorry about the sign BUT were they keeping it up. Rock Soccer seems to being doing a very good job supporting the kids .. And it just seems everytime something nice happens in this City for kids SOME one has to take it away... Like in a comment before name the high school field after this great man and move on to the FUTURE for our kids ~

Wait until the real story comes out aboutthis "new soccer" club.......

If the club is leasing the field from the city, shouldn't they need to request permission from the city (the owner) to make any changes to the park, field, and it's signs, fences, bleachers, etc.?

I totally disagree with Proartist. We have all given to community service, yes, but how many gave $6000 in cash and countless hours to just one cause with the promise the field would have a sign/plaque honoring that substantial contribution? And this is not the only substantial contribution of money, time and effort by this person/family. The city has reneged on their promise. Put the sign back up.

SUGGESTION - Read the comment written by PROARTIST and think about what he / she is saying - it is so very true. It expresses what many of us have done over the years as unrecognized community members.

Doesn't it make more sense to set a good example for the children rather than their delicate little feelings? Its no wonder that so many kids walk around with that sense of entitlement attitude.

Another option could be having the new sponsors name printed on the jerseys like in professional soccer.

miltonalum
This would be more like renting a house & selling the garage off.

And I'm not saying RSC handled this correctly or incorrectly,yes the family should be recognized for their contribution 10 years ago for the 1 field they donated,but that doesn't help maintain the field now ten years later.And Pete if you want the city council to tell the soccer club to find someplace else i guess maybe you could donate some of your labor to help mow and maintain the fields after all you own it right?

Miltonalum,

Are you joking ? Milton people should change the name of schilberg park then ? No need to honor Wally anymore .

This lady did it to honor her husband .

Bill fisher , shame on you and your flip attitude .

Look what you are teaching your children !

Its simple, show the contract stating you purchased naming rights and for what length of time. If not sorry, this is a new club with new fundraisers.
.
That would be like me buying a new house then painting it a different color and having the previous owners get upset with me.

Just curious why this needed to be played out in the newspaper, think about who is being placed in the middle of this,it's the children and now we have people saying don't go there.People in this town would turn their noses up at you if you worked at GM,now i suppose people will be doing the same to the children involved with the soccer club,saying oh your one of them.

I don't believe that Rock soccer bought the naming rights to the field. It should be fixed at once at rock soccers cost. The Damron Family donation helped established this field forever, as far as I'm concerned.

if the field is owned by the City and leased out, the City has final say in it unless contracted differently. As far as i'm concerned, Rock Soccer can take a Hike! They've overstepped their bounds.

Ok I think it's rude to take down a sign without even checking with anyone if it's ok.

Secondly their new donors can 'sponsor' a field without having to name the field.

I think the family's efforts and donation give them the right to name the field. They established the fields and that's generally who has the priviledge of naming something. It's also obviously what they thought they were getting at the time.

The new club screwed up and should fix it. Put names on shirts, bleachers, benches, or balls. And I agree that Blain's sign is UGLY!

Maybe one can put up a new donation at the Hedburg Library and change the name?

Name the high school field after him. He started the program and coached for over 25 years!

come up with a way to feature two prominent signs. solved.!

Does anyone have any cheese?

I am sorry that this person felt she needed something more than knowing she helped the children. Its too bad that this person feels that she needs her name on a sign, I donate to alot of charities and fundraisers and i dont need my name on a sign to feel like i helped.
.
Dont get me wrong its great she donated and helped but...get over yourself. you should be more honored that a large comapny is following suit and helping as well.

I agree with most of your statement proartist. There are millions of people who donate time and money every year and do not get recognized for it. I still think it is sad, cruel, and rude to take down the signs of the people who donated the money to build the soccer field, and put their own time and effort into making it happen. I think that the Rock Soccer Club should have considered the feelings of the people involved. If they want to sell sponsorship, why do they need to take down the old sign? Why can't they just add a new sign and not rename the field? Or put Farm and Fleet's name on the bleachers? Aren't there some other options here?

Having coached against Duan in Parker-Craig battles for years, I can understand Vickie's outrage. Duan is a Janesville soccer nut who always put the game ahead of all else. He deserves to be honored by Vickie's donation. Come on Janesville, get with the program and let's have Damron Field.

Why not buy naming rights with the new club? She should not expect a $6000 donation would be a lifetime deal.

Put the original signs back up.

This is par for the course when money becomes the focus! A mans good word and handshake used to be all he needed. Now, everything is about greed, what's in it for me, ego's, status and corporate driven mentality which is intended to only serve the few! What has happened to our culture that we can't simply do the right things anymore just because they're the right things to do?? What ever happened to COMMUNITY?? What ever happened to putting what's best for the kids high on that priority list?? The Rock Soccer Club is merely another money driven entity that exploits the people it's supposed to be serving! Let these clowns bring in their corporate sponsorships and we'll all just stop bringing the "community" to this socccer field! We all have a say in this matter whether we choose to think so or not. It's just a matter if everyone will do what's right and band together and use the power of COMMUNITY and make a stand!

The Damron family is being taken advantage of. At the very least, they should get their money back plus damages or the soccer club should have to return the original sign. Dewey Damron soccer field...kinda has a nice ring to it.

While I totally agree the City of Janesville should have been notified before any change was made, unless there was some type of contract and understanding with the Damron family in the beginning, this whole issue is ridiculous. There are hundreds of committed donors and dedicated volunteers who have given their hearts, souls, and monies to all types of endeavors, building projects, and organizations that have benefited everyone in Janesville over the decades without expectations of acclaim and notability. They haven't donated and worked just for the prestige but in obscurity out of a simple, selfless altruism that goes far beyond self-serving naming rights. History may forget their names for they're not often wealthy or influential but Janesville will long benefit from their often unrecognized contributions and we should all be very grateful for such dedication to the well-being of the community.

Personally I think the best thing to do here is put up the original signs that said who donated the money for the land. THEN add a smaller sign that includes the corporate sponsorship with a saying like Blain's Farm & Fleet generously sponsors The Rock Soccer Club.
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At least that way you can satisfy both parties. I think I would be ticked off too if I found out my donation of money, blood , sweat and tears were tossed away so carelessly. The original sign needs to go back up no matter what they decide to do about so called naming rights.
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I have never understood re naming parks, bridges, and buildings...They were called that name for a reason. WHY change it? The most recent one I remember is the Sears tower, now it is Willis tower..it makes no sense to up and change things that are already named...especially when they are donated or funded by individuals...it is a slap in the face.

if all they are doing is renting, then they need to put the signs back up,unless their lease specifies otherwise,that would be like a renter of a house making alterations without the owners consent.you should have expected it though,some people in janesvile just slap around peoples feelings with no regard to them at all,hell we should all be used to that.so please put that womans sign back up,doesnt this city have enough grief without adding more.by the way if thats the new sign,that big blains board,its very distastful and i dont care how much money blains gave them, the sign is ugly,

Rock Soccer is leasing the fields from the city. If that lease does not specifically allow RS to remove the signs and sell naming rights sponsorships, then it is not allowed. Also, the new signs are totally hideous and do not fit the character of the rest of the Youth Athletic Complex. They rented the fields; they did not buy them.

No, this is not sad. This is an outrage. Forget refunding the money, the old signs must go back up. This is personal to the donors. I am not acquainted with them, but it is obvious it was done to honor a commitment to the sport and city. Old vs. new clubs is a moot point. This is city property and without the donations at that time, the fields would not have been developed. If an organization can sell naming to city land, what is to stop the skate park organizers from taking half of Palmer Park, putting up signs, and re-naming that half Coca-Cola park for a huge fee or donation to complete their facility? How about Monterrey Stadium or Dawson Fields? Hopefully the council and administration will act quickly to rectify this injustice.

It does seem like this is something the Coalition needs to rectify in some way that respects the contributions in the past while preserving "naming rights", which are really advertising. It doesn't seem like having recognition of prior donors is something that is incompatible with sponsorship, even if the original program is defunct. This was clumsy and ill-considered.

Actually I like your money back theory. And pauy them for the sweat equity and interest as well.

This is ridiculous. The Youth Sports Coalition needs to find a compromise here. It is a slap in the face to all the previous donors and will hurt any future similar activity

Give her back the money.... now . This is horrible . Someone better do the right thing her asap . How cruel ... very cruel ..

That is very sad. I can understand the need to raise money, but to disregard the money and work of others is wrong. There needs to be compromise here.