Membership cap

Aero · 04-19-2005, 12:07 PM

I'm probably totally overstepping my bounds on this, but I've been doing some thinking about how many Loyalists we have and the possibility for our future membership. I have something that I want to just throw out there to see what other people think about it. I haven't really decided one way or the other on this myself.

What do other people think about a cap on membership? I see pros and cons to both side of the argument. If we get too big, we may no longer be able to be all that effective as an organization. Also, it may water down the coolness factor of being a Loyalist.

But part of me thinks it would be great to have thousands of Loyalists running around.

I know that this is probably a little premature, but I thought it would be better to discuss it now before we have to decide than wait until it becomes a problem.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

SoccerPrime · 04-19-2005, 12:08 PM

No cap, how many times do I have to tell you NHL owners that?
Ooops, sorry wrong forum.

AreliusII · 04-19-2005, 12:10 PM

Let’s cap it at 10,000

Merrill · 04-19-2005, 12:37 PM

I don't think we should have a cap. I would be happy with 25,268 loyalists. Look at what some of the european stadiums look like filled with nuts waving flags instead of confining them to one corner. Maybe someday we'll have to make divisions to keep ourselves cohesive, like Loyalists UC, Loyalists SLC, Loyalists DC, Loyalists etc...

What I was thinking, after hearing the drums going up behind us to our left, and coming from the endzone area, and across the stadium, and seeing the big white flag on the far side of the stadium and some in the endzone...maybe we need to find a way to be like chicago. Their supporters section is so strong because they've organized it so that no matter what your group, you sit in Section 8. It looks massive and impressive, even though no group is all that large, you put them together and they are huge.

I have no idea how to rope them in though.

DadOf8 · 04-19-2005, 12:45 PM

I read somewhere that most European teams have more than one support group and they sit all over the stadium. Nothing against the Loyalists, I think you're great, but I think it would also be cool if other grass-roots support groups like The Loyalists were to sprout up.

Aero · 04-19-2005, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snarf

Maybe someday we'll have to make divisions to keep ourselves cohesive, like Loyalists UC, Loyalists SLC, Loyalists DC, Loyalists etc...

That's kind of what I was thinking also. We may have to break things up into chapters in order to stay organized and effective.

Quote:

What I was thinking, after hearing the drums going up behind us to our left, and coming from the endzone area, and across the stadium, and seeing the big white flag on the far side of the stadium and some in the endzone...maybe we need to find a way to be like chicago. Their supporters section is so strong because they've organized it so that no matter what your group, you sit in Section 8. It looks massive and impressive, even though no group is all that large, you put them together and they are huge.

I have no idea how to rope them in though.

I kind of thought it was cool to have little pockets of chanting people all over the stadium. I think it helps keep the entire place rocking.

On the other hand, it would definitely be cool to get everyone willing to chant and sing the whole game in one area though. I guess this is just one more idea where I'm sitting on the fence. 🙂

clarette · 04-19-2005, 12:50 PM

Anyone wanna join the Loch Ness RSL Supporters?

Rover · 04-19-2005, 12:52 PM

I'm not in favor of a cap, and my guess is we won't have to consider it anyway because other groups will form on their own as the need arises. This isn't so much a matter of competing groups as focus and style.

In LA, there have been several supporters groups but the two in place now are the Galaxians and the Riot Squad. The Galaxians, like the Loyalists for RSL, were the first and I think still the best. Their style is very inclusive and family friendly, and they've gone out of their way to be positive supporters while still being a force behind the south goal in the HDC.

The Riot Squad are newer and edgier, and bring more attitude to their chants and are first class hecklers. I don't go much for that myself, but they add a lot to the atmosphere in the stadium and often are the group that starts chants and songs. They've been a good addition.

So the point is that over time we will see other groups spring up as new supporters want them. I like the idea of Section 8, which incorporates several groups. Also, in DC the Screaming Eagles and Barra Brava have sat in adjacent sections for years and push each other to be the best group. DC also has another group in the RFK north end, and the atmosphere is always great when DC plays at home.

So it's good to bring up this issue since the momentum of fan support is definitely picking up, but I'd hold off on a cap at least for this season. The Loyalists need to welcome everyone. If we eventually form offshoot groups with a different style, that will only strengthen support for the team.

Deuce · 04-19-2005, 01:06 PM

I think it is waaaay too early to be talking chapters or caps but i suppose if we think big... we are big!!!

Let's just enjoy it for awhile...

I have no aversion to other groups... If we had other groups in the stadium we will all be trying to out do each other and the entire atmosphere will be ACE!!!!

SoccerPrime · 04-19-2005, 01:25 PM

If there are more SC that sprout up for RSL kudos. But Loyalists were first so I am going to spend my energy getting them strong.

Let it happen naturally. We don't want to end up like the CRapids. I mean they did have a SC in Denver, called the River Rats of all things, and look where they are now...bottom of barrel when it comes to MLS attendance.