The New Jersey Justice |
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CARTERET (NJ) – Saturday, the Jersey Justice took the field for the first time in Erie, Pennsylvania in their opening game as members of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL). The Justice based in Carteret call the high school field home, and are eager for their home opener in two weeks. A few days before their 8-6 season-opening victory over the Erie Illusion, Justice Head Coach Gene Basile answered a few questions for PlainfieldSportsNews.com. PSN: Are the Justice a true expansion team or a relocated team? If this is your first year of operations, can you tell us (the readers) what it took to get to this point? Coach Basile: We are a true expansion team. The process of fielding a team is quite a bit more complex than many would expect. There is a lengthy application and interview process in order to be accepted to the IWFL (Independent Women's Football League), which is the country's premier women's football league. Once a team is accepted, there is a long "to do" list before the players take the field. To begin with, the basics, such as a logo, website, phone number, and mailing address must be set up. A budget must be created and submitted to the league, all IWFL participants (players, coaches, trainers, officials) must be registered with the league, a fundraising plan must be created, sponsorship packages must be created (and sponsors must be solicited), home facilities must be researched and contracts must be signed in order to confirm use of the field. In order to prepare for games (besides holding practices regularly), equipment and uniforms must be ordered, trainers and emergency personnel must be hired, officials must be hired (and certified by the league), film crews, photographers, announcers, and other game day personnel must be found and hired, etc. In addition, each team's game film from the previous week must be exchanged with the opposition; stats must be kept and loaded onto the league’s website, etc. Truly, what has been most difficult for us throughout the process has been the fundraising. Many of our women have contributed a great deal of money out-of-pocket and have solicited dozens and dozens of potential sponsors with minimal success. Overall, it has been quite a lengthy process and though we are only a few days away from our first game, we are still working hard to prepare ourselves off the field so that we can be compliant with league rules and successful on the field. PSN: What was the talent pool for player selection? Coach Basile: Approximately half of our players are veterans from other teams while the other half came to us during our tryout period. PSN: How has Carteret received the team at the off-season functions? Coach Basile: The town of Carteret has been extremely gracious in terms of not only supporting fund raising events but also allowing us to use the High School facilities for our home games and practices. Without them things would be a lot harder than they already are. In addition, the families and friends of our players have pitched in to help in so many ways and we thank them all. PSN: What does the Justice intend to provide every time they take the field? Coach Basile: We hope to bring Women’s Football to a level that generates excitement and respect from not only our fans and our opponents but from people who are curious. Moreover, we hope that those who do attend will have an enjoyable experience and will look to join us again. I think that once they see what these Women are capable of they will be hooked. It happened to me! We look forward to covering the Jersey Justice this season and hope to see you there. To find out more about the Justice visit http://www.justicefootball.com/ The Justice schedule is as follows:
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