North Carolina and some other southern states have been experiencing gas shortages due to the refinery shutdowns related to Hurricane Ike. Apparently the pipelines can’t get enough fuel and they’re trying to truck it west from the coast. But it’s sporadic – some places seem to have plenty while others are seeing frequent shortages and long gas lines.

Let’s just say I never expected to see an announcement like this. Soccer matches postponed due to gas shortages!

NCYSA Announcement (9-25-08)

The following statement, derived by the NC Youth Soccer President and members of the Executive Board, applies STATEWIDE to all NCYSA Classic Associations for matches scheduled for play this Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28.

In consideration of the pending GAS SHORTAGE in parts of our state and the desire of NCYSA to support our players and families, UNLESS BOTH TEAMS AGREE TO PLAY AN ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED MATCH, THE MATCH CAN BE RESCHEDULED WITHOUT PENALTY. It is NCYSAs hope and expectation that if a match can be played, it will be played. It is NCYSAs hope and expectation that if a match can be played, it will be played. It is the responsibility of the 2 teams in each match to reach a decision immediately and the Home team to advise their Local Referee Assignor, Field Coordinator and other Association Officials of a match being canceled. This must be done as soon as possible.

Kudos to the NCYSA for recognizing the problem some areas are having and taking steps to accommodate. But it’s still surreal to think we’re going to postpone soccer matches due to a gas shortage in 2008!