July 4, 2005

Registration Deadline Reminders

As many of you know, there have been competing interests looking to attract some of the top youth soccer teams in the state regarding which competition league program in which those teams would participate in the fall. Although competition is often healthy, and in this case may be expediting much-needed changes in our UYSA State Competition Program, such options may also become confusing and, in a worst-case scenario, could possibly keep some teams from competing in ANY league this fall.

So, in the interest of the kids playing the game, I wish to remind each coach, especially those coaches who might be considering another competitive option outside of the State Competition Program, how the UYSA Rules and Bylaws are set up as far as registration is concerned. We do not want to see any teams left out this fall due to any confusion on the part of coaches, parents, clubs or registrars.

If a team wishes to play in the UYSA State Competition League, they must complete the registration process for their team with the UYSA State Organization (including paying all fees) by July 15th. Teams which miss the registration and payment deadline will NOT be included in the State Competition League. This procedure has been in place for many years and remains unchanged.

If you are considering playing in a brand new competition league outside of the State Competition League, it may be wise to register for both leagues to be sure you have a fall-back option should the new league not begin as planned. Your team may register and pay for the State Competition League, and at a later date choose to withdraw (as long as the withdrawal is prior to the alignment meeting). However, should your team choose a brand new competition league, and then change their minds and want to play in the State Competition League, if the July 15th deadline has passed and the team is not registered and paid into the State Competition League, the team will NOT be included. Please think through this process for your players' sakes so that the best laid plans of adults don't accidentally keep your players from playing this fall.

While I have your attention, please allow me to update you on some changes happening within the UYSA State Competition Program. UYSA has been listening to the coaches, parents, players and clubs about how to improve the competitive experience of our players and help them reach their potential. With that, the UYSA has implemented the following:

• A State Competition Committee has been formed to manage the rules, format, and operating decisions for the State Competition Program. The members of this committee include a representative from each affiliated club, as well as representation from each district on behalf of the independent teams and un-affiliated clubs within their district. This committee is separate from the UYSA State Board, and will create and implement the changes it sees fit to improve the great game of competition soccer in Utah. The UYSA State Board will have oversight to be sure any changes fit within national guidelines, etc., but will not participate in the daily workings of this committee.
• A similar State Recreation Committee has been formed to manage the needs of the recreation soccer players within the UYSA community.

The State Competition Committee is hard at work attempting to implement the following concepts for the Fall 2005 season:

• Developmental Pass: this would allow guest players to play with State Competition League Teams during the season. One example of how this is envisioned might be a player on a Division 2 team who shows real promise can be offered the chance to practice and guest-play for a Premier Division team during some of their league games.
• Club Exchange Days: this is a pilot program to create days within the schedule where all Premier teams from a given club would play on their home field(s) on the same day, allowing for the Director of Coaching for that club to have the opportunity to watch their players in action in a convenient and concentrated way. It is also possible that the visiting teams that day would be from the same club (as far as their are matching teams for both clubs), to create an exciting competition environment. Once this pilot proves successful, the Competition Committee expects to expand that to all divisions.
• More Scheduling Input: the Competition Committee will work to include more specific input on scheduling, modeling successful processes in other states and focused on the needs of our players, clubs, and coaches. The goal is to significantly reduce the number of game changes and get schedules out to coaches and players earlier to allow for families to plan their busy schedules.
• Premier Division Enhancements: some of the leading clubs in the state have suggested some excellent ideas to improve the development of Utah's young players. Many of those ideas can be implemented in an inclusive and enhanced Premier Division. As the clubs and independent teams work together on the Competition Committee, these ideas will be implemented and expanded to other divisions as appropriate.

There is much to be done to continue to improve the experience and development of our youth. These are giant steps in the right direction that must and will be followed by additional steps in the near future. New clubs and teams are approaching the UYSA in large numbers, including from some of the ethnic groups that have not been involved in our State Competition Program to the level they could be. These are exciting developments that will help all of the young players in Utah play with the best players we can develop within the state and help them achieve their dreams and their potential.

Board of Directors
Utah Youth Soccer Association