May 27, 2005

State Council Approves Trial Period for New Competition and Recreation Committees
By Scott Maxfield, Vice President, Utah Youth Soccer Association

On Friday May 20, 2005, the State Council met in a special session called by Utah Youth Soccer Association President Leisa Vineyard, to consider three bylaw proposals submitted by supporters of a new competition group. After discussion by proponents of both sides, the action of the State Council was that of rejecting the three initiatives.

After the action of debate and voting was completed upon the three above mentioned proposals, Utah Youth Soccer Vice President Scott Maxfield, then proposed and outlined to the council, an initiative that provides for the establishment of two new program committees.

The first is a recreation committee to be comprised of all organizations, and leagues that currently operate a recreation or developmental soccer program for the youth in their respective areas. This committee will be chaired by the State Director of Recreation and Development, who then will report to the State Board of Directors. It will be the responsibility of this committee to oversee all aspects of the recreation player, including the implementation of new programs that will foster the growth and development of these players. Further, it was proposed that the X League will also fall under the direction of the State Director of Recreation and Development. Given the unique qualities of the program, it will not be considered part of the State Competitive program.

The second committee will be comprised of an all elected group of individuals who represent affiliated clubs, district teams, leagues at large, and finally independent teams. This group will operate under the direction of the Boys and Girls Competition Directors, and the State Director of Coaching. This committee will establish policy, and provide guidelines that affect all aspects of the State Competition program. Several issues that will be addressed by this new committee include the implementation of a "club" or "developmental" pass allowing players to be moved between teams within an organizations structure. Under the approved configuration, affiliated member organizations will now have a voice in the daily workings of the competition player. Scheduling, alignment guidelines, and sideline control are just a few of the many issues. It was decided that each member of the "working" committee would have one vote when discussing policies and decisions. Only in the case of a tie would a vote by the Competition Chair be allowed. The findings and recommendations of this group then are forwarded on to the State Board of Directors for the sole purpose in assuring that all recommendations are in compliance with National Rules. The final decision will then rest with a weighted vote by all affiliated member organizations, much the same way that business is done at the State Annual General Meeting.

The final resolve of the meeting was that of asking all groups to set aside personal agendas, and work as a collective to make these improvements for benefit of the young people that make up our organization. Currently Girls Competition Director Debbie Haycock, who will serve as the chairperson of the competition committee, is now making preparation for the first meeting. It is the desire of the State Council to have new programs and policies in place for the fall season. A special thanks to all who took the time to attend the special council meeting. With all the many requests for our personal time, it was very refreshing to see so many people in attendance. We now are pressing forward to improve our organization, through the support of all our members. Again, a special thank you to all.