As the Utah Youth Soccer Association approaches its thirtieth anniversary, the organization is preparing for the challenges ahead. At the upcoming Annual General Meeting, the Association's General Council will consider a proposal jointly sponsored by President Scott Maxfield and Vice-President Cindy Baron to enact a new set of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for the Association. The Association's Rules Committee is recommending that this proposal be passed by the General Council. The latest versions of these documents can be downloaded by clicking New Articles of Incorporation or New UYSA Bylaws.

The proposed articles of incorporation and bylaws are intended to create a governing structure for the Association to carry it into the next thirty years. One of the major goals of this re-write is to simplify and remove policy matters from Association's bylaws. Assuming that the new bylaws are enacted, necessary and ongoing policies will then be enacted, as appropriate, by the Board of Directors, the Recreation Council, and the Competition Council.

The proposal is notable, among other reasons, because it establishes district boundaries that will ensure that every part of the state will be represented on the Board of Directors. The geographic lines are meant to facilitate growth and efficient development through fairness and equity. With the exception of Salt Lake County, which is divided down the length of I-15, the districts are defined by county boundaries. The new boundaries will create districts with roughly equivalent player populations, and none of the new districts will be limited to a small geographic area or will be dominated by a single member organization, which should help to ensure a level playing field for all member organizations.

Your comments, suggestions, and corrections are sought. Because no draft is ever perfect, it is hoped that improvements can be made to this proposal before the AGM. Your constructive feedback will be incorporated and it is likely that another draft will be circulated before being placed on the floor at the AGM. The Association's administration has asked former president Paul C. Burke to assist this effort, so you are welcome to direct your comments to pburke@rqn.com.