February 21, 2004

National Affiliate Raises Player Dues
Registration Dues To Increase Fifty Cents

During a special meeting, the National Council of the Association's national affiliate voted to hike its per-player dues by fifty cents in the coming seasons. UYSA President Paul C. Burke voted against the increase, but the proposal passed by the narrowest of margins. With fewer than 35,000 members of the 3.2 million strong organization, Utah's voting power is barely one percent.

"The dues increase is now a reality, but it is not unexpected." Burke said. The dues increase from this national affiliate, the first in more than two decades, became necessary because of economic realities and inflation. The dues increase, which followed the completion of a comprehensive strategic plan, will also permit the organization to make investment in services that will benefit Utah Youth Soccer and its players.

Executive Director Scott Harward prepared the Association's recently-approved budget for the 2004-05 fiscal year on the assumption that the proposal for a dues increase would be adopted. The increase will be passed through by the state association. Consequently, the Association's member organizations are encouraged to build this dues increase into their registration budgets for the coming seasonal year.