February 25, 2004

US Youth Soccer Adidas Workshop & Coaches Convention
February 19-21 2004
Boston, Massachusetts

Linda Kay Messenger
Rules and Revisions
UYSA

REGISTRAR ROUNDTABLE

The National Registrar Committee has a new chairman who had not met with his committee until the night before the workshop sessions began. This workshop was an open forum with the attendees asking questions of the committee. I had a discussion with the Regional Registrar the night before and had been told that some states were allowing more than 18 on their rosters and were using a club pass. I indicated to the committee it was my understanding that some states are having more than 18 on a roster and are using a club pass. I asked how these states could be doing this and get around the 3-transfer rule for state cup. There was much discussion within the group about how some states were allowing more flexibility-these states seem to be in the minority and some states disagreed with the latitude that is being used. Two of the issues that will be considered by the National Registrar Committee are the club pass and development of online registration. As former Chairman of the National Registrar Committee, I pointed out that the committee had worked hard on developing an RFP (Request for Proposal) for states who were interested in developing an online registration program for their state, but that the National USYSA Chairman did not seem to be interested in developing technology in that direction. Even though I have been told that Region IV is not going to be moving in the same direction as some of the states with significant latitude in the rules, I believe that within the rules the UYSA Rules Committee can develop some flexibility for the coaches/players for the fall season. The National Registrar Chairman did indicate that it was his understanding that the club pass is on its way. The club pass would not specify a particular team on the pass.

REDUCE PAPERWORK WITH AUTOMATION AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

The discussion in this workshop involved the various things that can be placed on the web site. USSF requirements for travel are on the national web site. There was discussion about E-travel. There was some question about when the information is checked? The presenter talked about State Associations doing their newsletter on the web site. For a cost of less than $500 a year, you could have 8 different newsletters on the individual state websites. Putting the newsletter on the web site could be a very good idea with the information available to the soccer community as well as giving our sponsors many opportunities to be seen.

US YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS SERIES: FORMAT AND RULES

Now that Snickers is no longer the title sponsor, the name of the tournament is: US Youth National Championship Series-Utah Youth Soccer State Cup. The committee explained that last year the Board has passed a proposal from the committee regarding 5 transfers (cumulative), but that vote had been rescinded later on. Some of the discussion items:

• Rule #224 section 4 be deleted (primary, secondary teams)?
• Unlimited substitutions for all ages?
• Changes in Rules #221 & #224
• National Championships for U12 - have not discussed this possibility. Regions 2 & 3 do not have U12 at regional level, Regions 1 & 4 do have U12 regional competition-seems to be going more toward developmental in contrast to national championship. Region 3 does not have U13 competition at least for now. Even coaches do not all agree on U12 regional competition. Unless directed by the states, Region IV will not play small sided game for U12.

The National Championships Committee will be meeting in April. If states have rule changes they would like to see made, the State Cup Representative should send those changes to their Regional Cup person by March 31.

PROMOTION OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS SERIES

The official title of this tournament was again discussed: US Youth Soccer National Championships Series-Utah State Cup-Utah Youth Soccer State Cup. A CD containing the logo has been sent to each State Cup Director. This logo is to be used on everything. No longer will the states be supplied with coolers, cups or Fair Play awards. All old materials-banners, forms, pictures-are to be discarded. This event should be advertised with the media: newspaper, television and the state web site.

RUNNING A MEETING WITH ROBERTS RULES

This was a great workshop. The individual conducting the workshop is an attorney and a registered parliamentarian and had some great handouts. There was so much information given out that there is not room in this report to outline it all. There was not time in the workshop to answer all of the questions, but a few subjects discussed are as follows:

• An agenda should set a timeline for items
• Once the agenda is sent out the chair is not to participate in debate. If the chair wishes to state an opinion, he/she turns the meeting over to some else, the chair can pick up the phone and lobby for a particular issue outside of the meeting.
• When motion is pending, speaker on the motion can finish (if time elapses), first call on person who raises hand.
• Motion is made, seconded, chair restates the motion and that becomes the motion. Recognize someone who has not yet spoken on the motion. Speaker has 10 minutes maximum-limited to two (2) times on a motion. If person speaks 3rd time, can say 'Point of Order." Order of motion: motion, second, restate, debate, vote, announce result of vote.
• Majority of vote: count only those people who voted-50% of people voting. If some people leave or do not vote, that number is subtracted from total eligible to vote.
• When vote is taken, chair must ask for yea and nay in order to have a vote.
• When item is tabled, it must be brought off the table within two meetings. Should show on the agenda for next month if not considered, then it is dropped.

These are just a few items that were discussed. Because District Chairs and League Presidents hold meetings and undoubtedly use Robert's Rules of Order, I will ask that some of the handout information I received be sent out to the State Council or at least be available on the web site. There is also some good information on the responsibilities of nonprofit boards.

TOURNAMENT DATABASE - HOLIDAY INN

This workshop was a short one because the presentation was based upon being able to use the web for demonstration, and they were not able to access the web. However, the presenters indicated that the tournament database can be put on the state web site and can be customized: bond, individual information, etc. Information can be edited on a state level. After the application is submitted, it cannot be edited. States can put tournament information on the national page where you can see what other states have done. Hard copies can be sent in after the application is filled out.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM LIABILITY CLAIMS

Because the previous workshop was short, I stopped by this workshop and picked up some information from our insurance carrier.

I also attended the draw for Regionals and brought back draw information and credential guidelines for the State Cup Director and the State Registrar.

I enjoyed the guest speaker-at the Coach of the Year Dinner. Though he was a famous hockey player, he did not speak about hockey but about developing young people no matter the sport. He talked for quite a few minutes about developing young players and then reminded the audience that he had not mentioned winning but developing. I have heard a lot of speakers at the National Workshops Coach of the Year Dinner and he was one of the better speakers and deserved the standing ovation he received.