United States Soccer Federation grievance proceeding ends with a favorable ruling for US Youth Soccer and its State Associations

FRISCO, TEXAS (Feb. 3, 2010) - United States Soccer Federation (USSF) arbitrator has rejected the primary claims of US Club Soccer (USCS) and American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO in the grievance they filed against US Youth Soccer the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA), the North Dakota Youth Soccer Association (NDYSA), the South Carolina Youth Soccer Association (SCYSA), the Tennessee State Soccer Assoicaiton (TSSA), and the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA).  The arbitrator rejected the grievance claims alleging that US Youth Soccer and the five US Youth Soccer State Associations had violated their duties as members of the Federation and were in viloation of several Federation bylaws, rules and policies.  The decision allows US Youth Soccer and its member State Associations to provide and retain benefits for only its members.

The dispute arose out of the claims of USCS and AYSO as to the rights and obligations of the parties as members of USSF. In short, they argued that benefits granted to US Youth Soccer members should also apply to non-US Youth Soccer members and that there were no violations of USSF bylaws, rules and policies.

"US Youth Soccer takes great pride in the numerous benefits of membership we offer to our more than three million youth players and over 900,000 volunteers and coaches," said Larry Monaco, president of US Youth Soccer. "This ruling maintains that these benefits apply to our member clubs and players and enhances our ability to provide all players opportunities for individual development in The Game for All Kids."

The arbitrator appointed to hear and render a decision in the grievance issued his 22-page decision yesterday evening, February 2, 2010. A copy of that decision can be found here.

In his decision of February 2, 2010, the arbitrator rejected the primary claims of US Club Soccer and AYSO, holding that:

(1)   the policy of US Youth Soccer and its member State Associations (and the current US Youth Soccer Travel Policy), that provide that US Youth Soccer Member Passes are only for use at games that are approved by US Youth Soccer or its member State Associations, does not violate any Federation bylaw, rule, or policy,

(2)   the decision by certain State Associations to only purchase insurance coverage for their member players when those players are participating in practices and games that are approved by US Youth Soccer or its member State Associations does not violate any Federation bylaw, rule, or policy, and

(3)   there was no evidence that US Youth Soccer or any of the State Associations have any policies related to travel which impose an undue burden on their members' participation in US Club Soccer, AYSO, or any other non-US Youth Soccer events.

In further explanation, the arbitrator stated, "the arbitrator finds nothing in the USSF bylaws, policies, or resolutions to support the proposition that Organization Members must afford the same benefits to their players or teams when participating in another organization's activities as apply when the player or team is playing within their own organization."

The arbitrator found that, contrary to the claims of US Club Soccer and AYSO, US Youth Soccer and its member State Associations "have gone to great lengths" to "make clear to their members" that the US Youth Soccer and State Association "insurance and player pass policies have neither the intent nor the effect of prohibiting members from participating in activities with non-US Youth Soccer members, and that their members are expressly permitted to participate in activities sponsored by non-US Youth Soccer members and to sponsor activities in which non-US Youth Soccer members may participate."

The arbitrator specifically held that US Club Soccer and AYSO had not proven that the policies of MYSA, NDYSA, or WYSA violated any applicable Federation rules, and the challenges to those policies of those State Associations were all denied. The arbitrator also held that the alleged violations of SCYSA and TSSA concerning rules or policies that were no longer in effort or had been resolved, and rejected all claims against those 2 State Associations as moot. The arbitrator has required WYSA to issue communications to its members making it clear that they are free to compete in non-US Youth Soccer events. He also directed that, for international tournaments not a US Youth Soccer event, either the US Youth Soccer member pass or an alternative pass be issued, without additional cost.

US Club Soccer, AYSO, and the three member clubs of US Club Soccer have ten days to appeal the decision of the arbitrator to the Board of Directors of the USSF.

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) - US Youth Soccer - "The Game for ALL Kids!^®" is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 member State Associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

Media Request: When referring to the United States Youth Soccer Association, the largest youth sports organization in the United States, please refer to the association only as US Youth Soccer, and never as USYS or USYSA. We appreciate your cooperation.

FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 10, 2010) - US Youth Soccer announces the regional winners of the 2009 US Youth Soccer Boys and Girls Recreation Coach of the Year awards.  The Recreation Coach of the Year is awarded to a recreation coach for both a boys team and a girls team for his or her coaching activities, sportsmanship, player development, personal coaching development and citizenship. 

National winner to be named at US Youth Soccer Awards Gala

The National Boys and Girls Recreation Coach of the Year award winners will be announced at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop in Forth Worth, Texas.

Brief bios of the regional winners are below based on the submitted nomination forms:

Region I - Darrell Lemmerman - Northboro, Mass.
Darrell Lemmerman has been coaching for over 10 years and in that time has instilled a strong work ethic and sense of sportsmanship within his players. He places winning second and individual player development first for his teams in Nashoba Valley. Lemmerman's players attest that in the 10 years he has been coaching their team, every practice has been fun and enjoyable. Lemmerman tailors drills based on players' individual strengths and weaknesses to help them achieve their personal goals for improvement. Region II - Kandy Smith - Pierre, S.D.
Kandy Smith's sportsmanship not only spills over to her players, but also to the parents of Capitol Area Soccer Association. She creates a learning environment and has even become a teacher and mentor to other coaches in the community looking for drills to build player development. Smith's philosophy for soccer is teach them and they will learn, help them and they will grow, encourage them and they will go far. With this, the USSF "C" License coach is always positively promoting soccer.

Region III - Michael Wood - Broken Arrow, Okla.
Michael Wood always has an encouraging word to share and gives his time to impact the development and lives of his players at Broken Arrow Soccer Club. A USSF "D" License coach, Wood strives to get the best out of players while working to improve their fundamentals, skills and understanding of the game. After 12 years of coaching, he continues to value sportsmanship. At the beginning of each season, Wood communicates the responsibilities of players and parents with one key aspect being no negative comments.

Region IV - Eric Johnson - Redding, Calif.-North
Eric Johnson uses his voice as a coach with Redding Youth Soccer League to encourage and mentor his players, leading to them always playing with class and dignity - win, lose or draw. He organizes open field nights to bring together players of all ages and skill levels to play for fun and enjoy the game. Johnson, a USSF "D" License coach, mentors more than just his players by participating in training of new coaches who are studying for USSF "E" and "F" Licenses.

2009 Boys Recreation Coach of the Year regional award winners: Region I - Nduna Gora - Irvington, N.J.
Nduna Gora possesses the desire to share his passion for soccer. He found the ultimate outlet to express it in Irvington, N.J., where his goal was to provide youth with a positive outlet through soccer, creating the Our Youth Soccer Academy Warriors. He began from scratch, first securing land for a field that was formerly for high school baseball. Gora, a USSF "E" License coach and certified USSF referee, is a true ambassador for the game, making it available to youth who would not otherwise have the opportunity.

Region II - Robert Peddicord - Johnston, Iowa
Robert "Bud" Peddicord of Johnston Soccer Club is the type of coach who instills such a passion for soccer in his players that even after a long practice, his players return home and continue kicking around the ball. He makes it a priority to tell players how proud he is of their hard work and courage to help boost self-confidence. Peddicord has also extended soccer into his community with a summer pick-up game program, Friday Night Soccer, for children of all ages and skill levels.

Region III - Nick Magnano - LaCompte, La.
Nick Magnano is a USSF "D" License coach whose enthusiasm is contagious, causing his players to show a true love for the game whether on or off the field. He is an excellent role model as he goes above and beyond, not only coaching, but volunteering as the president of Crossroads Soccer Association. Whether it's volunteering to referee when one is missing, or putting up corner flags, lining fields or repairing nets, Magnano is always giving back to the game.

Region IV - Jackie Zlokovich - Crescent City, Calif.-North
Jackie Zlokovich has been coaching for over 20 years, impacting the lives of players and parents. She focuses on fundamentals, good sportsmanship and respect. When her soccer association was short on coaches, she recruited other parents and taught them the skills they needed to become a coach. Because of this, no child has been turned away from Del Norte Youth Soccer for a lack of coaches. Zlokovich is known for her dedication to the welfare and education of her players.

For more information about the US Youth Soccer's Recreation Coach of the Year award or the US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop, visit http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/.

Twitter: @USYouthSoccer, live announcement of national winner

US Youth Soccer honors regional Male and Female Young Referee of the Year

National winner to be named at US Youth Soccer Awards Gala

FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 4, 2010) - US Youth Soccer announces the regional winners of the 2009 US Youth Soccer Male and Female Young Referee of the Year awards.  The Young Referee of the Year Award honors those who have a strong work ethic, knowledge of the rules of the game and are positive role models.

The National Young Referee of the Year winners will be announced at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop in Forth Worth, Texas.

Brief bios of the regional winners are below based on the submitted nomination forms:

Young Female Referee of the Year regional award winners:

Region I - Stephanie Myrick - Woodbridge, Va.
Stephanie Myrick is known within Virginia Youth Soccer Association for her dedication, hard work and commitment to achieve the highest level of success as a referee. Her goal was to become a Grade 7 referee before she was 17, and she did that, becoming the youngest in the Virginia - Washington, D.C. area to achieve this grade. Myrick's experience ranges from competitive leagues and the Virginia State Championships to US Youth Soccer ODP tournaments and training camps. She also writes articles and speaks at referee meetings.

Region II - Carlin Bunting - Cottage Grove, Minn.
Carlin Bunting is a Grade 8 referee who began her journey as a referee in the sixth grade. At age 14, she received her Grade 8 certification and has been refereeing every season since, participating in regular season and district games, the Schwan's USA Cup and the Minnesota State Championships. Bunting's experience also stretches to coaching younger soccer players, organizing annual soccer clinics and serving as a part-time Coerver Soccer trainer in Bloomington, Hastings and River Falls, Minn.

Region III - Erin White - Ocean Springs, Miss.
Erin White is a Grade 8 referee whose spirit, enthusiasm and maturity translates onto the soccer field as she officiates across all levels including recreational, Division I leagues and the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup. A graduate of Ocean Springs High School, she finished in the top 10 in her class and as a full-time college student she continues to referee and mentor younger, less experienced referees. White continues to develop as a young referee and openly accepts constructive advice.

Region IV - Christine Walden - Danville, Calif.- North
Christine Walden learned to think on her feet as a young soccer player and she has carried that over as a Grade 7 referee. She began refereeing for the California North State Championships in 2006. In 2007, she was honored by refereeing a state championship finals game and advancing to the 2007 Region IV Championships, repeating the same success in 2008. Walden has also officiated in the Far West Regional League and several US Youth Soccer ODP camps.

Young Male Referee of the Year regional award winners:

Region I - Justin Mazzeo - Finleyville, Pa.-West
Justin Mazzeo has been a referee for seven years and involved in the game for the past 14. He is a Grade 8 referee who challenges himself by attending advanced clinics and training camps such as the US Youth Soccer ODP training camp. Mazzeo's assignors have confidence to place him in any youth soccer match. They greatly value his skills as a referee, his spirit of volunteerism and openness to learn from his mentors. In 2009, he represented Pennsylvania West at the Region I Championships.

Region II - Robert Hayes - Overland Park, Kan.
Robert Hayes is known on the field for his professionalism and calling the game as it is being played. With his positive and helpful attitude, all respect the authority he possesses as a Grade 7 referee. Hayes is a student in all aspects of the game. He is currently pursuing his USSF "D" License for coaching and plays for his high school soccer team. Beyond the soccer field, Hayes is active in his community of Overland Park, Kan., and has accumulated over 175 hours of community service.

Region III - Caleb Hindman - Prattville, Ala.
Caleb Hindman has grown up playing the game since he was six years old, always learning and striving to accomplish more. As a referee he stays composed, seeks mentorship from senior referees and appreciates critiques after games. A Grade 8 referee and full-time student at Troy University, he has participated in US Youth Soccer ODP training, the Alabama State Championships and the Governor's Cup. When refereeing young children, he always makes sure they understand the reason for his calls.

Region IV - Kyle Kazmer - Thousand Oaks, Calif.-South
Kyle Kazmer began refereeing at age 11, moving up to a USSF referee at 13. Kazmer is currently a Grade 6 referee who has completed requirements for Grade 5. His time as a referee has taught him how to command respect and learn from others. Through the years, Kazmer has refereed various levels of play including the 2008 Region IV Championships, semi-pro MLS games and pre-season MLS games. Kazmer also places volunteerism at the top of his priorities and has traveled internationally for mission trips.

For more information about the US Youth Soccer's Young Referee of the Year award or the US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

Twitter: @USYouthSoccer, live announcement of national winner

The Board of Directors of the California Youth Soccer Association, Inc. (CYSA) proposes that the members at the 2010 Annual General Meeting adopt a resolution where each league may on a voluntary basis elect to contribute $1.00 for each player to be used solely to support the efforts of US Soccer in submitting a bid for the World Cup to be played in the United States.  The leagues that make a voluntary contribution will provide the funds to CYSA by league check separate from all other payments made to CYSA, with CYSA designated as the payee, in the amount of $1.00 for every player registered with the league as of May 1, 2010.  All such funds collected shall, on or before June 1, 2010, be forwarded by CYSA to US Soccer or the foundation or other entity identified by US Soccer as accepting funds to be used to support the submission of a bid for the World Cup to be played in the United States.