FYSA Affiliates:
Since the 2020 Annual General Meeting, FYSA has worked diligently and quickly on the 15-mile rule. As many of you saw at the post-AGM Board of Directors Meeting, a committee was established to address the 15-mile rule and various conflicts. This committee met on Thursday, August 13, to formulate a policy that would better align FYSA with our own bylaws, US Soccer Bylaws, and the inclusive nature encouraged by our governing bodies. A proposed policy could take the place of the existing 15-mile rule but still foster input and feedback from the membership. The policy is currently being vetted with the full Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors will discuss new member entry criteria along with any changes to the affiliation process on the Tuesday, August 18 at 6:30pm, FYSA Board of Directors Meeting (streamed live on the FYSA YouTube page). At the conclusion of the Board Meeting Tuesday, President, Kai Velmer, and Executive Director, Joel Dragan, will present a town hall meeting to the membership regarding any changes affirmed by the board to the new affiliation process and take questions.
A message from the FYSA President:
As I mentioned in my 14-point plan and while campaigning for the FYSA Presidency, my goal is to improve communication, transparency, and put the game and player first. As it currently stands, the 15-mile rule is putting FYSA in a difficult position and on a course to spend tens of thousands of dollars on two pending US Soccer grievances (documentation deadlines set for August 21). These grievances will likely not have a positive outcome for FYSA.
I personally believe that the money would be better spent elsewhere to positively impact our game. We are currently working on vetting a policy that will avoid the conflict with FYSA and US Soccer bylaws. This new policy would prevent the needless spending of tens of thousands of dollars and still provide protection to current affiliates.
Yours in Soccer,
The Florida Youth Soccer Association