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[Spokane_Whistle_Blower]

The email below was sent out by Shadow today It would appear trouble is indeed afoot in Shadow land.

March 30, 2011

To our Select and Premier members:

We were recently notified by the Breakers SC, Sabers FC and FC Storm boards that they will be de-unifying.  These boards have said they would like to regain sole oversight of their respected regions and no longer want to partner with the Shadow organization.  As of May 1, 2011 this will officially take place.  We are saddened by the news as we were not invited to speak with these boards or address any concerns they may have had; however, it was their prerogative and we respect their decision.  We are excited to announce, however, that Shadow United has firmly decided to stay as our partners and we are glad to continue to provide services as we move forward to continue strengthening and improving soccer opportunities for children in our community.

Why have some decided to remove themselves from the Shadow club?  I cannot answer that directly, but I do know that very good people are involved in every club.  I also know that our club worked very hard to support coaches and team managers through a variety of means to help provide quality service to our players.  Our club is not perfect and so I am certain there were mistakes along the way; however, I know our intentions were good.

We worked hard to support each region equitably and we sought to respectfully work in conjunction with each existing select club.  Regional Coordinators were put in place to facilitate communication between the Shadow and the existing select club.  These coordinators were selected and appointed by each select club's president and approved by the Shadow Technical Director.  We sought to work in collaboration with the existing clubs, but the challenge was great as we started to bring the five clubs together in a collective effort.

"Unification" was always going to be difficult as it is a challenge to get groups of people to work together.  However, we believe the intent was good.  Instead of looking to start a new club, which is happening all around our greater community, we sought to bring people together to work under a collective umbrella to help service kids in our communities.  Each respective select club board voted to be a part of this effort.  To be certain, this was no "Shadow Take-Over."  Select clubs were the ones that voted to move forward with this concept.  We did not choose to start a new select club and go our own direction; we sought common ground and agreement.  This is what launched the Shadow-Select side of the club.

The two year run is over, however.  Certainly, we have not reached the goal that we had intended, but we tried in good faith to bring a community of soccer together.  You cannot succeed if you do not risk falling short.  We provided regular coaching education opportunities to our select coaches; opportunities that never existed before.  We provided a point person in our Director of Coaching for coaches to ask soccer related questions to help him/her run soccer practices, to serve as a sounding board for ideas or to help solve problems.  We provided a Club Administrator that provided hands on training to our team managers and served as a point person to ask questions or trouble shoot.  We provided services for each team to help account for each dollar that was spent through our club bookkeeper.  Through our non-profit, 501(c)(3) status we provided a place that reports annually its income and expenses to the IRS via its 990 reporting-assuring that every dollar of dues and sponsorship is accounted for (we are the only club in our association that has this official non-profit status.)  We provided quality soccer uniforms and equipment through our Nike sponsorship, which also helped to outfit coaches.  These uniforms were of a quality and price point that had not been seen before.

However, there were factors that were always going to be difficult to overcome.  The historical face of each select club would have changed.  Each region would have been a Shadow-(insert regional name).  We understand the importance of identity, which we were never looking to completely eliminate; hence, the dual name.  This is also why we made it abundantly clear at the outset over 2 years ago when we met with each club's board what would be happening years down the road in regards to the original name.  This is why the announcement of their change of heart was a bit of a surprise, but this is okay.  As it is now, soccer will continue to be provided in all areas and for all levels.  This is something to be excited about.

It is also good to be excited as an effort was put forth on both sides of the aisle to try to make improvements for our community.  Ultimately, it did not come to complete fruition.  What it did do, however, was bring the respective clubs to a table to talk in common terms about heading in a common direction.  The IEYSA board assures us this will continue to be the aim.  I am confident that it will be. 

We look forward to be able to provide services for all our players, from U10s to U20s.  We are thrilled to be able to service our Shadow United and our Shadow Premier players as we continue to strive to raise the standard of youth soccer opportunities and service.  Tryout registration is now open for Shadow United Select tryouts (as well as our Premier and U10 Junior Program) for the 2011-2012 season.

Thank you to those that we have been able to serve over the past two years; we wish each and every player the ultimate enjoyment of soccer, and we will look forward to seeing you playing on the field!

In the Spirit of Soccer,

Sean Bushéy
Technical Director
Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club

PS: Be assured this has no bearing on our Regional Club League (RCL) status. We remain The Club in the greater Inland Empire that is the sole member of the highest quality league in the state, nor does this change or affect our ability to have our Select teams (Shadow United) play in any league our teams desire.  We look forward to our next stage of development!

PS#2: Select level tryouts that will take place in May will now be the sole responsibility of each respective region's club.  Please direct your questions to their respective boards.
Sabers FC:  Lewis Rathbun
Storm FC:  Joe Holland
Breakers SC:  Steve McCormick

Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club | P.O. Box 18176 | Spokane | WA | 99228
 
Don't shoot the messenger I'm just the whistle blower!

[ThiKuBC]

The intrigue!

[Futsal]

Just a change in course back to the way it was two years ago. 

At a social gathering I had the opportunity to speak with the Presidents of the Sabers FC, FC Storm and United FC.  While Sabers FC and FC Storm have pulled out of the "Unification" they remain firmly committed to their Association.  Friends with the Breakers have also told me their club is fully behind their Association.  United FC is a small club and would benefit by remaining under the Shadow umbrella so to speak.

No matter what the organizations are called we each serve the game ... there will always be avenues of opportunity to work together even while remaining separate.

[Spokane_Whistle_Blower]

Futsal I agree and think the more opportunities that can be created the more the game will flourish in Spokane. I find it interesting however that Sean Bushéy felt the need to add in his first post script statement that RCL status was unaffected. Does this decision perhaps put the RCL status in jeopardy somewhere down the line?

Don't shoot the messenger I'm just the whistle blower!

[EWDOC]

Futsal I agree and think the more opportunities that can be created the more the game will flourish in Spokane. I find it interesting however that Sean Bushéy felt the need to add in his first post script statement that RCL status was unaffected. Does this decision perhaps put the RCL status in jeopardy somewhere down the line?

Don't shoot the messenger I'm just the whistle blower!

No, my guess is he put this on there because he knew that there a lot of people who don't understand the Regional Club details and wanted to make sure no one was confused by it since others may try and say this decision by the select clubs would impact it.  You know, kind of like you just did...

[Spokane_Whistle_Blower]

Futsal I agree and think the more opportunities that can be created the more the game will flourish in Spokane. I find it interesting however that Sean Bushéy felt the need to add in his first post script statement that RCL status was unaffected. Does this decision perhaps put the RCL status in jeopardy somewhere down the line?

Don't shoot the messenger I'm just the whistle blower!

No, my guess is he put this on there because he knew that there a lot of people who don't understand the Regional Club details and wanted to make sure no one was confused by it since others may try and say this decision by the select clubs would impact it.  You know, kind of like you just did...

I did not state that it would impact the status. I asked an open ended question and speculated on the intentions of an organization which has just lost players and a steady stream of revenue.

Don't shoot the messenger I'm just the whistle blower!

[EWSoccer64]

Futsal I agree and think the more opportunities that can be created the more the game will flourish in Spokane. I find it interesting however that Sean Bushéy felt the need to add in his first post script statement that RCL status was unaffected. Does this decision perhaps put the RCL status in jeopardy somewhere down the line?

Don't shoot the messenger I'm just the whistle blower!

No, my guess is he put this on there because he knew that there a lot of people who don't understand the Regional Club details and wanted to make sure no one was confused by it since others may try and say this decision by the select clubs would impact it.  You know, kind of like you just did...

IF the RCL ever went back to its original rules regarding the minimum number of teams that each RCL club must field, and enforced them, then yes, one can see that there might be an impact on the Shadow's RCL status.  Of course, it does not appear that any RCL club is 100% in compliance with all the strictures of the RCL.   So I doubt the minium number of teams issue will come up.

[Futsal]

I find it interesting however that Sean Bushéy felt the need to add in his first post script statement that RCL status was unaffected. Does this decision perhaps put the RCL status in jeopardy somewhere down the line?

One has to be proactive these days since those promoting other options usually mislead parents.  Just this past week I was asked of it were true that all the teams were going US Club and if their team didn't they would have no where to play.

[Futsal]

The email below was sent out by Shadow today It would appear trouble is indeed afoot in Shadow land.

March 30, 2011

... Through our non-profit, 501(c)(3) status we provided a place that reports annually its income and expenses to the IRS via its 990 reporting-assuring that every dollar of dues and sponsorship is accounted for (we are the only club in our association that has this official non-profit status.)  ...

Clarification ...

The Shadow is the only club within their Association which has the Federal 501(c)3 status.

The Breakers and Sabers FC are both registered non-profit corporations with the state of Washington but lack the 501(c)3 status.

[Spokane_Whistle_Blower]

The email below was sent out by Shadow today It would appear trouble is indeed afoot in Shadow land.

March 30, 2011

... Through our non-profit, 501(c)(3) status we provided a place that reports annually its income and expenses to the IRS via its 990 reporting-assuring that every dollar of dues and sponsorship is accounted for (we are the only club in our association that has this official non-profit status.)  ...

Clarification ...

The Shadow is the only club within their Association which has the Federal 501(c)3 status.

The Breakers and Sabers FC are both registered non-profit corporations with the state of Washington but lack the 501(c)3 status.

Futsal: Can you elaborate on the ramifications (if any) this has on the bearing of a club leaving the shadow umbrella? Assumptions can be dangerous but is it safe to assume that this really has no bearing on any of the clubs accounts? What extra benefits are afforded a club that has full 501 (c) 3 status over a club that is merely registered as a non profit corporation?

Don't shoot the messenger I'm just the whistle blower!

[Futsal]

The email below was sent out by Shadow today It would appear trouble is indeed afoot in Shadow land.

March 30, 2011

... Through our non-profit, 501(c)(3) status we provided a place that reports annually its income and expenses to the IRS via its 990 reporting-assuring that every dollar of dues and sponsorship is accounted for (we are the only club in our association that has this official non-profit status.)  ...

Clarification ...

The Shadow is the only club within their Association which has the Federal 501(c)3 status.

The Breakers and Sabers FC are both registered non-profit corporations with the state of Washington but lack the 501(c)3 status.

Futsal: Can you elaborate on the ramifications (if any) this has on the bearing of a club leaving the shadow umbrella? Assumptions can be dangerous but is it safe to assume that this really has no bearing on any of the clubs accounts? What extra benefits are afforded a club that has full 501 (c) 3 status over a club that is merely registered as a non profit corporation?

Don't shoot the messenger I'm just the whistle blower!

Mostly 501(c)3 have an advantage when going after grants or when dealing with entities such as cities or school districts.  Both must follow the RCW.  Both also I believe have protections, per the RCW, for volunteers against being held personally liable while exercising their duties.  I am not sure if such protections are extended to volunteers of for-profit soccer clubs or leagues.

To my knowledge Crossfire Premier is not a 501(c)3 since it is not a non-profit corporation but an Association under Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association.  I believe ... but could be wrong ... that they operate under the LWYSA 501(c)3 umbrella.  Likewise these clubs could operate under the IEYSA umbrella as they had for many many years.

What does it mean to be a "501(c)(3)" organization?

"501(c)(3)" organizations qualify for exemption from federal income tax. Additionally, all or some of contributions made to these organizations may be tax deductible by the contributor. "501(c)(3)" is the section of the Internal Revenue Code ("the Code") that provides for the tax exemption.

What are the requirements for becoming a 501(c)(3) organization?
In order to be tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, a corporation must be organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, literary or scientific purposes.

Further, the corporation:

•Must not have any earnings that inure to private individuals
•Must not carry on substantial activities to influence legislation
•Must not participate in any way in any political campaign
The corporation's articles of incorporation must contain restrictions on the corporation's activities that demonstrate that it was organized for one of the permissible purposes under the Code.

**Generally, corporations who wish to qualify for tax exempt status under 501(c)(3) must obtain recognition of this status from the IRS as a condition to the exemption by applying to the IRS.

Organizations who wish to apply for tax exempt status should contact an attorney in their jurisdiction.

[tripleplay]

The email below was sent out by Shadow today It would appear trouble is indeed afoot in Shadow land.

March 30, 2011

... Through our non-profit, 501(c)(3) status we provided a place that reports annually its income and expenses to the IRS via its 990 reporting-assuring that every dollar of dues and sponsorship is accounted for (we are the only club in our association that has this official non-profit status.)  ...

Clarification ...

The Shadow is the only club within their Association which has the Federal 501(c)3 status.

The Breakers and Sabers FC are both registered non-profit corporations with the state of Washington but lack the 501(c)3 status.

Futsal: Can you elaborate on the ramifications (if any) this has on the bearing of a club leaving the shadow umbrella? Assumptions can be dangerous but is it safe to assume that this really has no bearing on any of the clubs accounts? What extra benefits are afforded a club that has full 501 (c) 3 status over a club that is merely registered as a non profit corporation?

Don't shoot the messenger I'm just the whistle blower!

Mostly 501(c)3 have an advantage when going after grants or when dealing with entities such as cities or school districts.  Both must follow the RCW.  Both also I believe have protections, per the RCW, for volunteers against being held personally liable while exercising their duties.  I am not sure if such protections are extended to volunteers of for-profit soccer clubs or leagues.

To my knowledge Crossfire Premier is not a 501(c)3 since it is not a non-profit corporation but an Association under Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association.  I believe ... but could be wrong ... that they operate under the LWYSA 501(c)3 umbrella.  Likewise these clubs could operate under the IEYSA umbrella as they had for many many years.

What does it mean to be a "501(c)(3)" organization?

"501(c)(3)" organizations qualify for exemption from federal income tax. Additionally, all or some of contributions made to these organizations may be tax deductible by the contributor. "501(c)(3)" is the section of the Internal Revenue Code ("the Code") that provides for the tax exemption.

What are the requirements for becoming a 501(c)(3) organization?
In order to be tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, a corporation must be organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, literary or scientific purposes.

Further, the corporation:

•Must not have any earnings that inure to private individuals
•Must not carry on substantial activities to influence legislation
•Must not participate in any way in any political campaign
The corporation's articles of incorporation must contain restrictions on the corporation's activities that demonstrate that it was organized for one of the permissible purposes under the Code.

**Generally, corporations who wish to qualify for tax exempt status under 501(c)(3) must obtain recognition of this status from the IRS as a condition to the exemption by applying to the IRS.

Organizations who wish to apply for tax exempt status should contact an attorney in their jurisdiction.

Presenting 501c3 status as something special strikes me as desperate spin trying to impress the ignorant.

In CalSouth, for example, all members (clubs, leagues, gaming circuits etc.) are required to be 501c3's.

[EWSoccer64]

>>>In CalSouth, for example, all members (clubs, leagues, gaming circuits etc.) are required to be 501c3's.<<
Yes TP, in CalSouth, everyone has their own 501C3, everyone has their own personal trainer, every team has a former pro to coach it with an A liscense, everyone gets a medal at every tournament, and every DoC is looking out after the kids rather than himself.  And the sky's are not cloudy all day..................

[Spokane_Whistle_Blower]

The email below was sent out by Shadow today It would appear trouble is indeed afoot in Shadow land.

March 30, 2011

... Through our non-profit, 501(c)(3) status we provided a place that reports annually its income and expenses to the IRS via its 990 reporting-assuring that every dollar of dues and sponsorship is accounted for (we are the only club in our association that has this official non-profit status.)  ...

Clarification ...

The Shadow is the only club within their Association which has the Federal 501(c)3 status.

The Breakers and Sabers FC are both registered non-profit corporations with the state of Washington but lack the 501(c)3 status.

Futsal: Can you elaborate on the ramifications (if any) this has on the bearing of a club leaving the shadow umbrella? Assumptions can be dangerous but is it safe to assume that this really has no bearing on any of the clubs accounts? What extra benefits are afforded a club that has full 501 (c) 3 status over a club that is merely registered as a non profit corporation?

Don't shoot the messenger I'm just the whistle blower!

Mostly 501(c)3 have an advantage when going after grants or when dealing with entities such as cities or school districts.  Both must follow the RCW.  Both also I believe have protections, per the RCW, for volunteers against being held personally liable while exercising their duties.  I am not sure if such protections are extended to volunteers of for-profit soccer clubs or leagues.

To my knowledge Crossfire Premier is not a 501(c)3 since it is not a non-profit corporation but an Association under Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association.  I believe ... but could be wrong ... that they operate under the LWYSA 501(c)3 umbrella.  Likewise these clubs could operate under the IEYSA umbrella as they had for many many years.

What does it mean to be a "501(c)(3)" organization?

"501(c)(3)" organizations qualify for exemption from federal income tax. Additionally, all or some of contributions made to these organizations may be tax deductible by the contributor. "501(c)(3)" is the section of the Internal Revenue Code ("the Code") that provides for the tax exemption.

What are the requirements for becoming a 501(c)(3) organization?
In order to be tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, a corporation must be organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, literary or scientific purposes.

Further, the corporation:

•Must not have any earnings that inure to private individuals
•Must not carry on substantial activities to influence legislation
•Must not participate in any way in any political campaign
The corporation's articles of incorporation must contain restrictions on the corporation's activities that demonstrate that it was organized for one of the permissible purposes under the Code.

**Generally, corporations who wish to qualify for tax exempt status under 501(c)(3) must obtain recognition of this status from the IRS as a condition to the exemption by applying to the IRS.

Organizations who wish to apply for tax exempt status should contact an attorney in their jurisdiction.

Presenting 501c3 status as something special strikes me as desperate spin trying to impress the ignorant.

In CalSouth, for example, all members (clubs, leagues, gaming circuits etc.) are required to be 501c3's.

3play, it does stink of desperation but I feel it is ignorant on your part to suggest that the Spokane soccer community is ignorant. In fact it is that very assumption that perpetuates the "THEM Vs US" mentality between eastern Washington and WSYSA.

Don't shoot the messenger I'm just the whistle blower!

[tripleplay]

3play, it does stink of desperation but I feel it is ignorant on your part to suggest that the Spokane soccer community is ignorant. In fact it is that very assumption that perpetuates the "THEM Vs US" mentality between eastern Washington and WSYSA.

Don't shoot the messenger I'm just the whistle blower!

The Shadow official was trying to impress somebody, and only the ignorant would be impressed. I never said that all from Eastern Washington were ignorant - you were not duped, for example.

Btw, there is no bigger supporter of EWSoccer64's Eastern Washington soccer autonomy movement than me!