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[bigb]

This whole thing makes me SICK!!!!  The WYS board members need to step down or make some big changes...They are more focused on themselves then the kids or parents... If WYS had just allowed all clubs/teams into the RCL and placed these teams into the appropriate div. none of this would have happened... WYS could've had even more kids and parents in support of the whole system and more $$$....This whole thing puts Clubs like Synergy, MRFC, South hill, and other WYS Clubs into selecting US Soccer over WYS so they can have some challenging games.

[chicken wing]

Doug Andreassen you are a wimp!

Why do you pick on a lowly board member in Tacoma?  Why not go after Crossfire/LWYSA for having their teams registered with USSDA, USL (PDL), US Club and WYS? 

You are a hypocrite and dishonest.

NO WAY you take on Crossfire/LWYSA board!   You only use Tacoma association as a pawn to make a statement on behalf of your pal Wayne Jensen.  Poor form sir and shame on you and Terry Fisher.

I know Crossfire is now a dynasty, but at least they look out for all the kids who play soccer for them, unlike WYS, Doug A, and Terry F.

[Soccer Wonk]

Well, USSF under its 100% rule protects the rights of member clubs to dual affiliate under such USSF-sanctioned organizations as US Youth Soccer (USYSA), US Club Soccer (USCS), and other organizations of USSF (i.e. AYSO).  There is nothing WYS can do that would be upheld by USSF in a grievance proceeding that would either prevent dual affiliation or discrimination by WYS based on dual affiliation since it is protected by WYS's parent's (USYSA) parent organization (USSF).  

Here's what USSF 603, Interplay, Section 1, popularly but not technically termed the "100% rule", actually says:

Section 1. One Organization Member may not require that all of the players, coaches, teams, and administrators of another Organization Member (who have been registered with, and fees paid to, the Federation as required by section 1 of Bylaw 212) be registered with the first Organization Member as a condition for only some of those players, coaches, teams, or administrators participating in the activities of the first Organization Member. The first Organization Member may require registration of only those players, coaches, teams, and administrators of the other Organization Member that actually participate in the activities of the first Organization Member. Those players, coaches, teams, and administrators of the other Organization Member registering with the first Organization Member shall comply with all of
the regular registration requirements of the first Organization Member.

Between a reading of this bylaw and policy statement 212-1, "Participation in Affilated Organizations", one might conclude that dual affiliation is a "protected right", but it's not a right by the plain language contained therein. It would have to be inferred. In grievance proceedings, the language is interpreted narrowly.

[Futsal]

Well, USSF under its 100% rule protects the rights of member clubs to dual affiliate under such USSF-sanctioned organizations as US Youth Soccer (USYSA), US Club Soccer (USCS), and other organizations of USSF (i.e. AYSO).  There is nothing WYS can do that would be upheld by USSF in a grievance proceeding that would either prevent dual affiliation or discrimination by WYS based on dual affiliation since it is protected by WYS's parent's (USYSA) parent organization (USSF).  

Actually the 100% rule is not about clubs rights but about a participants right to dual affiliate ... players, teams, coaches and administrators.

USYS does not affiliate clubs so in essence it would be impossible for a club to be dual affiliated.  However, players, teams, coaches and administrators could be carded with both Organizational Members and thus be dual affiliated. 

With respect to By-Laws changes I agree but not with the wording that speficially requires the club to dual register.  I would prefer ...

"The Club shall be affiliated with [Association Name], Washington Youth Soccer (WYS), US Youth Soccer (USYS) and US Soccer Federaton (USSF), and shall be subject to the rules and regulations thereof.  The club can join and/or affiliate with organizations that do not conflict with the policies of the US Soccer Federation.

[goldengoal]

is this letter even real? A lot of mssiplleed words

[ImaginThat]

is this letter even real? A lot of mssiplleed words

The gal that proof reads was probably on vacation


Wonder how many other Associations are going to feel the noose. Looks like US Club just might reach that 500 team level after all.

[Bathos]

is this letter even real? A lot of mssiplleed words

I'm guessing it was retyped from the original document.

[Futsal]

Interesting letter ...

1. With respect to WYS's request to have Mr. Emery removed as an elected board member.  This could fall under the denial of participation category which will require a prompt hearing.  He would have the right to appeal the grievance to the WYS Appeals Committee and then to the Federations Appeals committee.  --- Not saying he is or is not guilty ... but per WYS and the US Federation he could be entitled to a hearing.

2. The Board of Director of Clubs and Associations hold a fiduciary responsiblity to the organization they serve.  Per US Soccer Federation, these board are required to handle administrative issues and be responsible for compliance with applicable Organization Member rules ... with respect to the group of participants that register with the Organization Member.  The belief that an Association or Club board member has a fiduciary responsiblity to WYS because their organization is affiliated with WYS can be taken a bit further if that is the direction WYS wishes to take.

Any Club or Association board member has a fiduciary responsiblity to WYS, USYS and USSF.  As a member of USSF they need to support the efforts and programs of the Federation including those of US Club Soccer ... kinda silly ain't it ...

If this is the direction we wish to take ... then go all the way ...

Any Club or Association board member has a fiduciary responsiblity to WYS, USYS, USSF, FIFA and ultimately the Game itself ...
 

Ray,
When an individual is elected to serve on a Club or Association's board of directors, that individual takes on certain fiduciary duties owed to the Club or Association under the Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act. John Murphy, US Youth Soccer member-at-large, defines fiduciary as: "a person who has a duty to act on behalf of and for the benefit of another with the utmost good faith, loyalty, candor, and car." The Washington statute requires that a director perform the duties of a director in good faith and in a manner such director believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. RCW 24.03.127. Thus, as soon as you are elected to your Club or Association's board of directors, you are trusted as a fiduciary of your Club or Association to carry out the business of the organization in the best interest of the organization, above any personal interests. Because each Club and Association promises in their bylaws, as a member of Washington Youth Soccer, to be bound by Washington Youth Soccer's Bylaws, procedure and rules, a director's fiduciary duties extend to Washington Youth Soccer.

All levels of our governance are representative of local groups but it is important to understand the fiduciary duty of board members within Washington Youth Soccer and our member groups. Even if someone is elected to a board or committee on behalf of a membership group (a district, for example), it is their fiduciary duty to fulfilll the organization's mission on behalf of the entire membership of hte organization. Each person who volunteers or works within Washington Youth Soccer has a duty to serve our mission of making soccer the game for all kids in the state of Washington, regardless of how we came to volunteer or work within the organization.

Washington Youth Soccer bylaw Article 3.1.5 states: "No members of Washington Youth Soccer shall engage themselves in a Washington Youth Soccer position or function in an effort to sevure an advanctage for another organization or for their personal or business gain."

The Washington Youth Soccer Code of Ethics in the Operating Documents confirms the commitment of members to act in the best interest of Washington Youth Soccer. It establishes a standard of behavior for the members that conflicts of interest with Washington youth Soccer should be avoided, as well as the perception of conflicts of interest.

Members of Washington Youth Soccer elected to serve on club, association and district boards should not be advocating or encouraging movement to another organization. The purpose of serving elected positions in Washington Youth Soccer is to support the organizations' mission, not advocate membership leaving Washington Youth Soccer for another organization. Such behavior is a breach of such member's fiduciary duties owed to their Club, Association or District and to Washington Youth Soccer, and a violation of the Code of Ethics.

In light of this information regarding both the Fiduciary Duties, and rights and responsibilities of Board members, it has come to our attention that Mr. Eric Emery has violated these tenets of our membership by advocating and promoted that Washington Youth Soccer teams be moved to US Club Soccer. This is in direct vilation of our bylaws and organizational structure.

We are now requesting that the board of Tacoma Pierce County Junior Soccer Association remove Mr. Eric Emery from holding any office in this organization. This actin is take place 15 days from teh date on this letter. We request a copy of your minutes when this action takes place to be placed into our files for further reference. If no action is taken, Washington Youth Soccer will consider sanctions against the association.

Washington Youth Soccer strives to create a safe environmnet for our players and teams, this action will achieve that goal. We look forward to continuing our cooperative relationship with T.P.C.J.S.A. and providing quality programs.
Any questions should be directed to Mr. Terry Fisher Washington Youth Soccer Chief Executive Office by phone by phone at (253) 476-2237 or by email at Terry@WashingtonYouthSoccer.org.

Regards
Doug Andreassen

[chicken wing]

is this letter even real? A lot of mssiplleed words

PM me with your email, I'll send you the original pdf from Doug.  This is crazy! 

[EWSoccer64]

is this letter even real? A lot of mssiplleed words

I am afraid that it is....

[chicken wing]

Wayne Jesen is trying to eliminate all the non-RCL programs by preventing them from having an equitable opportunity for training and developing players at u9/u10.  The RCL already recruit players at this age group.  Wayne knows this will harm all non-RCL's, so getting Doug/WYS to kick out a person supporting fairness is the decision between these two.

[EWSoccer64]

>>>>When an individual is elected to serve on a Club or Association's board of directors, that individual takes on certain fiduciary duties owed to the Club or Association under the Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act. John Murphy, US Youth Soccer member-at-large, defines fiduciary as: "a person who has a duty to act on behalf of and for the benefit of another with the utmost good faith, loyalty, candor, and care."

Let's take a look a this statement.   The electee is clearly "elected to serve" a Club or Association.   To whom does the primary allegience and loyalty of the electee belong?   To the club or association that he has been elected to serve, or to the State or National Association?   Are people elected to serve (do they choose to serve) the kids locally or the interests of State, National or International Associations?   That is the real crux of the issue.

Many of the posters here are or have been officials within their local associations.   I'd be willing to make a large wager their primary loyalty has always been to the communities that appointed or elected them, not to the various larger entities.  

However, it should also be noted that under the legal line of reasoning that is espoused by the State Leader, he is an agent of the USYSA and the USSF and of FIFA, and his primary allegience is to them, not to the WSYSA or to the players who make it up.

and that.....is exactly why I'm considering stepping down from my role in an association.  I can't handle the conflict lol

There in lies the conundrum, PrideNJoy.   If you quit in protest, you leave the field to those whose ideas you abhor.  Nothing could make those who want a centralized, statist WSYSA happier than to see the effective volunteers and leaders at the local levels bail.   That leaves the field clear for their aims to be implemented without opposition.

[EWSoccer64]

Doug hails from TPCJSA land, I believe he was the association president down there.   He had no issues with Greg Ion using WPFC for his private tournament, a clear case of personal profiteering off the club.   Yet now El Presidente has a problem - complete with legalese, lawyers and threats - about a club placing some players in a USCS system.   
Wimp is not the adjective that I would use.

And speaking of Crossfire, I wonder if they got any notices from El Presidente for their putting U-10 teams into a USCS league?
LOL.  What am I thinking?    

Doug Andreassen you are a wimp!

Why do you pick on a lowly board member in Tacoma?  Why not go after Crossfire/LWYSA for having their teams registered with USSDA, USL (PDL), US Club and WYS? 

You are a hypocrite and dishonest.

NO WAY you take on Crossfire/LWYSA board!   You only use Tacoma association as a pawn to make a statement on behalf of your pal Wayne Jensen.  Poor form sir and shame on you and Terry Fisher.

I know Crossfire is now a dynasty, but at least they look out for all the kids who play soccer for them, unlike WYS, Doug A, and Terry F.

[Futsal]

>>>>When an individual is elected to serve on a Club or Association's board of directors, that individual takes on certain fiduciary duties owed to the Club or Association under the Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act. John Murphy, US Youth Soccer member-at-large, defines fiduciary as: "a person who has a duty to act on behalf of and for the benefit of another with the utmost good faith, loyalty, candor, and care."

Let's take a look a this statement.   The electee is clearly "elected to serve" a Club or Association.   To whom does the primary allegience and loyalty of the electee belong?   To the club or association that he has been elected to serve, or to the State or National Association?   Are people elected to serve (do they choose to serve) the kids locally or the interests of State, National or International Associations?   That is the real crux of the issue.

Many of the posters here are or have been officials within their local associations.   I'd be willing to make a large wager their primary loyalty has always been to the communities that appointed or elected them, not to the various larger entities.  

However, it should also be noted that under the legal line of reasoning that is espoused by the State Leader, he is an agent of the USYSA and the USSF and of FIFA, and his primary allegience is to them, not to the WSYSA or to the players who make it up.

and that.....is exactly why I'm considering stepping down from my role in an association.  I can't handle the conflict lol

There in lies the conundrum, PrideNJoy.   If you quit in protest, you leave the field to those whose ideas you abhor.  Nothing could make those who want a centralized, statist WSYSA happier than to see the effective volunteers and leaders at the local levels bail.   That leaves the field clear for their aims to be implemented without opposition.

I think WYS needs to forget trying to "Structure" soccer and put all their efforts into "Promoting" soccer.  The top of the pyramid will always be there ... only so many good players, teams and coaches.  The effort should be to expand the base ... in this way a pyramid will form naturally.

Also one should remember that "Promoting Soccer" should include to anyone not just to your own membership.

People wonder why Professional soccer has a hard time ... it is not the lack of top youth teams to feed the program ... it is the lack of a fan base.  Promoting the Game by the local, state and national Associations ... would in the end strenghten the game at all levels.

[swinginrichard]

I think WYS needs to forget trying to "Structure" soccer and put all their efforts into "Promoting" soccer.  The top of the pyramid will always be there ... only so many good players, teams and coaches.  The effort should be to expand the base ... in this way a pyramid will form naturally.

Also one should remember that "Promoting Soccer" should include to anyone not just to your own membership.

People wonder why Professional soccer has a hard time ... it is not the lack of top youth teams to feed the program ... it is the lack of a fan base.  Promoting the Game by the local, state and national Associations ... would in the end strenghten the game at all levels.
[/quote]
Yes the top of the pyramid will be there, but WYS actions are REMOVING the base. Know what happens then. Timbuuuuuurrrrr.
Sanctioning and/or take-over of the lower clubs will mean removal of them, by jumping to US Club. Apparently they're not smart enough to know where their paychecks come from. Pretty soon they'll be kings.........of no empire.

[EWSoccer64]

>>>[color=redInteresting letter ...

1. With respect to WYS's request to have Mr. Emery removed as an elected board member.  This could fall under the denial of participation category which will require a prompt hearing.  He would have the right to appeal the grievance to the WYS Appeals Committee and then to the Federations Appeals committee.  --- Not saying he is or is not guilty ... but per WYS and the US Federation he could be entitled to a hearing.

][/color]

Like Futsal, not judging if Emery is or is not guilty (although there was no hint of any proof in the letter that he was guilty).   However, I will certainly question the authority of the WSYSA President to arbitrarly remove elected officers at the club, association and district level.   And also the propreity of doing so.
   Of course, the bylaws have become so maleable under the current leadership, and the updating on the website so sporadic, that it may be perfectly in accordance to the WSYSA bylaws to operate this way.   Or such rules may be written up tonight and then put in place retroactively.  Yes, that can happen, not making it up.  
    Folks, the associations elected El Presidente and supported his plans (what they knew of them.)  This included giving him greatly expanded powers and reducing oversite.    Many Dictatorships in history have been created at the ballot box rather than with boxes of bullets.   The Nazi Party had more votes than any other in Germany before they siezed the remainder of power there.   Hugo Chavez was popularly elected in Venezuela before he embarked on destroying democracy there and becoming El Presidente For Life.   Mussolini was voted into power in Italy.  The list goes on and on.
Make no mistake that this is happening right after the state board was packed by True Believers in our Presidente For Life.

[HoHum]

And speaking of Crossfire, I wonder if they got any notices from El Presidente for their putting U-10 teams into a USCS league?
LOL.  What am I thinking?

EW -- Actually, I heard second hand from credible sources that XF and WPFC are queued up for the next beating to be delivered by WSYSA.  Appears the plan is to get them to withdraw their youngers from USCS or WSYSA will permit surrounding associations/clubs hosting RCL clubs to encroach on their geographic monopolies.  Why do I smell a compromise on this matter whereby the RCL now goes down to U8? 

[chicken wing]

Doug hails from TPCJSA land, I believe he was the association president down there.   He had no issues with Greg Ion using WPFC for his private tournament, a clear case of personal profiteering off the club.   Yet now El Presidente has a problem - complete with legalese, lawyers and threats - about a club placing some players in a USCS system.   
Wimp is not the adjective that I would use.

And speaking of Crossfire, I wonder if they got any notices from El Presidente for their putting U-10 teams into a USCS league?
LOL.  What am I thinking?    

Doug Andreassen you are a wimp!

Why do you pick on a lowly board member in Tacoma?  Why not go after Crossfire/LWYSA for having their teams registered with USSDA, USL (PDL), US Club and WYS? 

You are a hypocrite and dishonest.

NO WAY you take on Crossfire/LWYSA board!   You only use Tacoma association as a pawn to make a statement on behalf of your pal Wayne Jensen.  Poor form sir and shame on you and Terry Fisher.

I know Crossfire is now a dynasty, but at least they look out for all the kids who play soccer for them, unlike WYS, Doug A, and Terry F.

How many dismissal threatening letters did Doug A. send to LWYSA for Crossfire Girls teams in the ENCL?

Doug now has his legal dream team put together to go after the little guy in Tacoma. 

Check the 3 new Attorney's WSYSA is bringing on board.....

Elected board member:

Attorney
Wade Foley, elected to WSYSA board May 2011
http://www.wsysa.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Ml0Ra34%2BS%2B8%3D&tabid=1792&language=en-US

Attorney
Patrick Madden, elected May 2011
http://www.wsysa.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=TAFET1Ped7E%3D&tabid=1792&language=en-US

Attorney
James N. Maiocco, elected May 2011
http://www.wsysa.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=gh2w4MlPqw0%3D&tabid=1792&language=en-US

[EWSoccer64]

And speaking of Crossfire, I wonder if they got any notices from El Presidente for their putting U-10 teams into a USCS league?
LOL.  What am I thinking?

EW -- Actually, I heard second hand from credible sources that XF and WPFC are queued up for the next beating to be delivered by WSYSA.  Appears the plan is to get them to withdraw their youngers from USCS or WSYSA will permit surrounding associations/clubs hosting RCL clubs to encroach on their geographic monopolies.  Why do I smell a compromise on this matter whereby the RCL now goes down to U8? 

HoHum,
Interesting news.  
And the RCL going down in age is widely expected.   There is money in dem der kids!  
The compromise would give the RCL exactly what they want.  That is what makes the scenario believable.   And by posturing that the WSYSA is going against the RCL Big Club interests, the State Leader gets PR points.
A win-win scenario for the only people that matter, the State President and the Big RCL clubs.  Everyone else is just fodder for the grist mill.

[windy90]

Doug hails from TPCJSA land, I believe he was the association president down there.   He had no issues with Greg Ion using WPFC for his private tournament, a clear case of personal profiteering off the club.   Yet now El Presidente has a problem - complete with legalese, lawyers and threats - about a club placing some players in a USCS system.   
Wimp is not the adjective that I would use.

And speaking of Crossfire, I wonder if they got any notices from El Presidente for their putting U-10 teams into a USCS league?
LOL.  What am I thinking?    

Doug Andreassen you are a wimp!

Why do you pick on a lowly board member in Tacoma?  Why not go after Crossfire/LWYSA for having their teams registered with USSDA, USL (PDL), US Club and WYS? 

You are a hypocrite and dishonest.

NO WAY you take on Crossfire/LWYSA board!   You only use Tacoma association as a pawn to make a statement on behalf of your pal Wayne Jensen.  Poor form sir and shame on you and Terry Fisher.

I know Crossfire is now a dynasty, but at least they look out for all the kids who play soccer for them, unlike WYS, Doug A, and Terry F.

How many dismissal threatening letters did Doug A. send to LWYSA for Crossfire Girls teams in the ENCL?

Doug now has his legal dream team put together to go after the little guy in Tacoma. 

Check the 3 new Attorney's WSYSA is bringing on board.....

Elected board member:

Attorney
Wade Foley, elected to WSYSA board May 2011
http://www.wsysa.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Ml0Ra34%2BS%2B8%3D&tabid=1792&language=en-US

Attorney
Patrick Madden, elected May 2011
http://www.wsysa.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=TAFET1Ped7E%3D&tabid=1792&language=en-US

Attorney
James N. Maiocco, elected May 2011
http://www.wsysa.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=gh2w4MlPqw0%3D&tabid=1792&language=en-US

Hey Doug Andreassen if it's ALL ABOUT THE KIDS, why did you just hire all these attorney's?

 

Good post ChickenLeg...   How much you want to bet Mr. Prez WSYSA tries to threaten this site with his new legal dream team?

[EWSoccer64]

>>>Check the 3 new Attorney's WSYSA is bringing on board.....

Elected board member:

Attorney
Wade Foley, elected to WSYSA board May 2011
http://www.wsysa.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Ml0Ra34%2BS%2B8%3D&tabid=1792&language=en-US

Attorney
Patrick Madden, elected May 2011
http://www.wsysa.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=TAFET1Ped7E%3D&tabid=1792&language=en-US

Attorney
James N. Maiocco, elected May 2011
http://www.wsysa.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=gh2w4MlPqw0%3D&tabid=1792&language=en-US
<<<

I think I recognize two of these names from the SYSA vs Dead Club Walking fight.   SYSA and SU is a bastion of suport for El Presidente, and it is not a surprise that when some of the people there failed to toe the State Leader's line, they have been sent packing.

Again, this specific attack against Mr. Emery is just part of a much larger plan.

[EWSoccer64]

>>>>Good post ChickenLeg...   How much you want to bet Mr. Prez WSYSA tries to threaten this site with his new legal dream team?<<<

Actually, I would be far from surprised if the State Leader declared that posting on this website was an ethical violation of the WSYSA Code of Ethics.
No coaches, no officers in any club, association or district could be allowed to post here.

And there is even precedent, some clubs ban not only such people also parents from posting here.

[windy90]

Mr. Doug,

What the heck are you doing at WSYSA???

WSYSA now has the largest payroll is US Youth Soccer History!
WSYSA has the highest paid CEO/Executor $ 160k... or about $70k higher than #2 in Cal South.
WSYSA now has more Attorney's on their EXECUTIVE Board than USSF, US Club, US Youth Soccer or any other State Association
WSYSA uses their resources to promote outside interests (MLS for profit Sounders FC), then picks on a little guys in Tacoma???

Could it be WSYSA is setting a stage for a huge fight against Crossfire?

[windy90]

>>>>Good post ChickenLeg...   How much you want to bet Mr. Prez WSYSA tries to threaten this site with his new legal dream team?<<<

Actually, I would be far from surprised if the State Leader declared that posting on this website was an ethical violation of the WSYSA Code of Ethics.
No coaches, no officers in any club, association or district could be allowed to post here.

And there is even precedent, some clubs ban not only such people also parents from posting here.

Actually I have seen Doug come on board a few times to let everyone know that his Seamless Soccer is all about the KIDZ.  I guess only Attorney's understand how Seamless Soccer is supposed to work, so he's acquiring as many as possible to ensure it is truly seamless.

IT's ALL ABOUT the KIDDO's!!

[EWSoccer64]

>>>IT's ALL ABOUT the KIDDO's!!
<<<

Actually, the deliberate change in the structure of WSYSA into a corporate style company has made it "ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS", which is what this style of structure is designed for in anycase.

[metz123]

And speaking of Crossfire, I wonder if they got any notices from El Presidente for their putting U-10 teams into a USCS league?
LOL.  What am I thinking?

EW -- Actually, I heard second hand from credible sources that XF and WPFC are queued up for the next beating to be delivered by WSYSA.  Appears the plan is to get them to withdraw their youngers from USCS or WSYSA will permit surrounding associations/clubs hosting RCL clubs to encroach on their geographic monopolies.  Why do I smell a compromise on this matter whereby the RCL now goes down to U8? 

The real battle is going to be between Gary White and the DOC's of the big 4. Gary is going to use USSF's treatise on U10, u9 and U8 to dictate no advanced league play at these ages (advanced training and camps is fine, just no leagues). The big 4 have realized that their pyramid needs expanding and the only place to do so is at the younger ages. Camps aren't enough for them, they need premier teams and premier leagues at as young an age as they can make them.

The big divide is that the RCL clubs are using US Club when it benefits them and WYS when it benefits them. WYS wants the whole pie like it had back in the 90's and would rather use lawyers in an attempt to get it back instead of making a better product.

Personally, I've never seen a U8,u9 or u10 player that didn't look like they were having fun on the pitch. I certainly don't see them being harmed playing in "premier" leagues at younger ages and I hate having national groups attempt to dictate product offerings available at the local level. I say let free economics reign and the state should stay the hell out of the league business.

I'd love to see the state try and lay some legal tactics on Xfire because it's backed not only by the premier club but a large select club, a hugely affluent parental demographic and an association that mostly has its crap together.  Xfire has deep ties with Eastside and the other big premier clubs and LWYSA has deep ties with Eastside's parent association. IF WYS wants to poke the hornet's nest, go for it. It will be the downfall of their entire house of cards. I don't think WYS has the cajones to take on that fight. The upper members have it too good and cushy to risk getting tossed on their ears.

That's why I agree that you will see another "compromise" by WYS and an expansion of RCL to U8, u9 and U10 (including state cups open only to RCL members for those ages). That will quickly be followed by more non RCL clubs and associations moving to US Club. Things are going to get much worse in this area.

[swinginrichard]

And speaking of Crossfire, I wonder if they got any notices from El Presidente for their putting U-10 teams into a USCS league?
LOL.  What am I thinking?

EW -- Actually, I heard second hand from credible sources that XF and WPFC are queued up for the next beating to be delivered by WSYSA.  Appears the plan is to get them to withdraw their youngers from USCS or WSYSA will permit surrounding associations/clubs hosting RCL clubs to encroach on their geographic monopolies.  Why do I smell a compromise on this matter whereby the RCL now goes down to U8? 

The real battle is going to be between Gary White and the DOC's of the big 4. Gary is going to use USSF's treatise on U10, u9 and U8 to dictate no advanced league play at these ages (advanced training and camps is fine, just no leagues). The big 4 have realized that their pyramid needs expanding and the only place to do so is at the younger ages. Camps aren't enough for them, they need premier teams and premier leagues at as young an age as they can make them.

I bet he doesn't. Having known him for a few years, he may be a a slimeball (IMHO), but he's not dumb. He should be smart enough to figure out that smaller clubs will be jumping ship, and he'll need the added cash the younger ages will bring in to keep a job.

[Left Foot]

<<Washington Youth Soccer bylaw Article 3.1.5 states: "No members of Washington Youth Soccer shall engage themselves in a Washington Youth Soccer position or function in an effort to sevure an advanctage for another organization or for their personal or business gain."

The Washington Youth Soccer Code of Ethics in the Operating Documents confirms the commitment of members to act in the best interest of Washington Youth Soccer. It establishes a standard of behavior for the members that conflicts of interest with Washington youth Soccer should be avoided, as well as the perception of conflicts of interest. >>

WTF. Did they send one of these to WPFC when the Prez and the DOC started up a for profit league -- US Club I think -- and funneled their teams to it?

I hope this isn't the original letter. I would expect my dog to spell better than that....

[EWSoccer64]

<<Washington Youth Soccer bylaw Article 3.1.5 states: "No members of Washington Youth Soccer shall engage themselves in a Washington Youth Soccer position or function in an effort to sevure an advanctage for another organization or for their personal or business gain."

The Washington Youth Soccer Code of Ethics in the Operating Documents confirms the commitment of members to act in the best interest of Washington Youth Soccer. It establishes a standard of behavior for the members that conflicts of interest with Washington youth Soccer should be avoided, as well as the perception of conflicts of interest. >>

WTF. Did they send one of these to WPFC when the Prez and the DOC started up a for profit league -- US Club I think -- and funneled their teams to it?

I hope this isn't the original letter. I would expect my dog to spell better than that....

Nice of you to join in, Lefty.   I think there is much that you and I will agree on in this situation.    And speaking of conflicts of interest, someone told me that El Presidente has recieved free tickets to Sounders games and was awarded a golden scarf by the club.   Anyone know for sure?

[tripleplay]

The letter demonstrates in rather remarkable fashion the degree of corruption within the WYS leadership. The premise of the letter is that USYS and USCS are competitors. In fact, the organizations are sister organizations which like all non-profits are chartered for the purpose of furthering the public interest (in this case by fostering soccer). The organizations do not exist to benefit existing members, officers, or employees of either organization. To assert without any argument or evidence whatsoever that working with a sister organization is a violation of fiduciary responsibility is ridiculous.  

A reasonable analogy is someone in the (non-profit) American Heart Association supporting the efforts of the (non-profit) American Lung Association to reduce smoking. It's perfectly in keeping with the organization mission because heart disease and smoking are related.

I think it would be nearly impossible to argue that organizing competition at young ages is harmful to soccer because it already happens within other USYS affiliates without harm or challenge. The argument would hinge on the dubious premise that there is something unique about Washington which makes our situation different from the rest of the world.