Under Armour

Michigan State Youth Soccer Association 9401 General Drive, Suite 120 Plymouth, Michigan 48170 Office: 734-459-6220

Thomas K. Faro Executive Director TFaro@michiganyouthsoccer.org

President: Mike Poulos Vice-President: Denise Moote Treasurer: Adam Dixon Recreation Director: Doug Prim Recording Secretary: Tina Ramirez SYRA: Ron Grobbel MSA Adult League: Gerhard Mengel Metro East Comm.: Anthony Spica Metro Central Comm.: Mike Egnotovich Metro Southwest Comm.: Wendy Zielen North Comm.: Brian Scherzer West Comm.: Steve DeVries Nominating Comm.: Andrea Gorton Executive Director: Tom Faro Director of Events: Sarah Shiguango Director of Programs: Tyler Zbik Director of Member Services: Danielle Henry Director of Operations: Ryan Theisen Director of Accounting: Lori Bederka Office & ODP Administrator: Julie Pearson Technical Director: Mark Zathey Director of Coaching Education: Paul Thomas

Michigan Soccer Magazine is published periodically by the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association, 9401 General Drive, Plymouth, MI 48170.

www.michiganyouthsoccer.org

A MEMO FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THOMAS FARO

Dear Members:

Like you, we’re very excited about the spring 2022 season! While the pandemic presented some challenges in 2021, the use of facial coverings by our players and team officials is no longer required and weekly (COVID) testing of our athletes has finally come to an end.

Unfortunately, our sport now faces a new challenge. State Associations across the country, including MSYSA, are reporting significant reductions in the number of certified officials. In short, there is a profound need for additional referees to cover the many games that take place across the state on any given weekend. The best way to recruit, and retain, officials, especially young officials, is to ensure game day and tournament environments are positive and free from verbal abuse. The uptick in verbal abuse is at a critically high level. Many officials have simply walked away from our sport due to unacceptable abuse from parents and/or from coaches. Please do your part to be mindful of what you say, and how you conduct yourself, at MSYSA affiliated games and tournaments. Games and tournaments can’t be played without officials. Thus, poor behavior by some must be modified quickly.

MSYSA recognizes that try-outs are an important time for players, parents/guardians. As you prepare for this year’s try-outs, MSYSA encourages you to carefully read and review our rules as it pertains to this year’s try-outs. As a reminder, try-outs may not take place prior to Saturday, June 11, 2022. Please do your research on coaches, clubs, and the costs to participate with various clubs. Pursuant to our rules, once you make a commitment to a team/club on or after June 11, you are committed to that team/club for a full seasonal year. Should you have any questions regarding try-outs, please contact the MSYSA State Office.

In closing, thank you to our sponsors who continue to support or partner with MSYSA. They include Under Armour, Dicks Sporting Goods, Kwik Goal, SportsForms, Wilson Trophy and VEO.

Sincerely,

Thomas K. Faro Executive Director stateoffice@michiganyouthsoccer.org