A MEMO FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THOMAS FARO

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.: Paul Tinnion

Executive Director: Tom Faro

Director of Events: Sarah Shiguango

Director of Programs: Tyler Zbik

Participant Safety & Compliance Manager: Danielle Henry

Member Services Manager: Elizabeth Satterly

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

Dear Members:

As the spring soccer season gets underway, this is a good time to remind everyone on the importance of good sportsmanship. In the recent past, State Associations across the country, including MSYSA, reported significant reductions in the number of certified officials. In Michigan, a number of officials simply walked away from officiating due to unacceptable abuse from players, parents, and/or from team officials.

Verbal abuse towards officials is not acceptable! Reports of verbal abuse, misconduct, or poor sportsmanship are often reported, and offenders pay the price in terms of discipline, fines and/or forfeitures. Thus, please be mindful of what you say, and how you conduct yourselves, at MSYSA affiliated games and tournaments. In short, games and tournaments cannot take place without officials. Very rarely will a call (or a ‘missed’ call) in soccer determine the outcome of a match.

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, MSYSA affiliated try-outs may not take place prior to Saturday, June 10, 2023. Be sure to 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 10, 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, www.michiganyouthsoccer.org

Thomas K. Faro Executive Director

stateoffice@michiganyouthsoccer.org

Developing today’s youth soccer players ... Preparing tomorrow’s young adults!