April 17, 2020

Dear Club and League Representatives:

The Michigan State Youth Soccer Association aspires to be the premier youth sports organization in Michigan as we serve our 90 direct member organizations, 250+ clubs, 90,000+ players, 11,000+ team officials, and approximately 4,000 referees. We’ve spent 40+ years together as an Association, working towards growing the game of soccer in Michigan and in helping to facilitate an opportunity for every child to play our great sport.  

As you know, with the return-to-play date being pushed back to May 15, 2020 at the earliest, MSYSA recently announced the cancellation of the spring 2020 season for the Director’s Academy and Michigan State Premier Soccer Program. Additionally, US Youth Soccer announced the cancellation of the spring 2020 season for the National League and National League Conferences. As the governing body of US Youth Soccer in Michigan, we do not take lightly how our decisions impact our members, including every league, club, player, coach, referee, volunteer, or family member. It is of utmost importance that we make decisions with the safety and well-being of our members in mind.  
 
Spring (& Summer) 2020 Seasons:
Although the spring 2020 seasons were cancelled for the Director’s Academy, Michigan State Premier Soccer Program, and National League Conferences, MSYSA hopes to offer some sort of voluntary summer programming for those impacted clubs/teams who may be interested, if/when it is deemed safe to return. More information and details will be communicated soon.

There are several leagues around the state that have expressed the hope of offering late spring/summer programming or other alternative programming, if and when it is deemed safe to return. Please contact your league directly to learn about their anticipated plans and be aware that some may have already made the decision not to proceed with late spring/summer programming. Other leagues may not be in a position to answer those questions, just yet.
 
Alternative Soccer Education and Engaging Families:
There is no doubt these are tough times, both emotionally and financially. The loss of soccer is devastating for athletes who use the game for social, physical, and psychological well-being.

To assist our clubs and leagues in supporting their players, MSYSA has put together some ideas we’ve received from area clubs and leagues on engaging with their players (and families) while also doing their part to maintain social distancing.

During these times, technology will offer the most opportunities for engagement:
  • Use technology such as Zoom, Facebook Live, or FaceTime to interact with players. Be mindful of the SafeSport Code and MSYSA’s Athlete & Participant Safety Program, which states that all interactions with children under the age of 18 must be observable and interruptible by either a parent or guardian. In addition, please review the section in the MSYSA Athlete & Participant Safety Program regarding Social Media & Electronic Communications. Be aware that any type of interactive training with simultaneous online instruction is not sanctioned by MSYSA. Therefore, a player would not be covered under MSYSA’s secondary medical insurance if they are injured during the course of online training.
  • Send out individual training activities, videos, or links to help keep players with getting touches on the ball. Consider making it a competition to further motivate players. Or, have players watch and analyze old soccer games to get their soccer brain thinking.
  • Use social media to connect with families. Video challenges, interactive coaching panels, trivia, throwback pictures and videos, and podcasts are all great ways to connect and engage families.
  • Organize group video game sessions – bonus points for playing soccer games and/or using it as a teaching tool.

Financial Impact:
As noted, the loss of soccer has been devastating for athletes. However, it is equally impactful to the numerous clubs and leagues throughout the state, many of whom operate as nonprofit organizations. As spring 2020 programming gets cancelled, the requests for refunds from families come rolling in. The result is that the livelihood of coaches, employees, and administrators who have spent significant time providing soccer programming over the years is now at risk. The possibility of layoffs, downsizing, and even bankruptcy could be a reality that some organizations may face. Sadly, without spring/soccer programming and with mass refunds, some clubs and leagues may not survive.

One way to potentially combat the request for refunds is for clubs and leagues to try and fulfill obligations to their families, albeit from a distance and using alternative methods, as much as possible. (Ideas for doing so are outlined above)

Clubs could also explore charitable giving options. Based on the organization’s status with the State of Michigan, paid fees could potentially be considered charitable donations should services not be rendered (and thus, deductible from individuals’ 2020 tax returns). Clubs, and their members, should check with their tax preparer for details to ensure compliance with federal and state laws.

We encourage you to be transparent with your members. Parents may not understand how costly it is to run a club/league or wonder how their funds are used. When they see how refunds may impact their child’s favorite coach or their child’s future soccer opportunities, they may consider working with you.

As you know, the State of Michigan has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. A lot of people are out of work and need every dollar possible to support their family. As a result, refunds may be necessary. If/when they are, please understand that the requests for refunds have a lot to do with circumstances and financial need rather than an expression of dissatisfaction with a specific club or league.

Knowing that our clubs and leagues may be impacted financially by this pandemic, MSYSA has compiled a list of resources that may provide your organization with financial support. Please click here for more information. 

MSYSA Pledge:
We realize the future is uncertain. Although we cannot tell you for certain when soccer will resume or promise that every club and league will survive this pandemic unscathed, please know that MSYSA is here for you. We will do our best to guide, communicate, and support you through these unprecedented times. We will prepare for the better days that surely lay ahead. Our efforts will continue to be on offering programs and events that provide a fun, safe, and healthy environment for players at every level of our great sport.

Sincerely,

Thomas Faro
Executive Director

cc.:      MSYSA Board of Directors