August 2019
2019 Annual General Meeting
SAY would like to send a big thank you to all our members that attended the 2019 Annual General Meeting. The two day event, held in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, featured the yearly organizational report from the Executive Director, informational sessions presented by national staff, and a hospitality event for SAY members to network. 

SAY would also like to recognize outgoing National Board members Ryan Sparks (region 3, SISAY), Mike Croy (region 2, NWISL), and John Hines (at-large, WCSA) for their service to the organization on a national level. Taking over on the National Board are Connie Murley (region 3, SAY North), Tim Zilz (region 2, NWISL), and Scotty Kober (at-large, SFYS). 

Click here to view the playing law changes for 2019/2020, as presented by SAY National Rules and Referee Committee (SNRRC) chairman Charlie Keaney. 

If you were unable to attend, check out the attached slideshow for some of the weekend's highlights. 
2019 Neil Bradford Memorial Run
REGISTER NOW!
AUGUST 17th @ 6pm

SAY celebrates Neil Bradford and his love for the great game of soccer by hosting the Neil Bradford Memorial 5k. Proceeds from this event will go to Red Card Cancer and their goal to find a cure.
SAY-MLS Partnership
As part of our partnership with Major League Soccer, SAY has access to match tickets across all MLS markets around the US and Canada. These tickets are available upon request to SAY membership, and can be distributed to administrators, coaches, or even raffled off to parents and friends of your league.

Utilizing this member benefit and requesting MLS tickets can be a great way to express gratitude to your volunteers while exposing them to a high level of professional soccer. 

To request tickets, please email Brian Begley at bbegley@saysoccer.org - be sure to include the date and hosting team of your requested match. 
Payment and Board List Reminder
SAY National would like to issue a friendly reminder to submit player registrations and payment, as well as board lists, in a timely manner.

To maintain affiliation and remain in good standing with SAY National, as indicated by your signed SAYArea agreement, you must submit the following by the corresponding deadlines:

-SAYArea/District board lists by January 31st of the playing year.
-All player membership fees before the first practice.
-All team rosters within 30 days of the beginning of each season.

Please submit an updated board list and current registration numbers using the following forms:
United Soccer Coaches Convention 2020
SAVE THE DATE
January 15-19, 2020
Baltimore, Maryland

Billed as “The World’s Largest Annual Gathering of Soccer Coaches and Administrators” the United Soccer Coaches Convention and US Youth Soccer Workshop draws more than 6,300 coaches, and more than 13,000 attendees. Over five days there will be more than 250 educational opportunities consisting of live field demonstrations, classroom sessions, and much more! 

SAY National staff will be attending the 2020 United Soccer Coaches Convention and would love to see you there. Let us know if you plan to attend the Convention, as we will be hosting a private invite-only event. We hope to see you in Baltimore!


SafeSport Reminder
Important news on protecting children from suspected abuse.

SAY Soccer’s Risk Management Policy sees important changes in 2019, specifically regarding protecting children from suspected abuse.


In adhering with The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, SAY has adopted a new policy that extends the duty to report suspected child abuse, including sexual abuse, to certain adults who are authorized to interact with minor or amateur athletes at a facility under the jurisdiction of a national governing body.

 
Also in this policy is the requirement that all SAY affiliates, including board members and coaches, complete the online SafeSport training. SAY Areas and Districts will be required to check an electronic signature of compliance confirmation found on SAY Soccer’s Board of Directors/Compliance Confirmation Form, indicating compliance with SAY Soccer’s complete Risk Management Policy. 

Welcome New Areas

SAY National would like to welcome the following groups that have joined our organization in the last several months:

Central Florida SC | Ocala, FL
Copper Country Soccer Association | Houghton, MI
Hickory County Soccer Club | Hermitage, MO
Sheridan Youth Soccer Club | Thornville OH
Tikigaq United Soccer Club | Point Hope AK

We are excited to have you with us, good luck!
SAY on Social Media
STAY CONNECTED

Follow SAY on social media platforms to stay informed of the latest news and announcements, view league highlights, and partake in giveaways! Click on the icons above to visit our pages, or simply search 'saysoccerusa.'

SAY would love to highlight your players, coaches, and administrators across our channels and recognize the great work they do. Be sure to tag SAY in your photos or use the hashtag #SAYsoccer.

For questions and best practices getting your organization set up on social media, please contact Emmett Kresslein at (513) 769-3800 or ekresslein@saysoccer.org.