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Volunteer and Help Create a Better Youth Soccer
Environment
By Don Rawson, Executive Director
 To be an effective organization, Indiana Youth Soccer
must continue to utilize the broad wealth of experience
and talent from all corners of this state. I am hopeful
that there are several of you who are not wearing too
many hats right now and have (more) time to give to youth
soccer.
At this time, there are several committees which can use
the commitment from anyone who is capable, available and
willing to serve over 60,000 players, 8,000 coaches from
over 140 clubs which are members of Indiana Youth Soccer.
I hope you will consider becoming a volunteer on one of
the many Indiana Youth Soccer committees.
Specifically, there are three committees reporting to the
Board of Directors which can use additional volunteers. The
Finance Committee is chaired by the Treasurer
of Indiana Youth Soccer and provides oversight and direction
in the areas of budgeting and overall review of the financials.
This committee reviews the monthly and annual financial
reports and works with the Executive Director to complete
an annual budget for consideration by the Board of Directors.
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in their
fiduciary responsibility. This committee chooses a company to complete the
annual audit, reviews the findings to provide additional oversight and ensures
the audit is made available to the membership in the Annual Book of Reports.
The Governance Committee assists the Board of Directors by
providing board development tools, new board member orientation and guidance
in others areas of parliamentary procedure. This committee also recommends
new members to the membership each year.
If you are interested in serving on one of these committees,
please contact me and I will forward your contact information
to the appropriate Committee chairperson.
There are also several committees which report to the Executive
Director. Many of these committees are doing great work
on your behalf. However, new volunteers can bring a fresh
perspective to the challenges of providing outstanding
events, programs and services. Please look at the list
below and contact me if you are capable, available and
willing to assist on one of the following committees.
The Education Committee (formerly the Coaching Committee)
is responsible for developing and reviewing all annual operating plans from
the Director of Education. This committee reviews plans for the Olympic Development
Programs, Coaching Education and Parent Education. This committee also assists
in reviewing matters related to the registration rules and playing rules of
all competitions.
The Indiana Soccer League Advisory Council reports directly
to the ISL Commissioner and is a resource to assist in the management of this
league. This group reviews the rules and bylaws of the league. A technical
committee (coaches) also assists the commissioner to evaluate and determine
which teams should be placed in each division.
The Risk Management Committee has an important role to play
to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all participants and member organizations.
This committee reviews insurance policies, as well as, policies and procedures
in the areas of financial management. This committee is also responsible for
reviewing and recommending changes to all Risk Management policies for Indiana
Youth Soccer.
The Soccer Start Committee reaches out to children in underserved
and socio-economically disadvantaged areas to offer them an ongoing program
of positive sports activity through soccer. This committee reviews requests
for assistance and works to provide both equipment and/ or financial assistance
to communities wishing (but otherwise unable) to play soccer.
The TOPSoccer Committee works to support local TOPSoccer programs-
a community based training and team placement program for young athletes with
disabilities. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning
and playing soccer to any boy or girl, age 8-19, who has a mental or physical
disability. The efforts of this committee can help enable the hundreds (or
thousands) of young athletes with disabilities to become successful members
of the Indiana Youth Soccer family. This committee needs a new chairperson
as well as other volunteer members.
The Tournament and Cup Committee assists in the oversight
and management of the Indiana State Cup, Indiana Challenge Cup and Kohl’s
Cups in Indiana. Members of this committee spend considerable time working
to create game schedules, revising the tournament rules, as necessary, and
providing on-site management of the Indiana State Cup and Indiana Challenge
Cup. On average, this committee meets 4-6 times during the year and communicates
via email more frequently.
The Disciplinary Committee assists Indiana Youth Soccer and
its members by reviewing complaints and concerns from individuals or member
clubs and/or leagues. Their task is to gather information from all parties
in a dispute, mediate or conduct hearings. This committee meets as needed and
is currently considering some revisions to the current disciplinary polices
and procedures.
Volunteers will make a significant positive impact on Indiana
Youth Soccer’s ability to fulfill its values, Vision
and Mission Statement. The programs, events and services
which are a part of the Strategic Plan depend on the work
of the board, staff and many committees. If you have professional,
soccer-related or life-learning experience which can assist
the Indiana Youth Soccer Board of Directors and staff,
please contact me at don@indianayouthsoccer.org or
call 800-347-4972 or 829-0560.
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