It
’s time for a fundamental change in the way the Orchard Valley
Youth Soccer League conducts its business.
It’s time for a fundamental change in the way the Orchard Valley Youth Soccer League conducts its business.
OVYSL officials hope to dismiss reform advocates as “disgruntled” participants with “personal vendettas” against members of the soccer league’s board of directors. That’s too bad. These parents, volunteers and coaches have raised several valid points about the structure of the OVYSL board and its bylaws.
Currently, only the league’s board of directors are considered members of OVYSL. The board of directors, alone, elects board members. Expanding the membership and changing the board election method are two of the reforms being advocated.
Frustrated by the inability to review the league’s rules, a closed system to become a board member, and a general lack of a voice in the operation of their league, these concerned OVYSL participants have circulated petitions, contacted regional soccer league officials, spoken to the media and addressed the OVYSL board.
At a recent meeting, the OVYSL board listened to a presentation by one of the reform-minded participants but made no immediate response.
What appears to be smug arrogance is the wrong attitude on the part of the OVYSL board.
While everyone, including the group pushing for reform, appreciates the dedication of OVYSL board members, it is important to remember that the board’s responsibility is the best interests of the soccer league. It’s also important to remember that without the time and energy devoted to OVYSL by parents and coaches, the league would fail.
The OVYSL board’s goal should not be to protect an arcane, closed system of administering the OVYSL. Instead, their aim should be to improve the league.
Those advocating reform point to many sister leagues at the regional and state level whose bylaws allow many of the changes they are requesting:
• Establish membership for each league team
• Establish voting rights for each member
• Allow members to voice their concerns at regularly scheduled meetings
• Review the league’s constitution and bylaws annually
• Elect the OVYSL’s president and board of directors by a vote of the membership
• Publish the league’s constitution, bylaws, procedures and rules on the OVYSL Web site
These are not difficult-to-grasp, controversial or unwise changes. Rather, they represent the best practices in soccer league administration and are in the best interests of the league, its volunteers and players.
The OVYSL board doesn’t need to pass the buck to a subcommittee. It needs to vote these changes up or down immediately. Further, each board member owes explain of his or her vote to league participants.
OVYSL should immediately adopt the commonsense, democratic, inclusive reforms it is being asked to approve. Otherwise, the OVYSL will see more and more players, volunteers and coaches taking them up on their invitation to leave if they don’t like the status quo – and that will be terrible for the local soccer league.
