Volunteers
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. |