April 1, 2020
RE: US Youth Soccer Nationals and Regionals – NCS and Presidents Cup
Updates from USYS
USYS has pushed back its potential ‘Return to Play’ date for all activities (including Regional League games) to May 1st, 2020. This is in alignment with U.S. Soccer and all other major soccer youth groups. Again – please note – this date is NOT a definitive Return to Play date. Factors on the ground in local state associations and State Departments of Health, will continue to drive the local outcome. As USYS has done since the start of the outbreak, future decisions will be evaluated every two weeks. Accordingly, the ‘Return to Play’ date of May 1 will be re-evaluated on April 15th.
· Accordingly, Tennessee State Soccer will follow suit and suspend all events and activities through April 30th, 2020. This keeps everyone in alignment with the State of Tennessee, U.S. Soccer and USYS.
· USYS has also made the made the very difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Presidents Cup, 2020 National Championships and all Regional Championships. This decision was based on four core priorities;
I. Financial Impact on Families
II. Stress on Families
III. Integrity of USYS Competitions
IV. Focus on Local USYS Leagues and Communities
The full announcement can be viewed here.
Question – What does this mean for Tennessee State Cup?
Decisions on the Tennessee Cup for 2020 are still being discussed with the Tennessee Board of Directors and Staff.
Question – Does this mean the season is cancelled for all Tennessee leagues and tournaments?
No……we are obviously still in a very fluid situation, but current dates established in previous memo’s as well as new information this week, remain as stated below;
- The White House amended it’s Corona Virus Guidelines for America to extend through April 30, 2020.
- State of Tennessee school closure Public Order was amended so that all K-12 schools are now closed through April 30, 2020.
- U.S. Soccer has suspended all activities through April 30, 2020.
- USYS has now amended its original date of April 15 and suspended all activities through April 30, 2020 with a provisional ‘Return to Play’ date of May 1, 2020.
Question – Can I get a refund for my fees?
Please remember that many decisions are still being made. All of our member clubs are independent businesses (501-c3 typically) who are trying to put together some form of a season if and when we are given the opportunity to play locally. All of them want to play and give our kids an outlet from this virus if they can. There are things that they must consider when looking at refunds:
- Did they have to spend money on uniforms?
- Did they have to spend money on goals, grass overseeding, field paint, etc.?
- They have spent money on background checks, insurance, and coaching education.
- All these things will factor in regarding any future refunds or future seasonal discounts that might be given.
In conclusion, please know that our heart is to help our clubs get through this difficult time. Many of them are struggling right now. They are doing their best with the information that they have to make the best decisions. Please be patient with them as we all try to find our new normal.
Hans Hobson
Executive Director, TSSA
Board of Directors, TSSA
Please note, due to the COVID-19 virus, the TSSA Staff will be working remote for the foreseeable future. Please utilize email as the primary method of communication as our phone system will not be available to us. We will be available via email during normal business hours (M-F 8-4 CT).
