| USPSA E-news - April 2009 |
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In This Issue
A Message from the President!
The past three months have been very active for the USPSA. In February, we had an opportunity to showcase USPSA at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in St Louis, MO. The convention boasted attendance of over 7000 soccer coaches from across the US. An exhibition game of power soccer was also presented at the event, thank you to the athletes and coach of the DASA Dynamites. Our referee program is starting to emerge. With the endorsement and support of the USSF. Director of Referee Development, Paul Tamberino has written a letter of support to all referees across the US. This letter clears the way for USSF referees to become involved in power soccer without the concern of jeopardizing their status with USSF. With the future growth of a referee pool, it is imperative to keep referee's active in local games so they can continue to hone their skills of the game. Our financial commitment to these referee's is to pay $25 per game for a center and $15 for an assistant referee. Karen and I also attended a three-day FIPFA meeting in San Francisco. As a member of the FIFPA Classification Commission, I am truly encouraged by the progress and the discussions between all members. The committe is one of great talents. The committee is lead by Stuart Evans an OT from the UK. Terry Moore, from Cananda, co-author of the International Paraolympic Committee, (IPC) classification code. She was extremely helpful with language and approach for developing a new classification system that would be looked upon favorably by the IPC. Robert Thompson, with history on the World Health Organization was an expert on the proper use of common acceptable medical terms Internationally. He was also the general arbitrator for the group. More details will be released as portions of the classification code are finalized. We hope to have a first run process for the Americas Champions Cup in Atlanta this October. The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Annual General Meeting was held in Orlando, in March. This was the USPSA's first attendance in this meeting. The USSF is the governing body for soccer in the US. It was a proud and exciting moment to walk into the convention room to find a power soccer name plate amongst the other members like MLS, USL, US Youth, AYSO, and so on. It was an honorable moment when I casted the first electronic vote for USPSA. I had an opportunity to talk about power soccer to many state youth presidents who were all interested in what we were doing and were impressed with our growth and success. Throughout most of this, regional tournaments progressed successfully and teams have qualified for the National Tournament. Twenty teams, ten from each division will compete in Indiana for the national title. There was great competition at all of the events. I congratulate all of the participants and wish those who progress good luck. Yours in soccer, USPSA CASTS HISTORIC VOTEAlthough the specific vote was not of significance to the issue at hand, the USPSA casted its first official vote as a member of USSF. Power soccer and the USPSA was recognized as a voting member of the Federation establishing the acceptance of power soccer into the mainstream soccer community. Currently, the USPSA is the only recognized "disabled soccer organization". Dominic Russo also participated as a member of the disability committee on Saturday afternoon. FIPFA holds meeting in San Francisco for Classification CommissionThe classification process continued in San Francisco this past February. Members of the committee from US, UK, Canada, Denmark, France, and Switzerland worked on language and process over the three-day meeting. Some progress has been made, however no specifics are yet available. The committee has set a goal for a trial run at the Americas Champions Cup scheduled for Atlanta in October later this year. 2009 NATIONALS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!Regional competition is now complete and plans are under way for the top 10 teams of each division to travel to Indiana for the national tournament. Thank you to the the four cities that hosted the regional tournaments the past few months. They are in listed by dates held, St. Louis MO, hosted by DASA, San Jose, CA. hosted by Far West Wheelchair Sports, Suwanee, GA hosted by Fernando Foundation, Monticello, MN. hosted by Courage Center. A special thank you to Mother Nature for clearing the way with no snow! USPSA ANNUAL MEETINGUSPSA will hold its 3rd Annual General Meeting at the Sheraton Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana June 19, 2009, 7:00 PM. All Team Representatives are encouraged to attend. Details and agenda are forthcoming. The meeting will also hold board elections. Four positions are open for nomination, they include the West and East Regional Director, Treasurer, and Deputy Vice President. All Team Representative will receive the Annual General Meeting Packet 30 days prior to the meeting. Please review carefully and with your team. Absentee Ballots will be available for team representatives who can not attend. USPSA WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER
The USPSA is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Mayer to the position of Deputy Vice President. Tracy will serve as the interim Deputy VP until the election process at the annual meeting in June. Tracy will be a great addition to our team as he is detailed oriented, organized and has a great vision and desire to undertake the task ahead. Please join me in welcoming him to the board. DON'T MISS....WEST COAST REGIONAL TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTED ON FOX SOCCER CHANNELFOX Soccer channel spent some time with the USPSA Western Regional Tournament in San Jose just a few weeks back! We are excited to announce they will be airing a segment from the games! TIVO your TV now or plan to stay home and watch. Please note, all times are east coast times. Friday, April 10, 2009 6:00pm 2011 TEAM USA APPLICATIONS STILL BEING ACCEPTED FOR STAFF!USA! USA! I can hear the crowd chanting already. Do you want to be world champion? This is your chance to be part of Team USA. For prospective staff members, the application deadline is being extended until May 15 for all positions including the four recently added positions of Assistant Team Manager, Public Relations Specialist, Grant Writer and Sponsorship Coordinator. Descriptions of the new positions are located in a letter on the homepage of the USPSA website. All other positions are listed and described on the application. Download and fill out the application from the website link below. Please e-mail me with any questions or comments at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Athletes, I look forward to receiving your applications and DVD video footage of the requested drills and gameplay by June 15. Please e-mail me with any questions or comments. Thanks! Chris Finn INAUGURAL AMERICAS CUP TO TAKE PLACE IN GEORGIA THIS OCTOBER!The Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football (FIPFA), FIPFA's Americas Zone (PFCA), the US Power Soccer Association (USPSA), Powerchair Football Canada (PFC) and the Fernando Foundation are pleased to announce the inaugural Americas Champions Cup to be held October 23-24, 2009 in Suwanee, Georgia. The Americas Champions Cup will feature the best powerchair football club teams in the USA and Canada competing in a two day tournament to determine the top club team in the Americas Zone. Each country will select four teams to participate in the Americas Champions Cup through their regional and national competitions. The Americas Champions Cup is intended to promote international competition, build interest in powerchair football throughout the Americas and develop potential partnerships. The Americas Champions Cup will also provide international match experience for players, coaches and referees as they prepare for the Powerchair Football World Cup in 2011. The Americas Champions Cup will be hosted by the Fernando Foundation, an organization based out of Duluth, Georgia, committed to the growth of powerchair football in the US and abroad. Suwanee Sports Academy has been the host facility for many premier powerchair football events including the IPFA Power Soccer Summit in 2006 and the USPSA National Championships in 2008. Please direct all inquiries about this event to: Jonathan Newman, Americas Zone President at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it SEEKING VOLUNTEERSThe IT Committee is still seeking volunteers to assist with the development of the USPSA website. The IT Committee is responsible for the maintenance and development of the USPSA's web presence. Two content editors are being sought. The main responsibility of a Content Editor will be to update the website with contacts, news and other content as directed by the Executive Board, IT and Marketing Chairpersons. Future responsibilities, depending on the applicant's experience, could include assisting with the overall administration and development. Qualifications for Content Editor: Solid English writing, grammar and spelling; can use electronic communication (e-mail, IM, txt) in a productive manner; comfortable learning and using online Content Management Systems. Web development experience (CMS, PHP/MySQL, HTML/CSS) a plus but not necessary. Email your qualifications and interest in the position to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it CLINICS AND EXHIBITIONSJust Completed... Clinic in San Francisco, 10 athletes and a new program about to launch! Boulder Colorado, lots of potential, 12 athletes and lots of volunteers! If you live in one of these areas were a clinic has already taken place, please contact Jonathan Newman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to connect you with a team! Cities being planned: Fresno, California Ability Expo Ability Expo Parent Project MD Ability Expo Ability Expo Sports Expo Let us know if you are holding a clinic in your area, we will post it in the next e-newletter! POWER SOCCER SUMMER CAMP TAMPA FLORIDA!A power soccer summer day camp is now being planned in Safety Harbor, Florida. The camp will run for 6 Sundays starting July 12, 2009. The hours will be from 12-4pm. The camp is open to all athletes, new and seasoned, and will feature scrimmages, games like dodge ball, tennis and capture the flag and all athletes will have the opportunity to work to improve their skills. The cost for each participant will be $30.00. If you are interested please contact Don Gorman at the email below This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Be on the look out for information concerning the Power Soccer Camp in Minnesota. Information will be forthcoming! USPSA APPAREL & TEAM USA CHAMPIONSHIP SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE ONLINE!
Our new League Store will be offering new items in the future. Check back often to see what is new!Team USA Shirt MasterCard and Visa now conveniently accepted in a safe and secure website. T-shirts: $15.00 |
Purchase your USPSA t-shirts, ball caps and 2007 Team USA Championship T-shirts on now on line for your convenience!