(originally emailed on March 8, 2021) (optimized for the web, here)
We’re writing in response to numerous questions our board has been fielding regarding the 2021 season.
First and foremost, know that it is our utmost intention to see our community enjoy the competition of a GLWSL season this summer. We are however up against some hurdles in making this happen. In the spirit of transparency, we want to share these concerns that stand in our way of kicking off the season as we all would like. Please know, we are working diligently to solve each challenge as it comes to us in a timely and satisfactory manner. It is also important that we all keep in mind there are some things at play that we, as a board, do not have control over.
As previously stated we will return to play in accordance with the direction of our state association, which falls under the guidance of the United States Soccer Federation, which necessitates that we follow their guidelines to a safe return to play by adhering to our state mandate. As COVID seems to lighten up, the state is slowly lifting restrictions which makes us hopeful for a return to play as close to normal as possible. Largely on everyone’s mind
is wearing a mask during play which at present time, our state’s office has confirmed will be a required element of return to play based on current state mandate. This mandate ends on March 29th, so we anticipate updating you on the status of this requirement on or after this date.
The Play On from USSF, Phase III, pamphlet is (here) as well as the link to the State of Michigan’s COVID information. Guidelines for contact sports are in section 6.
Other concerns we are working to address and need your cooperation and support in are as follows:
- First, we have received feedback from several managers that their former home field locations are not granting field permits for play this summer due to COVID concerns. We implore you, as a manager, to reach out to your intended home field and confirm without a doubt that you have permission to schedule games at that location from June through August. Once confirmed, please submit in writing to the board you have gained permission.
- Second, we have been notified that the referee pool is significantly smaller than it has been in previous years, again due to concerns over COVID. We face a potential shortage in referees to manage our games. That being said, we encourage you to spread the word about the GLWSL sponsored scholarship for referee training or recertification to any female you know aged 13-18. Upon completion of certification, we will have these referees assigned to our league games and paired with a referee mentor to ensure an environment for continued learning and growth while supporting the repopulation of the lacking referee pool.
- Lastly, we have been surprisingly presented with some challenges by the state in regard to our registration/scheduling software that will most likely delay our expected league timeframes, yet one more thing we do not have control over. This is a solvable challenge but we ask that you, as managers, afford us the patience we need to provide an organized and smooth registration/scheduling process. We are doing everything in our power to put a quick resolution to this set back.
At the end of the day, our players safety and well being is our primary concern which, at times, makes cause for delay in expected timeframes or unexpected shifts in procedure. Please know we are dedicated to keeping you up to date on the latest league related news as it is presented to us as we understand communication is key. We thank you in advance for your support and understanding of our efforts in this challenging and unpredictable time.
For now, stay healthy and safe.
Elma Riley
President – Great Lakes Women’s Soccer League