The Canada Soccer Association (CSA), supports and encourages player-centric policies founded in openness and transparency however, it does not explicitly mandate their Provincial/Territorial Member Associations (MAs) or Club Licensed Member Organizations (MOs) to enshrine them into their governing documents. We feel some basic player-centric principles of openness and transparency should be the foundation for sanctioning of all Member Associations, leagues and Member Organizations from coast to coast to coast. Thankfully some in the soccer community agree with us and aren't satisfied with just meeting the bare minimum.
We feel it's important to recognize and celebrate these progressive, forward thinking organizations whether they be a club, league or governing body, who demonstrate through their actions and policies, strong leadership and commitment to improve and #growthegame in Canada. These organizations are a model and set the standard of governing and operational excellence we should all strive to achieve across the country.
To qualify for one of these awards, proof criteria is met must be enshrined in the organizations governing documents and be publicly accessible for verification.
If you are part of or know an organization that you think may qualify for one of these awards, please let us know. You deserve to be clebrated for your true leadreship and helping #growthegame.
The Governance Transparency Award is in recognition of any soccer organization (governing body, league or club) that posts online for public view:
Governing documents
Regular, special and annual general meeting minutes.
The Financial Clarity Award is in recognition of any soccer organization (governing body, league or club) that posts online for public view:
Independent auditors report no older than 24 months
Annual line item break down of fees charged to members for services rendered.
The Member Equality Award, while primarily geared toward governing bodies and leagues, is in recognition of any soccer organization (clubs included) that gives every member a seat and vote at the table and who have enshrined that equality into their governing documents - same rights and responsibilities for all.
The Player Choice Award is in recognition of governing bodies and leagues that mandate a borderless, competition system free of restrictive transfer policies giving players the freedom of mobility and club choice between seasons.