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Membership Updates: COVID-19 | March 24, 2020

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To: All members and affiliates

From: Rusty Wightman, President

CC: Board of Directors and Staff

RE: Membership Update

I hope all are getting through these uncertain times knowing that we WILL be out on the pitch again and we WILL beat this virus, TOGETHER .

In times like this I find it enlightening and invigorating witnessing people working together, for the common good of all. It is too easy to get caught up in the negative impact on our daily lives, but everywhere around us is love and compassion, giving and sharing, and the sense that when this is over we will be stronger. I know you all join me in lifting up all those that put themselves in harms way to serve those in need. In times of war we lift up our military soldiers, but we now have a different type of soldier serving us today. Our gratitude goes out to all nurses, doctors and medical staff. All the police, fire and emergency workers, the groceries, markets and gas stations that provide essential food, goods and some sense of “normal in our daily lives. Countless others, too many to mention. New Hampshire Soccer thanks you all for your sacrifice to help us through this challenging times.

I also need to thank my colleagues through out US Soccer, US Youth Soccer, US Adult Soccer and most of all the board and staff at NHSA. With the news and information changing by the second, we have all dedicated our time to making the best informed decisions possible as it relates to our beautiful game, while dealing with our own personal lives and issues.

At a special Executive Board meeting on Monday March 23, we decided to further suspend all affiliated and sanctioned soccer activities statewide through April 26, 2020 due to the evolving COVID-19 situation. For our member organizations (towns, clubs and leagues) this includes, but is not limited to: all games, practices, clinics, training, tournaments, and in-person meetings. It is imperative that we all follow recommendations and mandates from the CDC, local and federal officials, USYS and US Soccer to help stop the spread the Corona Virus. New Hampshire Soccer will evaluate conditions on a continuing basis to determine when it is appropriate to reinstate our affiliated and sanctioned soccer activities. Further communications will be provided via email and on our website. We will also be postponing the New Hampshire Day at the Revs event scheduled for June 6 until such time that a schedule can be redefined by the MLS. Then we will determine the safest time to bring us all together, when this is over we will have a reason to celebrate and you can be sure we will go all out on this one!

We realize this impacts many programs through out the state. We are currently working on contingency plans as it relates to The New Hampshire Soccer League, The ODP program, our coaching education courses, referee recertification and grass roots courses, and all other programs and events scheduled. We know there are a lot of questions, we are working through the problems as they arise and trying to adjust and make the best of a situation that is constantly changing.

Thanks for all you do,

Rusty Wightman

President

New Hampshire Soccer Association

soccernh.org

Virtual Laws of the Game Learning Opportunity for Coaches

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NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE REFEREE COMMITTEE

The New Hampshire State Referee is offering virtual “in-person” classes online through Zoom at designated dates and times. While these were designed for referee recertification, they focus solely on the significant changes to the laws of the game for this year. With the cancellation of in-person classes we want to invite coaches to attend as well so everyone is the New Hampshire soccer community has an opportunity to receive the same information. This will offer you an opportunity to still see the presentation, hear explanations for the law changes, and interact with an instructor to answer any questions you may have. Virtual sessions will be offered on the following dates and times:

  • Monday March 30 @ 7PM
  • Sunday April 5 @ 8AM
  • Tuesday April 14 @ 7PM
  • Saturday April 18 @ 8AM

To sign up for one of these sessions, please complete this form:

Virtual LOTG Learning Session Sign-up

We appreciation your flexibility, understanding and patience as we manage this situation to find solutions that work for both US Soccer requirements, the good of the game, and the health and safety of all involved. In dealing with this situation, we strongly recommend that you follow the advice, direction and guidance of your local health department. For more information on the current status across the country and measures you can take, go to:

Regards,

New Hampshire State Referee Committee

Referee@nhreferee.org

NHSA Statement to Membership – Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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To: All members and affiliates

From: Rusty Wightman, President

CC: Board of directors and staff

RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – UPDATE: March 13, 2020 | 10:45 PM

Effective immediately, New Hampshire Soccer Association is suspending all affiliated and sanctioned soccer activities statewide through April 12, 2020 due to the evolving COVID-19 situation.   For our member organizations (towns, clubs and leagues) this includes, but is not limited to: all games, practices, clinics, training, tournaments, and in-person meetings.

Trusting that players, coaches, referees and spectators would never knowingly compromise themselves or others, the fact is that our sport and its related activities provide an opportunity for the virus to spread which we feel is our duty to help avoid (excerpt from the CDC below):

  “…COVID-19 is mainly spread through respiratory droplets (sneeze, cough, or sweat) when in close contact (within 6 feet) OR by touching a surface with such droplets and then touching one’s own mouth, nose or eyes…”

As a result, both US Soccer and US Youth Soccer have made a similar decision regarding soccer activities under their purview.  They asked the state associations to assess the risks and benefits of postponement, suspension and/or cancellation of upcoming events and New Hampshire Soccer – along with many other state associations – has taken this guidance, as well as information from public health and medical professionals at the federal, state and local levels with the highest level of concern.  Our decision to suspend soccer-related activities and promote social distancing was not made lightly.  But, in the interest of making the health and safety of the entire soccer community, in addition to all others statewide, paramount, we know this is the right step to take.  

New Hampshire Soccer will evaluate conditions on a continuing basis to determine when it is appropriate to reinstate our affiliated and sanctioned soccer activities.  Further communications will be provided via email and on our website.  

US Soccer has suspended all Coaching Education Courses and Referee Courses until after April 30th. We are currently trying to work on a solution to offer a portion of these courses on line. Look for communications from our Director of Coaching and State Referee Administrator.

Additionally, here are a number of different resources and communications from the CDC and other organizations regarding the Coronavirus:  

We cannot emphasize enough that New Hampshire Soccer’s primary commitment at all times is the health and safety of all members, players, coaches, referees, parents, spectators and volunteers.

Proper Health Habits:

In the meantime, while we all help protect ourselves is it important to reinforce health safety and best practices for illness prevention, please read the list below:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth prior to proper washing or disinfecting.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including Coronavirus.
  • CDC recommended face masks should be used by people who show symptoms to help prevent the spread of the disease.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Thank you for your understanding.

-New Hampshire Soccer Association

NEW HAMPSHIRE SOCCER NEWS RELEASE: COVID-19

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To:  All members and affiliates

From:  Rusty Wightman, President

CC:  Board of Directors and Staff

RE: Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) Advisory Memo

As new developments arise each day, I want to insure all understand that first and foremost, the safety of our players, coaches, referees and fans is our primary responsibility. The NHSA and US Soccer are monitoring the situation and seeking advice and recommendations from all resources available including local, state and federal agencies.

Based on the current information and facts, it is recommended that everyone be familiar with the best practices and protocols set forth by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Several events across the country have been canceled or postponed, however we feel at this time, all soccer in the granite state can go on as scheduled. With that said, please be respectful of individual or organizational decisions. Please be mindful of the facilities and venues we play in, especially schools and decisions they need to make regarding usage. If you are traveling out of state, please be aware of the situation at your destination and follow traveling recommendations ( CDC link below)

US Soccer has put forth the following information:

Best Practices for Health
There is currently no vaccine to prevent the Coronavirus. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed. Everyday preventive actions should be taken:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including Coronavirus.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Additionally, here are a number of different resources and communications from the CDC regarding the Coronavirus:

If the NHSA can assist or help guide your organization through this period, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support, together we will get through this !

Sincerely,

Rusty Wightman

President, New Hampshire Soccer Association

New Hampshire Soccer Association renews GotSoccer partnership for another 5 years

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New Hampshire Soccer Association renews GotSoccer partnership for another 5 years

New Hampshire Soccer Association has strengthened their relationship with GotSoccer, signing a new five year contract and moving the registration and State Cup tournament to the GotSport platform.

“NHSA has had a great partnership with GotSoccer for 10 years,” said State Administrator Ann Fichera.  “Over those years we have been so happy with the progress GotSoccer has made to continue investing in their software, provide support, education and overall changes that are needed.”We are excited to be moving forward with our partnership with GotSoccer and be able to offer our Member clubs and facilities the opportunity  to use the new GotSport program,” Fichera added. 

An excited GotSoccer CEO Gavin Owen-Thomas was delighted with the contract  renewal. “Since we launched GotSoccer we’ve had an amazing 98% client retention rate and for NHSA to put their trust in us for 5 more years makes me very proud.

“This agreement furthers our goal to partner with all state soccer associations in providing the best and most advanced analytics and sports management system on the market to benefit all players.”NHSA members will have the benefit of GotSport’s:Simplified tools to manage all their roles and duties from within a single accountMobile responsive system to easily perform all their tasks whenever, wherever Simple and secure paymentsand so much more!For more information CLICK HERE.

To arrange a demonstration contact Dave Buchanan, GotSport’s head of state management software at (203) 752-7324. 

Since 2003, GotSoccer has an amazing 98% Client Retention Rate.
29 USYS State Associations now utilize Gotsport’s registration platform, and 36 use GotSoccer for their State Cup!

SheBelieves Hero

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The fourth annual SheBelieves HeroTM contest will choose a young person between the ages of 13-17 who embodies the SheBelieves spirit. A SheBelieves Hero™ is a leader in their community, a confident and passionate individual who empowers others around them and works to make a difference.

The contest will run from Jan. 16-Feb. 17, with the Hero and guardian winning a trip to the WNT’s SheBelieves Cup match in Harrison, N.J. on March 8, 2020. Additional contest and submission information can be found here.

The 2020 SheBelieves Hero™ will win a trip for two (2) to the WNT’s SheBelieves Cup match in Harrison, NJ, on March 8 when the USA takes on Spain.  As part of this once in a lifetime experience, the winner will be invited to USWNT training, honored on-field during match day, receive U.S. Soccer gear, and more.

USYS KICKS OFF FIRST DEVELOPMENT ACTIVATION WITH NWSLPA

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FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 15, 2019) — US Youth Soccer (USYS) is excited to kick-off the first Official Player and Personal Development activation of the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) relationship.

Dr. Pete Zopfi, Chairman USYS Board, and Andrew R Hiatt, Interim-CEO of USYS, welcomed NWSLPA members Katherine Reynolds and Rachel Hill to the team as they begin their off-season professional business experience at the USYS National Office in Frisco, TX. Katherine and Rachel will be fully integrated members of the USYS team and will get first-hand experiences in both Marketing and Operations as they learn new skills, develop capabilities and interact with a range of staff, personnel and young players throughout their experience on-site and live at USYS Fall/Winter events.

Katherine Reynolds currently plays with the Portland Thorns and won a NWSL Championship with them in 2017. Rachel Hill currently plays with the Orlando Pride and previously played with Perth Glory (Australia) in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. Both women have a range of professional and business experience and will be able to leverage their USYS opportunity to develop their network, learn new skills and serve as the benchmark for future development activation across the USYS system of 55 State Associations.

The USYS NWSLPA partnership is aimed at developing programs focused on growing the game of soccer and increasing awareness of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and its players while cultivating the personal development of participating NWSL players.  Through this first-of-its-kind relationship between a youth and professional soccer organization we will create opportunities to further connect professional female soccer players via networking opportunities, USYS events, clinics, camps, and speaking engagements. Participating players from the NWSLPA will continue serving as positive role models within their communities as they encourage younger players.

Please join us in welcoming to the US Youth Soccer team, Katherine and Rachel!

US YOUTH SOCCER ANNOUNCES REGIONAL WINNERS OF ANNUAL AWARDS

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FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 11, 2019) — US Youth Soccer is excited to announce the regional winners of its annual awards. 

The regional awards include: Boys and Girls Competitive Coaches of the Year, Boys and Girls Recreation Coaches of the Year, Young Referees of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Administrator of the Year and TOPSoccer Buddyand Coach of the Year.

The national winners will be announced on November 18 and then recognized at the 2020 US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, held Jan. 18 as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Baltimore.  

In addition, the Dr. Thomas Fleck Awardwill be announced with the national award winners on Jan.18, and the 2019 US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame Class will be inducted at the Gala.
 
The 2019 Goal and Save of the Year awards will be announced live at the Awards Gala. 

AwardRegional RecipientsHometown
   
Female Young Referee of the Year


 		Reese Vandell – East
Maya Ryder – Midwest
Hannah Smid – South
Kassidy Mashiyama – West		Powhatan, Va.
Xenia, Ohio
Madison, Ala.
Millani, Hawaii
   
Male Young Referee of the Year


 		Andrew Kennedy – East
Justus Heers – Midwest
Jace Mathis – South
Elan Furman – West		Webster, N.Y.
Plymouth, Mich.
Midlothian, Texas
Anthem, Ariz.
   
Volunteer of the Year


 		John Mingus – East
Matt Crowl – Midwest
Bryan McDermott – South
Sherri Mackay – West		Arlington, Va.
Altoona, Iowa
Fayetteville, Ga.
Tracy, Calif.
   
Administrator of the Year


 		Tom Antonelli – East
Chris Hovde – Midwest
Neil McNab Jr. – South
Erin Misaki – West		Hockessin, Del.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dacula, Ga.
San Diego, Calif.
   
TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year


 		Jessica Lee – East
Liberty Messer – Midwest
Iain Garza  – South
Scott Stevison – West		West Hempstead, N.Y.
Mason, Ohio
Ft. Worth, Texas
Vanocuver, Wash.
   
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year


 		Phillip Cook – East
Stefan Bjes – Midwest
David Robinson – South
Christina Hughes – West		Forestville, N.Y.
Oswego, Ill.
Bradenton, Fla.
Phoenix, Ariz.
   
Girls Recreation Coach of the Year


 		Jonathan Gangi – East
Fred Nelson – Midwest
Matthew Emmons – South
Bryan Smith – West		Holden, Mass.
Omaha, Neb.
Sachse, Texas
Snohomish, Wash.
   
Boys Recreation Coach of the Year


 		Epiphany Vera – East
Kyle Kreuser – Midwest
Greg McKee – South
Matthew Cramer – West		Harvard, Mass.
Hastings, Minn.
Melbourne, Fla.
Farmington, N.M.
   
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year


 		Tristan Wierbonski – East
Giuliano Oliviero – Midwest
Jeremy Beckett – South
Simon Rothman – West		Morgantown, W.Va.
Wauwatosa, Wisc.
Wake Forest, N.C.
Albuquerque, N.M.
   
Boys Competitive Coach of the Year


 		Alex Fatovic – East
Daniel Trosper – Midwest
Nicholas Chetta III – South
Brian Orr – West		New York, N.Y.
Brighton, Mich.
Covington, La.
Powell, Wyo.

For more information about the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala and award winners, go to https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/awards-gala/.

LHIFA Finishes Their Season with Skill and Passion – 2019 Championship

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NASHUA, NH – The Latin Hispanic International Futbol Association (Lhifa Sc) held their league championships. It was an amazing display of skill and passion. With over 300 spectators cheering on their friends and family, it provided an unbelievable atmosphere (runners on the Mines Fall trails even stopped to see what was going on)!

Congratulations to El Chalate on being crowned League Champions in a 2-0 victory over Nashua FC.

Special appearances from US Adult Soccer President, and NH Native, John P. Motta and NHSA Vice President of Adult Soccer, Luis Costa.

We also want to congratulate the 4 NH Referees appointed to the match on a job well done:
Referee: Cullen Madden
Asst. Referee: Eddie Currier
Asst. Referee: Vincent Rutigliano
4th Official: Doug Campbell