Canadian Soccer Association enters new era of governance

The Canadian Soccer Association membership adopted by-laws in support of a new governance framework at its Special General Meeting held in Ottawa this Saturday 5 February 2011. This meeting brought together the association’s membership featuring delegates from all twelve provincial and territorial associations together with professional clubs, leagues and athlete representation.
The new model changes the makeup of the Board of Directors by reducing the number from 20 to 13. This contemporary approach to the governance of soccer in Canada will result in a clear and effective separation between the governing responsibilities of the Board and the day-to-day operational responsibilities of management and staff.
The new model continues to engage the membership and enhances its capacity to be heard across the country in a collective effort to maximize the popularity of the beautiful game in Canada from participation at the grassroots level through to Canada’s success on the international stage. This governance renewal process, which has incorporated a formal review of governance and management structures, has resulted in the following framework being adopted that was tabled at the Special General Meeting and represents a modification to the framework originally approved at the 2010 Canadian Soccer Association Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg, MB:
• Elected President
• Elected Vice-President
• 6 elected Directors (each elected Director to come from one of the six regions as follows: BC/YT, AB/NT, MB/SK, ON, QC, NS/NB/PE/NL)
• initially 3 elected Directors may serve at the same time on a Provincial/Territorial Association Board of Directors; this to be phased out by 2015
• Any other elected Director shall resign his/her position if they are a member of a Provincial/Territorial Association Board of
Directors within 90 days of the election
• 6 appointed Directors
• Shall include 1 current/former athlete
• Shall include 1 individual currently involved in Professional Soccer
• Minimum of three qualified Directors of each gender
This new framework, the adopted by-laws and the transition of the new structure will take effect as of the 2012 Canadian Soccer Association Annual General Meeting.
Canadian Soccer Association President Dr. Dominic Maestracci stated that “ a new era for soccer in Canada begins today with the adoption of a governance framework that creates structures and processes for the association to meet its long term strategic objectives. “ He emphasized that “this would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of all of our membership as we move forward for the betterment of soccer in this country.”
The Canadian Soccer Association, in partnership with its members and all its corporate partners, provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in soccer, both at the national and international levels. The Canadian Soccer Association not only strives to lead Canada to victory, but it also encourages Canadians towards a life-long passion for soccer.