To whom it may concern,

                Following the developments that have taken place this year within soccer, trying to understand the issue from each perspective one can see somewhat why each side of the issue have taken the stands they have.

                There is only one conclusion, which in itself is somewhat complicated, that is the only truth here. All sides are right and all sides are wrong. The executive of ASA each have been wronged and offended, CSA and FIFA are incensed that the dispute was taken outside the parameters that have been set down to deal with conflicts, districts have weighed in wanting this to be done with and changed either by changing the executive or the rules, groups and individuals have felt there is no support for their wrongs within the organization and have had to look to our countries judicial system to find that support.  

                No one is blinking. No one is saying what needs to be said. Charging people with breaking the rules will not change anything, taking action in the countries judicial system will not change anything and charging each other publically with defamatory statements will not fix the issue.

                All of us have forgotten what this sport is about. It is not here for us to act uncivilly towards each other in a public forum. It is not here to contain people within a set of rules. The rules were not put in place to find ways to manipulate the organization to allow preferential outcomes. This game is not here for us to lord over children or adults and confine them to a set of standards. First and foremost it is all about the game. At the beginning the game was just that, a sport in which few rules applied and were made up along the way to make the game easier to play and hopefully enjoy. Then as all organized sports go, it evolved into more. Sport gives people hope, courage, team work and determination that all people can win. That by playing a sport we already win. Participation is the key to life and teaching that to our youth gives them courage and faith to face the world as they grow. All sports help our children to compete and excel in this world.

                This past year all have weighed in from individuals, soccer groups and even the judicial system on an issue that is to date really unresolved. If each would take a step back and look to find a solution which could solve this we could move forward to new challenges. If we change the executive the problems that occurred can redevelop. If the higher authorities follow the letter of the rules, one does not resolve the conflict. We all risk losing good people from this since opinions will be formed and volunteers will view the responses taken and decide it is not worth risking their reputations to support a sport which does not support or appreciate them. It does not matter who is right and wrong. In reality it is not one single issue, this has much more to do with how we got here. Like countries on the verge of war group’s posture for advantage and opinion to help justify their position and consolidate their power finding ways to convince every one of the truth and guilt in the situation.  

                This is not about power. We each have volunteered our expertise, time and money for a sport we believe in. If we cannot find a civil solution to our problems then the loser is the sport itself. When you look at the sport look at the children who believe in it and who are looking for guidance in resolving their own conflicts. Is this what we are trying to give them for advice or perhaps we all have had a minor hiccup and need to re-evaluate this situation.

                We each can help find ways to strengthen this sport or ways to tear it apart. We should refuse to believe anyone is involved to harm the sport. All people involved have the best of intentions but the break down in the system has not allowed for a proper evaluation of the issues before there are accusatory and forceful steps taken. Find a way to civilly sit down and respect each other’s opinion and resolve these issues. Mediate the concerns. CSA has a prime opportunity to find a way to help all groups by mediating the conflict and helping to fully resolve the issues. Applying the rules and censoring people is not the solution. Even if their opinion is wrong hearing these opinions out and allowing proper dialogue can only find better solutions with people understanding that they have been heard and respected.   Take the people out of the equation and look at the problems. By separating the issues from the person we can affirm that each of us is respected, appreciated and understood. We can resolve the conflict with respect which empowers the organization and the sport.

                We believe in this sport and the people. Do not tear down what is for the sakes of principles or rules. Teaching our athletes better ways to deal with conflict cannot be a poor solution.

Sincerely