This issue will continue to delve into the concept of Progressive Club/League Management that was introduced in the last issue. The first part of the article will provide a pragmatic reasoning for creating and believing in a mission statement. The second part of the article will return to the three key factors in shifting to

Progressive Club/League Management:

1. Degree of Technology Implementation
2. Volunteer vs. Paid Administration
3. Marketing your club or league

Mission Statement: A waste of words?

The next step involves refining your goal for the future into a mission statement. Mission statements may seem like a superficial proverb for many organizations. Don’t fall into this trap; they are important. When used properly, there are four principal benefits .

1. A mission statement provides all stakeholders with a conceptual understanding of where the club/league is heading.
2. A mission statement can be used as a great public relations tool and can be used as an effective marketing tool.
3. A mission statement infers that the organization is proactive and engages in prudent managerial practices.
4. A mission statement facilitates decision-making and resource allocation.

Making your Mission a Reality

Technology Implementation

1. Degree of Technology Implementation
2. Volunteer vs. Paid Administration
3. Marketing your club or league

The Need

Every club/league that I have spoken to recognizes that software can save them many hours and enable them to do a much better job of managing themselves, but they are limited by their own expertise and the amount which they can pay someone else to help them. The degree of technology implementation is largely dependent on the abilities of the administrators involved in the club/league.

Clearly the need is there, but where is the solution?

The Present Reality

These solutions are definitely better than the paper-based management systems that were used fifteen years ago, but despite this, clubs and leagues are still struggling. But what degree of technology implementation is required? Is it affordable? What are Technology Options? There are four basic options: Customized solution – developed internally Free, web-based communication solution - give-away your marketing rights Fee-for-service club/league management system Maintain the status quo Each option comes with different costs and different benefits attached. From interviews and focus groups, I have identified that clubs/leagues have certain needs and the players, parents, and fans have different needs. With your mission statement as a guide, you have to make technology choices that will meet the needs of all stakeholders. Club/League Technology Needs Basically, the ultimate desire for club/league administrators is one complete system that integrates all of their management functions. A complete management system includes the functions of registration; scheduling; game sheet administration; team and division standings; player statistics, participation and discipline; referees management; fields/facilities assigning; volunteers and coaches management; equipment tracking; and more. Obviously, a complete system must be many things to many people. In the next issue, I will continue to delve into the technology needs of clubs and leagues. I will identify the common needs of soccer clubs/leagues and evaluate the four options outlined above in further detail. From this, you will be able to identify the technology direction that your club should take.

Mission Statement that Guides Oakville The Oakville Soccer Club (www.oakville-soccer.com) provides an excellent example of a club that has created and employed a very clear, concise mission statement to guide its future direction. MISSION STATEMENT To develop and deliver quality soccer programs and promote the development, enjoyment and growth of soccer in Oakville. We will achieve these objectives by: S.O.C.C.E.R. Sportsmanship, Encouraging good sportsmanship at all levels, including respect for officials, opponents, and the rules and spirit of the game. Opportunity, Offering programs to everyone of an eligible age who wants to register and play soccer - interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing. Competence, Encouraging players, coaches and referees to improve their skills and knowledge of the game, and providing quality support to the learning process. Challenge, Offering players, coaches and referees an opportunity to test their skills at the highest possible level of competition. Enjoyment, Ensuring that all programs offered by the Club are designed in a manner that promotes the enjoyment of and enthusiasm for the game. Resources, Ensuring that the Club has the financial, human and physical resources needed to meet the demand for quality soccer programs in Oakville.

Calgary United Soccer Association Progressive Management Approach (www.cusa.ab.ca.). This league of approximately 160 teams is turning the corner from reactive to progressive league management. Software Formerly Used: Lotus 1,2,3 (spreadsheet) for scheduling and discipline. Access database built by a contractor in Calgary. Used for registration, league standings, player statistics, and player demographics. HTML Web Pages maintained by a volunteer. The Calgary United Soccer Association has embraced a progressive management approach by adopting the ITSportsNet solution (http://www.itsportsnet.com/). This solution is called the Advanced League Management System (ALMS). It is the first fully integrated, customized solution available to soccer clubs and leagues and it is transforming their management from reactive to progressive. They have reduced there data-entry time by over 50%, improved their player data analysis capabilities and are now able to communicate current schedules and standings, game changes, and league information to all players in a one-step, automated process. “ITSportsNet has enabled CUSA to look toward the future, using the limited resources they have to deliver a higher level of service to their players, look for more sponsorship dollars, additional government funding for facility development, and to increase league membership.” Pearl Doupe, Executive Director Calgary United Soccer Association www.cusa.ab.ca.