Date:               September 21, 2009

To:                   MSYSA Presidents

From:             Marie Langford, Executive Director, MSYSA

  

                  The Maryland State Youth Soccer Association is devoted to preserving the safety of kids involved in their soccer programs. Although criminal background checks are important, it is only but one way to protect and secure an atmosphere where participation in youth sports can help players develop physically, socially and emotionally. As it has been determined that the practice of identifying players publicly may place players in jeopardy, the Board of Directors recommends that the placing of names on player jerseys U17 and below be avoided.