1. The new ASA Board will be made up of three committee chairs from the three soccer programs in ASA. The Recreational Program, The Teen Soccer Program, and The Travel Program. The Board will also include up to 6 "at large" members. I think this is a positive change for Travel because for the first time the Travel Program will have an official representative on the ASA Board
2. The ATSC Board will be renamed a "Committee". The travel team managers will elect seven members of the Travel Program Committee to two-year terms. The Committee can appoint other members to serve on the committee, such as, league representatives. The Travel Program Committee is also able to add whomever they wish to the committee. Also the ability to form sub-committees remains the same. In other words, the make-up and function of the Travel Program Committee (Board) remains pretty much unchanged.
3. The new Travel Council will still include a representative of each travel team. However, team coaches will no longer have voting privileges as they are now employees of ASA. The Travel Council will no longer vote on policy changes or additions. However, the Travel Council will still be consulted about any major changes to the travel programs policies and procedures. Moving forward we will hold town-hall meeting to discuss important issues facing the travel program. The Travel Council will still have the responsibility to vote for their representatives on the Travel Committee.
A Governance Committee appointed by the ASA Board drew up the new By-Laws. The members of the committee included Steve Spangler (ASA President), Matt Behr (Executive Director), George Towner (ASA Board member), Richard Easby (ATSC President), Robin Coreas (Arlington Kiwanis), Ron Graft (Arlington Optimists), Bob Hyde (Crystal City).
Personally, I think these new by-laws represent a positive new direction for ASA. For the first time Travel will have an official voice on the ASA Board. Secondly, ASA and the Travel Committee are committed to consulting and including our members in all aspects of our business. Currently the Travel Program has over 50 dedicated volunteers who give their time and experience to make our program the best it can be. Please consider getting involved. I would also like to remind you all that every committee meeting is an open meeting. Anyone can attend and anyone can place an item on the agenda for discussion.
I hope you will join me in supporting these new by-laws. If you have any questions please send me an email
Richard Easby
ATSC President
