Reconsideration to SSA Age Classification Structure

July 6, 2017

On June 15^th, 2017, SSA communicated details on changes to age classifications to guide competition throughout Saskatchewan. The final details of the new age classifications were completed after a year of consultation with Members.
 
Since that announcement, SSA has received and reviewed feedback from membership suggesting we consider an alternative solution. Also, SSA acknowledges that a significant amount of time lapsed between the initial engagement and the June 15^th announcement. As such, the Director of Soccer has been asked to review the Age Classifications decision.
 
Ultimately, our goal is to align age classifications to ensure that we have a consistent framework for competitions, which align with LTPD, and ensure a unified vision for delivery province wide. It is vitally important that we listen to the current feedback we are receiving and bring forward options for consideration of the Member Organizations before finalizing the age structure.
 
Detailed in the table below are the two proposed Age Classification structures.  SSA Member Organizations have been asked to provide feedback. Once a decision has been made it will come into effect for Outdoor 2018, and this means that age classifications for Indoor 2017-18 will remain as is. 
 
 Timeline:

• Survey sent to Members on July 6^th, 2017

• Results collected by 5:00pm on July 17^th, 2017

• Decision communicated to membership on July 20^th, 2017

 Measures:

• After two years we will review this decision; this will take place towards the latter half of the 2019 Outdoor using the defined measures

• The goal is to establish the criteria to judge the outcome of the decision

•          Please feel free to provide any additional measures that you believe are important

 Tournaments:

• One area of concern that has been brought forth is tournaments and tournament sanctioning

• We will communicate sanctioning details that will guide tournament hosting

 
SSA appreciates everyone’s contribution on this important matter; having aligned age groupings province-wide is essential in order to develop competition strategies and continue to grow the game. There are no perfect solutions or one-size-fits-all remedies, but we truly appreciate your efforts and ask for your cooperation in helping this initiative to move forward.
 
If you have any questions please contact Rahim Mohamed, SSA Director of Soccer, directly by email (dos@sasksoccer.com) or phone 306-260-9793.