Transitory Conditions Following Richmond Soccer Association Decision on Fusion FC Membership

BC Soccer has been advised of the November 2024 decision from Richmond Soccer Association not to approve active membership for Fusion FC with the district association. The decision issued and communicated to the Club, followed a process initiated in 2023, and was reviewed and upheld by an Appeal Arbitrator assigned by the BC Soccer Judicial Body. The Richmond Soccer Association, in consideration of the ongoing playing season at that time, granted Associate Membership to the Club until the end of the Winter Playing Season, terminating on March 31^st, 2025.

In consideration of the decision and to ensure clarity on the process for transition of players into appropriate sanctioned environments, the outlined conditions are being highlighted:

• Without membership with a District Association, Fusion FC will not register or enter teams in leagues starting after March 31^st, 2025, including spring leagues.
• Without membership with a District Association, Fusion FC’s eligibility to Canada Soccer Club Licensing Program will expire at the end of the current BCSPL season.
• Access to membership benefits, including coach education, referee courses, access to safe sport training, governance, and soccer development grants will expire on March 31^st.

BC Soccer will guide players and families offering support during this complex period, by providing the following:

• Support the decision from Richmond Soccer Association and extend sanctioning to players currently participating in active league play including Coastal Cup and Provincial Championships, to ensure orderly completion of their season.
• Waive transfer fees from players seeking to participate in sanctioned activities with clubs in good standing within their respective District Association.
• Once transferred, all players will be recognized as registered to a new club. All training, matches, and soccer activities will be sanctioned only within the boundaries of the new club players are transferred to.
• Extend sanctioning for BCSPL players until June 2025 to complete the current BCSPL playing season, including participating in the Provincial Premier Cup.
• Offer opportunity for sanctioning of accessibility programs through an application process under the “Access to Soccer” category for the period of April to June.
• Extend eligibility for players registered with the club for the 2024/25 winter season to be “picked up” for Provincial Championships based on their 2024/25 winter season registration.
• Extending eligibility to the Provincial Program for all players currently identified from the club, including eligibility to represent B.C. at the 2025 Canada Summer Games.
• Extend eligibility for awards and scholarships to players that participated in activities during the 2024/2025 playing season.
• Complete all scheduled technical visits to evaluate the environment players in the BCSPL are currently experiencing, ensuring compliance of the national player development program and maintaining established standards.
• Extend access to safe sport mechanisms for players participating in active league play, including BCSPL, Coastal Cup and Provincial Championships, until conclusion of their season.
• Extend insurance to the club for training and matches until July 31^st.
• Extend sanctioning for tournaments and travel taking place prior to July 31^st, if applied for and approved prior to March 31^st.

To ensure a seamless transition for all affected players and families into sanctioned environments, we are prioritizing clear communication and support throughout this process. We rely on the cooperation and commitment of our members and affiliated clubs to adhere to governing regulations, maintain the integrity of our soccer community, and uphold the standards that benefit everyone involved.