U.S. Soccer Athlete Council

Athlete Council Statement on U.S. Soccer Policy 604-1

The members of the Athlete Council recently held a meeting to discuss U.S. Soccer’s anthem policy. The group invited both current and former players from our Women’s, Men’s, Beach, and Para 7-a-side National Teams. The guests shared their personal experiences and insight related to both the anthem policy and the groundswell of action taking place nationwide.

The Athlete Council strongly encourages the Board of Directors to repeal policy 604-1, the anthem policy. We understand the voting membership of U.S. Soccer will have the final say on this policy and we hope they will join us in our quest to allow an athlete to peacefully protest.

While provisionally repealing the policy is a start for U.S. Soccer, there is a clear lack of trust between the Athletes and the leadership. In order for a positive relationship to exist going forward, we feel U.S. Soccer should apologize and offer an admission of wrongdoing. Then and only then do we feel a new chapter between the USSF and its athletes can begin. Additionally, we urge U.S. Soccer to develop a plan with action items focused on anti-racism that will be shared publicly with its athletes, key stakeholders, and fans.

One meeting among athletes is not going to fix all problems. With that in mind we would like to invite the members of our women’s and men’s players associations and members of our Extended National Teams to engage with the Athlete Council on a consistent and continued basis to inspire and ignite change.

About Us

What is the Athlete Council?

Why does the Federation have an Athlete Council?

The United States Soccer Federation's Athlete Council is a group of twenty athletes who are elected by their peers. The purpose of the council as laid out in U.S. Soccer's bylaws is to:

Provide a broader means of communication between Athletes and the Federation
Make reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors about matters affecting Athletes

Why does the Federation have an Athlete Council?

The Ted Stevens Amateur Sports Act of 1978 (amended 1998):

Defines an athlete to be anyone who has competed for their respective National Team within the last two years OR anyone who has competed in a major world championship within the last ten years.
Mandates that athletes be 20% of the voice and vote in Olympic Sport in the United States
The 20% rule applies to:
- USOC Board and Committees
- U.S. Soccer Board and Committees (Budget, Nominating, and Governance)
- Also mandates that the USOC has an Athletes’ Advisory Council