For most it seemed like common sense. If you’re a Division I professional league, men or women, you should have the same voting power. Especially in a country like the United States, where equal rights for men and women is expected and, where necessary, enforced by law. At the 2018 Annual General Meeting, Chris Kessell, the fabled, bearded board member of the West Virginia Soccer Association, spotted that the Professional Council had split their vote in a way that gave the MLS representatives 300% more voting power, he and the rest of his state delegation were shocked. For Chris the explanation for this gender-based voting disenfranchisement was simple: “because the Professional Council decides how to split its votes. They've decided that MLS should be by far and away the most powerful.”

So the next year, in 2019, the WVSA submitted their idea as a policy proposal. “The number of delegates shall be equal for men’s and women’s competitive divisions among the Professional Leagues so that each divisional level of Men’s and Women’s Professional Leagues receive the same number of delegates.” The response from the Rules Committee was effectively paper shuffling and parliamentary tactics. Arguing that the proposal would conflict with a standing bylaw, the rules committee returned the proposal to the WVSA with the recommendation that it be resubmitted as a “bylaw amendment.” Here’s the rub. While a policy proposal would have required a simple majority, an amendment requires a 2/3rds vote - a much steeper hill to climb.

It’s staggering to see the USSF continue to revel in disenfranchising its women athletes. If anything, the women have done more for this federation than men ever have, particularly in the international competitions the women have dominated for the last 30 years. But beyond the merit-based argument, which is a STRONG one, there’s the simple matter that this is the United States and men and women deserve equal protection under the law. The US Soccer Federation should protect the rights and power of women, especially in the voting process.

This year, WSVA will bring their amendment to the floor of the National Council and get a vote on bylaw 302, section 2 - an amendment that would right a wrong. The Professional Athlete’s Council will be a big part of this vote, as MLS representatives will effectively be asked to give up some of their power for the sake of their NWSL counterparts. But the athletes are just part of those voting. Calling, emailing, and tagging your state soccer association on social media is a great way to ensure they vote for equality when this bylaw comes to the floor. There needs to be groundswell of support for this vote across social media. If you’re a twitter warrior, get those fingers moving. WVSA is leading the way, but it’s time for all of us to speak up for women’s rights.

- Dan Vaughn