Up until very recently, all soccer organizations from the local, regional, provincial and national levels had "association" (Canadian Soccer Association, Ontario Soccer Association, etc.) in their names; and most still do. Also, there is a reason why in academic circles, there is a strong emphasis in differentiating between "associations" and "unions". Though similar in advocating for their members; one has a strong labor involvement, the other professional development. There is nothing wrong with either (to a lesser or greater personal opinion); nor with the intent of the people who manage or work in those circles.However, to describe any of the tenets of an association as mobile, flexible, risk taking, non-bureaucratic, pragmatic, practical, tactical or entrepreneurial in their: policies, procedures, rules, by-laws, regulations, constitutions, etc. - you cannot. It will take years (if not decades) to change that, even if the vision to do so exists. It is just the nature of "the culture".
I won't pretend to be an expert at the national level, but the recent national Canadian Women's & Men's national team negotiations with Canada Soccer, and the cancellation of games (with Iran & Panama) is just an example of such lack of experience, playing out in front of our eyes:
"Perhaps the old boys in the boardroom are not what's needed for elite teams that have brought Canadian soccer to the world's stage in an unprecedented manner."
This is a local blog; if the top is to change and be ready for life changing ("unprecedented") events, you need to start at the bottom. Liberalize a lot of the work needed to run a club, do not try to "sanction" pick-up (recreational) soccer (for God's sake less discipline fees!), and concentrate on the truly competitive & professional side of it.
