From the May 2007 Milo Public Affairs Enews.
Advice from the Experts
Dave Tyahla of the US Soccer Foundation and Abe Frank of the NCAA have two of the best jobs in Washington - they are the face of college sports and soccer in Congress. One reason they have these jobs is because they are very good at what they do.
This is some of their quick advice.
Abe
1. Be sure that you are always honest and clear with your facts and do your best to provide all the information that you have. If you help a Member and their staff understand all sides of the issue, they are better prepared to make a fair judgment. This prevents surprises and your credibility remains strong.
2. Be sensitive to their time and be prepared. Members and staff have very busy schedules when they are in session and when you do get time with them, be sure to maximize the opportunity to explain your issues. It is also helpful to have a brief leave behind document with the points you want them to remember.
Dave
The sport of soccer is not yet at the point where we need full-time, registered lobbyists to serve our needs. The Foundation is based in Washington, in part to help establish and further relationships with our elected-leaders and key decision-makers, but we’re not a lobbying organization. Our biggest concerns are related to foreign travel in a “post 9-11 World” (including assisting the U.S. Soccer Federation is securing entry visas for foreign teams and athletes) and policies which promote the continued growth of the game, such as public funding for fields and after-school programs, along with preserving Title IX.
When it comes to working with Congress, you’ve got to know your audience. Soccer (and sports in general) is a great initial in, but it only counts if you can make the full connection to the Member and his/her office. As the Foundation is the major charitable arm of the sport, we’re philanthropic and provide grant assistance to grow the game. I always make sure I know how many registered soccer players (youth and adult) are located in each State and also utilize constituent relationships whenever possible… “We recently awarded a $25,000 grant to a small soccer club in your District to help them double the size of their program.”