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The Soccer
Hall of Fame originated with the Philadelphia Old Timers
Association back in 1950. Until recently election to the Hall
required nomination followed by vote of a Hall of Fame
committee. In 1998 the process was revised with the nomination
process being dropped and minimum eligibility criteria
established, resulting in a Master List of all eligible
candidates. And, in 2002, the process was further revised to
significantly broaden the voting base as well as enhance and
strengthen the minimum criteria.
Elections to the
categories of Player, Veteran, and Builder are conducted
annually by the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which
distributes, collects, and tallies the votes. The process
typically begins in January, with the announcement of the new
Hall of Fame class being made in June. The Player Selection
Committee is composed of representatives from US National Team
coaches, WUSA and MLS management and coaches, US Soccer and
members of the officially accredited soccer media. The Builder
Selection Committee is similar but is supplemented by those
who have been elected as Builders in the Hall of Fame. The
Veterans Committee is composed of all Hall of Famers.
For 2003 a special
election is being conducted, as the Board of Directors has
dedicated Induction 2003 to the history and legacy of the
North American Soccer League (NASL). A two-step ballot process
is underway for Players and Builders. Voters in the Player
category are previously inducted NASL alumni plus selected
media who covered the NASL. The committee to elect Builders is
comprised of previously inducted Builders from the NASL.
Regular elections will
resume in 2004 under the revised criteria.
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