US Club Soccer statement on U.S. Soccer's birth-year registration mandates
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Nov. 6, 2015) - On Sept. 15, US Club Soccer communicated how our organization would be implementing the new birth -year registration and small-sided game mandates from the U.S. Soccer Federation. This communication was made to help our members plan for the future with significant time to prepare. It is accurate with respect to US Club Soccer competition structures until Aug. 1, 2016.
In the past weeks, there have been some interpretative changes in how competition age groups are labeled, and potentially the effect these changes will have once birth-year registration is introduced on Aug. 1, 2016. We understand that there are significant questions being raised in many areas - from parents, coaches and clubs - about intent, implementation and intended or unintended effect of various positions and changes.
US Club Soccer is in extensive dialogue with other youth organizations and with the U.S. Soccer Federation regarding these changes. We hope to have clear and concise responses to these questions in the coming weeks. We will communicate exactly what the appropriate age group labels will be and the implementation plan to most efficiently adjust to these Federation mandates, as soon as we are able.
Thank you for your patience as we work through this issue.