MSYSA Adopts Policy Requiring Travel Team Coaches to Have an 'E' Coaching License
Policy Effective September 1, 2007----------------------------------
There has been a continuing debate within National youth soccer administration as to whether youth soccer coaches should be required to have a coaching license in order to be able to coach a youth soccer team. A move in the direction of requiring a minimum license level is becoming more common.
Both practical and Risk Management considerations exist for wanting to assure that youth soccer coaches have a minimum level of knowledge about coaching and the game in order to provide a proper and safe environment for youth players. Moreover, a coaching license requirement is common in many countries. In Europe, no one is permitted to coach a team of players beyond the age of 10 years, without having the UEFA 'B' license, which is obtained upon successful completion of a coaching course of over 100 hours of instruction.
The MSYSA Executive Board recently concluded considerations regarding adopting a license requirement for Maryland coaches. It was the decision of the Executive Board that all coaches of MSYSA rostered travel teams should have at least a USSF 'E' license or its equivalent, the NSCAA Regional Diploma. The 'E' license involves an 18 hour course given over a two day weekend and is the course designed for coaching young players between the ages of 10 - 14, the age range where 'travel' teams are typically formed.
The Policy adopted by MSYSA will require all returning travel team Head Coaches to meet the 'E' license, or equivalent, requirement by the start of the fall 2007 season. New coaches in their first season as a Head Coach of a travel team can obtain a one year waiver of the license requirement, but all Head Coaches must meet the minimum 'E' license, or equivalent, requirement within one calendar year of their first season (fall or spring) coaching a travel team. Coaches who fail to meet this minimum requirement will not be permitted to appear on a team's roster.