****Grassroots Mandate has been extended to December 31, 2023 *****
Grassroots Mandate Clarification: Both in-person and on-field sessions must be done within 7 days of each other
Following the ENY AGM, there has been information provided to the State office regarding the Grassroots initiative requiring all travel coaches to obtain a minimum US Soccer Grassroots in-person license, equivalent course or higher by the start of the fall season (which has been extended to December 31, 2023).
Course Requirements:
Coaches
- Blended Course: 2-hour virtual classroom is to occur up to 7 days prior to the 2 hour field session
or
- Traditional In-Person Course: 2-hours in-person + 2-hours field session and the classroom session is to occur within 2-3 days of field portion
Team Administrators (Individuals who are NOT coaching)
- Are required to take a minimum 2-hour online grassroot course to be completed by October 1, 2023. This does not meet a coaching requirement and does not allow them to coach on the sideline.
Grassroots Course Mandate FAQs
Why have it?
Some 4 years ago the 10 leagues that make up ENYYSA agreed, with the belief of US Youth Soccer and its own education department, that every child playing travel soccer had the right to a qualified coach. As part of this agreement all leagues agreed that a minimum of a US Soccer grassroots in person license or equivalent with 4 hours or more duration, would be required of all coaches and team mangers wishing to be placed on a team roster. Due to the COVID pandemic the mandate has been suspended BUT now comes into effect in the fall of 2023.
What is it?
A formal agreement within the 10 leagues that requires all coaches and team managers who wish to be named on a team roster must have a minimum of a US Soccer 4-hour grassroots in-person license, equivalent or greater.
How can I get on a license course?
A large number of courses will be offered each month between now and the fall season. To obtain the most current information on available courses and register please go to the US Soccer Learning Center. Simply complete the grassroots introduction video and search under available courses. Alternatively, reach out to your local league offices and ask about available courses.
Is the old F license acceptable to meet the mandate?
No, ENY’s old F license combination of the online course and 90-minute field piece is not acceptable.
Is a US Soccer Online Grassroots Course acceptable?
No, these online course with no live interaction or discussion and with no field piece connected, do not meet the mandate requirements.
Is everyone who wishes to be listed on a roster in the technical area at a game impacted?
YES, anyone who wishes to be listed on the roster or in the technical area at a game needs the minimum of a US Soccer grassroots course or accepted equivalent (details below)
Are foreign licenses allowed?
Yes, as noted above, any coaching license that is more than 4 hours and has an in-person facet is considered equivalent for this mandate.
Is anyone grandfathered?
No, the mandate applies to all travel coaches and adults who wish to be listed on a team roster.
How will proof of my license be recorded?
The GotSport registration system, used by all 10 leagues, has a relationship with the US Soccer Learning Center, whereby any coach that has attended a grassroots license can have the coaching requirement field automatically populated as the registration process is completed. Leagues who offer United Coaches’ diplomas of 4 hours or more are working with GotSport to upload excel spreadsheets with the necessary information so that the process above can be duplicated.