The National League

Home Club-Based Leagues – Rules

2025-2026 Seasonal Year

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SECTION 1.  ADMINISTRATION & AUTHORITY

1.01 National League Club-Based Leagues
The National League Club-Based Leagues (NL Club – Premier 1 & NL Club – Premier 2) are National League (NL) programs under the authority of the National League Management Group (Management Group) as directed within the USYS Leagues Policy. The Management Group shall determine the number of NL Club – Premier 1 (NL Club P1) and NL Club – Premier 2 (NL Club P2) to be operated during a seasonal year. In addition, the Management Group will appoint a League Manager who will administer all operational aspects of an assigned NL Club P1 and/or P2 league.

1.02 Rules
The NL Club P1 & P2 is governed by the rules adopted by USYS, the United States Soccer Federation (US Soccer), and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) except as modified by those rules and these NL club-based rules.

1.03 Administration & Final Authority
The Management Group, in coordination with the League Manager, will set the deadlines for application/registration, the method of club qualification and acceptance of clubs to compete in an assigned NL Club P1 and/or P2 league.

The League Manager, in consultation with the Management Group, shall have the final authority to act in the best interest of their assigned leagues, which shall include but not be limited to rules interpretation, discipline, adjustment of procedures, and making decisions to address situations not covered in these rules.

1.04 Operating Procedures
The League Manager will oversee the creation and maintenance of Operating Procedures for each of NL Club P1 & P2 league. Such Operating Procedures will include but not be limited to format and procedures that are specific to a NL Club P1 & P2 league. Following a review and approval by the Management Group, each Operating Procedures will be considered a part of these NL club-based rules.

Operating Procedures may not supersede these NL club-based rules. Furthermore, if a conflict between an Operating Procedure and NL rule does arise, the NL club-based rules will take precedence.

SECTION 2.  ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS

2.01 Eligibility
Any club registered with USYS or State Association for the current seasonal soccer year may apply for entry into NL Club P1 and/or P2.

Any club applying for entry into NL Club P1 must present a team in every NL Club P1 age group. Should a club fail to uphold this requirement, the club may be removed at the discretion of the Management Group.

2.02 Registration
All clubs, teams and players must be properly registered with USYS and/or respective State Association and meet the requirements for participation provided by these rules.

2.03 Application Process
Club applications to participate in a NL Club division must be submitted by the deadline in a process determined by the League Manager and Management Group.

Clubs applying to participate in NL agree to accept, abide by, and comply with all policies, rules, and decisions of the National League and further agrees to pay all fees and fines that are due to NL by the applicable deadlines.

Clubs applying must include accurate information about their coaches, teams, and players. Inaccurate or misleading information may result in their application being denied.

2.04 Acceptance of Clubs
Clubs recommended for participation in NL Club are not automatically accepted into NL. The Management Group will evaluate all clubs and determine acceptance into a NL Club division.

2.05 Club Acceptance – Final Authority
The Management Group, in consultation with the League Manager, shall have the final authority and right to refuse admittance of any club into NL Club. These factors may include but are not limited to: failure to play previous NL matches as scheduled; failure to comply with NL rules and/or Operating Procedures; failure to pay referees; and/or failure to pay NL fees or fines by applicable deadlines.

2.06 Club Mergers
In situations where there is a mutual desire to merge or consolidate entire organizations/clubs that are recognized by USYS/USYS member State Association, the League Manager may review and determine whether such club(s) resulting in the merger or consolidations should be subject to re-application and re-consideration for a NL Club P1 and/or P2 division. In such situations, the League Manager may request additional information with regards to this matter including but not limited to the rationale for the merger/consolidation, a guarantee on the number of returning NL level players/teams for the seasonal year and any other information that the League Manager deems pertinent to the NL review of the merger.

2.07 Team Transfers
Any movement of a team from one club to another during the seasonal year, including but not limited to the time period following acceptance into NL Club P1 or P2, may result in the club being dropped from NL, with final determination by the League Manager.

2.08 Fees and Expenses
Each club accepted into a NL Club division will pay the fees established by NL. NL is not responsible for expenses incurred by clubs or teams through travel, housing, coaching, uniforms, and other related club/team operating costs. All NL entry fees and applicable NL fines are non-refundable subject to situations addressed in the Operating Procedures.

2.09 Travel & Lodging
For the purpose of participation in NL, Permission to Host/Travel Forms are not required by NL. Permission to host/travel is granted when a club’s respective application is accepted into NL Club.

The League Manager, with approval from the Management Group, may require out-of-town teams to use specific hotels to participate in an NL hosted event. Such requirements will be in the Operating Procedures and may include disciplinary action for any violation(s).

2.10 Coaching Education Requirement
The primary (head) coach of each team accepted into a NL Club P1 or P2 division must have a minimum of a USSF D license or foreign equivalent. The League Manager may approve a grace period to fulfill this requirement.

The Club Director of a club accepted into a NL Club P1 or P2 division must have a minimum of a USSF C license or foreign equivalent. The League Manager may approve a grace period to fulfill this requirement.

2.11 Primary Club Representative
Each accepted club must identify a primary club representative which will serve as the point of contact for their club in all matters related to their participation in NL Club. Such matters may include but may not be limited to club/team schedule coordination, implementation of league standards, conflict resolution, and discipline.

2.12 Club & Team Responsibility
The officials of a club and team are responsible for the behavior, conduct and control of players, staff, supporters. Failure to abide by this rule will result in Disciplinary Action as determined by the League Manager, in consultation with the NL General Manager.

SECTION 3. STRUCTURE

3.01 Age Groups
The NL Club boys and girls age groups and divisions include:

  • NL Club P1: 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and 19U
  • NL Club P2: 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and 19U

The 19U age group will operate as a combined 18U and 19U age group. The Operating Procedures may further outline other age groups that may be combined.

3.02 Format
Clubs will be placed in groups and will follow a round-robin play format in each age group. The League Manager will determine the volume of matches played in each age group during a seasonal year.

3.03 Match Length

Age GroupLength of Each Half
13U-14U35 minutes
15U-16U40 minutes
17U-19U45 minutes

The League Manager may reduce the length of each half in rare situations for a match to be played.

3.04 Points & Standings
Teams will earn three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie, and zero (0) points for a loss. Final standings within each group will be based on total points earned and use of tiebreakers (if applicable). Sequence of tiebreakers can be found in the appendix of these rules.

If a team does not play the same number of matches due to unforeseen circumstances (excludes forfeits), the League Manager shall determine the final standings utilizing average points per match and any additional tiebreaker sequence necessary.

SECTION 4. POST-SEASON QUALIFICATION

4.01 Qualification to The National League Cup 
The first (1st) place team from each age group of each NL Club P1 division will earn qualification into The National League Cup (NL Cup) that same seasonal year. Qualified teams are subject to the eligibility and requirements of the NL Cup rules.

The National League Management Group retains the authority to disqualify clubs or teams from advancement for reasons to include but not be limited to behavior, discipline, delinquent payment of fees or fines, bad standing with USYS/State Association, use of ineligible players, and/or failure to fulfill NL eligibility requirements.

SECTION 5. ROSTER

5.01 Player & Team Official Eligibility
The USYS/State Association roster is the official team roster for NL play as it relates to team officials and identifying any primary players rostered on the team. A team must retain a minimum of nine (9) primary rostered players in their NL player pool. In addition to the primary players, club pass players may be listed on a NL matchday roster and used throughout the seasonal year, subject to the limitations in these rules.

All players on NL matchday roster must be properly registered with their club and USYS/State Association for the current seasonal year by the applicable roster submission deadline. Each player must have a physical or electronic copy of their valid USYS/State Association player pass.

All team officials on the NL roster must be properly registered with their club and USYS/State Association for the current seasonal year. To be present on the team sideline, each team official must have their physical or electronic USYS/State Association pass.

5.02 Roster Minimums & Maximums
The maximum number of players that may appear on a NL matchday roster is thirty (30); however, only eighteen (18) players may dress and play in a particular NL match. The maximum number of team officials per team in the team bench area is four (4).

The minimum number of players needed for a team to participate in a particular NL match is seven (7). The minimum number of team officials needed for a team to participate in a particular NL match is one (1).

Without written approval from the League Manager, once a primary or club pass player is listed on a NL matchday roster, and their team has competed in at least one (1) NL match, such player may not be removed from the NL roster until their team’s NL season has concluded.

5.03 NL Club P1 Inter-Club Players
Players from a non-NL Club P1 club may be added to a NL Club P1 roster under the following conditions:

  • An Inter-Club Player (ICP) Request Form must be completed detailing the agreement and must be submitted and approved by the NL General Manager.
  • The agreement must clearly specify what activities (competitions and/or games) the ICP player(s) are permitted to participate in. These specific details are required to safeguard the interests of the partner club.
  • Approved ICP player must be registered with USYS or a USYS member state association.
  • Approved ICP players would only be eligible for league games within NL Club P1.

5.04 NL Club P1 Player Limitations
A player on a NL Club P1 roster may compete for multiple NL Club P1 teams from their same club within the NL Club P1 league on the same day through utilization of club pass. Such ability to compete on multiple teams is limited to NL Club P1.

5.05 NL Club P2 Player Limitations
A player, whether primary or club pass, may only play for one (1) NL team per day.

A player, whether primary or club pass, may only be listed on one (1) team per NL division age group.

In situations where a club has multiple teams participating in the same NL division and age group, primary players on one team may not club pass to the other team. 

5.05.1 Goalkeeper Exception
With written permission from the League Manager, a goalkeeper may play as a goalkeeper for up to two (2) teams on the same day through utilization of club pass.

5.06 Matchday Roster
The Operating Procedures will outline the process and timeline for matchday roster preparation and pre-match procedures.

5.07 Ineligible Player
A team that plays an ineligible player will be subject to disciplinary action that could include but not be limited to: (a) forfeiture of the match; b) suspension of the team’s coach from NL competition (c) fines (see appendix); (d) expulsion of the team from NL; and/or (e) any further action(s) as determined by the League Manager.

SECTION 6. SCHEDULING & MATCH MANAGEMENT

6.01 Scheduling
The League Manager will have the final authority over scheduling and rescheduling. The scheduling and rescheduling format and process will be part of the NL division Operating Procedures.

6.02 Club Hosting Standards
All NL Club P1 and NL Club P2 clubs must adhere to all club hosting standards as determined by the Management Group. The official “club host” will be the “home” team as listed in the schedule. These standards include, but may not be limited to, the following.

6.02.1 Pre-Match

  • Host Club provides two (2) fields if hosting all six (6) age groups. Both clubs may agree to utilize one (1) field. If playing on grass, the field(s) must be a quality playing surface. The Host Club should have access to a backup turf field if playing on grass.
  • Host Club must have a minimum of one (1) tent over each team bench. These tents can be club or NL branded tents. Club branded tents may not include marks or logos of non-NL affiliated leagues or competitions.
  • Host Club must schedule a certified athletic trainer to be on-site for the matches.
  • Host Club must provide hydration stations at the halfway line in between the team benches. Hydration options may include water and/or sports drink.
  • Host Club must ensure that referees are assigned for each match through a USSF certified, and league approved, referee assignor.
  • Host Club must send out invitations and match information to all college coaches in the surrounding areas.
  • Host Club must provide the visiting club with a Match Day Packet via email. Such Match Day Packet should include, at a minimum, the information regarding the schedule, uniform colors, facility, parking, rainout/delay procedures, and any other helpful information.

6.02.2 Match

  • Host Club is responsible for providing a safe match day environment for all participants.
  • Host Club must ensure certified athletic trainer remains on-site for the duration of the matches.
  • Host Club must film each match using a 180-degree camera.

6.02.3 Post-Match

  • Host Club must ensure that all match scores are updated in the online schedule within 12 hours of completion.
  • Host Club must upload game film to the Veo League Exchange no later than the Monday following a weekend of games for analysis by Taka.
  • Club Premier 1 Requirement: VISITING CLUB must submit a post-match evaluation of the host club. This mandatory evaluation form is provided by the League Manager and will focus on compliance with the above hosting standards.

6.03 Official Match
If less than one half is completed and the match is terminated because of weather or other unplayable conditions, the entire match may be replayed, subject to review and final determination by the League Manager. If a full half of a match is played, and the second half of the match is not played or completed because of weather or unplayable conditions, the match may be considered complete, subject to review and final determination by the League Manager.

6.03.1 Emergency Match Management
On an emergency basis and in extraordinary situations, the League Manager may impose unique procedures and/or make decisions that are necessary for a match to be played.

6.04 Forfeits
A forfeited match will be scored as a 1-0 win for the opponent. A team that forfeits a match will be subject to sanctioning including a fine (see appendix), becoming ineligible for advancement within the NL, and/or be suspended from the NL. The League Manager will ascertain the facts surrounding the forfeit and submit to the Management Group for review and determination of any additional sanctioning.

Failure to appear for a scheduled match will result in a forfeit. A team must be present and ready to play with the minimum number of players and team official within ten (10) minutes of the scheduled match time unless otherwise approved by the League Manager.

6.05 Uniforms
Each player shall have a unique number affixed to the back of their jersey and be clearly visible. Goalkeeper jersey numbers are optional.

Each team is required to attend each match with two (2) sets of jerseys and socks (kits): a light-colored kit and a dark colored kit. The team listed first on the schedule (i.e. home) is to wear their light kit and the team listed second on the schedule (i.e. away) is to wear their dark kit. The Referee shall define what constitutes light vs dark color. If, in the opinion of the referee, there is a conflict in uniform color, the offending team causing the conflict should change into their other kit.

6.05.1 Uniform Etiquette
In the interest of avoiding uniform color conflicts, the best practice within NL is for teams to communicate with each other beforehand to confirm uniform colors for a NL match.

6.06 Uniform Logos and Patches
Teams playing in the NL are permitted to have the following limited items on their match uniforms:

  • Affiliated USYS or National League patch/logo
  • Club logo and/or team sponsor logo
  • Player name/jersey number

No other patches or logos are permitted unless written permission is granted by NL. All patches or logos not permitted must either be covered or removed.

6.07 Substitutions

Age GroupSubstitution Procedure
13U-14UUnlimited over three (3) moments* per half + halftime
15U-19UUnlimited over four (4) moments* per match + halftime

*as defined by IFAB Laws of the Game

Substitutions may be made at any stoppage of play with the approval of the referee.

Re-entry shall be at a normal substitution point (with approval of the referee) or at any point during the match if the referee signals the player’s re-entry.

6.07.1 Temporary Substitution
During a match where a Health Care Professional (HCP) or Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC) is present, if a player is suspected of suffering a head injury, such player may be substituted for evaluation. The substitution for the evaluation of a concussion/head injury will not count toward the teams’ total allowable moments (unless other substitutions are made at the time of the temporary substitution). However, the team must have at least one substitution moment available to implement this temporary substitution.

  • If the player is deemed by the HCP or ATC to not have been diagnosed as having a possible concussion, the player may re-enter the match at any stoppage of play, with approval by the referee, and must replace the original substitute. This head injury evaluation substitution will not count as a used substitution moment. Furthermore, the temporary substitute will be able to re-enter the match in a normal substitution moment. If the player is not cleared to return to play by the HCP or ATC, the replacement player will no longer be considered a temporary substitute but would also not count as a substitution moment (unless other substitutions are made at the time of the temporary substitution).
  • Any discipline issued to the temporary substitute will count for the remainder of the match.

6.08 Spectator Area & Team Official Responsibility
Spectators for a team are to only occupy the opposite side of the field from their team.

The club and team officials at a match are responsible for the behavior, conduct and control of team players, support staff, supporters including family and friends, and team management staff. Poor conduct and/or failure to control will result in disciplinary action as determined by the League Manager.

6.09 Coaching from Sidelines
Limited coaching is permitted only from one touch line from the team’s respective technical area. Only one coach per team may stand and give instruction at a time.

6.10 Team Bench Area and Supervision
No more than four (4) registered Team Officials shall be permitted at the team bench area during a match. All bench persons on the team sideline must have proper credentials issued by USYS or State Association.

Players listed on the team but are not part of the eighteen (18) eligible players are permitted in the team bench area. A registered Team Official must be present in the Team Bench Area during a match.

6.11 Send Offs and Dismissals 
Any player sent off from a NL match must leave the field of play but may remain in the Team Bench Area under the supervision of a Team Official. If the sent off player cannot be controlled by a Team Official, the Referee may require the removal of the player from the entire field area. If such a player is removed from the field area, a Team Official or parent must supervise the player away from the field area.

Any Team Official dismissed from a match must leave the field area and retreat to the parking area of the complex or an area designated by the League Manager or Site Manager. Any team official who is dismissed is prohibited from communicating with his/her team during a match, including but not limited to cell phone use, texting, or other means of communication.

6.12 Suspensions
Any player sent off or non-player dismissed will be automatically suspended for the remainder of the day and next one (1) NL match played by that team.

Send-offs and dismissals are reviewed by the League Manager who, in consultation with the Management Group, may impose an additional suspension, including suspending the player or non-player from participating with other NL teams during the suspension period. An additional one (1) game suspension cannot be appealed.

6.13 Suspension Carryover
All suspensions incurred during competition within a NL division carry into other NL governed competitions. A suspension incurred during the last NL match of a seasonal year carries over into the subsequent NL seasonal year and remains with the player, even in situations whereby the suspended player moves from one NL team to a different NL team.

6.14 Racial / Spitting / Discriminatory Incident
Any official reports from a referee or league/event official involving a racial, spitting, or discriminatory incident (including use of banned words as noted in the appendix of these rules) will be subject to a minimum suspension as follows: at least a four (4) NL match suspension for making racist or discriminatory remarks at or about any person; at least a four (4) NL match suspension for spitting at a person.

All official reports of racial or discriminatory behavior shall be subject to review by the Management Group who may impose additional sanctions.

For situations involving Referee Abuse or Assault, the US Soccer Referee Abuse Policy (RAP) will be utilized to help determine suspensions and sanctioning.

6.15 Match Manipulation
Match manipulation is when a team or teams fail to compete in the spirit of the competition or are involved in the manipulation of a match result. Reports of suspected match manipulation must be extensively substantiated in writing and be filed in writing with the League Manager no later than two (2) hours following the completion of the match in question. The League Manager, in consultation with the Management Group, will investigate and adjudicate all allegations of match manipulation and will impose appropriate sanctions.

Verified instances of match manipulation shall be subject to sanctioning at the discretion of the Management Group. Such sanctions against the team and club found guilty of match manipulation may include but may not be limited to: (1) a minimum $10,000 fine; (2) forfeiture of matches; (3) suspension of the team coach(es) and club Director of Coaching; and/or (4) suspension from NL.

6.16 Protests & Appeals
The protest and appeal procedure can be found in the appendix of these rules. All decisions of the referees regarding matters of fact, including judgment matters, are final and cannot be protested or appealed.

SECTION 7. REFEREES

7.01 Jurisdiction
Once the referee has jurisdiction of a NL match, the match may be stopped, suspended, or terminated as provided in the IFAB Laws of the Game or as modified in these rules.

7.02 Assignments & Officiating
NL match officials will be assigned under the authority of the NL by a certified USSF Referee Assignor.

Matches should be officiated by the three-person FIFA/USSF Referee System, but some may be officiated by less than a three-person FIFA/USSF Referee System based on unique circumstance. In these unique cases the Referee may appoint “Club” Assistant Referee(s). Club Assistant Referees will be limited to decision only on the touchlines and possession.

7.03 Payment of Referees 
Referee and Assistant Referees will be paid at the fields, prior to the start of each NL Club match. Each team involved in the match will be responsible for paying half of the total cost for the Referee and Assistant Referees. Both clubs involved in the match may agree to utilize a different method of referee payment, with approval by the League Manager and Referee Assignor. In lieu of an agreement, the Referee and Assistant Referees will be paid by the teams prior to each match in accordance with the below totals and breakdown of denominations.

NL Club P1 Referee Fees

  • 13U-14U: $200.00 (Center $80, AR1 $60, AR2 $60)
    • $100.00 per team.  Breakdown of denomination: 5 x $20 – Per Team
  • 15U-16U: $220.00 (Center $90, AR1 $65, AR2 $65)
    • $110.00 per team.  Breakdown of denomination: 5 x $20, 2 x $5 – Per Team
  • 17U-18/19U: $250.00 (Center $100, AR1 $75, AR2 $75)
    • $125.00 per team.  Breakdown of denominations: 5 x $20, 2 x $10, 1 x $5 – Per Team

NL Club P2 Referee Fees

  • 13U and 14U: $170 (Center $70, AR1 $50, AR2 $50)
    • $85 per game per team. Breakdown of denominations: 3 x $20, 2 x $10, 1 x $5 – Per Team
  • 15U and 16U: $190 (Center $80, AR1 $55, AR2 $55)
    • $95 per game per team. Breakdown of denominations: 4 x $20, 1 x $10, 1 x $5 – Per Team
  • 17U and 19U: $210 (Center $90, AR1 $60, AR2 $60)
    • $105 per game per team. Breakdown of denominations: 5 x $20, 1 x $5 – Per Tea

If a team cancels or forfeits a game, whereby referee fees must be paid, such team will be responsible for the payment of the full referee fee.

7.04 Match Report
Prior to each NL match, the referee will be provided with a Match Card which will serve as the official Match Report following the completion of the match. The match card will be used to check-in the players and team officials from both teams.

Following the match, the Referee will accurately report all scores, goal scorers, and cards issued onto the Match Report. The Referee will submit the Match Report to the League Manager through a pre-determined submission process provided to the USSF Referee Assignor. A USSF Supplemental Report must be submitted for any send-off, dismissal, referee assault/abuse, or other noteworthy situations that arise while the Referee has jurisdiction.

APPENDIX A – NL TIEBREAKER SEQUENCE

A.1 Two (2) Team Tiebreaker Sequence
If two (2) teams are tied based on points earned, the team’s placement will be determined in accordance with the following sequential criteria:

  • Winner of head-to-head
  • Winner of most matches
  • Goal difference
  • Fewest goals allowed
  • Coin Toss
    • If both teams are present, the League Manager may replace the Coin Toss tiebreaker with Kicks from the Mark to break the tie.

A.2 Three (3) Team Tiebreaker Sequence
If three (3) teams are tied based on points earned, the final rankings will be determined in accordance with the following sequential criteria. If a criterion creates a situation where the three-way tie is completely broken, then that determines the final order of finish between those three (3) teams. If a criterion separates just one (1) team, then the two (2) teams that are still tied based on that criterion will resort to the two-team tiebreaker to determine the order of finish between those two (2) teams.

  • Points earned in head-to-head competition among the tied teams
  • Winner of most matches (all matches)
  • Goal difference in matches among the tied teams
  • Goal difference in all matches
  • Fewest goals allowed in matches among the tied teams
  • Fewest goals allowed in all matches
  • Drawing of lots

A.3 Four (4) or More Team Tiebreaker Sequence
If four (4) teams or more are tied based on points earned, the final rankings will be determined in accordance with the tiebreaker sequence in Rule A.2. If a criterion creates a situation where the tie is completely broken, then that determines the final order of finish between those tied teams. If a criterion breaks a portion of the tied teams, then the tiebreaker shall move to the tiebreaker that coincides with the number of teams that remain tied.

APPENDIX B – NL PROTESTS & APPEALS

B.1 Protest & Appeal Definition
A protest is a formal written objection of any violation of established policies, rules, or procedures related to a specific match and can only be filed by the Club Director or Director of Coaching for the Club that the team is a member. Only the teams involved are permitted to protest a match result. Third parties, i.e., coaches from other teams, state administrators, cannot file protests on a specific match. Protests must be based upon a violation of the published rules of USYS, NL, or IFAB Laws of the Game. All decisions of the referees regarding matters of fact, including judgment matters, are final and cannot be protested.

An appeal is a request to transfer the matter from one jurisdiction to another for re-examination of the decision made by the lower body. Appeals arise as the result of an adverse decision from an administrative action or disciplinary action at a lower level. Only those parties to the original action, who are impacted by such decisions, shall be allowed to appeal. An appeal may only be filed by the Director of the Club or Director of Coaching for the Club that the team is a member of. All decisions of the referees regarding matters of fact, including judgment matters, are final and cannot be appealed.

B.2 Lodging a Protest
To be valid and eligible for consideration, a protest of a NL match must:

  • Be orally lodged by a team official with the match referee and the opposing coach before leaving the field of play.
  • Noted on the completed match report.
  • Be submitted in writing and postmarked no later than three (3) days after match completion by the Director of the Club or Director of Coaching of the Club that the team is a member.
    • Filing procedure must follow rule B.4.

B.3 Lodging of an Appeal
To be valid and eligible for consideration, an appeal must:

  • Be submitted in writing and postmarked no later than three (3) days after the decision is rendered/communicated in writing to the affected party by the Director of the Club or Director of Coaching of the Club that the team is a member.
    • Filing procedure must follow rule B.4.

B.4 Protest or Appeal Filing Procedure
A protest or appeal must be filed in writing to the League Manager by the Club Director or Director of Coaching that the team is a member and include:

  • The nature and specifics of the protest or appeal.
  • A listing of the policies or rules that have been violated.
  • A statement of the desired resolution
  • Copies of all documents relevant to the protest or appeal
  • Filing fee of $500 (cash or certified check)

The original document of protest or appeal, along with all supporting documents and filing fee, must be sent by mail to:

US Youth Soccer
Attn: National League
9220 World Cup Way
Frisco, TX 75033

The League Manager will notify all parties involved that an appeal or protest has been filed.

B.5 Protest Determination
The League Manager, in consultation with the Management Group, will review a properly submitted protest. Consideration and determination of a protest by the League Manager and Management Group will be closed to the public and the parties. The decision will be communicated in writing by the League Manager to the party filing the protest. The decision regarding the protest is final and cannot be appealed.

If a protest is upheld, then the filing fee will be returned to the party filing the protest; otherwise, the filing fee is non-refundable.

B.6 Appeal Determination
The process and procedure for determining the outcome of an appeal will be subject to the USYS Appeals Policy.

B.7 USYS Bylaw
USYS bylaws provides the following:

  • No member of USYSA, official league, club, team, player, coach, administrator or referee may invoke the aid of the courts of the United States or of a state without first exhausting all available remedies with the appropriate soccer organization, and as provided by USYSA.
  • For a violation of this bylaw, the offending party shall be subject to suspension and fines, and shall be liable to USYSA for all expenses incurred by USYSA and its officers and members of the board of directors in defending each court action, including the following:
    • court costs;
    • attorney’s fee;
    • reasonable compensation for time spent by USYSA officials and employees in responding to and defending allegations in the action, including responses to discovery and court appearances;
    • travel expenses; and
    • expenses for holding special National Council meetings necessitated by court action.

APPENDIX C – NL SCHEDULE OF FINES

Additional fines that are specific to an NL Division may also be listed in the Operating Procedures.

OffenseFine
Withdrawal after acceptance into NLNo refund of entry fee
Withdrawal from NL after schedule release$1,000 (& no refund of entry fee)
Withdrawal from NL within 2 weeks before season$1,500 (& no refund of entry fee)
Withdrawal from NL after the season begins$2,000 (& no refund of entry fee)
Forfeit of NL match$500
Failure to field a team for a scheduled match$1,000 per match
Match manipulation$10,000 per occurrence

APPENDIX D – NL BANNED WORDS

D.1 Use of a Banned Word(s)
Official reports of use any listed banned word(s) will be subject to a minimum four (4) NL match suspension. Subsequent incidents by the same player, team official or team will result in additional sanctioning. Other official reports involving racial, spitting, or discriminatory incidents will be subject to the minimum four (4) NL match suspension.

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of racial or discriminatory words or phrases. Use of the asterisk (*) is utilized to prevent the actual word in print.

NL Banned Words List (non-exhaustive)
B*tty BoyF*gN*gger / N*ggaSp*c
Be*nerF*ggotN*groWetb*ck
Black Boy/GirlG*yP*toWhite Boy/Girl
Ch*nkH*moP*ssy 
Cr*ckerJewb*yRag He*d 
C*ntK*keR*tard / R*tarted 
D*ckMar*conSl*nt