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Licensing Requirements

Coaching Education Administrator:
Julie Schmitt
jschmitt@wiyouthsoccer.com
414.328.9972, ext 100

Coach Compliance Policy
Beginning in the fall of 2004 and going forward, a team must be coached by an individual who is appropriately licensed for the age group being coached. If the coach is not appropriately licensed for the age group being coached, that individual is not eligible to stand with that team during sanctioned league games and tournaments.

New coaches will be expected to make reasonable efforts to obtain the proper certification/license level in a reasonable time frame. An up to date list of scheduled coaching courses is available here.

League administrators will be asked to check applications for league play against the coaching licensure database prior to the start of each playing season. Proper planning by both club administrators and coaches will minimize last minute panic.

Referees will verify that a coach holds a state issued pass card and that the license level is appropriate for the age group. The referee will note on the game report what license level is indicated on the coach’s pass card. (Referees must allow the game to proceed if the coach has a coach pass card, even if the license level does not meet the minimum standards established by the WI Youth Soccer Association.)

Minimum Certification Requirements
The following requirements apply to both head and assistant coaches:

• Coaches working with U15 and older STATE LEAGUE teams are required to have, at minimum, a ‘D’ level coaching license.
• Coaches working with U11 and older CLASSIC teams are required to have, at minimum, an ‘E’ level coaching certificate.
• Coaches working with U10 and younger teams are required to have, at minimum, a ‘Y1’ level coaching certificate.

The Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association’s Coaching Department neither recognizes waivers nor waives any coaches from obtaining the coaching credentials needed to obtain a coach’s pass as per the guidelines established by the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association's Board of Directors.

‘E’ Certificate Release
Per US Soccer, 'E' Certificate Release Waivers will no longer be granted. As of  December 31, 2012 all coaches will be required to hold an 'E' Certificate in order to be accepted into a 'D' License course. Previously approved "E' Release Waivers can only be used to qualify for acceptance into a 'D' License course that will take place prior to December 31, 2012.

NSCAA Diploma Recognition
The Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association recognizes that the NSCAA National Diploma, Advanced National Diploma and Premier Diploma (held for at least 12 months) satisfies the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association's coaching credential requirements needed to obtain a coaching pass. A coach possessing the NSCAA National Diploma or higher does not receive a license from the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association but only fulfills the coaching credential requirements. Holders of the NSCAA National Diploma or above working with U6, U8 and U10 players are strongly encouraged to obtain a 'Y1' certificate.

Policy Enforcement
Leagues are asked to track game reports on a weekly basis. If it is determined that a coach is not properly licensed, the league is asked to notify the state office. The state office will track all notices.

If a pattern of non-compliance is verified, the state office will coordinate with the respective club president and the coach concerned to ascertain the reason for non-compliance. The Secretary of the State Association will direct the club and the coach concerned to gain the necessary license/certification level within a reasonable time frame.

In addition, the Director of Leagues or designee will conduct random reviews of game day reports and cross check them with the database of currently registered coaches and their license status.

Should a coach continue to be non compliant and show little effort at corrective action that coach may receive a letter of reprimand, be placed on probation or suspended.

A club may be sanctioned in some form ranging from a letter of reprimand to more serious sanctions, subject to the number of coaches not in compliance. If the coach has enrolled in a coaching course that is taking place during or at the end of the season, that individual will be allowed to coach. Should the coach not complete course work the coach will be subject to disciplinary action that could include probation or suspension. Assistant coaches are required to be appropriately licensed for the age group being coached.

The WI Youth Soccer Association has made every effort to centrally locate coaching courses in many regions and soccer districts throughout the state. There is very little leeway for a competitive level coach in either licensing age group or category to not be appropriately licensed. If a coaching course is held within 2 hours or 100 miles of an applicant, those standards will be deemed an appropriate amount of time or distance to travel.

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