Date: September 21, 2009
To: MSYSA Presidents
From: Marie Langford, Executive Director, MSYSA
Re: MSYSA Small-Sided Policy
In 2007, MSYSA expanded the requirement for small-sided play to the U11 and U12 age groups to increase developmental opportunities for young players. Small-sided play had been required for U10 and younger teams for a number of years, with a 7v7 format and a 14 player roster limit. The expanded policy was to be implemented over a two year period.
Starting in seasonal year 2007-2008, all play in the U11 age group would be no more than 8v8 format, with a maximum roster size of 14. Starting in seasonal year 2008-2009, all play in the U11 and U12 age groups be no more than 8v8 format, with a maximum roster size of 14.
In September 2009, the Executive Board adopted a measure to extend the small-sided requirement to tournament policy. Effective seasonal year 2010-2011:
- All MSYSA-sanctioned tournaments must offer only small-sided play for U12 and younger age groups; and
- MSYSA-rostered teams aged U12 and younger may only compete in small-sided tournament play, whether in or outside of Maryland.
