Minimum Licensing Requirements
Do I need a license to coach travel soccer in Maryland?
Yes. MSYSA policy states that all head coaches of rostered travel teams in Maryland must hold the following minimum licenses or higher (including USSF E/D/C/B/A):
- Introduction to Grassroots Module (online)
- AND Two Grassroots in-person (GRIP) Licenses across any of the four levels (11v11, 9v9, 7v7, 4v4)(note these must be two different licenses)
- AND One Grassroots online License across any of the four levels (11v11, 9v9, 7v7, 4v4)
A certificate of attendance will not be accepted as a substitute for a coaching license.
I have a coaching certification from a different organization. Does that meet the requirement?
Yes! The following equivalents meet the minimum requirement pending review from the MSYSA Technical Director:
- United Soccer Coaches National Diploma + Introduction to Grassroots Module
- USSF E + Introduction to Grassroots Module (online)
- USSF F + Introduction to Grassroots License + two Grassroots in-person (GRIP) licenses
- NSCAA Regional Diploma (Level V/VI) + Introduction to Grassroots Module (online) + one Grassroots online or Grassroots in-person (GRIP) License
- United Soccer Coaches 11v11 Pre-National Diploma + Introduction to Grassroots Module + two other Grassroots in-person Licenses across any of the four levels (11v11, 9v9, 7v7, 4v4)
I have an international license/certification. Does that meet the requirement?
Yes, foreign coaching licenses and certificates are accepted; however, the license must be submitted to the MSYSA Technical Director for validation. Validation of foreign certificate/license does not award any license or complete prerequisites for USSF courses.
Acceptable foreign coaching licenses or certificates:
- FA Level 1 + online Introduction to Grassroots Module + online Grassroots Module
- FA Level 2 / UEFA C + online Introduction to Grassroots Module
- FA Level 3 / UEFA B + online Introduction to Grassroots Module
- UEFA A + online Introduction to Grassroots Module
- UEFA Pro + online Introduction to Grassroots Module
All other foreign licenses must be submitted for evaluation.
Are there any exemptions?
Requests for a waiver will only be considered in certain circumstances:
- There are no courses available prior to the teams first official game
- There has been a change in coaching staff requiring a coach be rostered immediately so the team may continue playing
If they meet either of the criteria above, coaches may request a temporary waiver to the license requirement for the current season by completing the following steps:
- Fill out the Travel Coach Temporary Waiver Form; you will receive a receipt in your email after completing the form.
- Send the following items to the MSYSA Technical Director.
- A copy of your Travel Coach Temporary Policy Waiver Form receipt.
- A copy of your US Soccer online Grassroots Course License PDF (4v4, 7v7, 9v9 or 11v11). Registration is directly through the US Soccer Learning Center (LC). License PDF can be found in your LC profile. Online courses can be completed at home at your own convenience and cost $25.
- Confirmation of your first carded game date. This may be in the form of a link or screenshot.
All head coaches must meet the minimum license or equivalent by the following season or deadline set by the MSYSA Technical Director. Head coaches who fail to meet this minimum requirement in the time frame allotted will not be permitted to appear on a team’s roster in any capacity until the minimums are met.
Do assistant coaches on travel teams need a license?
No. Only the head coach is required to have a license to coach a travel team. We do however strongly encourage assistant coaches to pursue coaching education!
Exemptions
Are there waivers for Grassroots Coaching Education courses?
No. Maryland does not offer exemptions for grassroots courses.
Are there exemptions for the USSF “D” course?
No. Maryland does not offer exemptions for the USSF “D” course.
I played in college. Am I eligible for an exemption?
No, playing college DOES NOT qualify a coach for a waiver.
Can I be exempted into the “C” or “B” License with professional playing experience?
Yes! For the C License, a minimum of two (2) years playing on a Senior National Team or for a FIFA recognized “1st Division” outdoor professional team. Five (5) years of the same nature are required for a B License.
The information must be reflected in the coaches Learning Center profile. Official proof of playing experience must be provided via letterhead from the affiliated clubs, leagues, or organizations. More information may be found on US Soccer’s website:
https://ussoccerfederation.my.site.com/lcsupport/s/article/Waiver-Process-FAQs
License Verification
Coaches seeking verification of previously completed USSF National D & E licenses and copies of certificates must complete the following steps:
- Create a personal profile in the US Soccer Learning Center (LC).
- Complete the License Verification Form below to request verification of USSF National/State D & E Licenses that were administered by MSYSA.
- Once course completion and passing grades are verified (allow up to 5 business days), log into your profile in the LC to download a copy of your license.
Questions? Please contact our Technical Director.
