Details on the Partnership Between UHSAA & UYSA

The partnership between UYSA and UHSAA will allow high school aged youth players to participate in approved non-high school soccer events during their high school soccer season.

Please Note: UYSA is not forming a new high school age club league to run concurrently with the high school league. This change simply allows UYSA players to apply to participate in up to two non-high school soccer events with approval during their high school season.

A five-person committee will be formed which includes two representatives from UYSA, two from UHSAA and one at large member who will review the applications and determine whether players may participate in these specific events. These events can include ODP events, major college showcase tournaments (for example, Dallas Cup/Surf Cup would be events considered by the committee), National Team and Professional training opportunities where college scouts would be heavily represented, etc.

A relationship between UYSA and UHSAA has been years in the making and we are excited for it to finally come to fruition with player centered goals.

For more information, please review:

-The Limited Team Membership Policy Interpretations and Guidelines 1.12.1: Limited Team Membership

-The Approvals Committee Structure

-The Q&A’s below

What are the basics of this new partnership between UHSAA and UYSA?

The new partnership creates a committee that reviews and authorizes, under the guidelines/policy/bylaws, for a player’s participation during the high school season in up to 2 college showcases/tournaments/events (including ODP) not sponsored by his/her school where next-level (college/professional) opportunities exist if certain conditions are met.  Those conditions include:

The outside “club” team is attending an event/tournament/showcase approved by the “Committee” (events are approved after verification of their ability to provide next-level opportunities – such as college recruiter/coach attendance at such events).

Written notification signed by player and guardian has been given a minimum of 30 days before the event/tournament/showcase to the high school and UHSAA

Missed academic lessons must be completed

How does this affect High School soccer?

UYSA and UHSAA recognize the high talent level of Utah youth and the many opportunities available that will allow our state to become recognized as a high value recruiting ground for next level opportunities. This partnership furthers this cause. Emphasis will still be placed on high school soccer during the high school season, and players will be expected to abide by all rules governing their participation on the high school level, including academic and team policies. Players will continue to be expected to attend all high school practices and games.

How does this affect club soccer?

UHSAA and UYSA recognize the value that competition soccer provides Utah youth in providing a means whereby players can develop and be given opportunities to showcase their talent in front of those granting next-level opportunities.  While players will continue to be expected to give priority and commitment to their high school during the high school season, this partnership is a hand-in-hand cooperation between UHSAA and UYSA in providing for these next-level opportunities. UYSA member organizations (Clubs) will be expected to meet certain minimum requirements and submit an application before their consideration in participating in this partnership.  More information on how UYSA member organizations (clubs) can qualify are found at the information page at UYSA/UHSAA website (coming soon).

What does this new partnership mean for the average high school soccer player? High school soccer coach? Club soccer coach?

We expect minimal impact on high school teams and coaches. As stated previously, players will continue to attend practices and games for their high school during the high school season. UHSAA and UYSA have put policies in place and are committed to working together to help facilitate the best opportunities for Utah youth, and each recognizes the value and importance in each in providing for the development, both on and off the field, of our most valuable resource, our youth. Players will be expected to work with coaches from both arenas in minimizing these impacts. Wonderful opportunities and memories can be made when we work together to provide the best opportunities for our children.

How can my club soccer team participate?  What is the timeline for doing so?

Club’s must submit an application for participation to the UHSAA/UYSA Partnership Committee.  The application will outline requirements for participation which must be met.  These include Technical, Staff, and Club/Academy requirements.

*Application PowerPoints may be sent to elandon@utahyouthsoccer.net.

Application Criteria and Requirements

              Technical Requirements

• Provide insight into the Academy/Club philosophy. Written PowerPoint format presentation must include the following:

o Player philosophy

o Coaching philosophy

o Parent management

o Playing style, philosophy and implementation strategy 

o Ethical standards and implementation

• Proof of a youth development player curriculum strategy (ages 12 – 18).

• Proof of annual Player Review/Evaluation Forms for each player conducted at least twice per year seasonally. Must show a minimum of six (6) months of Player Review/Evaluation Forms (PRF).

• Proof of ongoing coach development/education at the club.

Staff Requirements 

• Must have a designated Club/High School relations administrator/liaison.

• Club must have an A Licensed coach or at least 2 B licensed coaches (U.S. Soccer or International equivalent) on staff influencing the high school age players Academy/Club program. 

• Club must have a college Director/Officer responsible for College Development Program within the organization.

Academy/Club requirements

• Proof of player opportunities/pathways at the Club/Academy (tournaments, overseas experience, camps).

• A college preparation program including, at a minimum, college prep nights, a college advisor, and structure of demonstrable support.

• Demonstrable curriculum of phased and age appropriate education plan.

• Proof of a registered or booked facility for indoor, year-round training.

Academies/Clubs/Teams must apply for inclusion in the Partnership Program via email application.

Applications will be accepted during two specific time periods each year.

Once accepted, an Academy/Club/Team will not need to reapply for inclusion for the following two years. 

Applications must provide proof of eligibility for inclusion, including:

• Written PowerPoint format presentation detailing player and coaching philosophy, parent management, playing style and implementation strategy, ethical standards and implementation of such standards. 

• Proof that the Academy/Club/Team meets all technical, staff, and other requirements for participation in the Partnership Program.

• Application cover letter.