Question Number: 25746

League Specific 11/14/2011

RE: select Adult

Ike Jones of Clayton, NJ US asks...

My son plays on a team this fall that is honestly a number of flights below where he should be, but his team from the last few years folded in June and I needed to find him something. They (his current team) will not be playing indoor in the winter or spring soccer, which he wants to play - this means we are looking for a new team (again). I wanted to know what the rules were for changing teams...will he have to sit out games because he is changing teams even though his current team wont be playing during the spring - (this is what I was told by a coach)seems unfair.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

This is all up to your league and possibly state youth association rules. You would have to check with them.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ike
The answer depends on the registration criteria in your area and league rules. In general a player signs for one team and then during a particular time period transfers are permitted and lapses at the end of the competition.
Also teams that do not play in certain competitions can forfeit player registrations so it could be the case that new registrations may be acceptable. The clubs can usually give an answer so I suggest that you speak to the club or to the League that your child plans to play with.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Many youth associations have elaborate rules about changing teams during the season year. It is likely that there is a deadline for changing teams, and a difficult procedure for a special appeal after the deadline expires.

The information may be available online. But, I suggest you contact the league that your child would like to play. They probably will be able to help you understand the process.