Modified Rules Overview for ALL Ages

TENNESSEE STATE SOCCER ASSOCIATION YOUTH PLAY LEVEL DEFINITIONS

DIVISION 1 – Our highest level of play is offered to teams that are categorized as U13 to U19.  This level of competition is recommended for our elite teams. Teams are eligible to participate in tournament sanctioned events and will typically play in our Tennessee State League (TSL) and the National Championship Series (NCS) of United States Youth Soccer (USYS).  These teams may qualify to play in our Division 1 State Cup, Region III Tournament, and the United States Youth Soccer (USYS) National Tournament.  Players at this level have the opportunity to also participate and be selected for the Olympic Developmental Program (ODP).  Registration at this level includes Indoor and Futsal registrations.

DIVISION 2 – Our 2^nd tier level of competitive play is offered to teams that are categorized as U13 to U19.  This level of play is recommended for our teams that are not quite at the elite level but aspire to be there one day.  Teams are eligible to participate in tournament sanctioned events and will typically play in our Tennessee State League (TSL) and may qualify to play in our Division 2 State Cup, Region III Presidents Cup Tournament, and the United States Youth Soccer (USYS) National Presidents Cup Tournament.  Players at this level have the opportunity to also participate and be selected for the Olympic Developmental Program (ODP).  Registration at this level includes Indoor and Futsal registrations. 

DIVISION 3 – Our 3^rd final level of competitive play is offered to teams that are categorized as U13 to U19.  This level of competition is recommended for teams that desire something more than the local recreational soccer league.  Teams are allowed to play in tournament sanctioned events and are eligible for the Division 3 Tennessee State League (TSL) and may qualify to play in our Division 3 State Cup.  Players at this level have the opportunity to also participate and be selected for the Olympic Developmental Program (ODP).  Registration at this level includes Indoor and Futsal registrations. 

DIVISION 4 – This level of play is categorized as our local grass roots (or recreational soccer) age U3 to U19.  Play is specifically organized  locally and teams are allowed to participate in tournament sanctioned events that have a specific bracket organized for recreational teams.  Recreational teams are NOTallowed to play competitive teams without prior approval from the Tennessee State Association.  Teams are eligible to compete in seasonal Kohl’s Cup or Cleveland Grimes Friendship Cup events designed specifically for our recreational minded teams.  Registration at this level includes Indoor and Futsal registrations. 

SOCCER JUNIORS – This level of play can range in skill levels.  This category is specifically designed to offer a lower cost to our teams categorized as U9 to U12.  Teams are allowed to participate in tournament sanctioned events, but there are no State Cup competitions offered to these age groups.  Tennessee State Soccer Association strongly recommends that all clubs registering Soccer Juniors use the United States Youth Soccer (USYS) recommended modified playing rules (Policy 13) when organizing play for these age groups.  Registration at this level includes Indoor and Futsal registrations.

INDOOR/ FUTSAL – This level of play is designed for players seeking ONLY to register and play during the indoor/futsal soccer season.  This season is typically but not limited to the winter months.  Players categorized to be on teams age U3 to U19 are eligible to participate.  It is suggested that players attempt to play on teams and against teams with similar abilities, but need to understand that Indoor/Futsal events may merge ability groups together to make an event more likely to occur.