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Overview
According to Wisconsin Youth Soccer, the state started requiring soccer coaches to be certified in 2004. Absent the proper age-group related coaching certifications, coaches are not eligible to stand with their team during official competitions. If you are a new coach, you are required to complete the necessary training provided by the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association before you can be licensed and begin to coach teams at official games and tournaments.
Compliance Policy
All coaches must have the appropriate certification or licenses. A listing of courses available to new coaches is posted at the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association website (see Resources section). Course topics include coaching clinics, the USSF C preparatory course and goal keeping special topics. Clinics are held all year.
Certification Requirements
Head and assistant soccer coaches who supervise and lead girls or boys U15 and older state league teams must have a minimum of a "D" level coaching license. Coaches who work with U11 and older Classic teams must have a minimum of an "E" level coaching certificate. Finally, coaches who work with U10 and younger teams must have at a minimum a "Y1" level coaching certificate.
Certification License Courses
The national "A" license course targets coaches who work with teams at the older junior and senior levels. The course focuses on the game principles and technical applications. You must be 21 years old and have had your B license for at least a year before you can apply for the "A" license.
The national "B" license course targets coaches who work with teams with players at the 16-years old to the college level. The course focuses on implementing technical applications and principles during training. You must be 19 years old and already have had your "C" license for a year before you can apply for the "B" license.
The national "C" license course targets coaches who work with players between the ages of 11 and 14-years old. The course focuses on soccer's repetitive concepts or themes. You must be 18 years old and already have had your "D" license for a year before you can apply for the "C" license.
Diploma Recognition
Coaches who have the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National Diploma, Premier Diploma and the Advanced National Diploma for at least a year do not need to take the additional licensing courses. If you meet the above eligibility requirements, simply contact the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association and request a coaching pass.
Certification Enforcement
In the event that a coach does not have the proper licenses, the league is encouraged to make the state office aware. The state office will, in turn, follow-up on all notifications. In the event that a coach continues to be non-compliant, that coach may receive a letter of reprimand, be placed on probation or be suspended.
Coach Passes
League administrators are responsible for checking and validating applications for league participation before each season begins. Referees are responsible for verifying that coaches have a state issued pass card and the appropriate age-level licensees. The passes are valid for two years. Coaches can contact the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association's Coach Pass Administrator to request a new coach pass or to renew an expired pass.
Resources
