U.S. Soccer Coaching School
Waiver Overview & Application
Introduction
U.S. Soccer’s wavier policy grants experienced coaches an opportunity to bypass
certain U.S. Soccer license levels and be integrated into an appropriate license course
based on the level of credentials in relation to the following information.
How to Apply for a U.S. Soccer Waiver Application
The application serves as the only official application for waiver requests. To be
considered for a waiver, coaches must fill out the application and follow the steps
outlined below.
Step One – Review the qualifying information on the following pages.
Step Two – If you meet the requirements, prepare all documentation as noted below.
•
A completed, legible application form
•
Supporting documentation
NOTE 1: If applying for a waiver with a foreign license, include a copy of your
foreign license, and a translation if necessary.
NOTE 2: If applying for a waiver as a professional player, include official
documentation of your coaching experience AND professional playing
experience, and a translation if necessary
NOTE 3: It is not suggested a coach submits a waiver application along with an
application to attend a coaching course. The waiver process typically
takes two to four weeks. Applications for coaching schools will not be
accepted without final waiver approval.
Step Three – Submit the completed application and supporting documents to:
Attn: Coaching Department
U.S. Soccer Federation
1801 South Prairie Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
U.S. Soccer Federation
Waiver Overview and Application
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for a waiver, a candidate must meet certain requirements for each
license level. Please note U.S. Soccer does not accept waivers into the “A” License
course. U.S. Soccer reserves the right to change eligibility requirements outlined below
and make a final decision on all waivers.
U.S. Soccer “B” License Course
1. Applicant holds a National “C” License for a minimum of 12-months (no waiver
application required).
OR
2. Applicant holds a National “C” License for a minimum of 12-months (no waiver
application required).
OR
3. Applicant holds an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma for a minimum of 12months.
OR
4. Applicant has five (5) years coaching experience, at any level, and five-(5) years
playing experience with a Senior National Team and/or five-(5) years playing
experience on a FIFA recognized professional team. Official proof of playing and
coaching experience must be provided.
OR
5. Applicant holds a foreign license equivalent to a U.S. Soccer “B” License (e.g.:
UEFA “B” License). A copy of the foreign license must be provided.
U.S. Soccer “C” License Course
1. Applicant holds a National “D” License for a minimum of 12-months (no waiver
application required).
OR
2. Applicant holds a NSCAA National Diploma for a minimum of 12-months (no
waiver application required).
OR
3. Applicant has three-(3) years coaching experience, at any level, and three-(3)
years playing experience with a Senior National Team and/or three-(3) years
playing experience on a FIFA recognized professional team. Official proof of
playing and coaching experience must be provided.
OR
4. Applicant holds a foreign license equivalent to a U.S. Soccer “C” License (e.g.:
UEFA “C” License). A copy of the foreign license must be provided.
.
U.S. Soccer Federation
Waiver Overview and Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for a waiver
- Am I required to complete the entire application?
- Is there a fee?
General Questions
- What does waiver mean?
- Does U.S. Soccer offer equivalency licenses?
- If I receive a waiver does this mean I hold a U.S. Soccer license?
- Where/how will you send communications?
- Will my waiver expire?
- Is U.S. Soccer’s licensing program recognized by FIFA?
Documentation
- What must I submit if I play or had played professional soccer?
- Should I submit original documentation?
- Do I need to have my documents translated?
- If I played professionally am I still required to submit my coaching background?
- What does official documentation mean?
Eligibility
- What is the highest license I may begin with?
- What if I am applying for an "E" or "D" waiver?
- Am I required to have professional coaching experience to be eligible for a waiver?
- What does FIFA recognized playing experience mean?
- What does Senior National Team mean?
- What if the club I played or coached for non-longer exists?
- If I hold a NSCAA Diploma can I take a U.S. Soccer course?
- What if I hold an NSCAA Regional Diploma?
- What U.S. Soccer licensing course may I begin with if I hold a foreign license?
Detailed Answers
Applying for a waiver
Am I required to complete the entire application?
Yes, applicants must submit a completed application and submit supporting
documentation in order for U.S. Soccer to review.
Is there a fee?
There is no fee to apply for a U.S. Soccer waiver.
U.S. Soccer Federation
Waiver Overview and Application
General Questions
What does waiver mean?
U.S. Soccer permits certain applicants based on their previous experience the
right to bypass certain license levels under the U.S. Soccer licensing structure.
Visit http://www.ussoccer.com/Coaches/Licenses.aspx for additional information.
Does U.S. Soccer offer equivalency licenses?
U.S. Soccer does not offer equivalency licenses. U.S. Soccer grants waivers that
allow coaches to bypass certain license levels based on their experience.
If I receive a waiver does this mean I hold a U.S. Soccer license?
No, a waiver does not grant you a license from the U.S. Soccer Federation. It
merely allows you to begin the licensing process at a higher level.
For example, if a coach is permitted to begin with a “B” license course, this does
not grant them a “B” license or a “C”, “D” or “E” license. Coaches must attend
and ultimately pass a course to receive a license.
Where/how will you send communications?
Email communication is sent to the provided email.
Will my waiver expire?
Under current policy, waivers are non-expiring.
Is U.S. Soccer’s licensing program recognized by FIFA?
U.S. Soccer is a member of FIFA and therefore is the only organization in the
United States permitted to offer a coaching license.
Documentation
What must I submit if I play or had played professional soccer?
Professional players must submit an official letter from the club(s) or Federation
stating the years played or a contract. An official letter or contract must also be
submitted with the years coached.
Should I submit original documentation?
We do not recommend a coach submits original documentation. We recommend
submitting a copy and keeping the original.
Do I need to have my documents translated?
Yes, all non-English documents are required to be officially translated.
If I played professionally am I still required to submit my coaching background?
Yes, we do require all waiver applicants submit official coaching documentation.
U.S. Soccer Federation
Waiver Overview and Application
What does official documentation mean?
U.S. Soccer views ‘official’ as a letter on official team letterhead signed by a
ranking official of the club or a signed contract that clearly states the coaching
and/or playing background.
Eligibility
What is the highest license I may begin with?
The highest license a coach may begin with is a "B" license. U.S. Soccer does
not accept waivers into the "A" license course.
What if I am applying for an "E" or "D" waiver?
Applicants who do not meet the requirements are not eligible to apply and are
advised to contact a State Soccer Association
http://www.ussoccer.com/Coaches/National-Coaching-Schools/StateOffices.aspx. State soccer associations execute U.S. Soccer's "D" and "E" level
courses.
Am I required to have professional coaching experience to be eligible for a waiver?
No, we accept coaching experience at any level, such as youth clubs or college.
We do require a letter from a ranking official of the organization stating the years
coached.
What does FIFA recognized playing experience mean?
U.S. Soccer requires waiver applicants to have played at a FIFA recognized
“high” level. (e.g.: Major League Soccer or D-2; Premiership or Football League
Championship; La Liga; etc.)
What does Senior National Team mean?
U.S. Soccer recognizes applicants who have played for their country’s senior
national team (e.g.: World Cup team). Youth National Team experience is not
valid playing experience for a waiver.
What if the club I played or coached for non-longer exists?
In the case the club no longer exists, U.S .Soccer suggests you reach out to the
former coach or General Manager, your respective Soccer Federation or submit
press clippings, pictures, yearbook or online data. Please note that the
responsibility falls on the applicant to do the research and submit the proper
documentation.
If I hold a NSCAA Diploma can I take a U.S. Soccer course?
Yes, if a coach holds a NSCAA National Diploma they may begin with a U.S.
Soccer “C” license or if a coach holds an Advanced National Diploma they may
begin with a U.S. Soccer “B” license.
U.S. Soccer Federation
Waiver Overview and Application
What if I hold an NSCAA Regional Diploma?
Applicants who do not meet the requirements outlined above are not eligible for a
waiver and are advised to contact a State Soccer Association for information on
U.S. Soccer’s “D” and “E” level courses. U.S. Soccer does not execute these
courses. http://www.ussoccer.com/Coaches/National-Coaching-Schools/StateOffices.aspx.
What U.S. Soccer licensing course may I begin with if I hold a foreign license?
Please use the information below as a guide. You may still submit a waiver application if
you do not see the country from which you hold a license from. U.S. Soccer reserves
the right to make the final decision on where an applicant may begin.
Argentina:
Professional Coach: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Asia:
AFC “C”: may attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license;
AFC “B” or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Australia:
“C” license: may attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license;
“B” or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Bulgaria:
“C” license or a “Soccer” degree from National Sports Academy:
may attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license;
UEFA “B” or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Brazil:
Dependent upon course
Canada:
“A” (120 units) or “B” (80 units) licensed coach: may attend a U.S.
Soccer “B” license;
Community Coach Certificate or Pre B holder (50 units): may attend
a U.S. Soccer “C” license
Denmark:
DBU B2 Trainer or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
England:
FA Level II: may attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license;
UEFA B: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license;
FA Level I or below should contact
http://www.ussoccer.com/Coaches/National-CoachingSchools/State-Offices.aspx
Finland:
“C” license: may attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license
“B” or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
France:
BEES 1 Teachers or BEES 1 Leagues: may attend a U.S. Soccer
“B” license
U.S. Soccer Federation
Waiver Overview and Application
Germany:
“C” license: may attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license
“B” or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Ireland:
Youth Certificate: may attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license
UEFA “B” or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Italy:
“C” license: may attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license
UEFA “B” or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Mexico:
Technical Course Director: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Sector Coaches Course: may attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license
Norway:
Trainers II or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Portugal:
Level I: may attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license
Level II (UEFA B) or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Serbia:
UEFA “B” or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Scotland:
Level II: may attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license
UEFA “B” or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Spain:
Level I or above: may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Sweden:
Basic license: may attend a U.S. Soccer “C” license
Advanced license - may attend a U.S. Soccer “B” license
Questions and Additional Information:
Should this overview not answer all of your questions, please use the contact
information below:
U.S. Soccer Federation
Attn: Coaching Department
C/O Scott Flood
1801 South Prairie Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
[email protected]
(312) 528-1218
U.S. Soccer Federation
Waiver Overview and Application
U.S. Soccer Coaching School
Waiver Application
Section I – Verification
Step One – Review the qualifying information on the previous pages.
Step Two – If you meet the requirements, prepare all documentation as noted below.
• A completed, legible application form
• Supporting documentation
NOTE 1: If applying for a waiver with a foreign license, include a copy of your
foreign license, and a translation if necessary as outlined in Overview.
NOTE 2: If applying for a waiver as a professional player, include official
documentation of your coaching experience AND professional playing
experience, and a translation if necessary as outlined in Overview
Step Three – Submit the completed application and supporting documents. The review
process normally takes two to four weeks to process. Applicants will
receive an email from U.S. Soccer stating the decision.
U.S. Soccer Federation
Waiver Overview and Application
Section II – Personal Information
First Name: ______________________________ Middle Name: __________________
Last Name: ____________________________________________________________
Date of Birth: ____ / ____ / ____
Gender (circle):
Male
Female
CoachesNet membership/user ID (if applicable): ______________________________
Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________State: __________ Zip Code: _________
Country: _________________________________
Cell Phone: ____________________________ Secondary Phone: ________________
E-mail: ________________________________________________________________
Which License course do you wish to attend (circle): “C”
“B”
*Please note that U.S. Soccer policy does not accept waivers into the “A” license course.
Step III – Playing and Coaching Experience
Professional Playing Experience (if applicable):
Specific Year(s) Played
Club – most recent
Division (e.g.: MLS,
Premiership, etc.)
1. ___________________
___________________
___________________
2. ___________________
___________________
___________________
3. ___________________
___________________
___________________
Coaching Experience (if applicable):
Club – most recent
Specific Year(s) Coached
Boys or Girls
Position?
(Head or Asst)
1. ___________________
___________________
__________
__________
2. ___________________
___________________
__________
__________
3. ___________________
___________________
__________
__________
U.S. Soccer Federation
Waiver Overview and Application