As a result of a rule change last November, and a series of questions that have since been posed to the state office, we have contacted US Soccer for clarification on what forms need to be completed when dealing with players born outside of the United States. The guidelines below correct information that was previously given to us, and should be used for all future roster determination issues. Failure to follow the specific guidelines may result in a player being declared ineligible, and the team’s forfeiture of all games in which the player’s name appeared on the game roster, whether or not the player participated in that game.

In brief, under the new interpretation that US Soccer has given to us, there are two categories of “foreign” players – (1) those born outside of the United States and who are residing here in the U.S. temporarily as an exchange student, and (2) those born outside of the United States but are now residing here as permanent residents. 

In addition to rules applicable to foreign players, there are also rules for US citizens who have played soccer outside of the US if that player appeared on the roster of a foreign team. See below for additional details.

Please consult and follow these revised guidelines when rostering foreign players. Specific questions can be directed to Maria Murua at US Soccer by calling (312) 528-1244.

Foreign Exchange Students:

A player who can be classified as a foreign exchange student is permitted to be included on a Massachusetts team roster, but must first follow the applicable procedures below, based upon the player’s current age.

1. If the player is age 16 or younger:  The International Waiver Form must be completed, signed and mailed to Mass Youth Soccer, 2444 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, MA   01523. In addition, a $10 application fee (check made payable to US Soccer) must be included. Mass Youth Soccer will sign the form and mail to US Soccer. Once approved by Mass Youth Soccer, the player’s name may be placed on a Massachusetts roster.

Please Note: If the player has received money or has signed a contract with a professional team, the International Transfer Clearance Form must also be completed, signed and submitted. This form should be sent along with the other forms and we will forward the complete package to US Soccer. However, until US Soccer has approved the international transfer, the player’s name should not be placed on a team roster.

2. If the player is age 17 or older:  The International Transfer Clearance Form must be completed, signed and submitted directly to Mass Youth Soccer, 2444 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, MA 01523. Do not send this to us. There is no fee for submission of this form. Until US Soccer has approved the international transfer, the player’s name should not be placed on a team roster.

Permanent Residence Foreign Players:

A player who was not born in the United States, but is now living permanently in this country, may be placed on a Massachusetts roster, but must first follow the applicable procedures below, based upon the age of the player when they first came to the United States.

1. If the player was age 12 or older when he/she came to the US:  The International Transfer Clearance Form must be completed, signed and submitted directly to Mass Youth Soccer, 2444 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, MA 01523. Do not send this to us. There is no fee for submission of this form. Until US Soccer has approved the international transfer, the player’s name should not be placed on a team roster.

2. If the player was younger than age 12 when he/she came to the US:  There is no need to complete or submit any form to US Soccer. However, the player must submit satisfactory evidence of entry into the United States prior to age 12. This evidence must be submitted to Mass Youth Soccer. One of the best forms of evidence is a statement from the child’s school attesting to the age that the child first started school. Other forms of proof that document date of entry are also permitted (e.g. passport documents).

US Citizens Who Played Outside the US:

If a US citizen lived outside the United States and was listed on a roster of a foreign team, the International Transfer Clearance Form must be completed, signed and submitted directly to Mass Youth Soccer, 2444 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, MA 01523. Do not send this to us. There is no fee for submission of this form. Until US Soccer has approved the international transfer, the player’s name should not be placed on a team roster.