Inappropriate efforts to induce players to join another team...
Unlike some other youth sports (little league, baseball, etc.), soccer does not have strict geographical boundaries that limit where or in what league a player can play based on where they reside. A player living in Central Florida can play for any team in the state that will register them. As a result, the governing authority for youth soccer in the state (FYSA) has specific rules about registering players to clubs, and about how players movement between clubs is controlled. In order to prevent inappropriate efforts to recruit players into other clubs or onto other teams, the FYSA has a specific rule about 'poaching'. Please read the entire excerpt - as the period during which players become 'free agents' is often misunderstood. The following is an excerpt from the FYSA Bylaws and Rules, 2005-2006:
"401.5 POACHING
A. No coach, assistant coach, trainer, team representative, registered player, parent or advertisement may offer any kind of inducement to recruit a player and/or to transfer from his/her respective team, during the seasonal year as defined Sept 1 – Aug 1.
Inducing a player includes, but is not limited solicitation to leave the current affiliate, offering a currently rostered player a roster spot on an existing team, or a roster spot for the next seasonal year. Coaches are responsible for the actions of the all of the above listed participants of their team.
B. Players:
All currently registered players shall become free agents at the completion of FYSA’s State Cup Final Four or elimination from National Championship Competitions (whichever is later) [Ed.- Typically early or mid June depending on FYSA scheduling of competitions].
At this time, all restrictions as to guest playing and contact between parties shall be lifted until such time as the player (and parent) executes a contract or registration for the next seasonal year.
- Player contracts or registrations for returning players may be effected on or after July 1st, contracts or registrations for all others shall have an effective date of August 1st.
- A contract or registration for a non-returning player may be revoked prior to August 1st by notification in writing to the affiliate. Any matter as to the refund of registration fees paid shall be governed under the terms and conditions of the contract or registration."
