Many leagues and associations throughout the state have begun to develop standards and requirements for coaching at different levels. The following is an explanation of the waiver policy and how to obtain consideration for a waiver:

What is a waiver?

Depending upon the level of practical experience of playing and coaching it is possible to enroll in the state coaching education program (licenses) beyond the entry level. A waiver determines at what point in the coaching education programs that an individual may begin. Obtaining a waiver does not grant an individual a license. It merely determines where the individual coach will begin in the coaching education programs.

What is evaluated in obtaining a waiver?

There areas are considered:

• Prior formal playing experience. These include club as a youth player, state, regional or U.S. national team, varsity/collegiate participation, USISL, A-League or Major League Soccer (MLS). Individuals who have played professionally in other countries or have been selected for and played for another national team will also be granted the same consideration. Copies of professional contractual agreements, photographs, or letters from national federations will be required to substantiate and prove claims.
• Prior coaching experience.
• The age group of players that the coach is working with.
• If an individual has earned a coaching certificate/license from a foreign national association (for example, Scottish FA, Dutch FA, etc.) it may be equivocated in order to determine where a coach will will enter the coaching programs. Equivocating a foreign certificate/license does not award a state or national license. It is recommended that coaches who have received certificates from foreign associations attend a state or national coaching course in the U.S. within one year.

Brett Thompson, OSYSA Director of Coaching 
25 Whitney Drive, Suite #104 
Milford, OH  45150