Q - What resources are available to help our club navigate through COVID-related challenges?

A - Please review the COVID-19 Club Resources page on the NorCal website.

 

Q - Who makes the decisions about whether players can train/play (as related to Covid-19)?

A - A club’s training program is the decision of each individual club, however, clubs are fully expected to be in compliance with both state and local public health guidance at all times. US Club Soccer sanctioning and insurance is only valid if both state and local guidance is being followed by a club.

 

Q - Does our club’s decision to not participate in NorCal Premier competitions at this time due to COVID concerns put our membership into jeopardy?

A - No.  We will work with all our members on this front and respect the decision of our various soccer communities.

 

Q - Are players insured (for training) if they do not have a US Club Player Pass?

A - If a player does not have a currently valid US Club Player Pass, they are not covered by US Club Soccer’s insurance policy.

 

Q - Does NorCal currently have a plan to run leagues this season?

A - Yes, we plan to run competitions for any interested NorCal Member Clubs as soon as the state & local public health authorities clear youth sports competitions to return, and clubs are able to host games. We have planned for start dates in Sept, October, November, December & January, so we will be ready to go when allowed.  Please click here to see the proposed structure.

 

Q - What is the registration process for 2020 events?

A - NorCal will be leaving all Fall and State Cup event registrations open indefinitely. Once the State and/or County give approval for competitions to begin, NorCal will extend the registration by a minimum of 7 days to allow clubs to finalize registrations. For example, if the State announces on September 1st a date when competition may resume NorCal will set a new registration deadline no earlier than September 8th.

 

Q - When will payments be processed for Leagues and Cups?

A - Fees will not be charged until schedules are made and may be reduced in some competitions depending on when we can return to play.

 

Q - If one county is able to move forward with games before other counties, will Norcal schedule games in that county?

A - Yes, NorCal will create competition to provide matches in any counties that are allowed to compete. Any NorCal competitions will follow all State and County guidelines.

 

Q - Once state and local governments allow games to be played, how much notice will teams have to prepare?

A - NorCal will provide 3-4 weeks to prepare for matches once we get the go-ahead to move forward. During the 3-4 week period, NorCal will give 7-10 days for teams to apply for seasonal events, which take one week to create schedules and then allow 7-10 days for clubs to schedule their first weekend of home matches.

 

Q - What does NorCal currently have planned for State Cup?

A - State Cup will be scheduled as soon as competitions are able to return safely, albeit in an adapted format for the 2020/21 season. U9-U14 age groups have been moved to Spring 2021.

 

Q - What are the NorCal rules about tryouts and player movement?

A - Outside of the NorCal Tryout Window, any player registered with a NorCal Member Club needs permission from their current DOC to train or try out with another NorCal Member Club.

 

Q - What opportunities are available for players at this time?

A - Currently, as per the State of California’s interim guidance on youth sports (published August 3, 2020) players are restricted to practicing with their club, whose practices should be in compliance with the State & local county public health guidance. There are currently no opportunities for players to participate in NorCal Premier Soccer competitions until the State changes their guidance.

 

Q - What opportunities are available for coaches at this time?

A - Coaching webinars are continuing to be offered through the Fall. Please review the Coach Education section of the NorCal website for more information.

 

Q - What opportunities are available for club board members/administrators at this time?

A - NorCal will be hosting a series of club development webinars through the Fall.  Please review the Club Development section of the NorCal website for more information. We’re also providing a free 1:1 club consulting program to any member club that is interested.

 

Q - What’s the status of US Soccer License courses?

A - Currently only online courses via the US Soccer Learning Center are available.  California needs to be in Phase 3 of US Soccer’s Return to Play guidelines (returned to competition) before we can provide in-person licensing.

 

Q - Should referees renew their licenses for the season?

A - Yes, referees will need to renew their licenses in order to referee in 2021. Registration/renewal is now open on the CNRA website.

 

Q - How are player or coach suspensions from PAD being handled during this time?

A - Any unserved suspension for players or coaches will be served when NorCal competitions resume.

 

Q - Will events for U15-U19 players be scheduled during the high school season (now spring)?

A - NorCal will not schedule year-round (State Cup, NPL, State Premier) competition dates for U15-U19 teams during April and May with the exception of the NPL Spring Showcase. NorCal will still offer a stand-alone Spring League for U15-U19 teams for any teams wanting to play during the high school season.