Can't seem to find the answer written anywhere on the internet, hopefully someone on here can sort me out. Is it possible for an amateur team to play within a professional league. I know they can play in tournaments like the US Open cup but what about full on league play ?!
Not really a referee question...more of a league administration question. However, I can see no reason an amateur team would not be allowed to play in a pro league. That being said, why would they want to? Pro leagues are usually expensive to join and require additional staff and travel. Plus, if the players were good enough to compete, wouldn't they be playing for money as well?
PDL is an amateur league...it tries to run as professional, but it is just a very high level amateur league. No paid players (though they are paid as assistants or as coaches at camps or for club teams).
I guess it depends on your definition of "professional". PDL, NPSL, WPSL, W-League, etc., are considered to be professional assignments for the refs.
So are the U19 finals at Regionals and all regional adult tournaments...but these are clearly amateur events. I was assuming the poster meant a true pro league vs. what USSF considers pro for assessment and game count purposes
My definition of Professional League would be one where the players are paid for playing. The above leagues have only amateur players - though some of the players are paid for non-playing activities such as coaching. I consider most of us part-time professional referees since we are normally paid for our services. And we try to maintain a professional appearance, demeanor, and provide professional service.
OK Then, I stand corrected. Was the P ever Professional? I know the long time co-owner of our local PDL team. I have heard him refer to league as Professional Development League, when he has made presentations selling ticket packages etc.