Amatuer / Pro ?

Discussion in 'Referee' started by JRedknapp11, Aug 27, 2007.

  1. JRedknapp11

    JRedknapp11 Red Card

    Dec 5, 2001
    tsacademy.net
    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 ?!
     
  2. Spaceball

    Spaceball Member

    Jun 15, 2004
    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?
     
  3. DadOf6

    DadOf6 Member

    Jul 4, 2005
    Taylorsville, UT
    Club:
    Real Salt Lake
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Sure, BYU plays in the PDL.
     
  4. Spaceball

    Spaceball Member

    Jun 15, 2004
    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).
     
  5. Chubbywubby

    Chubbywubby Member

    Apr 11, 2004
    Denver, CO
    I guess it depends on your definition of "professional". PDL, NPSL, WPSL, W-League, etc., are considered to be professional assignments for the refs.
     
  6. Spaceball

    Spaceball Member

    Jun 15, 2004
    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
     
  7. IASocFan

    IASocFan Moderator
    Staff Member

    Aug 13, 2000
    IOWA
    Club:
    Sporting Kansas City
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    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.
     
  8. DadOf6

    DadOf6 Member

    Jul 4, 2005
    Taylorsville, UT
    Club:
    Real Salt Lake
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    You're right.
     
  9. Loftus Road FC

    Loftus Road FC New Member

    Aug 31, 2007
    On the pitch
    I agree too, PDL isn't pro and I am thinking that they arent allowed to use the word pro either.
     
  10. ref2coach

    ref2coach Member

    May 27, 2004
    TN, USA
    What????
    P = Professional, D = Development, L = League. PDL
    Professional is part of their name. :rolleyes:
     
  11. ref47

    ref47 Member

    Aug 13, 2004
    n. va
    USL PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
    from the usl website.
     
  12. ref2coach

    ref2coach Member

    May 27, 2004
    TN, USA
    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.
     

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