MLS and USSF

I was surfing the USSF site looking for something when I came across the USSF MEN’S PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR LEAGUE STANDARDS.

I have posted these because I thought some of them were interesting. Note this is for a Division 1 league only. For a full list of USSF Policies and Bylaws see http://dps.altdc3.va.twimm.net/USSF/doc/content/doc_6_36.PDF

i
Division I (Adopted May 21, 1995)
I. Composition; play
A. League must have at least 10 teams.
B. League must designate a champion each year based on seasonal play or by means of a post-season playoff tournament.
C. League’s U.S.-based teams must participate in the U.S. Open Cup and all representative CONCACAF competitions with suitable support as
determined by the Federation

II. Markets; playing stadia fields
A. League must have U.S.-based teams located in at least 3 different time zones to ensure nationwide geographic dispersion.
B. At least 75 percent of the league’s teams must be based in the United States.
C. At least 75 percent of the league’s teams must play in metropolitan markets of at least 1,000,000 persons.
D. At least 75 percent of the league’s teams must play in enclosed stadia with playing surfaces of at least 70 yards by 110 yards.
E. The league’s regular home field stadia must have a minimum seating capacity of 15,000.
F. By the 1998 season, the league’s regular home field stadia must have a natural grass surface.

III. Coaches; referees
A. The coaches of each of the league’s teams must hold a USSF “A” license or its equivalent within two years of their appointment.
B. All referees in league games must be from a list approved by the Federation.

IV. Budget; bond
A. The teams in the league must have an annual average budget for player salaries of at least $1.25 million and an average overall operating budget
of at least $3.0 million, as adjusted for inflation after 1995. In addition, during its first two years, the league must commit to a player acquisition
budget that is agreed to by the Federation or that is at least equal to the average acquisition budget of any existing Federation Division I league over its first two-year period, adjusted for inflation after 1995.
B. The league must require each team to post with the league an adequate performance bond or other security to secure the performance of the team’s obligations for the current season. In the case of a single-entity league, the league must provide, or demonstrate that it has, adequate security to secure the performance of the league’s obligations for the current season.

VI. League office
A. League must have a central office that is open during regular business
hours 12 months a year.
B. League must have a full-time employee who handles the responsibilities
of a chief executive officer or commissioner.
C. League must have an active publicity/public relations program.
D. League must have an active marketing program, including a licensing program, with nationally recognized sponsors and licensees.
E. League must have a director of officials or, with the Federation’s approval, must delegate such function to the Federation.

I. Media
A. League must have broadcast or cable television contract(s) that provide(s) for the telecasting of regular season games as well as the championship
game or series.
B. League and each league team must produce an annual media guide.
C. League must generate and disseminate regular statistical reports and press releases.
D. League or its teams must produce a program for all league games that includes a line-up card or other similar insert for each individual game.

VII. Team organization
A. Each team must have full-time employees that handle the following responsibilities: general manager, marketing/sales, communications/media relations, promotion/community relations, game
operations, head coach, assistant coach, trainer, tickets, finances, and clerical.
B. Each team must demonstrate its commitment to the promotion of soccer at all levels in its home market.
C. Each U.S.-based team must support or assist, including in terms of player development, either an amateur or professional reserve team competing
in a USSF-sanctioned league or the league itself.

VIII. Relationship with USSF
A. League must become and remain a member in good standing of the Federation.
B. League must pay all applicable Federation fees and dues on a timely basis.
C. League must present its business plan to the NBOD annually.
D. League must release its players to play on the U.S. national teams and shall actively support the U.S. national team programs.
E. League must register its players with the Federation on a timely basis.

 

I was piqued by this requirement considering FIFA pretty much forbids teams from one National Association from playing in the league of another association (Wrexham notwithstanding). I wonder if the USSF got a waiver of if FIFA doesn't care since Canada has no pro league.