The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) is the National Governing Body for soccer in the United States, as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee. The USSF is organized into four general areas of soccer: a Youth Council, Adult Council, and Professional Council, as well as an Athlete’s Advisory Council. To join the Adult or Youth Councils, an organization must qualify as a USSF “National Organization,” which means an organization offering programs in at least 26 states with a membership of at least 200 thousand. USASA is the only member of the USSF Adult Council. The United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) are the members of the Youth Council. Major League Soccer, and the USL 1st division are members of the Professional Council.
USASA is administered from the National office in Lawrence, IN. Our office is staffed by the USASA Administrator, Administrative Assistant, Membership Services Coordinator, and Communications Coordinator.
USASA is divided into four regions. Each region elects four officers for two year terms to lead a regional council comprised of representatives of each of the member National State Associations (NSA). Certain national programs progress from the state level to regional competitions. Therefore, the regional council is empowered to conduct certain competitions and programs for USASA. Each Region holds three meetings per year. The first of the fiscal year (beginning September 1) is generally held in October or early November to plan regional activities for the year. The second is in conjunction with the USASA Mid-Year Meeting, held at a central location. The third is at the USSF Annual General Meeting (AGM). Elections of regional officers are held at the AGM, with two regions holding elections each year.
USASA’s governing board is its Executive Committee, comprised of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and four Regional Directors. The Chairman and four Regional Directors are also members of the National Board of Directors of USSF. The Executive Committee meets roughly every two to three months, often concurrently with national events.
USASA is comprised of 55 NSAs, who handle registration of players, teams, leagues, and referees. The number of NSAs exceeds the number of states as a result of split state associations in Texas, California, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio.
In addition to NSA members, USASA rules provide for regional and national leagues as members of USASA. Regional leagues are designed to promote a higher level of competition that in-state leagues. A regional league must have a minimum of six teams domiciled in no fewer than three NSAs within the same administrative region. USASA currently has two men’s regional leagues in Region I. For leagues whose membership spans more than one region, USASA offers a national league. USASA currently has two men’s national leagues and one women’s national league. National leagues have no minimum number of teams or NSAs. The Premier Division of the USL, the National Premier Soccer League and the Women’s Premier Soccer League.
