Travel Division

The Travel Division provide an opportunity for individuals to compete against area towns in league play that is appropriate for the team's age and skill level. Participation in this division may require a higher level of personal commitment to individual skill development, overall team awareness, and team play.

  • A child must be eight (8), but not nineteen (19) by the preceding August 1 prior to the playing season to be eligible for the Travel Division.
  • When the number of players and/or coaches are sufficient to have multiple teams in an age bracket, teams will be formed by placing children onto teams based on the skill level of the individuals. Note that this can only apply when registration numbers in a given age bracket warrant multiple teams. The prevailing intent of these statements is that team formations be made with a consideration of the skill levels of the individuals involved.

    If a skill session is necessary, selection will be made in accordance with the following guidelines:
    • Each skill session will be open session for all children in that age group.
    • At least two (2) sessions will be held with attendance to at least one session required.
    • At least three evaluators shall be present at each session, one of which must be the coach.
    • Selection is based on the recommendations of the three evaluators, and the evaluation sheets submitted by the Instructional and In-House Division Directors, if available. All children agreed upon by the three evaluators must be selected. The team coach can then select whomever he/she wants from the remaining children up to the roster maximum.
    Exceptions to the above may be granted with approval from the Board.
  • Up to five (5) players may be allowed to "skill up" onto a team in an age-bracket above that which the player is minimally eligible. This is only allowed when the team is to be placed on the top team within the age bracket, and when roster spots (maximum of 18) are available in the age bracket. An age-appropriate player may not be bumped off a team by a younger player who is "skilling up".
  • Full uniforms including shirts, pants and socks will be used with six inch numbers on the back of the shirt. The cost of the uniform will be the responsibility of the parents and will not be included in the registration fee. The proper uniform and where it can be purchased will be identified by the Association.
  • All Travel Division teams will be entered in the State Affiliated League unless an appropriate affiliated league does not exist.
  • Travel team schedules will be determined by the league entered.
  • The number of practices per week is left to the discretion of the coach above the minimum of two per week. The children's ages must be kept in mind when having more than two per week.
  • All of the above Travel Division team rules apply to only the U-14, U-12, and U-10 boys and girls teams. U-19 and U-16 teams will be determined on a first come, first serve basis.
  • If more than 18 children register within the legally identified dates, then it will be the Travel Division Director's responsibility to set roster size after consultation with the coaches. If necessary, a skill session will be held to determine which players will be on the roster. If available, a minimum roster of 16 is mandatory.
  • Playing/game rules will be FIFA-based, but modified by the league entered.
  • Since this is a more competitive division, playing time is left up to the discretion of the coach, but it is recommended that each child play approximately one half of the game unless individual conduct warrants less time.
  • The Association will place all under-11 Travel Division teams in the six-versus-six (not 11-versus-11) division when the league provides one.
  • The Association will place all under-12 Travel Division teams in the eight-versus-eight (not 11-versus-11) division when the league provides one. Amended 04-01-2003