Sanctioned Tournaments

Application to Host Friendly Games

In order to host an Illinois Youth Soccer (“IYSA”) approved Friendly Games in Illinois the Hosting Organization (“Host”) must be in good standing with the IYSA and have its teams and players currently registered with the IYSA through an IYSA Member League from the time of submission of the IYSA Friendly Games Application through the dates of the Friendly Games.  All teams must use currently registered players and coaches who have a valid pass from their Member Organization.

The Friendly Games must not involve more than four teams and the teams must be of one age group, application/participation fees must not be charged and trophies may not be presented. Each team may pay referee game fees or applicable field rental fee. If more than four teams in one age group are involved, the event is no longer considered Friendly Games and the Host must apply for tournament status even if the Host does not provide trophies or collect fees. 

Hosting Friendly Games In Illinois

The Hosting Organization (“Host”) must submit to Illinois Youth Soccer (“IYSA”) the IYSA Friendly Games Application for prior approval.  The Host must be in good standing with the IYSA and have its teams and players currently registered with the IYSA through an IYSA Member Competitive League at the time of submission of the IYSA Friendly Games Application and through the dates of the Friendly Games.  All teams must use currently registered players and coaches who have a valid pass from their IYSA Member League or their US Youth Soccer State Association.  IYSA will only approve friendlies involving IYSA Member League teams and/or US Youth Soccer State Association Member teams.

The Friendly Games must not involve more than four teams and the teams must be of one age group; application/participation fees must not be charged; and trophies may not be presented. Each team may pay referee game fees or applicable field rental fee. If more than four teams in one age group are involved, the event is no longer considered Friendly Games and the Host must apply for tournament status even if the Host does not provide trophies or collect fees. 

The Host must collect and submit prior to the first Friendly match the following documents to to katie@illinoisyouthsoccer.org 

For Friendly vs another Illinois Youth Soccer member team

1. In order to obtain approval and validation from the IYSA, the HOST must submit to the IYSA the IYSA Application to Host a Friendly Game prior to the match. 
2. BOTH teams must submit to the IYSA the signed IYSA Organization Communicable Disease Agreement
3. Roster for both teams
4. IYSA Communicable Disease Waivers: THESE DO NOT NEED TO BE SENT TO KATIE, BUT TEAMS MUST HAVE ON FILE TO SEND UPON REQUEST

• The HOST team must have a signed IYSA Communicable Disease Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement on file prior to the start of the Friendly Games from the following individuals and make them available to the IYSA upon request: all Participants including but not limited to the players, coaches, referees, trainers, volunteers, and associated personnel.
• The non-hosting team(s) must have a signed IYSA Communicable Disease Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement on file prior to the start of the Friendly Games from the following individuals and make them available to the IYSA upon request: all Participants including but not limited to the players, coaches, and any associated personnel.

For Friendly vs a US Youth Soccer State Association Member Team from a state other than Illinois

1. In order to obtain approval and validation from the IYSA, the HOST must submit to the IYSA the IYSA Application to Host a Friendly Game no later than 7 days prior to the match. 
2. BOTH teams must submit to the IYSA the signed IYSA Organization Communicable Disease Agreement
3. Roster for both teams
4. Out of State Permission Form (Travel Permit) from each out-of-state team
5. The IYSA Friendly Game Form NT. For each non-IYSA member team
6. IYSA Communicable Disease Waivers: THESE DO NOT NEED TO BE SENT TO KATIE, BUT TEAMS MUST HAVE ON FILE TO SEND UPON REQUEST

• The HOST team must have a signed IYSA Communicable Disease Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement on file prior to the start of the Friendly Games from the following individuals and make them available to the IYSA upon request: all Participants including but not limited to the players, coaches, referees, trainers, volunteers, and associated personnel
• The non-hosting team(s) must have a signed IYSA Communicable Disease Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement on file prior to the start of the Friendly Games from the following individuals and make them available to the IYSA upon request: all Participants including but not limited to the players, coaches, and any associated personnel.

Participating in Friendly Gmes Outside Of Illinois

Currently the state of Illinois stongly discourages out-of-state travel. Anyone who travels out of state is required to follow all local public health guidelines including travel restrictions and quarantines after visiting certain states. 

Friendlies outside of Illinois may be approved under the following conditions only.  

The Team must submit the IYSA Permission to Travel Form to the IYSA no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of the Friendly Games.

The Team requesting IYSA Permission to Travel must be in good standing with the IYSA and have its coaches and players currently registered with the IYSA through an IYSA Member Competitive League. 

All teams involved in the Friendly Games must use currently registered players and coaches who have a valid pass from their IYSA Member League or their US Youth Soccer State Association.

The US Youth Soccer State Association where the Friendly Game is to be played is allowing competitive games games against Illinois teams.

Submit the following documents to katie@illinoisyouthsoccer.org no later than 7 days prior to the match:

1. Submit the IYSA Permission to Travel Form
2. Submit written permission from the US Youth Soccer State Association allowing the Host to hold a Friendly Game. NO TRAVEL PERMITS WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT THIS WRITTEN PERMISSION. 
3.  Submit to the IYSA the signed IYSA Organization Communicable Disease Agreement 
4. Submit your Team Roster
5. Collect signed IYSA Communicable Disease Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement for your team participants and have them on file prior to the start of the Friendly Games and make them available to the IYSA upon request: all Participants including but not limited to the players, coaches, referees, trainers, volunteers, and associated personnel.
6. Your team participants and supporters must abide by all local travel restrictions and quarantine guidelines.
7. Yoru team participants and supports must abide by all COVID guidelines in the state the state the match is being played and the Illinois guidelines

Although there is a decline in the rate of new COVID-19 cases in Illinois, it is still a major issue. This disease is potentially life-altering or deadly, particularly in those with risk factors.  Social distancing should NOT be taken lightly, and all aspects of the game environment must be assessed and modified to identify and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

The IYSA does not provide any insurance coverage for Covid-19 related claims.  Failure to follow IYSA policies and procedures, the state and local government public health orders, CDC guidelines and IYSA protocol including these requirements involving COVID-19 or any other communicable disease may void medical and liability coverage for your organization under the IYSA insurance placements. 

Your organization is expected to strictly comply with the state, local and CDC guidelines for the resumption of play and seek advice from medical professionals and/or public health officials in your area if you have specific questions.