Anonymous wrote:they can play rec (non-travel) and I doubt you have to go through the process.

Hey, they could also just not play—that avoids all of these problems.

Thanks for the blinding insight.

they can play rec (non-travel) and I doubt you have to go through the process.

I think you're referring to an ITC form, and if memory serves, it's a 30 day waiting period after US Soccer sends their request to the other country. There are age limits (young kids don't need to go through the process, but not sure what that age is). US Soccer should clear them after 30 days if the other country hasn't responded.

Unfortunately, that’s looking like a real possibility here, too :/

US Soccer’s hands are tied once it leaves their office. We had a player that waited nearly the entire Fall season before being cleared.

Anonymous wrote:why can't you register them the same way everyone else does?

do they not have social security numbers or something?

Well, no...no we can’t.

And no...no they don’t.

:facepalm:

why can't you register them the same way everyone else does?

do they not have social security numbers or something?

Oof. That's what I was afraid of. Did you (or whoever was working the issue) ever call or email US Soccer?

It can take awhile. If memory serves, it comes down to rules involving professional players and clubs, and the unintended consequences for youth amateurs.

That paperwork goes to US Soccer, then to CONCACAF, then to another international body (possibly), to that country’s federation, then back through that channel.

Which means you might be waiting awhile. As many as four layers of bureaucracy.

Looking to see if anyone has ever had dealings with US Soccer over player registrations--particularly foreign teenage players.

This isn't a case of a club trying to get some ringers in--two brothers, both middling players at a middling club in a middling league who put their paperwork in over a month ago and would really like to play some soccer. Parents are genuinely employed here (diplomats). No funny business.

I sent an email to US Soccer's generic player registration address. Has anyone ever had this experience, and, if so, did they reply? how long did it take? Are they responsive if you call?

(p.s. already tried the vysa route--this is above them. specifically asking about US Soccer)