*REMINDER*

May 8, 2026

Dear Club Representatives:

Last summer, MSYSA updated several rules in preparation for the 2026 try-out cycle. This communication serves as a summary of the changes. Click here to view an abbreviated graphic.

MSYSA now provides an exception for clubs with teams in ‘Elite’ level platforms/programs to conduct early tryouts. Elite level teams are defined in section 3.2F of the MSYSA Rules and they are teams playing in the following leagues; USYS National League, NAL, and Director’s Academy. This change levels the playing field for those teams by allowing them to also conduct early try-outs like other competing organizations outside of MSYSA (MLS Next, ECNL, USL, EA, etc.) and still be able to participate in MSYSA sponsored events like State Cup. The change is also meant to create a longer, more thoughtful, try-out process for players, diminishing unnecessary stress placed on players/families who are not interested in ‘Elite’, or may not make an ‘Elite’ competition level team. These athletes can now properly focus on ‘Premier/Select’ try-outs in mid-June.

MSYSA’s Official 2026 Try-Out Date for ‘Premier/Select’ level teams is Saturday, June 13, 2026. This provides many teams/clubs (not adversely impacted by ‘Elite’ level platforms/programs) the opportunity to extend their spring seasons by a week, if desired. ‘Premier/Select’ level teams are any teams playing in the following leagues: MSPSP (including GLPL), CASL, Great Lakes Co-Ed, GVSA, MMYSL MSDSL, MYSL, WMYSA, and WSSL. Teams participating in local Club-run Select and Recreational Travel leagues are also subject to the official Try-Out Date.

The 2026 Try-Out Dates (‘Elite’, ‘Premier/Select’) are determined by each team’s individual competitive level, not the club’s overall status. For clubs that have teams participating in the ‘Elite’ competitive level, try-outs may occur prior to Saturday, June 13, 2026, for those teams only. MSYSA transfer rules are still in place, so those electing to hold tryouts during the current season for these ‘Elite’ teams; players can be signed, but new players are not able to play in any games with their new team until their contract with their current club expires at the end of the season, or they receive a transfer approval from their current club.

MSYSA and MSPSP will begin accepting SportsForms registration forms for ALL teams (National League, NAL, Director’s Academy, and MSPSP/GLPL) beginning Saturday, June 13.

MSPSP (GLPL divisions): For 2026, teams that play in the highest division of MSPSP (GLPL) are considered ‘Premier’ competition level teams and they can play in the ‘Premier’ division of State Cup because of this designation. As GLPL continues to grow, there is a possibility that GLPL may be elevated to the ‘Elite’ competition level. If/when this transpires, teams that participate in GLPL divisions would be able to conduct their try-outs in advance of the 2027 ‘Premier/Select’ Official Try-Out date.

MSYSA now permits players to commit, sign, and register with their existing soccer club at any point during the current seasonal year (for the next seasonal year). During the COVID pandemic, MSYSA permitted clubs to sign their existing players early, as try-outs could not be conducted. The Association received positive feedback when that specific change was made. MSYSA believes its reintroduction will assist clubs, primarily smaller, non-elite level clubs, in keeping teams together because of earlier commitments from players/families. Players/families like the idea of being able to commit/sign with their existing clubs if they are happy or satisfied. Also, some players/families want to avoid the stress/chaos associated with running from one try-out to the next on one weekend.

Finally, MSYSA’s poaching and illegal recruitment rule was eliminated. In short, clubs determine whether players may transfer between clubs. (E.g., when a club believes ‘poaching’ has occurred and/or families are not willing to fulfill existing financial obligations, clubs may elect not to grant player transfers in those instances) MSYSA’s scheduling leagues may enact player movement policies (e.g., MLS Next, etc.) of their own within their respective leagues, if desired. The implementation and enforcement of these types of policies would occur locally. Clubs agreeing to participate within MSYSA scheduling leagues are subject to the rules and policies as adopted by their respective leagues. MSYSA acknowledges concern on there now being an ‘open season’ as this is new to Michigan. However, upon review of other State Associations’ rules, many do not have rules regarding poaching and illegal recruitment.



Please visit our website to review the rule changes and/or for additional information.

Sincerely,

Thomas Faro

Executive Director