VSL Division 1 General Information

The VSL Division 1 is for select and premier level youth soccer teams.  Its goal is to offer the highest quality youth soccer in the state of Vermont.  Teams thinking of entering the league should understand the level of travel commitment since the league is statewide. 

1.      Season

The season starts the first weekend of May or last weekend of April.  The schedule will be published four weeks prior to this weekend.  The number of matches will vary per division, but generally there are 6 to 10.  The season will end by July 1.

Ages u14 and below will play on Saturdays, and u15 and above will play on Sundays.  There may be a few midweek games in June (generally after school is out).   

2.      Registration

Applications for Division 1 are on the Vermont Soccer League website.  The deadline is stated on the website (generally mid-January).

3.       League Fee

The fee per team is $90. This fee is mailed when the application is emailed.  Referee fees are calculated separately and are due two weeks prior to the start of the season.

4.      New Teams

Unfortunately, the league cannot accept all teams that enter.  A committee appointed by the VSL Board determines if a team will be accepted (Currently this committee is the VSL Board).  Factors for acceptance are; competitiveness and availability in the age division.  A refundable bond is required for first year teams.  The fee is equal to the full referee fees for two matches. 

5.      Fall Meeting

All clubs must send a representative to a mandatory fall meeting.  The meeting date will be announced in the fall.  It is generally the first week of November in Middlebury.

6.      CUP Competition

VSL D1 is premier level league and teams competing qualify for the State Cup which is part of the USYS National Championship Series.

7.      Team Roster

The league rosters for u12 thru u18 cannot exceed 22.  If the team roster exceeds 18; a VSA supplemental roster with the additional players over 18 must also be submitted.  This is due to the National Championship Series rules.  The roster of 18 is your team that can compete in the National Championship Series.  National Championship Series add/drop rules apply to the VSA roster of 18.  

8.      Referees

Referee fees are paid prior to the start of the season.   A single center referee system will be used for U13 and below.   U14 divisions and above will use a three-referee system when possible.  The referee fees are roughly $.70 per minute for a center and $.35 per minute for assistant referees.

 

6.       Game Length

The exception to game length listed above is that matches will be shortened 5 minutes per half when two matches are played on the same day. 
 

7.      Player Passes

VSA player passes and roster will be inspected before every VSL D1 match.  This will be done by the referee just prior to the start of the match.  Medical release forms must also be available at each match. 

8.      Score Reporting

Scores will be reported to the league coordinator by the referees via the USOfficials website.  In the odd case when there is not a registered referee, a volunteer can be used if both teams agree.  In this case, the winning team or the home team for a tie will report scores, to the division coordinator by email.  Scores must be reported within two days of the match.  Scores and standings will be posted at the web site. Note, when a volunteer referee is used, no protests will be accepted.

9.      The Field

A quality field should be provided for our young aspiring soccer players.  The fields at a minimum need to lined, mowed, and have corner flags.