SSA Announces Age Classifications for 2017 Outdoor Season

 
January 25, 2017 - As has been circulated previously, the Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA) has been examining the impact of the changes to the youth age classifications for the Canada Soccer National Club Championships, which will take effect in 2017, with a goal of developing the best possible direction for Saskatchewan.
 
As was communicated to the membership in June 2016, should any changes be planned for the 2017 outdoor season, Member Organizations would be notified by January 31, 2017. The direction for the Provincial (formerly Premier) Soccer League (PSL), which qualifies representatives to the National Club Championship and requires alignment has already been confirmed to the participating organizations. As a part of the process of gathering information, examining potential unintended consequences of change and gauging the desires of the membership, a survey was circulated in November 2016. Since this time, it has also been confirmed by Canada Soccer that this issue will be discussed at the upcoming Technical Committee Meeting with a goal of developing national guidelines for age classifications across Canada.
 
Considering this item is under review at the national level, the SSA wish to avoid making multiple changes to age classifications in a short period of time. As such, the current age classifications will be maintained at the provincial level for the 2017 outdoor playing season in order to align to the national direction when it becomes available. Pending direction from Canada Soccer, any changes to the age classifications for the 2017/18 indoor playing season will be communicated to the Membership by June 30, 2017 in order to allow adequate time for preparation and implementation.
 
As such, age classifications at the provincial level (including the 2017 Soccer for Life Provincial Championships) will remain as follows:

• Under 4 (born on or after January 1, 2013)
• Under 6 (born on or after January 1, 2011)
• Under 8 (born on or after January 1, 2009)
• Under 10 (born on or after January 1, 2007)
• Under 12 (born on or after January 1, 2005)
• Under 14 (born on or after January 1, 2003)
• Under 16 (born on or after January 1, 2001)
• Under 18 (born on or after January 1, 1999)
• Senior
• Masters (over 35)

The exception to those age classifications, as has been previously communicated, will be within the PSL, which will be offered at the following age classifications:

• Under 13/14
• Under 15
• Under 17

It is recognized that some Member Organizations have already begun to alter age classifications in anticipation of the future direction. This approach has created challenges by creating multiple playing formats within Saskatchewan for inter-Member Organization tournaments and leagues. While Member Organizations continue to have the authority to play at the age classifications that are deemed most appropriate within their jurisdictions, in order to maintain an aligned system, it is highly recommended and important that all Member Organizations align their programming to the provincial/national direction in both the short and long term.
 
By working in partnership to develop an aligned and cohesive system, Saskatchewan athletes, coaches and officials will be best positioned to achieve their goals in soccer.
 
Should you require further information or wish to discuss changes in age classification and their potential impact on soccer in Saskatchewan, until January 31, 2017, please contact:
 
Dave Nutt
Director of Soccer Operations
Saskatchewan Soccer Association
P: 306-975-0826
E: d.nutt@sasksoccer.com 
 
From February 1, 2017 onward, please contact:
 
Doug Pederson
Executive Director
Saskatchewan Soccer Association
P: 306-780-9225 ext. 4
E: d.pederson@sasksoccer.com