Athlete & Coach licensing

The USFL provides licensing for youth athletes, ages 8 to 17 yrs and their coaches enabling them to compete in legally regulated Pankration events.

Please read all steps before starting process

REGISTER FOR FIGHTER OR COACH LICENSE & CREATE A PROFILE IN THE USFL DATABASE:
ANNUAL LICENSE MUST BE PURCHASED NO LATER THAN ONE WEEK PRIOR TO EVENT

YOUTH ATHLETE LICENSE - $50
COACH LICENSE - $20

Coaches must complete Sports Engine Criminal Background Check and Safety Training (Module 1) every other year for $25.50.
Plus free online CDC Concussion and USFL online training (Module 2) in alternating years.

Carefully review and complete all steps in the cascades below for
ATHLETES & COACHES

ATHLETES/ PARENTS MUST COMPLETE/ READ ALL BELOW STEPS:

FAQ

1. How can I compete in a bout or tournament?

Our home page lists "Upcoming Events" which includes a contact number or email for the promoter/ matchmaker. You should contact them at your earliest convince to see if you can be paired you up with an opponent of equal size, age and experience. Tournaments are open enrollment with a sign up link include with the event posting.

2. Why do I need a license to compete in Pankration?

Licensing ensures participants have provided proof of age and medical clearance for competition. The license is also a method to communicate and provide required state and federal health and safety information to parents. Finally the license is used to track competition results and eligibility of participants.

3. Does the USFL promote actual competitions.

No, promoters/ matchmakers are independent from the USFL but licensed to host and run events. The USFL appoints a lead official to oversee pairings, weight in's, medicals, verify regulatory requirements and to report results and injuries.

4. What happens if my coach does not obtain a coaches license?

You may still be able to compete. Many coaches in the USFL are willing to substitute and corner athletes without a licensed coach. However, athletes from teams without a licensed coach will be considered "unattached" , not earn team points and have no ability to challenge the outcome of a bout. In many cases a parent obtains a coaches license if they are lacking a licensed coach from their own gym. If a non authorized coach or individual enters the completion area, the opposing athletes camp can petition for an automatic No-Contest to any decision rendered from the outcome of the bout.

DOWNLOADS REQUIRED FOR ATHLETE LICENSE: Each year

Youth athletes must upload an annual sports physical, proof of age and USFL waiver each year they register for their license.

The waiver requires acknowledgment of receipt for concussion and dehydration education materials.

1) ATHLETE & GUARDIAN MUST SIGN & INITIAL WAIVER & CODE OF CONDUCT:
Print, sign & upload when registering: WAIVER/ CODE OF CONDUCT

2) READ AND RETAIN CONCUSSION EDUCATION DOCUMENT:
Download, Read & Retain: CONCUSSION EDUCATION INFORMATION

3) READ AND RETAIN DEHYDRATION EDUCATION DOCUMENT:
Download, Read & Retain: DEHYDRATION/ WEIGHT CUTTING INFORMATION

4) ANNUAL SPORTS PHYSICAL:
Download and upload when registering or email if physical is done at a later date:
ANNUAL USFL PHYSICAL FORM (PDF)
We will accept any sports physical signed and dated by the physician such as annual physicals from USA Boxing, IKF Kickboxing or High School Sports, although the official USFL Annual Physical is preferred.

REVIEW REQUIRED EQUIPMENT LIST: Every Year

Do not show up with improper Equipment!

Click HERE for PDF of approved fighters safety equipment

Email jon@fightleague.org if you have any questions.

REVIEW RULES: Every Year

RULES VIDEO

SCORING CRITERIA VIDEO

RULES GUIDE PAGE

REFEREES RULES BRIEFING

WEIGH IN & COACHING GUIDELINES

CLICK FOR COMPLETE USFL RULEBOOK

The Coaches handbook contains useful Health & Safety information for coaches youth as well as rules and regs for USFL

DOWNLOAD USFL COACHES HANDBOOK

SAFE SPORT/ CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION: Review every year and as needed.

SAFE SPORT MATERIALS FOR PARENTS

Child abuse is the #1 health and safety risk for youth athletes.

Rule #1 - Prevent all potential ONE on ONE situations between youth athletes & adults.

Report any occurrences of Child abuse to any USFL Official or

Make a Confidential Report utilizing this form

This link contains free training, information & resources for parents of youth athletes in prevention detection and reporting of inappropriate conduct from peers, coaches & officials.

FREE PARENTAL RESOURCES

FREE PARENTS EDUCATION COURSE

Final Step - PURCHASE AN ANNUAL YOUTH FIGHTERS LICENSE: Every Year

Be prepared to register with athletes Legal Name, the same name as listed on the proof of age document.

$50 Annual Athlete Licensing FEE

Click Here to Register & Purchase Youth Fighters License

(This is where you will upload documents and pay for license) (Create a new account if renewing)

HAVE READY TO UPLOAD

1) A passport style photo (face only). Upload an existing photo or photo directly from cell phone.

2) A government document that clearly shows Name and Date of Birth. Scan or take clear photo with cell phone.

3) An Annual Sports Physical can be uploaded later or emailed to jon@fightleague.org. Scan or take clear photo with cell phone.

4) USFL waiver and code of conduct must be uploaded each year to purchase license. Scan or take clear photo with cell phone.

*Athletes will not be able to register unless a Photo, Document Proving Age and Waiver/ Code of conduct is uploaded.

The physical can be uploaded later.

Upload can be done via scanner or clear photo.

*Multiple athletes can be added under same email address by changing username for each applicant.

COACHES MUST COMPLETE/ READ ALL BELOW STEPS:

FAQ

1. I am already a professional MMA coach, do I still need to register as a coach with the USFL and complete the training and background check?

Yes, Federal and State statutes require additional safety and vetting requirements to coach youth athletics.

2. Can I still qualify as a coach if I had a felony conviction?

Maybe, the Criminal Background check is primarily designed to restrict individuals with convictions for sex offenses and crimes against children as well as other crimes which may be pose a threat to the health and safety of children. Understanding Combat Sports are often described as the sport of second chances, the USFL will consider waivers for individuals convicted of other crimes of violence on a case by case basis.

3. Is my coaches license valid in all areas of the country?

The USFL coach and athlete license is valid and required in every state and jurisdiction that has USFL Youth competitions.

4. If I already competed a background, Concussion and SafeSport compliant training for another sport do I still have to do it for the USFL?

We will accept proof of completion if documentation with date and name is proven on a case by case basis.

5. What exactly do I need to do to become a licensed coach?

Every Year: $20 Annual Coach License

First year and ever-other year after:
Module 1 Training(Cost $25.50) - Includes Criminal Background Check, Abbreviated Concussion course, and email link to Abuse Prevention Systems online course and certificate.

Second year and every-other year after:
Module 2 Training (Cost : Free) Includes:
Online *Coach Training - USFL rules, health and safety and Abbreviated Safe Sport Training.
Online CDC Heads Up Concussion training and **Certificate
*Code for Coaches training - USFL

Details on the above requirements are in the cascade below

REVIEW COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT: Each Year

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

Download Federal Abuse Prevention Code of Conduct

We Are Serious About This. Take the Minute To Read & Digest.

USFL Coaches license and privileges can be revoked for violations:

Specific Principles

All Coaches shall therefore resolve to conduct themselves with dignity as a member of the USFL by:

Upholding the honor and dignity of the profession.
Setting an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct in personal contact with athletes, sports officials, parents/guardians, spectators and the public.
Taking an active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.
Avoiding the use of alcohol and tobacco products when in contact with athletes.
Mastering the contest rules and teaching them to his or her team members.
Not seeking an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules.
Exerting an influence to eliminate un-sportsmanlike conduct by spectators or others and not to indulge in conduct which would incite competitors or spectators against the officials.
Respecting and supporting decisions by officials.
Meeting and exchanging cordial greetings with the opposing coach; setting the appropriate tone for the event before and after competition.
Encouraging safe and practical competition practices, including but not limited to, reasonable weight management and discouragement of unnecessary weight cutting.

Prevention, Detection and Reporting of Child Abuse

Never create an unobserved ONE on ONE interaction with a youth athlete. This is the key preventive measure against sexual assaults and claims.
You are a mandatory reporter and must report suspicion of child abuse to 911 within 24hrs of occurrence and specifically ask if follow up is required.
Complete criminal background check & all required safety training.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION - PREVENTING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN YOUTH SPORT

REVIEW RULES: Each Year

RULES VIDEO

SCORING CRITERIA VIDEO

RULES GUIDE PAGE

REFEREES RULES BRIEFING

WEIGH IN & COACHING GUIDELINES

CLICK FOR COMPLETE USFL RULEBOOK

The Coaches handbook contains useful Health & Safety information for coaches youth as well as rules and regs for USFL

DOWNLOAD USFL COACHES HANDBOOK

REVIEW REQUIRED EQUIPMENT LIST: Each Year

Do not show up with improper Equipment!

Click for PDF of approved fighters safety equipment

Email jon@fightleague.org if you have any questions.

Final Step- MODULE 1 TRAINING: 1st Year and every other year

USFL YOUTH COACHES LICENSE - $20 ANNUAL FEE

WITH MODULE 1 TRAINING - $25.50

Coaches will complete Module 2 Training the following year, alternating between Module 1 and 2 each licensing year.

Module 2 Training includes the CDC Video concussion course and USFL online training. There are no fees for Module 2 training

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE AN ANNUAL COACHES LICENSE & MODULE 1 TRAINING IN SPORTS ENGINE

MODULE 1 TRAINING: Done your 1st year registering as a coach and every other year after.

Module 1 Training Includes:
1. Criminal Background Check
2. USFL Code of Conduct
3. Concussion
4. Dehydration
Online Abuse Prevention Training Course (APS) & Certificate - A link will be emailed immediately after you complete your background check. (Check spam box if email does not come)

You may bypass Module 1 requirements if you can provide proof of completion within 1 year from another sports federation:
Module 2 must be done if Module 1 is skipped.

Proof of Completed/Passed a Criminal Background check.
Provide a Certificate/ Documented proof of completion of one of the following:
Safe Sport Certificate
Mandatory Reporter Certificate
Abuse Prevention Certificate
Darkness to Light Certificate

Email Certificates/ Proof to jon@fightleague.org

Certain criminal convictions of violence may require a waiver.

Convicted Sex offenders, Convictions of crimes against children and other egregious offenses cannot be waived.

Information on who and how to apply for a conviction waiver.

Stand Alone Abuse Prevention System (ABS) Training is available for $5.

*You already get this course as part of your Search Engine background check. If you failed to use the email link sent to you and now have to complete the course, do it here.
Use this link to take the online course by itself

Final Step- MODULE 2 TRAINING: 2nd year and every other year

USFL YOUTH COACHES LICENSE - $20 ANNUAL FEE

WITH MODULE 2 TRAINING - Free

Coaches will complete Module 1 Training the following year, alternating between Module 1 and 2 each licensing year.
Module 1 Training includes a Criminal Background Check and Abuse Prevention Systems Course.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE AN ANNUAL COACHES LICENSE & MODULE 2 TRAINING IN SPORTS ENGINE

MODULE 2 TRAINING: Done your 2nd licensing year and every other year.

Module 2 Training Includes:
1. CDC Heads Up Concussion Course w/ certificate
2. USFL Online Training
3. USFL Code of Conduct
4. Online Concussion Course
5. Dehydration

It may be easier to complete the Module 2 Training before registering in Sports Engine

CLICK TO LAUNCH CDC HEADS UP CONCUSSION COURSE

You must save your certificate of completion and upload to the registration site. If you do not save your certificate you will have to do the course again. This course takes approximately 25 minutes to complete.

CLICK TO LAUNCH USFL ONLINE COACHES TRAINING
Use Access Code - USFL

Includes supplemental Safe Sport materials as alternative annual training to the more formal Abuse Prevention Systems or Safe Sport Online video courses.

Click all answers as you believe they apply. This is not an actual test but a method to deliver important information to you! Upon completion you can download the correct answers. Your results will be reported to the USFL but it is recommended that you screenshot your results page.