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.
REGISTER ONLINE FOR FIGHTER OR COACH LICENSE
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.
**On-Site Athlete Licensing may be available at some events for $80. Coaches licensing applications must be done on-line due to training requirements.
Carefully review and complete all steps in the cascades below for
ATHLETES & COACHES
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 register with 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.
Most 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.
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.
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 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 PARENTS EDUCATION COURSE
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)
HAVE READY TO UPLOAD Scan or take CLEAR photo with cell phone.
2) A government document that clearly shows Name and Date of Birth.
As of 2/29/20
CLICK FOR SPREADSHEET
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 potentially disqualifying crimes 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
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
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
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
Do not show up with improper Equipment!
Click for PDF of approved fighters safety equipment
Email jon@fightleague.org if you have any questions.
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.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE AN ANNUAL COACHES LICENSE & MODULE 1 TRAINING IN SPORTS ENGINE
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.
MODULE 1 w/o CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK
May be used ONLY IF Documented Proof of Clearing a Criminal Background Check this Year or the Previous Year from another Organization
but HAVE NOT COMPLETED Safe Sport or Abuse Prevention Systems Training
You will be required to upload documented proof of a completed criminal background check (either this year or last)
Email jon@fightleague.org if unsure if your background is good to utilize this feature or just register with Regular Module 1
Click to compete Module 1 w/o Background
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.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE AN ANNUAL COACHES LICENSE & MODULE 2 TRAINING IN SPORTS ENGINE
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.
Video Tutorial for Module 2 
Updated 2/29/20
Click for Spreadsheet
Coaches Card
Coaches will be emailed their USFL Coaches Card once all their training and vetting requirements are completed. The card should be saved on phone or device or laminated and used each time the coach checks in to corner a youth athlete. Please refer to date of license and last Training Module (1 or 2) competed to prompt annual renewal. Failure to show card at event check in will result in additional coaching fees for each event.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS FOR COACH, ATHLETE & PARENT
IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT
CLICK TO TO MAKE A CONFIDENTIAL REPORT OF CHILD ABUSE
Join USFL Facebook Group
AGE & WEIGHT WAIVERS:
Parental Request for Age Waiver
Parental Request for Weight Waiver
Parental Request for Age based Rule Waiver