These Interested Player FAQs were created to provide current information to players about plans for their selection and employment by WPS Teams and about related League and FIFA policies. These FAQs will be updated as plans develop.
Last updated: February 21, 2012
1. What is the Player Selection Process timeline?
Player Process Timeline outlined below is subject to change
TBD: Interested Player Registration Deadeline
TBD: WPS team tryouts
March 1st: Start of WPS Pre-Season
April TBD: Start of WPS Regular Season
2. What requirements must a player meet in order to play in WPS?
In order to play in WPS, a player must be 18 years old by March 1, 2013, have either completed or forfeited her NCAA eligibility and have completed and submitted the Interested Player Form by Monday, January 14th*, 2013 at 8pm ET/5pm PT: http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/players/interested-player.aspx
*Please note deadline is subject to change.
3. How can a player be removed from the Interested Player list?
If you have a change of heart regarding your interest in playing in WPS, please request that we remove you from our list by emailing players@womensprosoccer.com.
4. Who is eligible to be drafted in the 2013 WPS Draft?
Players who have not previously been rostered by a WPS team and are registered on the Interested Player List by the January 14th, 2013 8pm ET/5pm PT deadline are eligible to be selected and rostered by WPS teams. Players may indicate their interest in playing in the league by completing the Interested Player Form: http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/players/interested-player.aspx
5. How many rounds is the 2013 WPS Draft? What is the order of team selections for the 2013 WPS Draft?
Draft order and rounds to be announced in December 2012.
6. If a player who has completed/forfeited her NCAA eligibility is selected in the 2013 WPS Draft, will she be able to complete the spring semester before joining her WPS team?
This is a matter that should be decided by the player in consultation with her WPS coach and general manager.
7. If a player is not selected in the 2013 WPS Draft, will she still have the opportunity to play in WPS?
Yes, a player will still have the opportunity to play in WPS even if she is not selected in the 2013 WPS Draft. All players interested in playing in WPS should complete the Interested Player Form: http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/players/interested-player.aspx
8. How will Local Tryouts be conducted by WPS teams?
The specifics of Local Tryouts, including whether tryouts will be invitation-only or open, and how many players will participate in each tryout will be determined by each WPS team on an individual basis. Dates and locations of Local Tryouts will also be determined by each WPS team on an individual basis. Following the 2013 WPS Draft, each team will publicize its own Local Tryout information, which will also be posted on their websites.
9. When does WPS Pre-Season start? Where will it be held? Who will participate in pre-season?
The WPS pre-season will begin in March. Each team will determine where it will hold its own pre-season training, although there may be a league-organized pre-season involving multiple teams. Players who have been allocated to, drafted by or invited by WPS teams will participate in pre-season.
10. What is the definition of an International player? What is the maximum number of International players a team can include?
International players are defined as players who are not U.S. citizens and do not possess a green card for employment in the U.S. Per U.S. Soccer Federation guidelines, currently WPS teams may sign up to 6 (six) International players per team.
11. How will WPS teams contact International players?
In regards to contacting, negotiating and signing International players, the League and individual teams must abide by FIFA guidelines. The League and the WPS teams know there is interest from International players in playing in WPS, but players who are under contract cannot be contacted by the League or the teams without permission first being granted by the player’s international team.
It is anticipated that discussions will take place with international teams about those players WPS teams are interested in. WPS teams, having already notified the player’s current club, can speak with any International player whose contract has either expired or will expire within six months.
12. Where can I submit other questions?
Please send other questions to players@womensprosoccer.com.