SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Club Soccer & ODP Is this legal?

http://www.scysa.org/events/academy_divi...seasonal_year/?

http://www.gps-carolina.com/charlestonclinics

A free clinic before tryouts are allowed? Isn't this recruiting?

"We are also offering an opportunity for non-GPS players to find out more about GPS Carolina programs."

Its a clinic, not a tryout, and its free. I dont think it would be considered illegal.

It is a free clinic offered by GPS Carolina, not a specific club, so no violation. What is probably more concerning is the constant recruitment of players by High School coaches that support local clubs as well.


I know my kids have approached by three different HS/Club coaches this season.

GPS Carolina isn't a specific club. It runs four or so clubs in the state of South Carolina.
If a specific club couldn't run a "clinic" like this, why should they be able to do the same?

HS/club coaches recruiting players has always been an issue. High school coaches trying to force their players to play for a certain club is an issue as well. Until the SCYSA/SCHSL does something about it, it will continue.

Coach, you guys tried that recruiting angle last year...I don't work for GPS, but I do applaud what they are doing. They are working their butts off and offering things that in the past, other clubs haven't. As you alluded to in another post, usamp has increased their programming, probably as a direct result of the GPS presence in Charleston. Hopefully if everyone steps up their game, soccer in Charleston as a whole will improve. There are many reasons people leave a club, lack of development, lack of competitive older teams. Each club would probably best to look at themselves in the mirror instead of always saying others are recruiting.

Coach I understand the stance presented and while I don't agree it is a recruiting stunt I can understand both sides of the discussion. For what it is worth, players can join and participate in GPS Carolina programs without being a member of one of the six GPS supported clubs in South Carolina. For example the GPS Elite program which gives players a chance to participate in US Club Soccer is a top notch offering and experience. Additionally, a player getting to play with like skilled players from multiple clubs is huge benefit for the players.

But anything that helps develop players is more than welcome and if it happens to be free then even better.

Thank you for the thoughtful and respectful dialogue.
My point is that if you put name USA/MP or SSC on the same flyer and we offered a free camp on this date, it wouldn't be allowed.

I just think the playing field should be the same for everyone.

Hats off to them for making it free. I think it's great that they are doing it for free.

mysonsdad, I'm not sure what you are referring to that we tried that same recruiting angle last year. To my knowledge we didn't offer any free camps a few weeks before tryouts. We did offer a summer camp after tryouts were over.

I was simply referring to the complaint about the summer teams that was made last year as a recruiting tool. I can understand where you are coming from. I just wish the North Area would somehow work together to continue to make teams more competitive. Anyways, I am definitely excited to see some banter on this board, it has been years.

I agree that the North Area needs to come together. Before GPS took over NASA there were some talks but nothing ever came of it.
I wish we could get the politics out of soccer but that will never happen.
It would be great for kids and we could compete with the big boys and girls.

I agree that the North Area needs to come together. Before GPS took over NASA there were some talks but nothing ever came of it.
I wish we could get the politics out of soccer but that will never happen.
It would be great for kids and we could compete with the big boys and girls.