Technical Framework

Academy Technical Framework:

Academy games are subject to all Academy Rules and Regulations, Match Day Guide process and
the Technical Framework. Listed below is information that may veer from normal procedure and
protocol.

Scouting:

As in the past, members of the Men’s National Team Scouting Network will evaluate every Winter
Showcase game and provide feedback to clubs using Demosphere.

Nike Game Ball:

U.S. Soccer will provide the Academy game ball on all fields. Teams must provide their own warmup
balls, cones and pennies.

Technical Areas:

Only participating and carded players, coaches and administrators are allowed on the sidelines.
Anyone without a pass will be asked to leave the technical area.
The expectation is that each team cleans their respective bench and hydration areas after a match.
Failure to leave benches in an acceptable manner will result in a monetary fine.

Warm-Ups:

Teams are given 30 minutes prior to kick off for on field warm-ups.
To avoid excessive wear and tear, goalkeepers may not warm up in the box.
Please inspect the field area for any divots or holes that are in need of immediate repair.

Gatorade Sideline Set Up:

U.S. Soccer will manage all Gatorade Hydration sideline set ups at the Showcase.
Gatorade will provide the G Series of prime and recover to each team for every game. Coolers
with product will be made available before and after each match at the field.

Match Reports and Substitution Cards:

Match reports, substitution cards and schematics are provided for at the field by U.S. Soccer.
Coaches are required to review and sign the match report following the game to verify that the
recorded data is accurate.
Referees will complete the online match report within 12 hours of game time.
The home team is responsible for reporting the score.
All teams are encouraged to complete the referee evaluations for all Winter Showcase games,
which are available up to 14 days after a fixture date.

Academy Select Games:

Players invited to participate in Academy Select games may only play three games in four days and
must have one day off in the middle. A player will need to refrain from participation in one of his
team’s games in order to be part of the Academy Select team.
SPARQ Testing for Academy Select players will be rescheduled if a player’s off day does not align
with his testing day. A U.S. Soccer staff member will contact clubs to make arrangements.

SPARQ Testing:

All clubs are expected to complete SPARQ testing on their respective off-day in accordance with
the schedule posted. The battery will include the 20-meter sprint, vertical jump, arrowhead agility
test and XXX.
Testing will take approximately one hour with a warm up. The testing includes: 20-meter sprint,
vertical jump and the arrowhead agility test. Together with the yo-yo test results and height-weight
measurements, a SPARQ score is immediately created on-site.
Testing takes place on Field 11 and 12 on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.