In USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) soccer, carding is the process of registering a player with a team and the organization to ensure eligibility for sanctioned competitions. Players submit details like name, birth date, and a photo, often with a birth certificate for age verification, through their club’s registration system. Once processed, players receive a digital or physical player card, which confirms their roster status and is checked by coaches or referees before matches to enforce rules on age, roster limits, and participation.

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USSSA allows flexible crossover within its platform. A player carded with a USSSA team can play for another USSSA team—such as a guest player or dual-rostered player—provided the team and event comply with roster caps (typically 18-22 players, depending on age group) and age restrictions (e.g., U9-U19). This flexibility supports players seeking more game time or teams needing temporary roster additions for tournaments.

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Unlike MLS Next, which prohibits crossover to non-MLS Next teams, USSSA’s rules align with USYS and U.S. Club Soccer, prioritizing accessibility. However, players must ensure their primary and secondary teams don’t conflict in scheduling or exceed USSSA’s limits on dual rostering, which vary by state association. Always check with your club and local USSSA guidelines for specific tournament or league requirements.