Player Movement Policy

The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) is committed to creating the best possible environment for player development. Our Player Movement Guidelines are designed to provide transparency for players, families, clubs, and leagues—fostering trust, clarity, and informed decision-making.

We believe in putting the player first. These guidelines empower players to make choices aligned with their developmental goals, while helping clubs support those choices responsibly.

Stability is critical. Players are encouraged to remain with the same club for at least half of the season, as consistency is key to long-term growth.

By following these principles, CJSL aims to support and nurture every player’s aspirations—ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Overview

Once a player is registered in GotSport and paid for by their club, they are committed to that club for the entire CJSL season, unless they qualify for the exceptions outlined below.

Player Transfers Within the Season

  • A player may change clubs during the season if CJSL approves the move, and the move occurs during the Open Player Transfer Window.

  • All communication regarding player movement must be open, respectful, and transparent:

  • Communication between clubs must occur via email.

  • The requesting club must contact the player’s current club first—before speaking with the player or family.

  • A Player Release Form must be completed by the new club and approved by the current club.

  • CJSL reserves the right to intervene at any point during this process.

Special Player Transfers Outside the Open Window

CJSL may grant a player transfer outside the normal window under the following circumstances:

  • Documented lack of playing time or developmental opportunity

  • Proven negative relationship with the current club, such as being excluded from games, training, or tournaments

Transfers will not be approved if:

  • The player owes the current club any unpaid fees (e.g., tuition, uniforms, tournament costs)

  • The transfer would cause the current team to lack the minimum number of players to compete

Transfer Calendar

July 1 – August 31: Open Transfer Window

  • Players are free to register with any CJSL club. Registration becomes effective August 1. Once registered, players must wait for the next open window to switch clubs.

September 20 – December 31: Closed Window

  • Clubs may not contact players registered with another CJSL club during this period.

  • Clubs may speak to other clubs to express interest or arrange trials only after the closed period ends. No direct communication with players is permitted.

January 1 – February 28: Open Transfer Window

  • Clubs must ask all trialing players if they are registered with another CJSL club.

  • A release can be requested only after the current club is contacted and all financial and team requirements are met.

  • Players may only transfer with an approved Player Release Form.

March 1 – June 30: Closed Transfer Window

  • Same rules as the Fall Closed Period. No communication with players from other CJSL clubs until the window reopens July 1. Club-to-club discussions may occur in preparation for the Open Window.