To understand the hierarchy of governing organization as they relate to soccer it is necessary to understand Leagues and Associations.

FIFA: www.fifa.org designs rules and regulations as well as a set of guidelines that determine consistency throughout international matches and tournament play. Such an example would be the Dallas Cup, which is held each year in Dallas, Texas.

United State Youth Soccer: www.usys.org is the youth division of the United States Soccer Federation [USSF], the governing body for soccer in the United States and is made up of 55 member state associations one in each state, with 2 in California, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The rules and guidelines developed allow for intrastate, interstate and international play, and provide a structured appeals process.

By completing US Youth Soccer forms as part of club and league registration provides membership in the state and national organization.