CMSA along with our Member Clubs, continue to lead the way in Alberta with the implementation of Open Rosters now up to and including the U12 age group. This initiative allows clubs to help aid in developing players and finding meaningful competition for all. 

As players mature and develop at different rates, an Open Roster allows for players to move fluidly between the Member Club’s teams in that age group, as well as up an age group. Any eligible player from the Member Club’s rosters can be assigned to any of the other teams in that age group for the same Member Club for matches, and rosters can be changed from week to week. 

When moving down an age group, an Age Exemption is filled out by the Member Club and will be evaluated by CMSA. For more information on Age Exemptions, please click HERE (page 18). 

In addition to exposing children to a variety of experiences, including being a leader and follower, playing with friends, and having the opportunity to make new ones, Open Rosters also better facilitate meaningful competition between teams, which is instrumental to player development. The goal of roster formation is to ensure meaningful and competitive games rather than to create the strongest team possible to beat your opponent.

Member Clubs have the opportunity to use Open Rosters to avoid play-up rule restrictions and to greater individualize the development of young players. CMSA asks for Clubs to have a “development-first” mindset that considers the needs of the individual and the experience of the collective when using Open Rosters.
Member Clubs will be assessed on their willingness and ability to adhere to principles of holistic player and child development, and not use Open Rosters to win matches or recruit players to their club.