Co-Commissioners Ryan & Rebecca Hogan
Ryan – Soccer Lead, Field Maintenance
Rebecca – Website, Schedules, Rosters, Inventory

Email: CapeSoccerClub@outlook.com   
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First rule of this community league soccer is to HAVE FUN. The purpose of this league is to get kids moving around outside, making new friends, and fostering interest in soccer.

The rules are in place to simplify the game for younger children and to promote safety.

SHARED ACADEMY/STARTERS RULES:
1. Player Equipment: Players are required to wear shin guards and cleats or sneakers during all practices and games.
2. Team Size*: 4v4 players can be on the field (includes U6/U7 goalie)
3. Referees: Coaches will referee the games, we encourage that the assistant coach or a parent helps time the game and notifies the coaches when they reach halftime and the end of the game.
4. NO Coaching the Other Team: Coaches may not instruct players or parents on an opposing team. Specifically giving them directions on what to do and where to go is unacceptable. They may only coach their own team.
5. Stoppage Time: Quarters and halftime should be called during a dead ball situation (e.g., throw-in, goal kick, or goal scored). The team with possession at the end of a quarter retains the ball at the same spot when play resumes. The team that did not kick off at the start of the game will kick off to start the second half.
6. Substitutes*: Substitutions can be made between quarters or when a child looks too tired to continue playing. Everyone on the bench shall be substituted in between quarters.
7. Equal Play Time: All children should have a turn playing during the game for an equal time, within reason. Coaches are not expected to keep track of the minutes that each child playing, but make best efforts. We want to foster inclusivity, everyone gets an equal turn.
8. Coin Toss: Coaches can toss a coin or just decide who gets the ball first. For U6/U7, players on defense are behind the build-out line on kickoff.
9. Scorekeeping: Scores are not kept (with the exception of the U7 Tournament at the end of the season)
10. NO Heading the Ball: Heading balls at this young of an age can cause severe injury. 
11. NO Offsides
12. NO Penalty Kicks
13. NO Hand Balls: We do NOT call hand balls. Explain the rule to children then continue play.
14. NO Slide Tackling: We follow Anne Arundel County Soccer's rule against slide tackling. Since it is prohibited at the county level, it is also not allowed in our Community Soccer program.
15. Overly Aggressive Behavior: Intentionally hurting other players will not be tolerated (Slide Tackling, Hitting, Elbowing, etc.) repeated offenses can lead to league expulsion.
16. Audience Behavior: Spectators must use positive/encouraging language. If you are not the coach avoid shouting directions to the players, this can cause confusion for the players. 
17. Player Side-Line Behavior: Benches will be provided to teams for games. Children are expected to stay with their team during the game. This allows children to cheer on their teammates together and coaches to easily substitute them into the game. A child that is not on the bench may play less than a child that is.
18. Domination Rule: We follow Anne Arunel County Soccer’s recommendation: if a team leads by 6 goals, steps should be taken to manage the score. Options include requiring extra passes before shooting, resetting to midfield or your own half when the opposing goalie has the ball, or keeping players back on defense.
19. Game Cancellations: If poor weather conditions occur, the commissioner will send a cancellation notification via email by 7:30am on Saturday morning. No rain dates (with the exception of the U7 tournament).
20. Practice Cancellations: If poor weather conditions occur, the coaches will send their respective teams a notification on whether they are cancelling or moving practice.
21. Rule Conflicts: If there is a misunderstanding of the rules among coaches, the coaches will contact the commissioners after the game. Either coach may end the game early if the conflict prevents the game from being enjoyable or if you are concerned about the safety of the players. 

U5-EXCLUSIVE RULES: 
22A. Approximate Game Duration*: 30 minutes total. 4x 6 minute quarters. Time stops between quarters for sub-rotation. 5 minute halftime break.
23A. Kick-in: If the ball goes out of bounds, a player on the opposing team will kick the ball in.
24A. Goalies*: Starters do NOT get goalies.

U6 / U7-EXCLUSIVE RULES: 
22B. Approximate Game Duration*: 40 minutes total. 4x 8 minute quarters. Time stops between quarters for sub-rotation. 5 minute halftime break.
23B. Throw-in/Corner Kicks: If the ball goes out of bounds, a player on the opposing team will throw the ball in (we are not enforcing feet on the ground rule) or preform a corner kick.
24B. Goalies: Academy teams may play the goalie position. Can only use their hands inside the goalie box.
25B. Goalie Kick: Goalies kick the goal kick from the top of the goal box NOT another player.
26B. Goalie Punting: Goalies should NOT punt the ball, they should throw the ball in. The field is small and punting often leads to unintentional heading incidences.
27B. Goalie Uniform: Goalies should wear a penny or shirt of a different color then their uniform to be easily distinguished from other players on their team.
28B. Build-Out Line: The build-out line or 'reset line,' represented by dashed lines, marks where the opposing team must retreat when the goalkeeper has possession. It also serves as the line where players stand behind during kickoffs.

* Asterisked rules are flexible based on mutual decisions made by both of the coaches the day of the game

Our county league plays in the Anne Arundel Youth Soccer Association league while following the Anne Arundel County Youth Soccer Rules. County teams comprise of single-sex, same-aged kids and can vary in skill from casual to very competitive. Ideally, the same kids would play together season after season with the same coaches. Kids may play up an age group upon request, demonstration of advanced skills, and approval of coach, but kids can never play down. 

Location: Bay Head Park is our home field in the Spring, away games are played at other fields in AACo
Practices: mid-March through early June, schedules are created by coaches (typically 2 days a week)
Games: 3/30 to 6/08, schedules are created by AACo/AAYSA, direct links are provided below for each team:
U9 Girls (Medium) - Cape Potier
U9 Girls (Low) - Cape Hogan
U9 Boys (Low) - Cape Hogan

The season has begun, but we have a few remaining spots on our U6 and U7 teams

U6 Cape Cats - Players Born 9/1/2018 to 8/31/2019 - 3 SPOTS LEFT

U7 Rising Cape Cougars - Players Born 9/1/2017 to 8/31/2018 - 5 SPOTS LEFT

Ready To Register?
CLICK HERE to BEGIN / EDIT a PLAYER registration for Cape St. Claire Rec Council:Soccer Spring 2025

Interested in Coaching?
Here's your chance to be a role model, a mentor, and a source of inspiration for young athletes in our community. Whether you're a seasoned coach or a newcomer eager to share your love for the game, we welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experience levels.

To be a coach first, CLICK HERE to BEGIN / EDIT a COACH registration for Cape St. Claire Rec Council:Soccer Spring 2025 (needs to be resubmitted each season). If this is your first time coaching in the county in the last 3 years, then complete the Recreation & Parks Volunteer Background Check and Coaches Certification. The cost of the background check can be reimbursed upon request.

Only APPROVED COACHES will have access to the menu: Staff | Team Roster