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

Email: CapeSoccerClub@outlook.com   
Follow us on Facebook!
Check out our SquadLocker for merch!

This co-ed league's focus is on getting kids moving around outside, making new friends, and fostering interest in soccer. 

Season Dates: 8/25 to 10/18
Practices: start the week of 8/25, schedule created by coaches (typically 1 day for U5, 1-2 days for U6, 2 days for U7) 
Games: U5/U6/U7 will have 6 games from 9/6 to 10/11, U7 only will have a tournament on 10/18
Parents Provide: shin guards required, cleats optional

Table Contents 
I. Introduction
II. Shared Rules (U5-U7)
        Equipment 
        Game Format
        Safety Rules
        Conduct
        Weather and Disputes
III. U5 Exclusive Rules
IV. U6 / U7 Exclusive Rules

I. Introduction 
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. 
 
II. Shared Rules (U5-U7)

Equipment 
1. Required Gear: Players must wear shin guards. Cleats or sneakers are allowed. 
2. Ball Size: A size 3 ball will be used for all games and practices.

Game Format 
3. Team Size: Games are 4v4. 
4A. U5 (ages 3–4): No goalies. All 4 players are field players. 
4B. U6/U7 (ages 5–6): Teams play with 1 goalie + 3 field players (4 players total on the field). 
5. Referees: Coaches referee the games and are on the field to assist players and keep the game flowing. Calls should focus on safety, not perfection. An assistant coach or parent may keep time and manage the bench. 
6. Substitutions: Full team rotations should take place between quarters. This ensures all players have equal opportunities to play. If a player becomes too tired or upset to continue, individual substitutions may be made during the game. 
7. Equal Play Time: All children should play roughly the same amount of time. Coaches are expected to make their best effort. 
8. Stoppage Time: Quarters and halftime are called at a natural stoppage (goal, throw-in, goal kick). Possession resumes where it left off between quarters. The team that did not start the game with the ball kicks off the second half. 
9. Quarter and Halftime Breaks: Quarter breaks are quick (about 1 minute). Halftime is 5 minutes. 
10. Kickoff and Restarts After Goals: After a goal, play restarts with a kickoff at midfield by the team that was scored on. The defending team must remain on their own half of the field and outside the center circle until the ball is kicked. 
11. Coin Toss: Coaches may flip a coin or agree on who starts.  
12. Scorekeeping: No scores are kept (except U7 tournament).

Safety Rules 
13. No Heading: Heading is not allowed at this age. This is consistent with Anne Arundel County Soccer. 
14. No Offsides: Offsides are not called in Community Soccer. 
15. No Penalty Kicks. 
16. No Hand Balls: Hand balls are not called. Coaches may briefly explain and restart play. 
17. No Slide Tackling: Slide tackling is not allowed. This rule is consistent with Anne Arundel County Soccer. 
18. Aggressive Behavior: Hitting, pushing, elbowing, or intentionally hurting others will not be tolerated. Players who repeatedly act aggressively may be asked to sit out or meet with the commissioners. Safety is our top priority.

Conduct 
19. Spectators: Cheering is encouraged. Spectators must remain on the sidelines and may not use noise makers. These rules follow Anne Arundel County Soccer guidelines. 
20. Spectator and Team Seating: Each team and its spectators sit together on the same sideline. The opposing team and their spectators sit on the opposite sideline. Only players and coaches are allowed in the bench area. 
21. Sideline Behavior: Players should remain with their team on the bench when not playing. This helps coaches with substitutions and encourages team spirit. 
22. Domination Rule: If a team leads by 6 or more goals, coaches are required to take steps to keep the game balanced. Suggestions include requiring extra passes before shooting, moving stronger players to defense, or having players use their weaker foot. Coaches may choose the method, but adjustments must be made. This is recommended by Anne Arundel County Soccer.

Weather and Disputes 
23. Game Cancellations: The commissioner will notify families by 7:30am if Saturday games are cancelled. No rain dates (except U7 tournament). 
24. Practice Cancellations: Coaches will notify their teams directly about weather-related practice changes. 
25. Rule Conflicts: If coaches disagree on rules, they should contact the commissioners after the game. A game may be ended early if safety or enjoyment is at risk.

III. U5 Exclusive Rules 
26A. Game Duration: 30 minutes total (4 quarters of 6 minutes). Substitutions between quarters. 5-minute halftime. Teams do not switch sides at halftime.
27A. Kick-ins: Balls that go out on the sideline are kicked back in by the opposing team. If the ball is only slightly out of bounds, coaches may allow play to continue. 
28A. No Goalies: U5 games do not use goalies. 
29A. Goal Kicks: On goal kicks, the ball is placed on the endline next to the goal. The opposing team must reset behind the midfield line until the ball is played.

IV. U6 / U7 Exclusive Rules 
26B. Game Duration: 40 minutes total (4 quarters of 8 minutes). Substitutions between quarters. 5-minute halftime. Teams switch sides at halftime.
27B. Throw-ins and Corner Kicks: Sideline balls are restarted with a throw-in. Players get two tries to throw correctly. If not successful, the restart becomes a kick-in. Corner kicks are taken from the corner area where the sideline and goal line meet. 
28B. Goalies: Goalies may use their hands only inside the penalty box. 
29B. Goal Kicks: Taken from the top of the goal box. Defending players must retreat to midfield until the ball is played. 
30B. No Punting: Goalies should roll or throw the ball instead of punting, to reduce accidental headers. 
31B. Goalie Uniform: Goalies must wear a pinnie or jersey of a different color than teammates. 

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. 

Season Dates: 8/18 to 11/15
Location: Cape St. Claire Park is our home field in the Fall, away games are played at other fields in AACo
Practices: start as early as 8/18, schedules are created by coaches (typically 2 days a week)
Games: 9/13 to 11/15, schedules are created by AACo, direct links will be provided below
Parents Provide: shin guards required, cleats recommended 
 
U9 Boys - CAPE GROSSKETTLER
U8 Girls - CAPE ASCENCIO EVIA

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 Fall 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