Program FAQs
Class & Clinic FAQs
CAN I JOIN IN THE MIDDLE OF A SESSION?
Yes! The price of enrollment will still be the full amount, and we will attempt to get you into make-up classes during the week/weekend.
CAN I REQUEST A COACH?
Parents can request a coach for thier child in the space labeled "coach request". Please note we will do our best to accomodate your request, but placements are based on a first come, first served basis and coaching availability.
WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE IT TO ONE OF MY CLASSES?
You are allowed to make up any missed classes within the session in which you are enrolled. Make-ups are done on a space available basis. Make-ups do not carry over into the next session. Please call the SAM offices at 301-528-1480 to schedule your make-up class PRIOR to attending that make-up class.
CAN I DROP OFF MY CHILD FOR A CLASS?
Our coaches are trying to coach 12-14 young kids at once, so we would prefer that you stay for the entirety of the class. If, however, you need to run out quickly, we understand. Please also note that 2 Kicks classes require a parent to be present and participate in the class.
HOW LONG ARE CLASSES?
During the Spring, Summer and Fall, Pre-Kicks classes are 45 minutes and Kickers classes are an hour. During the Winter sessions, both Kickers and Pre-Kickers are 45 minutes. 2 Kicks classes are always 35 minutes.
WHAT SHOULD MY KIDS WEAR?
Participants should wear comfortable clothes and indoor/turf soccer shoes or sneakers (cleats for outdoor are acceptable in all seasons EXCEPT the winter). Shin guards are not a necessity, though kids feel awesome when they wear them.
HOW MANY BOYS OR GIRLS ARE IN A CLASS?
Classes are coed, so the mix of children is based on who registers. We try to max out our 2 Kicks classes at 10, Pre-Kicks classes at 12 and our Kickers classes at 14.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CLASSES?
2 Kicks is a basic introduction to the sport of soccer and encourages the development of skills such as balnacing and coordination. Pre-Kicks is for 3 and 4 year olds, and is a step up from 2 Kicks. The focus is more on developing motor skills used in the game, and less on the game itself. Kickers is an intermediate class. Kickers will play more game related activities to help players transition from individual skills to team skills. Some small-sided, non-competitive scrimmages will also be introduced. Rec Ready is a short, 4 week class that works on getting the kids used to the 4 v 4 format that is used in the U6 and U7 age groups. The class also reinforces soccer basics and gives children an edge going into the Fall season.
HOW LONG ARE SESSIONS?
Spring, Summer and Fall sessions are 8 weeks, Winter sessions are 7 weeks.
DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE CLASSES?
We do offer and create private classes for groups that want to bring in 10 or more participants. For the organizer of the group, you receive free enrollment for your child by bringing in the other nine families.
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD MOVE UP TO THE NEXT CLASS?
If you feel your child is ready to advance from 2 Kicks to Pre-Kickers or Pre-Kicks to Kickers before the age requirement, you may want to speak to the coach about it. If the coach concurs, you can ask that your child be allowed to move up to the next age group at the main office, and pay the additional fee or register online.
CAN I TAKE A TRIAL CLASS?
Yes! The trial policy is usually limited to one class per child, and costs $20.00. That $20.00 will count towards your fee if you decide to register.
ARE THERE ANY DISCOUNTS FOR HAVING MULTIPLE CHILDREN ENROLLED?
Currently, we do not offer any discounts for siblings.
CAN WE COME ON ANY DAY?
No, in order to maintain class ratios and consistency within the program, we schedule children for specific times and days. When registering it is important to determine which day best suits your schedule. Of course there will occasions when a make-up class is needed. In that situation, you can schedule a make-up class for any day there is space available. If your schedule changes during the session and a different day are needed, we will try to accommodate your needs to the best of our ability. However, changes are based on space availability.
SAM LEAGUE FAQ
WHO CAN PLAY?
Boys and girls ages 5-18, regardless of soccer experience (see age chart on Recreational League or SELECT League main page for exact birthday ranges for each age division).
ARE GIRLS PLACED ON ALL-GIRLS TEAMS?
Yes. Girls will be placed on all girl’s teams, unless otherwise specified by the family.
CAN GIRLS PLAY ON BOYS TEAMS?
Yes, however the team is still considered a boys team.
WHAT CONSTITUTES A "STANDARD" RECREATIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE?
- It is volunteer driven
- Teams are formed by age and school (when possible)
SAM offers a practical soccer education that meets the development abilities of players at each age level. All teams play their games on the professionally maintained fields at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
HOW DO I REGISTER AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
WHEN DO I REGISTER?
WHAT IF I HAVE PARTICIPATED BEFORE, BUT DON’T REMEMBER MY PASSWORD? HOW DO I LOG-IN?
I AM A RETURNING PLAYER – WILL I BE PLACED ON MY CURRENT TEAM?
Returning players must register by the required deadline to be considered for placement on their team from the immediate previous season.
The team coach must be identified at the time of registration (put coaches name in "Coach Request" box).
After the deadline, all returning and new players are placed on a first-come, first-served basis, as space allows.
HOW ARE PLAYERS PLACED ON TEAMS?
Players are placed using the following guidelines:
- Returning players, whenever possible
- New and returning players first-come, first-serve
- Coach/team request
- Friend request
- School
- Open Team
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’VE BEEN PLACED ON A TEAM?
MAY I PLAY ON TWO TEAMS AT ONCE?
WHAT DAYS ARE GAMES PLAYED?
WHAT TIMES ARE GAMES PLAYED?
Games can kick off as early as 8:00am or as late as 6:00pm. Game times will change from week to week.
WHERE ARE THE GAMES PLAYED?
WHEN ARE THE SCHEDULES POSTED?
HOW MANY GAMES WILL I GET TO PLAY?
WHERE DO I PRACTICE?
DO I PLAY ON THE SAME FIELD EVERY GAME?
DO I NEED SPECIAL EQUIPMENT?
- Shin guards are mandatory and must be worn under socks at all games and practices.
- Safety eyewear is mandatory for those players requiring prescription lenses.
- All jewelry (including pierced earrings) must be removed according to FIFA rules.
- Long hair may be tied back with soft “scrunchies” or rubber bands – hard clips and accessories are not allowed.
- Metal cleats are not permitted.
WILL MY CHILD PLAY IN EVERY GAME?
HOW DO I REPORT A PROBLEM AT MY GAME?
HOW ARE SCORES REPORTED?
HOW WILL I KNOW IF GAMES ARE CANCELLED BECAUSE OF WEATHER?
If games are cancelled, notification will be placed on the SAM website. You can also call the Weather Hotline at 301-528-1497. Once games are cancelled for the entire day, it is impossible to reverse the decision for games later in the day.
If weather deteriorates during the day, or specific fields are unplayable, games may be cancelled on a field-by-field basis. Teams will be notified when possible, and cancellations will be posted on the SAM website and the weather hotline (301-528-1497) as they are reported. Once games have started, referees are instructed to use common sense and suspend play if dangerous conditions exist. When conditions are questionable, players are encouraged to check the website and/or weather hotline before leaving home for their game.
A game is considered complete if it has been played through the first half before being terminated by the referee.
HOW MANY PLAYERS CAN BE ON MY ROSTER?
HOW LONG ARE THE GAMES?