Towsontowne Recreation Soccer 8-16
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q – What leagues are offered for recreational soccer and how do you determine which age group a child plays in?
A – TTRC offers a co-ed clinic for Under 6 players. Subject to adequate registration levels, TTRC offers separate boys’ and girls’ in-house leagues for Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, and Under 14 and a co-ed league for 14-18. The age group determination is based on the child’s age as of August 1st. For example, five-year-old children (as of August 1st) play in the clinic and six and seven year old children (as of August 1st) play in the Under 8 leagues.

Q – When can my child begin playing clinic soccer?
A – Players should be 5 years old as of August 1st, and must be 5 years old as of December 31st, to participate in the fall league. Preference is given to players turning 5 on or before August 1st. Subject to the program’s capacity, registrants turning 5 years old after August 1st but before December 31st may be granted spots in the clinic program.

Q – Is clinic soccer co-ed?
A – Yes, clinic soccer is a mixed girls and boys program. Each team will have both boys and girls.

Q – What is the format of clinic soccer?
A – Clinic soccer meets one time per week on Saturday mornings. Each session will consist of some practice time, basic skill training, and a brief small-sided game.

Q - What equipment is suggested? What equipment is required?
A – Players should wear athletic attire. The program will supply shorts, shirts and socks. Shin guards are mandatory. All coaches and referees have been instructed to not allow a player to participate in a game or practice unless the players have shin guards. Soccer cleats are recommended but are not mandatory. Each clinic and Under 8 player will receive a soccer ball. The program will supply balls to teams in the Under 10 and up leagues.

Q – Can my son or daughter play in an age group higher or lower than the league they would otherwise play in based on their age as of August 1st?
A – Players are strongly encouraged to participate at their proper age level. Upon written request, after consultation, and with the consent of the program chairman, in-house players may play in a higher or lower age group.

Q – Can my son or daughter request to play on the same team as their friends, or can I request teammates to facilitate car pooling? Can I request a coach that my child had previously?
A – TTRC has over 700 participants in the soccer program. Consistent with our mission statement, our goal is to have fun, teach the participants the game of soccer and to establish teams that are roughly equal in skill level. Fulfilling requests is secondary to establishing balanced leagues. Although requests are taken into consideration, the program has no obligation to fulfill any particular request and makes no promise in that regard. Of course, a parent who coaches will have their own child on the team, and siblings who qualify to play in the same age group will be placed together (unless specifically requested otherwise).

Q – How many practices and games per week does the in-house program offer?
A – All in-house participants above clinic level will have two sessions per week – one weeknight practice or game and a game on Saturday, usually Saturday morning.

Q – When does the season start and end?
A – Generally, the season starts for all teams on the first Saturday after Labor Day weekend. The season usually ends in mid-November after a seven-week schedule and a year-end tournament.

Q – When will we be contacted about the team my child will play on?
A – The teams will be formed in late August and you should expect a call by Labor Day. Please do not call or e-mail to inquire at any time prior to that day, as no information will be available.

Q – What if my child changes his mind about playing after we register, or what if we move prior to the season starting?
A – All refund requests must be made in writing to the Department of Recreation and Parks, ATTN: Soccer Program, Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Road, Towson, Maryland. Because we order all of our uniforms and equipment in early July, refund requests must be received by July 1 in order to be accepted.

Q – Where can I find out information about TTRC’s travel soccer program?
A – See the FAQ under the Travel Soccer tab on this website, send an e-mail to the program chairman atmailto:jbward@fgow.com., or contact the travel coordinator listed under the Board Members.

Q - Are there opportunities for parents to volunteer?
A - Yes. Please indicate an interest in volunteering on your child’s registration form or contact the program chairman at mailto:jbward@fgow.com.. TTRC Soccer is, exclusively, a volunteer organization. The program cannot be maintained without parent volunteers. In addition to coaches and assistant coaches, the program routinely requires league coordinators, referee coordinators, and others willing to lend assistance. Prior soccer experience is not required. Participating as a youth sports volunteer is a valuable and rewarding endeavor. Contact the program chairman for additional information.

Q- What if I have other questions that aren’t answered above?
A- The best way to have your questions answered is to contact the program chairman at jbward@fgow.com.

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