General Description

The program is inclusive and not based on results.  The priority is providing a FUN, FAIR, and SAFE environment for players of all skill levels.

Teams are formed around schools and neighborhoods so that friends can play together.  Each team practices once a week at a nearby field.  The volunteer coach, in coordination with Augusta United, selects the practice time and location.

There are both girls and boys divisions at all age groups (except the Co-ed Middle School and High School divisions).  Girls can choose to join a team in the boys division, if they would like.  It is possible that some age groups may need to be changed to co-ed if division size is too small in a given season.

Games are played at a variety of times and fields in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County, primarily on Saturdays.  Games are sized age appropriately to promote active involvement and skill development.

Program Specifics

• Available to all interested players.  No selection process, just register and play.
• Development occurs through participation.
• Players register and are assigned to teams based upon residence location and school.  Special Requests are allowed.  
• Teams offered at U8-U19
• League play of 9-games, primarily on Saturdays, with no standings or records kept.
• Training once per week for 1 hour.
• Optional season ending tournament for U10 and older teams held in Charlottesville (additional fee required)

Registration, Fees & Refund Policy

Registration, Fees & Refund Policy:
Registration payments can be made on-line via your family’s own Augusta United account, or at the Augusta United office if required.
•    Fall On-Time Fees and Deadline: $79.00 due on or before July 31, 2024.
•    Fall Late Registration Fee: $94.00 for registrations received after July 31, 2024.  Late registrations will be
placed on teams with space still available.  Augusta United will notify late registrations of team placement by July 31, 2024 or earlier.  Fees are returned in full for unplaced late registrations.
•    Request for a refund and to withdraw from the Recreation program must be made through an e-mail or written notice by September 21, 2024.  Refunds will be issued less a $20.00 processing fee.  Refunds will be sent in the form of a check and will take about 3 weeks to be processed.

Fall 2024 Schedule

Fall 2024 Calendar:
•    The On Time Registration Deadline for the Spring Recreation Season is July 31, 2024.
•    Team Assignment notification will be posted on your Family account at https://www.augustaunitedsc.org/members/ on  August 28, 2024. Along with the Team Roster and Practice Information.
•    Rec Coaching Clinic and Meeting:  – Location TBD

•    The Game Schedule will be posted on your Family account at https://www.augustaunitedsc.org/members/ soon after team assignment notifications and prior to the first game kicking off on September 11, 2024.
•    The first game of the Fall Recreation Season is September 21, 2024.
•    The final game of the Fall Recreation Season is November 16, 2024.
•    If needed, we will use November 28, 2024 to make up the first full day cancellation of the Recreation Season.

Practices and Games

PRACTICES

Each team holds one practice session per week. Practices are one hour in duration. The day, time and location are selected by the volunteer coach of each team.

Augusta United makes field reservations at public facilities for the club, and coaches are able to select practices from those available.   An attempt is made to locate practices near the primary neighborhood for each team, for convenience of the families.

Coaches who have access to private property suitable for practices may hold practice at those locations.

GAMES

Augusta United uses various game fields throughout the Augusta County region. Games are scheduled by the club. Game field use will vary each season as determined by availability, suitability and club needs. Different field sizes and configurations are used in the various age groups, following USYS guidelines. An attempt is made to geographically distribute the various age group fields throughout the region. Games are scheduled on Saturdays, typically between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Age Groups & Format of Play

Fall 2024 Recreation Season Age Groups:
•  U8  = players born between 1/1/2017 through 12/31/2018
•  U10 = players born between 1/1/2015 through 12/31/2016
•  U12 = players born between 1/1/2013 through 12/31/2014
•  U15 = players born between 1/1/2010 through 12/31/2012
•  U19 = players born between 1/1/2006 through 12/31/2009

Format of Play for Age group

• U8 – 4v4 with no goal keeper. Teams of 10-12 players split in half on each game day. Teams play two side by side games vs. an opposing team on two adjacent fields. Coaches facilitate the matches, serving as both coach and referee.
• U10 – 7v7. Goal keepers are utilized. Build-out Rule in play. Referees are introduced.
• U12 – 9v9  Offside rule is introduced
• U15 – U19 – 11v11 (subject to change depending on the number of registered players.) If enough players register we will play full sided 11v11 matches. If numbers don’t allow 11v11 play we will utilize a smaller format such as 8v8 on regular size goals.

Code of Conduct

Recreational Player Behavior Guidelines:

• Be responsible.
• Be prepared for all practices and games.
• Treat your coach and teammates with respect and dignity.
• Treat your opponent, the opposing coaches, match officials and spectators with respect and dignity.
• Do not interfere with coaching decisions. Discuss issues with coaches at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner.
• Review and support the club’s Mission, Vision and Values
• Abide by all team and club policies.

Recreational Parent Behavior Guidelines:

• Always encourage your child no matter of the result of their game and practices.
• Always stress the importance of respect for your child’s coach.
• Always stress being respectful to the referee of your child’s game.
• Always be a positive role model.
• Always leave the coaching to the coach.
• Always avoid putting pressure on your child about their soccer skills and decisions.

Coaches

The Recreation League teams are led by volunteer Coaches. These volunteer coaches are parents, area adults, local college students and high school age volunteers.

Please consider volunteering to be a coach of a Auguta United Recreation team. We are always in need of coaches for the children. Follow the on-line registration process in your personal soccer account to volunteer.

The Recreational coach’s commitment is to guide the players through a single 1 hour practice per week and coordinate the match each weekend. Augusta United SC will provide coach training and resources to help you succeed. It is fun and rewarding.

All Adult volunteers must submit to a background check in order to coach in Augusta United’s youth programs.

Special Requests

Unlike in Augusta United’s other select youth programs, special requests are factored in during Recreational team formation.  Special Requests may be made to play for a particular coach or with a particular player, only 1 request will be considered.

To make a special request, you must do so as you register for the program.  Once you have selected the program in your account. On the next page of the registration process labeled “Registration Details”, click on the blue “Add Special Request” link located under your player’s name at the top of the page.  This will open a text box for your request.  After you enter your request you may then submit payment for the program.

All requests are considered and most met. Unfortunately no special request can be guaranteed.

Playing Up an Age Group

The Augusta United recreational program does allow players to play up one age group, however Augusta United as an organization does not recommend this option in general.  Augusta United recommends young players play at the age appropriate level and match conditions to better serve their developmental needs.

Allowing your player to play in an older age group, implies your acceptance of the inherent risk in having a child play with older players.  Each parent or guardian of the player playing up accepts full responsibility when approving this player movement.

In order to access the older age group programs in your account, you must click the blue “edit” link located next to your player’s name in your personal soccer account.  Then change the “no” to “yes” on the question “Allow to play up”.

“Hot Shot” aged players may play up into U8 Recreational program only if they are U6 players (born between 1/1/2015  and 12/31/2016). 

Uniforms & Equipment Needs

Recreational uniforms include a t-shirt and socks. Players can wear any shorts or sweat pants they choose that are safe for themselves and their opponents.  Your coach will distribute complete uniform sets, provided by Augusta United SC, prior to the start of the season.
Late registered players may need to pick-up their uniform from the Augusta United SC office directly.

What Equipment Each Player Will Need

• All players must wear shin guards for all practices and games.
• Practice clothing appropriate for the weather and safety.
• Water for every game and practice
• Safe footwear for playing soccer (soccer cleats are not required but recommended)
• Appropriate size soccer ball to bring to every practice.
  U8 divisions use a size 3 soccer ball
  U10 & U12 use a size 4 soccer ball
  U15 & older use a size 5 soccer ball

What your Player Can and Cannot Wear

What Your Player Cannot Wear and Participate:

• No jewelry of any kind may be worn (this includes wristbands, watches and earrings as spelled out in the “Laws of the Game” from FIFA the soccer world governing body).  The taping of earrings is not allowed.

What Your Player Can Wear and Participate:

• Corrective glasses are allowed to be worn as long as the hinges are covered.
• The covering for the corrective glasses can be of athletic tape or some other material which will prevent injury.
• Cast on hands or arms are permitted if in the opinion of the referee it is properly padded. (Protective foam or bubble wrap recommended.)
• Mouth guards are not required but highly recommended for players with braces.