The Anne Arundel County Government consists of Departments and Offices as well as Boards & Commissions and other entities. These entities work together to serve our Citizen's needs.
With almost 54,000 businesses, Anne Arundel County is a major hub of commerce and development. With a $35 billion economy, low taxes, a vast multi-modal transportation system, highly skilled workforce and excellent educational institutions, Anne Arundel County is the premier location to do business.
Youth Programs: Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks youth sport programs are a mutual endeavor between the Department and Athletic Associations throughout Anne Arundel County. For most sports, children must be at least eight (8) years old in order to participate in the county's organized sports leagues. The principals of participation, diversity, safety and fun guide the Department's program. While scores are reported and standings posted, the competitive aspects of these activities are secondary to the principles.
Find more information on youth sports schedules, standings and league information click below:
How do I register my child to play organized sports?
There are approximately over 100 Recreation Councils and Athletic Associations throughout Anne Arundel County, which organize teams to enter participants in the Department's organized sports leagues. Contact your community’s Recreation Councils or Athletic Association to register for youth league sports. With the exception of a few sports, the Department does not register or assign individual players to teams. Established teams register with the Department at our organizational team meetings.
Adult Programs: The Department's adult sports programs provide opportunities for lifelong enjoyment of organized physical activity. Adults must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the program. Organized team meetings for each sport season are held to allow teams to register and collect needed information and guidelines. Adults looking to participate in leagues should contact the supervisor of the Bachman Sports Complex at (410) 222-0017 or Joe Cannon Stadium at (410) 222-6652.
Find more information on youth sports schedules, standings and league information click below:
In compliance with the Maryland Youth Concussion Legislation Signed into Law by Governor Martin O'Malley on May 19, 2011, each youth organization within Anne Arundel County is required to complete and keep on file the Concussion Awareness Form below.
The Concussion Awareness Form needs to be completed by all participants within an athletic program and kept on file at the organization.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild blow to the head can be serious.
What are some warning signs of a concussion? — For Immediate Attention Call 911
Signs Observed by a Parent/Guardian
Signs Reported by the Athlete
Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignment or position
Forgets sports plays
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness (even briefly)
Shows behavior or personality changes
Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
Can’t recall events after hit or fall
Headache or “pressure” in the head
Nausea or vomiting
Balance problems or dizziness
Double or blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to noise
Feeling sluggish, hazy, or groggy
Concentration or memory problems
Confusion
Does not "feel right"
What should you do if you think a concussion has occurred?
1. Seek medical attention right away.
A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe to return to play.
2. Keep your child out of play until medically cleared.
Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child return to play until a health care professional says it’s okay. Children who return to play too soon, while the brain is still healing, risk a greater chance of having a second concussion. Second or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.
3. Inform all coaches about any recent concussions.
Coaches should know if your child has had a recent concussion. Your child’s coach may not know about a concussion your child received in another sport or activity unless you tell them.
4. Help your child return to sports safely after a concussion.
As your child’s symptoms decrease, the extra help or support can be removed gradually. Children and teens who return to activities after a concussion may need to:
Take rest breaks as needed;
Spend fewer hours at activities; and
If in doubt, sit it out!
For more information on Concussion Awareness visit the following sites:
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a potentially fatal condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. Student athletes' risk of SCA is nearly four times that of non-athletes due to increased demands on the heart during exercise. SCA is caused by several structural and electrical diseases of the heart. These conditions predispose an individual to have an abnormal rhythm that can be fatal if not treated within a few minutes. Most conditions responsible for SCA in children are inherited, which means the tendency to have these conditions is passed from parents to children through the genes. Other possible causes of SCA are a sudden blunt non-penetrating blow to the chest and the use of recreational or performance-enhancing drugs and/or energy drinks.
Warning Signs of SCA
SCA strikes immediately.
SCA should be suspected in any athlete who has collapsed and is unresponsive. (No response to tapping on shoulders, does nothing when asked if he/she is OK).
No pulse.
Emergency Response to SCA
Act immediately; time is most critical to increase survival rates.
Recognize SCA.
Call 911 immediately and activate EMS.
Administer CPR.
Use Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Warning Signs of Potential Heart Issues:
The following need to be further evaluated by your primary care provider. Risk of Inaction: Ignoring such symptoms and continuing to play could be catastrophic and result in sudden cardiac death. Taking these warning symptoms seriously and seeking timely appropriate medical care can prevent serious and possibly fatal consequences.
Family history of heart disease/cardiac arrest
Fainting, a seizure, or convulsions during physical activity
Fainting or a seizure from emotional excitement, emotional distress, or being startled
Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially during exertion
Exercise-induced chest pain
Palpitations: awareness of the heart beating, especially if associated with other symptoms such as dizziness
Extreme tiredness or shortness of breath associated with exercise
History of high blood pressure
How Can We Minimize The Risk of SCA & Improve Outcomes?
The risk of SCA in student athletes can be minimized by providing appropriate prevention, recognition, and treatment strategies. One way to minimize risk is through an annual pre-participation screening evaluation, often called a sports physical, performed by the athlete's medical provider.
Since the majority of these conditions are inherited, be aware of your family history, especially if any close family member:
had sudden unexplained and unexpected death before the age of 50.
was diagnosed with any of the heart conditions listed above.
died suddenly/unexpectedly during physical activity, during a seizure, from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or from drowning.
Take seriously the warning signs and symptoms of SCA. Athletes should notify their parents, coaches, or school nurses if they experience any of these warning signs or symptoms.
Schools in Maryland have AED policies and emergency preparedness plans to address SCA and other emergencies in schools. Be aware of your school's various preventive measures.
