Short answer: as of November 2026, US college soccer teams generally do not have the strict senior–junior hierarchy (senpai–kohai) common in Japanese high school 部活. Some teams ask first-year players to carry balls or equipment, but most run on roles and a captain system rather than school year. At the same time, hazing (forced rituals or dangerous acts imposed on new members) is banned by many state laws and by college rules. Under the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA), enacted in December 2024, colleges must include hazing policies and prevention programs in their Annual Security Report and publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report naming student organizations found responsible for hazing. The law's definition of a student organization includes varsity athletic teams. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. For specifics, ask each school's compliance office, the Dean of Students, and the DSO (international student adviser).
Players and parents who grew up with Japanese 部活 often ask us: "Do first-years still do the chores?" "Do I need to use polite language with older players?" "Are there initiation rituals?" The honest answer is that some things vary by team, but the way a US team runs is quite different from Japan. For the big picture, start with our US college soccer guide. This article covers team culture and rules, where the line on hazing sits, and who to talk to.
First, this is not about Japanese club culture being bad or US teams being dangerous. Japanese 部活 builds manners and teamwork, and the great majority of US college teams are safe, positive environments. Knowing the differences in advance simply means less confusion after you arrive.
The answer in three lines
| # | Point | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | US teams usually run on roles, ability and captains rather than school year | General pattern (varies by team) |
| 2 | Hazing is banned by many state laws and college rules; the federal SCHA added reporting and disclosure duties | SCHA text; US Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter (October 9, 2026) |
| 3 | Student organizations found responsible are named on the college's website, and varsity teams fall within the definition | SCHA text (definition of student organization) |
How Japanese 部活 and US college teams differ
The biggest difference: instead of hierarchy, US teams expect roles and a voice.
| Area | Japanese 部活 (common) | US college team (common) |
|---|---|---|
| How you address people | 先輩, -san, polite Japanese (敬語) | Teammates use first names; coaches are "Coach" |
| Chores | First-years handle balls, gear, field prep | Some teams have first-years carry balls and cones; staff handle much of it |
| Hair and dress | Some schools have buzz-cut or hair rules | Hair rules are uncommon; travel dress codes are common |
| Who plays | Year can be a factor | Ability and role over year; some play from year one |
| Expected attitude | Execute instructions precisely | Speak up, ask questions, prepare on your own |
Japanese players are often surprised that quietly working hard is not always enough to be noticed. In one-on-one meetings and tactics sessions, you'll need to explain your role and opinions in English. Our guide to explaining your position and role to coaches has useful phrases.
The habits Japanese players build, such as being on time, preparing thoroughly and supporting teammates, are highly valued in the US too. No hierarchy does not mean no manners.
Common team rules
Team rules are set by each college's athletics department and coaching staff. They vary, but these are common:
- Punctuality: being late to practice, meetings or the team bus can affect playing time or travel
- Travel dress: traveling in team gear or a set dress code
- Curfew and road-trip conduct: a curfew the night before games, hotel rules
- Social media: no posts that harm the team or college; coaches may look at accounts during recruiting
- Alcohol, drugs and sports betting: the US drinking age is 21, and college and NCAA rules apply too. See our guide to alcohol, cannabis and betting rules
- Study hall: first-year players in particular may have required study hours
Rules are usually explained in a preseason meeting or a team handbook. Don't let English paperwork sit unread; ask a captain or staff member about anything unclear.
Captains and leadership
Captains carry real weight on US college teams. Depending on the team, the coaches choose them or the players vote. Captains are often upperclassmen, but year alone doesn't decide it.
Some teams also have a leadership group that shapes team culture and supports newcomers. NCAA schools have a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) that brings athletes' voices to the athletics department, usually with representatives from each team.
International students do become captains and leaders. Even with a language barrier, you can earn trust through your play and daily habits.
Free consultation: We'll help you find colleges that fit, team culture included, and prepare what to ask in coach meetings. Book a free NextPitch consultation
What counts as hazing
Hazing means making someone do something dangerous or humiliating as a condition of joining or staying in a team or group. For reporting statistics, the SCHA defines it as an intentional, knowing or reckless act, committed in the course of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in a student organization, that causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury. It counts regardless of whether the person was willing to take part.
Examples in the law's definition include:
- Hitting, beating or similar physical violence
- Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, or extreme calisthenics
- Forcing someone to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs or other substances
- Coercing sexual acts
- Threats that put someone in reasonable fear of bodily harm
- Making someone commit a crime
Where "first-year duties" end and hazing begins
So is carrying the balls as a first-year hazing? The law focuses on risk beyond what's reasonable for participating, and it gives "the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team" as an example of reasonable risk. Sharing duties like carrying balls and cones or cleaning up is generally unlikely to be a problem.
| Usually fine | Watch out |
|---|---|
| First-years carry balls and cones | Forcing first-years to drink |
| Light traditions like introductions or a team song | Forcing humiliating outfits or acts |
| Rotating clean-up duty | Late-night summons that keep people from sleeping |
| Older players coaching younger ones | "Do this or you're not on the team" |
If you're unsure, ask yourself two things: would there be punishment or exclusion if I said no, and does this feel dangerous or humiliating? If either answer is yes, talk to a trusted adult. Each college defines hazing in its own policy, so read that too.
The federal law: the Stop Campus Hazing Act
The SCHA became law on December 23, 2024, amending the Clery Act, the federal campus safety reporting law. According to the US Department of Education's Dear Colleague Letter GEN-26-05 (October 9, 2026), colleges have three main duties:
- Report hazing statistics in the Annual Security Report. 2025 statistics were included in the 2026 reports.
- Adopt hazing policies and prevention programs. The report must explain how to report hazing, how investigations work, and the applicable state, local and Tribal laws.
- Publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report. If a student organization is found responsible for a hazing violation, the college posts the group's name, a general description of the violation, and sanctions on its public website, updated at least twice a year, with no personally identifiable information about individual students.
The first Transparency Reports were due December 23, 2025, and the Department plans to start collecting hazing statistics in its 2027 Campus Safety and Security Survey.
What families can check before applying
Searching a college's website for "hazing transparency report" or "annual security report" often brings up its published report and policies. Some colleges post a "no findings" notice. Don't read a name on the list as "dangerous" or no name as "safe." Use it as one piece of information about how the college responds.
If something feels wrong
The most important thing is not to carry it alone. International students often stay quiet, worried that speaking up will affect their visa or scholarship. Many colleges have policies that prohibit retaliation against people who report, so check this when you arrive.
People you can talk to:
- Athletic trainer: often the easiest person to talk to about physical or other concerns
- Academic advisor: an adult outside the team
- Dean of Students: handles conduct concerns and investigations
- Athletics compliance or senior athletics staff
- The college's anonymous reporting line: many colleges have an online form
- DSO: if you're worried about your immigration status
- Immediate danger: campus police or 911
Our guide to campus safety and Title IX for international students covers support offices in more depth.
What parents can do in advance
Asking about team culture during visits or calls is not rude. Try these:
| What to ask | Example |
|---|---|
| Team atmosphere | "How would you describe the team culture?" |
| First-year roles | "What do first-year players usually do on and off the field?" |
| Captains | "How are captains chosen?" |
| Team rules | "Could we see the team rules or handbook?" |
| Where to get help | "Who can a player talk to if something feels wrong?" |
Asking to speak with a current international player is another good move. Also note that once a student is 18 or in college, US privacy law (FERPA) generally means grades and records don't automatically go to parents, so agree on how you'll stay in touch as a family.
FAQ
Do I need to use polite language with older players? English has no 敬語 system like Japanese, and teammates usually use first names. Courtesy and saying thank you still matter everywhere.
Will I have first-year chores? Some teams have first-years carry balls or gear. Within normal duty-sharing, that's common, and usually lighter than in Japanese 部活.
Can I skip team parties with drinking? Yes. Drinking under 21 is illegal, and forced drinking is listed as an example of hazing. "I'm good, thanks" is enough.
I'm worried about fitting in. Feeling tired from language and culture differences in the first months is normal. See our guide to homesickness and culture shock in year one.
Can I play in my first year? Possibly, since ability and role matter more than year, but competition for spots depends on the team.
Key takeaways
- US college teams usually run on roles, ability and captains rather than school year
- First-year duties exist on some teams, but strict hierarchy is uncommon
- Team rules (punctuality, dress, social media, alcohol) are set by the college and coaches
- Hazing is banned by many state laws and college rules; the SCHA added reporting and disclosure duties
- Organizations found responsible are named on the college's website; varsity teams are within the definition
- If something feels wrong, don't stay silent; check the anti-retaliation policy
Free consultation: We'll help you find colleges that fit, team culture included, and sort out what to ask coaches and current players. Book a free NextPitch consultation
Just starting your search in senior year? Read Late College Soccer Recruiting: Senior Year.
Sources (checked November 2026): Stop Campus Hazing Act (H.R. 5646, enacted December 23, 2024), enrolled text; US Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter GEN-26-05, "Changes to Campus Security Requirements Related to the Stop Campus Hazing Act" (October 9, 2026); Clery Center, "Hazing Prevention & Education."