M. Smith Tullahoma, Tenn. Does the term “cap” stand for cup appearances or competitive appearances? Mike Woitalla: This is one of our most frequently asked questions. A cap refers to a full international appearance. That is, a game a player plays with his national team against another national team. The origin stems from the England’s practice of awarding a cap — literally — to each player appearing for the national team. The cap was traditionally adorned with the date and opponent of the game. Therefore, in English-language soccer journalism you will see phrases such as, “He got his first cap against Mexico on Feb. 28,” meaning he made his national team debut. The “most capped” player on the team would denote the squad’s most experienced player. It is important to note that players are not credited with “caps” when they appear with their national team against club teams or in Olympic competition. (If you have a question for a Soccer America Magazine editor, click “Q&A with SA Editors” in the left column of the home page under “Interactive.”)