BEDFORD JAGUARS Football & Spirit Handbook

Transcription

1 BEDFORD JAGUARS Football & Spirit Handbook Welcome to the 2012 season! The Jaguars program was started in 1999 to provide more opportunities for Bedford children to play football and to cheer. Going into its 13th season, the program has grown in size and has had state, regional and national championship teams. The Jaguars are one of 24 associations that make up the NH Youth Football and Spirit Conference (NHYFSC) and belongs to the national organization American Youth Football and American Youth Cheer (AYF/AYC). Jaguar registration is open to Bedford children age 5 to 14. Please take some time to read through this handbook. The handbook contains important information and answers to frequently asked questions about the program. Our goal for the BEDFORD JAGUARS ASSOCIATION is to provide a hard working atmosphere, at the same time remembering that we all must strive for honesty, be courteous of others, and show respect not only for others in the association, but ourselves, ultimately learning the true meaning of TEAM. If you should have any further questions, please feel free to contact a board member. We re here for you & your family!!!!!!!!!!!! 1

2 2012 BEDFORD JAGUARS BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Sean Monroe Vice Presidents: Stacey Garron Secretary: Laural Dillon Treasurer: Dick Anagnost Football Coordinator: John Lemoine Spirit Coordinator: Kate Spencer Equipment Manager: Ryan Helton Football Equipment Coordinator: Jack McAuliffe Media Coordinator: Lynn Leveille Concessions & Merchandise Coordinator: Kirsten Romano Spirit Equipment Manager: Kara Tynan Field Coordinator: Tim Hunt Fundraising Coordinator: Jenn Riley Team Parent Coordinator: Danielle Mazzella AYF RULES & REGULATIONS AYF rules regulate our SAFETY RULES. AYF provides each organization in the state of New Hampshire with a set of guidelines, which governs all of New Hampshire AYF teams to adhere to these rules at practices, games and competitions. These guidelines are set up strictly for your child s safety. COMMITMENT The commitment for football and cheerleading is just that a COMMITMENT. Considering the fact that these are TEAM SPORTS, each and every team member is vitally important to their team. It is expected that you will attend each and every practice and game. Unexpected situations may occur, such as illness, which is understandable. What is not acceptable is when a team member (or their parent) decides that it is NOT important to attend a practice or game. A child not attending practices places that child at a disadvantage for learning new skills and keeping up with the rest of the team. The definition of a SQUAD/TEAM is; a small group of people working together towards a common goal. The BEDFORD JAGUARS ASSOCIATION is looking for football players, cheerleaders and parents who are committed to the program and want to be an important part of an AMAZING ASSOCIATION. BOARD MEETINGS Board meeting dates are the fourth Thursday of every month. Please refer to the website for the exact time and location. We encourage parents/guardians to attend and offer your suggestions and input as we strive to make the Jaguars program the best it can be. COMMUNICATION We strive to have all program information communicated to you in a timely manner. All program information will be posted on the website: CONDUCT Coaches and players are required to abide by a code of ethics. Parents are also expected to follow a code of ethics. Regrettably, due to parental incidents involving youth sports over the past few years, we have implemented a Code of Ethics requirement for parents. Each parent is required to read and sign a Code of Ethics form in order for your child to participate in our program. Please keep in mind that there is no smoking or alcohol permitted on the field or school property. This also includes practices and games. 2

3 COMMUNICATION Parents are a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to the success of a team, just as each player is. The coaching staff and parents must all work together. Please do your part in making sure that your child s coaching staff is up to date on any and all problems that may be interfering with your child s attitude, behavior, and attendance. This includes sickness, medications, or any other emotional situations that may effect your child. Please refer to the website for all updated information. Team parents are a vital part of the communication process. Your team parent will have important information for you throughout the season. Please make yourself available for him/her so that you stay informed. VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT For every child you have registered, you are required to volunteer a minimum of 4 hours. These hours may increase or decrease depending on the team size, game work load, and fundraising events. Sign up early to get the shift & or desired position. FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENTS We all know there is a lot that goes into a successful organization. One of the key elements is fundraising, to provide each and every individual with safe equipment, gym rental space, insurance fees, and the list goes on. With that being said, we expect everyones full cooperation when it comes to fundraising. We offer several different options for everyone to participate. PLEASE DO NOT CONFUSE VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT WITH FUNDRAISING, THEY ARE 2 DIFFERENT THINGS. ATTITUDE & BEHAVIOR Everyone that is part of BEDFORD JAGUARS shares the common bond of Football & Cheerleading. We must all learn to put any and all differences aside as soon as we step onto the practice/game field. Any kind of differences you may have toward anyone must be kept at home and away from the field. You will be expected to respect your teammates and coaching staff. Some of the most fulfilling accomplishments in ones life are difficult and are not always considered fun. There will be times that certain activities will require that we spend time being repetitive. Please remember to keep a POSTIVE ATTITUDE! We value any comments from the parents and ask that if any issues arise that you approach your HEAD COACH first, before or after practices/games. If you feel as though your questions or concerns were not addressed to your satisfaction or any other clarification is still needed, please feel free to contact your director: FOOTBALL DIRECTOR John Lemoine CHEERLEADING DIRECTOR Kate Spencer The Bedford Jaguar s Board, and their coaching staff, reserve the right to end ANY heated discussions during practice or game time. These situations should NOT be exhibited while children are present. REGISTRATION WHAT WILL THIS COST ME? The registration fee for both football and cheerleading is as follows $225 for the first child $450 family maximum $100 for flag and tiny mites 3

4 (Please refer to the cheerleading section for more financial obligations) WHAT PAPERWORK DO I NEED? 1. Medical Clearance Form: The Medical Clearance form must be brought to your child s physician, dated and signed in 2012! NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO PRACTICE WITHOUT A PROPERLY COMPLETED MEDICAL CLEARANCE FORM. 2. Birth Certificate: Please bring your child s birth certificate that was issued by the State or Town. Hospital copies are NOT ACCEPTABLE. 3. Report Card: Two copies of your child s final report card must be submitted. Final report card is to the end of 2012 school year. The name of the school and the schools grading scale must appear on the report card. It must be legible and copied in it s entirety. 4. Code of Conduct: Parents/guardians must sign a Code of Conduct Form. 5. BEDFORD JAGUARS HANDBOOK: Parents must sign in acknowledgment that they have agreed to make themselves aware of the rules and pertinent information, found in our handbook on line. All paperwork must be received by July 30, If your child s paperwork is not complete, your child will not be able to participate. ABSENTEEISM & TARDINESS All players must report to their coaching staff by the designated time. Unless prior arrangements have been made with the head coach, any player arriving late for practice will be considered late (3 late arrivals = 1 unexcused absence). If something (like an illness) occurs, a parent must phone the head coach within an hour before practice to advise them of the absence. NO ONE but a parent/guardian is allowed to call a child out of practice. Arriving late for a game will count towards the 3 late arrivals = 1 unexcused absence. Please allow additional travel time to areas unknown to you. We realize that vacations are a huge part of the summer, but if your player misses these practices he/she may be ineligible to participate in the 1 st and/or 2 nd game, depending on how many practice hours/days have been missed. All players are required to complete 20 hours of conditioning/practice prior to stunting (cheerleading) & hitting (football). Three unexcused absences may result in disciplinary action. It is VERY IMPORTANT that your child be there for proper warm-ups, drills, techniques, and safety procedures to help prevent any kind of unnecessary injuries. PLEASE ARRANGE ALL DOCTOR & DENTIST APPOINTMENTS FOR TIMES OTHER THAN PRACTICE DAYS AND TIMES! GAME DAY Players are expected to arrive ONE HOUR before the scheduled game time. Participants need time to stretch, warm-up, and make any necessary changes before the game. Game schedules will be handed out as soon as the association receives them. Please keep in mind that the game schedules are tentative dates and times and that they are always subject to last minute changes. If you have children participating in different levels, you may be at different locations. Games are typically played on Sundays. There may be exceptions to this at the Middle School level. 4

5 PRACTICES LOCATION & TIMES Our designated practice field is Joppa and MacAfee for the month of August. Until school begins, practices can be held up to 5 nights a week from 5:30-8:00pm. Please see your individual Head Coach for specific days and times. After school begins, practices are limited to 3 days a week. End of August, cheerleading squads will move to indoor practices. More information will follow with specific information. Please be patient with the coaching staff as they may detain the team past the designated time. We are aware that like us, you have lives after practice. After practice, a brief meeting is typically held. At this time, the players will receive any pertinent information. Parents are always welcome and encouraged at this time to listen in on the meeting. No player will be released to anyone except the participant s parent/guardian without written permission. When cheerleaders begin practicing indoors to practice, parents, siblings, friends, etc. are NOT permitted in the gym area. We thank you in advance for following these rules they are set forth for your child s safety. PRACTICE ATTIRE CHEERLEADING T-shirt & shorts Socks and Sneakers FOOTBALL Must wear cleats (no metal) Sneakers are prohibited Recommended an athletic supporter T-shirt should be worn under shoulder pads WEATHER PERMITTING Practices and games are held RAIN OR SHINE! The only exception is lightning. If inclement weather is forecasted, we ask that ALL PARENTS remain at the practice field in the event that practice is called early. ALL PARTICIPANTS (FOOTBALL & CHEERLEADING) ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE AT GAMES REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER. PROPER HYDRATION & DAILY CONDITIONING Proper hydration and daily conditioning are crucial to the safety and well being of all participants at all times. Please be sure that your child is properly hydrated before, during and after practices and games. All participants should bring a large water bottle to each and every practice and game clearly labeled with their name. Proper hydration starts a minimum of 24 hours prior to activity. All participants should maintain healthy eating habits. A diet high in carbohydrates, protein, plenty of fruits and vegetables is the best. Stay away from sugary and junk foods. Get plenty of rest. 5

6 UNIFORMS SHOULD NEVER BE USED AS COSTUMES Uniforms are the property of BEDFORD JAGUARS, and are loaned to participants for use during the season. Any uniforms that aren t returned, or are returned damaged, are the responsibility of the participant s family. There will be a $150 security deposit collected at the beginning of the season when equipment/uniforms are handed out. When the uniform is returned so will your check. UNIFORM PIECES THAT MUST BE RETURNED AT THE END OF THE SEASON: FOOTBALL Shoulder Pads Pads that fit into pants Game Pants Practice Pants Helmet Game Jersey CHEERLEADING Cheerleading Vest Cheerleading Skirt Unifit Warm Up Suit UNIFORM RETURNS Football and Cheerleading Equipment directors will choose a specific time and location for uniform returns. If you cannot attend, please contact the equipment director to make arrangements for uniform return. LOST UNIFORMS & ACCESSORIES All parents will have to sign a form stating that all uniform pieces and accessories have been received. YOU will be responsible for replacing any items that are lost or damaged beyond repair. JEWELRY NO JEWELRY ALLOWED! Please refrain from having your participant having any new piercings done now, because ALL JEWELRY (even new piercings) MUST BE REMOVED FOR ALL PRACTICES & GAMES. No jewelry will be taped over. DISCIPLINARY ACTION Running is an everyday part of practice. On those few occasions when it is necessary to discipline a player or team for a minor infraction, like failing to pay attention or talking while coaches are talking, the player/team may be asked to run additional laps around the practice field, do pushups, or perform other forms of exercise. Normally, that will be the end of the disciplinary action. A player may be asked to leave practices early for more severe incidents, i.e., fighting or profanity. If a parent is not present, the player will be supervised until the parent arrives. The last resort is to use game suspension. Profanity or physical abuse towards anyone will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program. Coaches will use each of these sparingly with such a high caliber of children; we do not expect this to be an issue. MEDICATIONS If your child is taking medication of any type, please notify the HEAD COACH BEFORE the first practice. Inhalers MUST BE PLACED in the squad s first aid kit (for the entire season) BEFORE the start of our first practice in August, or your child cannot participate. There will be NO exceptions. If there is a chronic condition, such as asthma, diabetes, or allergies, all medication whether prescription or non-prescription MUST be placed in the squad s first aid kit. In the case of an allergy to insect bites/ bee stings, an epi-pen MUST be in the squad s first aid kit. Please mark your child s medication clearly prior to giving it to the Head Coach. If an inhaler is necessary for your child per doctors orders, then an inhaler must be placed in the coaches medical kit for the season. SPECIAL MEDICAL ASSISTANCE If your child needs assistance during a practice or game, please do not leave your child at the field or school alone. While some of our coaches are first aid and or CPR certified, they are not authorized and in most cases and not trained to administer medication. 6

7 INJURIES If your child is under a physician s care for any type of injury restricting them from participating, you must obtain a note dated from the doctor stating that your child must refrain from participating. If your child is removed from a practice or game due to injury, they will not be able to resume practicing or participating in games until appropriate medical personnel or their doctor clears them. A note dated from a doctor must be provided, in order for your child to continue. Any injuries at practice or games that require a participant to stop practicing will be followed up with a discussion with the parent, as well as an accident report. Please notify the Head Coach in advance of the next scheduled practice or game. Do not rely on coaches to diagnose the medical condition or injury. If your child is sick or injured for more than one of two days, we suggest that you consult with a medical care provider. SCHOLASTICS Scholastics are the HIGHEST priority in our program. Every participant must maintain a 2.0 grade point average or 70% average grade according to their report card at the end of the school year. Failure to achieve this may result in the participant s ineligibility to continue in the program. During the season, any participant suspended or expelled from school is immediately eligible for suspension from our program. POLICIES & PROCEDURES EMERGENCY PLAN If an emergency arises, the Head/Assistant coach is to assess the situation. All remaining players and coaches are to be removed from the area. If emergency medical help is needed, an ambulance is to be requested immediately. *** A better safe than sorry approach will be used. A coach/board member is to remain with the player at all times. The parent is then contacted to advise them of the situation. Once the situation is under control, the president is then notified of the situation so that a follow-up can be done with player s parents. Coaches are to complete the appropriate paperwork in a timely fashion. ***An ambulance or emergency help will be obtained if the coach/board member has any question of the seriousness of the player s condition. If the parent refuses, the parent must remove the child from the field themselves. TRAVEL PLAN All practices and games: Parents are expected to provide transportation to all home and away games. They will be provided with the appropriate directions and given the arrival time expected. Playoffs & Spirit Competition: Unless otherwise stated prior to the play-off games or Spirit Competition, parents are expected to provide transportation to these events. If a bus is provided, then the parents will be given directions to the events, and the option of following the bus, if desired. All bus trips will be adequately chaperoned by the coaches. 7

8 PROCESS FOR FILING A COMPLAINT When filing a complaint against any Coach, Volunteer, Player, or Parent associated with the Bedford Jaguars Association please follow the following guidelines. 1. Any complaint should be reported directly to the head coach of any given team. 2. The Head coach needs to address the complaint with all parties involved within 24 hrs of receiving the complaint. 3. If there is no response from the Head Coach or the resolution is not rectified, the director of spirit or football should be notified in writing or via by the person filing the complaint. The complaint should be addressed within 24 hours upon receipt of complaint. 4. If the complaint has not been addressed by a director the Bedford Jaguars Board should be notified in writing or via about the complaint and the process he/she has taken thus far. 5. The Board will discuss the complaint and address the complaint within 48 hours of receiving the complaint. If all board members are not available it will be addressed at the next board meeting. BEDFORD JAGUARS CHEERLEADING PLACEMENT & EVALUATIONS Our cheerleading program registers cheerleaders from the ages of 5 through 14. Cheerleaders will be assigned to squads based on several factors. Our goal for the BEDFORD JAGUARS is to place all cheerleaders on teams that will challenge them to achieve new skills yet to remain competitive. The Spirit Director and Head Coaches will work together to place all participants on the most appropriate team. Factors that will be taken into consideration include, but are not limited to age, experience, and ability. There is NO guarantee that your child will be placed on the same team as their siblings. On the same note, there is NO guaranteed that your cheerleader will be placed on the same team as his/her friends. ROLE ON SQUAD Every member of a squad is equally important to a routine. Head Coaches will place each cheerleader in the position that is needed by the squad. If your child was a flyer in the past, that does not necessarily mean she will be a flyer forever. Being part of a TEAM means doing what the team needs you to do. Our coaches are exceptional at placing cheerleaders where they are needed. Cheerleader s designated role on the squad, whether it is in a stunt, or placement for jumps or dances, is NOT up for discussion. HAIR Hair MUST be pulled back, with an elastic. Butterfly clips, beads or any type of hair accessory that protrudes from the cheerleader s head is prohibited. Hair wraps and hair mascara are also prohibited. NAILS Nail polish of any kind is prohibited. Artificial/acrylic nails are also prohibited. Nails must be kept the same length as the tip of your finger no longer. 8

9 ACCESSORIES No body glitter. No tattoos. No body paints. No body piercings. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE NOT ATTEMPTING TO LEGISLATE YOUR CHILD S STYLE OR JEWELRY PREFERENCE; WE ARE SIMPLY ATTEMPTING TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM ANY UNNECESSARY INJURY. THE CHEERLEADING UNIFORM CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS THAT ALL CHEERLEADERS MUST HAVE WITH THEM AT EVERY GAME NO EXCEPTIONS! * UNIFORM (VEST & SKIRT) * HAIR RIBBON * BODY SHIRT * WARMUP SUIT * BOYSHORTS * WHITE CHEERLEADING SNEAKERS * WHITE NO SHOW SOCKS * CHEERLEADING BAG We will be using our cheerleading sneakers SOLEY for INDOOR PRACTICES and COMPETITIONS! Please have your child wear white athletic sneakers for outdoor practices and game days! EATING & DRINKING WHILE IN UNIFORM Please remember while in your uniform that it is the property of BEDFORD JAGUARS! Please be careful not to stain the uniform. UNIFORM LAUNDERING Please wash in cold water if at all possible, alone. HANG DRY! Please do NOT DRY CLEAN! Please do NOT IRON! TUMBLING All cheerleaders are encouraged to participate in some kind of tumbling class through a certified gym. Head coaches will assess each cheerleader s abilities in order to place tumbling into a routine. The ONLY tumbling that will be allowed at practices/games/competitions is tumbling that has been mastered. Practice time is NOT the time to be acquiring new skills. INDOOR PRACTICES Indoor practices will be closed practices. ONLY coaches and participants, and the Spirit Coordinator will be allowed in the gymnasium. This is for your child s safety. ONLY WATER is allowed in the gymnasium. NO FOOD OR OTHER LIQUIDS ARE PERMITTED. GAME DAY Any cheerleader arriving late for a game WILL NOT be allowed to cheer in the half time routine unless the head coach is notified prior to the tardy arrival. Sideline cheering will be allowed. If a cheerleader is not there at the designated time, the coaching staff must then redo the halftime routine. We must go with the cheerleaders who are there. This is set up for EVERYONE S SAFETY! Cheerleaders must remain on the sidelines with the team during halftime. Cheerleaders will not be allowed to go to the concession stand. 9

10 COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH CHEER There are several costs associated with cheerleading throughout the season that you should be aware of going into this commitment. They include, but aren t limited to: Bodysuits/briefs/sneakers/warm-ups Competition T-shirts Ribbons/bows Team Parties Spectator tickets for Competitions Travel associated with competitions ALL FEES ARE ASSESSED PER PARTICIPANT, NOT PER FAMILY! COMPETITION All cheerleading squads will compete at the NH State Cheerleading Competition. Details in full to follow, as more information becomes available. NH State Cheerleading Competition is typically held the end of October. Competition is the cheerleading form of playoffs. If a squad places at the state level, they will continue to the Regional Competition. Regional Competition is typically held the Sunday after Thanksgiving Weekend. If a squad places at the regional level, they will continue onto the National Competition. National Competition is typically held the second week of December. Parents are responsible for funding these competitions. There are other local competitions that all or some of the squads may participate in over the course of the season. Information will be given to parents as soon as it becomes available. REGIONAL & NATIONAL TRAVEL The Bedford Jaguars has been fortunate enough to be extremely successful over the last several years. Our teams have earned numerous State, Regional and National Titles. We work extremely hard as an association to raise funds to help defer costs of travel to Regional & National Competition for any squads fortunate enough to advance. The success of this effort depends solely on the families involved. We, as a board, can provide the opportunities to fundraise, but cannot raise the funds for you. ALL CHEERLEADERS ATTENDING MUST HAVE A PARENT OR GUARDIAN WITH THEM! As always, the decision of whether or not to advance to Regional or National Competitions will be up to the families involved. The Spirit Director will take a SILENT, ANONYMOUS vote regarding advancement. CHEER TRAVEL POLICY - Parents and players shall have the right to decide whether they wish to participate in either Regionals and/or Nationals. This needs to be communicated to the head coach no later than the day after states. - All players have the opportunity to participate at Regionals regardless of intentions to attend Nationals. - Teams will attend Regionals if they meet the AYC requirements. (meaning they place 1 st, 2 nd or 3 rd ) First place teams will move on to Nationals. A head coach and team have the right to choose to not move on to Nationals if they place 2 nd or 3rd. A discussion will take place with the parents before Regionals and a decision will be made as to whether to move on to Nationals with a 2 nd or 3 rd place bid. The majority vote will be the deciding factor with the head coachs input. - All players are required to travel on Wednesday prior to the Saturday National Competition, in order to meet the check in requirement for Thursday. NO EXCEPTIONS - Breach of contract will result in 1 year suspension as a player or student demonstrator. 10

11 FLAG FOOTBALL Younger Players Smaller Teams Fun & Safe. FLAG FOOTBALL is a FUN and SAFE way to get introduced to the great game of football and kickoff your football career!!! The PLAYERS ages 5 to 7 will be introduced to the football basics in a non-hitting environment. The players focus on learning and developing all the basic fundamental skills need to play the game including: running, passing, catching, scripted-plays, lining up and teamwork. The TEAMS consist of 8 players on the field (rather than 11 for tackle football) with the coaches coaching on the field shoulder-to-shoulder with the young players. The FIELD is played on the width of a regular football field 53.3 yards by 30 yards. The GAME consists of two 25 minute running halfs with two first down markers 20 yards apart. The offense runs plays from their 6 play arsenal with players rotating all positions while wearing their flags. The defense tries to stop the offense by simply grabbing the flags of the player with the ball. The PROGRAM is a great introduction to the sport of football and each player will receive the following: Introduction to the great game of football Coaching on the basics of football Game shirt Game shorts Practice shirt Player trophy for completing season 11

12 Participation in 5 or more regular season games against local teams Participation in year-end exciting SUPER BOWL BEDFORD JAGUARS Contract Agreement Form Student Agreement I have read the Bedford Jaguars Handbook. My signature below verifies that I understand and agree to the Contract. Player s Printed Name Player s Signature Date Parental Agreement I have read the Bedford Jaguars Handbook. My signature below verifies that I understand and agree to the Contract. Parent s Printed Name Parent s Signature Date 12