Nashua PAL Force Football & Spirit

Transcription

1 Nashua PAL Force Football & Spirit P.O. Box 965 Nashua, NH Handbook 1

2 Welcome to the 2017 season! The Nashua PAL Force program, sponsored by the Nashua Police Athletic League, was started in 2004 to provide more opportunities for Nashua children to play tackle and flag football and cheer. Going into its thirteenth season, the program has grown in size and has had state, regional, and national championship teams. The Force is one of 27 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). Nashua PAL Force registration is open to Nashua children age 5 (by July 31, 2017) through 14 who live in the Nashua High North district area, or an area where NHYFSC, AYF/AYC is not offered. Please take some time to read through this handbook. The handbook contains important information and answers many frequently asked questions about the program. Our goal for the NASHUA PAL FORCE 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 respect not only 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 and your family! NASHUA PAL FORCE 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS POSITION NAME PHONE PRESIDENT MIKE HALL npfpresident@gmail.com VICE PRESIDENT SHAMERA SIMPSON npfvicepresident@gmail.com SECRETARY JACLYN LEONARDI palforcesecretary@gmail.com TREASURER SUE BORROMEO sborromeo1@aol.com SPIRIT DIRECTOR KALIN HAMILTON kalinhamilton@hotmail.com FOOTBALL DIRECTOR TOM JOHNSTON coachtomnh@outlook.com SPIRIT REGISTRAR/ ASSISTANT SPIRIT DIR. JENNIFER HALL registrarpalforce@gmail.com PUBLIC & COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORD. THOM KELLY thomkelly17@yahoo.com MERCHANDISE COORD. ANNA GYLES jilncnrsmom@gmail.com VOLUNTEER COORD. DEBORAH WALL deborahwallnpf@gmail.com

3 FUNDRAISING COORD. RACHEL HAND CONCESSIONS COORD. PAM SIGNORETTI WEBMASTER KALIN HAMILTON AYF RULES & REGULATIONS AYF rules regulate our SAFETY RULES. AYF provides each organization within the state of New Hampshire with a set of guidelines that govern all of New Hampshire AYF teams. Each organization must 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, and that 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 will 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 to par with the rest of the team. It also puts the rest of the TEAM at a disadvantage. The definition of a SQUAD/TEAM is a small group of people working together towards a common goal. The NASHUA PAL FORCE 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 on the fourth Monday of every month. Please refer to the web site for the exact time and location. We encourage the parents/guardians who make up the NPF community to attend and offer your suggestions and input as we strive to make the NASHUA PAL FORCE program the best it can be for our youth. 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 affect your child. We strive to have all program information communicated to you in a timely manner. All program information will be posted on the website: communicated through our ChalkTalk s, posted on your team Facebook pages, and/or communicated through your team parent and/or coach. Please see your team parent to make sure that your contact information is up to date. CONDUCT We are the template that our children will mold themselves from, and our example teaches our children how to live and behave. All coaches and players are required to abide by a code of conduct while attending NPF practices, games, meets and other events. Parents are also expected to follow a code of conduct. Each 3

4 athlete, coach and parent is required to read and sign the appropriate Code of Conduct 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. 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 each child enrolled in NASHUA PAL FORCE, a parent must sign up for a minimum of two volunteer spots with their respective team parent. You may have parents on your team who are exempt from these sign ups because they volunteer in other areas of the program such as coaching, being a team parent, or being a board member. There are requirements at every practice and game to ensure the smooth running of our program. Team size and exempt parents play a role into how many volunteer spots are needed per team per season. Make sure you sign up early to get the shift and/or desired position. Coaches, assistant coaches, board members and team parents are exempt from the volunteering part of the commitment checks, but not exempt from their children participating in fundraising ventures such as tagging and car washes, or the sales fundraiser. A commitment deposit check post-dated for 12/01/2017 in the amount of $ per athlete will be collected before the start of the season. This check is shredded/destroyed/returned if you fulfill your volunteer AND fundraising commitments. If you have not fulfilled your commitments, the $ check will be cashed. Please note: If you sign up for a specific date and time, and cannot fulfill your obligation, it is YOUR responsibility to find appropriate coverage for your shift. CALENDAR RAFFLES MANDATORY Each participant registered will be required to purchase Calendar Raffles, $25 per calendar during the first two weeks of practice. Each calendar has 5 raffle tickets that can be sold at $5 each and turned in for the participant s chance of winning a cash drawing that takes place daily during the month of September. Winners are notified by mail, phone or . FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENTS We all know there is a lot that goes into a successful organization, especially a nonprofit organization. One of the key elements to its success is fundraising. In order to provide each and every individual with safe equipment, gym rental space, insurance fees, and the list goes on and on, the Nashua PAL Force organization requires additional funds beyond registration. With that being said, we expect everyone s full cooperation when it comes to fundraising. We offer several different options for everyone to participate. Although coaches and board members are exempt from volunteering they are not except from fundraising. PLEASE DO NOT CONFUSE VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT WITH FUNDRAISING, THEY ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. Fundraising consists of several different events: 1) TAGGING and/or CAR WASHES: Times and locations to be provided by team parents at a later date. 4

5 2) FUNDRAISING: Several different events will be held throughout the season. Events will be announced at a later date, including post-season fundraising. 3) SALES FUNDRAISER: This can vary from selling chocolate bars to scratch tickets and are designed to give the NPF community something that neighbors, friends and family will enjoy. ATTITUDE & BEHAVIOR Everyone who is part of the NASHUA PAL FORCE COMMUNITY shares the common bond of Football and Cheerleading. We must all learn to put any and all differences aside as soon as we step onto the practice/game field. Remember the example we want to set for our children and please keep any kind of issues you may have toward anyone must be kept at home and away from the field. You will be expected to respect your teammates, coaching staff, and the NPF Community. Some of the most fulfilling accomplishments in one s life are difficult and are not always considered fun at the time. There will be times that certain activities will require that we spend time being repetitive. This is how athletes learn to excel. Please remember to keep a POSITIVE ATTITUDE! Trust that your coaches have a plan even if you cannot see how it will unfold at the time. We value any comments from the parents and ask that if any issues arise, that you approach your team parent 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 Tom Johnston SPIRIT DIRECTOR Kalin Hamilton The Nashua PAL Force board, and their coaching staff, reserves 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? This year, we continue to offer the lowest registration fees in the area, as well a multi-child family discount. We hope that by doing this, we can attract more children to fill our teams. The registration fees for both football and cheerleading are as follows: Early Bird Discount (until June 3 rd ) $ for the first child $ for your second child $75.00 for any subsequent child $75.00 for FLAG Football or TINY MITE cheer $ for the first child $ for your second child $ for any subsequent child $75.00 for FLAG Football or TINY MITE cheer 5

6 (Please refer to the cheerleading section for other 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 2017! NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO PRACTICE WITHOUT A PROPERLY COMPLETED MEDICAL CLEARANCE FORM. The medical clearance form is not an affirmation that your child has had a regular physical this year, only that a physician has cleared them for football or cheer! Our Medical Clearance Forms are on our web site. 2. Birth Certificate: Please bring your child s birth certificate that was issued by the State or Town. Hospital copies are not acceptable unless there is a State seal on it. (Returning athletes do not need to provide their birth certificates again.) 3. Report Card: Two copies of your child s final report card must be submitted. Final report card is to the end of the 2017 school year. The name of the school and the school s grading scale must appear on the report card. It must be legible and copied in its entirety. 4. Code of Conduct: Parents/guardians must sign a Code of Conduct Form. 5. Anti-Bullying Contract: This form is signed by both the parent and the athlete and is required by NHYFSC. 6. Social Media Form: This form is also signed by both the parent and the athlete and is required by NHYFSC. 7. Concussion Acknowledgment Form: This form is also signed by both the parent and the athlete and is required by NHYFSC. 8. NASHUA PAL FORCE HANDBOOK: Parents must sign an acknowledgment that they have agreed to make themselves aware of the rules and pertinent information, found in our handbook at our website: All paperwork must be received by July 31, If your child s paperwork is not complete, your child will not be able to participate. DEPOSITS MANDATORY There is a mandatory $50 registration deposit in order to participate in the program, with the balance due before July 31, If you are participating in the early bird discounts, the balance must be paid within the early bird timeframe. You will be required to sign a payment plan in the event that the total registration fee is not paid on registration day. There is a $150 deposit that covers your volunteer/fundraising commitment and a separate deposit for your child s equipment/uniform: Equipment deposit for Flag is $50, Spirit and Tackle Football is $200. Failure to be paid in full will result in your child being prohibited from taking the field until the balance is paid in full. If you do not fulfill your volunteer commitment, or do not return your equipment/uniform by the time stated (later in the season), it will result in NO REFUND. You must fulfill your volunteer/fundraising commitment, and return all of your equipment/uniform by the times stated (later in the season) to receive both of your deposit checks back. INSUFFICIENT FUNDS If at any time, you have made a payment by check (for registration, equipment, fundraising, etc.) and it is returned to us for insufficient funds, the following actions will take place: 1) You will receive an invoice for the amount of the original check, plus any bank fees incurred and an additional $5.00 handling charge (Post Office charges for mailing, with a return receipt requested). 2) If the insufficient funds occur prior to the start of the season, your child will not be placed on a roster, until your payment has been made in full. 3) If this occurs during the season your child may be removed from the roster. It is your responsibility, once you have been notified, to remit payment in full or make arrangements with our Treasurer or President. 6

7 4) Non-payments or insufficient funds would make your child ineligible to play or cheer, until your payment has been made in full. 5) If there is a necessity for a parent to do a payment plan, a deposit of $50 at registration is still mandatory, and post-dated checks or a workable plan for paying in cash will be offered. You must sign the payment plan promising to have the fees paid by the time your child steps on the on July 31, 2017 WAITING LIST It is not common for some registrants to be placed on a waiting list, but it does happen occasionally. No more than 36 participants can be on any team s roster at any time. If your child is placed on a waiting list and decides NOT to participate before practice begins, parents should contact the corresponding director as soon as possible. If your child remains on the waiting list, parents will be contacted by the directors when/if openings occur in the active roster. In order for any applicant to be placed on the active roster or waiting list, the full registration fee must be paid at the time of registration. Checks paid at registration for a child placed on the waiting list WILL NOT be deposited unless that child is moved onto an active roster. REFUNDS No refunds will be issued after the first day of practice. ABSENTEEISM & TARDINESS FOOTBALL All players must report to their coaching staff by the designated time ready to go. This typically means getting to the field or gym 5-10 minutes in advance to attend to equipment or other pre-practice and pregame necessities. 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 a situation occurs (such as an illness), a parent must contact 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 hitting Three (3) unexcused absences during the season could result in dismissal from the team. 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. CHEERLEADING All athletes must report to their coaching staff by the designated time ready to go. This typically means getting to the field or gym 5-10 minutes in advance. 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 a situation occurs (such as an illness), a parent must contact 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 also counts as a late arrival and count towards the 3 late arrival limit. Athletes who arrive late to warm ups for the game may not participate in their halftime routine. Please allow additional travel time to areas unknown to you. 7

8 We realize that vacations are a huge part of the summer, but if your athlete misses these practices they are missing conditioning hours, they are causing other members of their teams to be unable to fully participate in practice and they may not be eligible to stunt or participate in choreography. This is dependent upon how many practice hours/days have been missed. All athletes are required to complete 10 hours of conditioning/practice prior to basic stunting and tumbling and a total of 20 hours prior to advanced stunting and tumbling. More than one (1) unexcused absence during the season could result in dismissal from the team. It is VERY IMPORTANT that your child be there for proper warm-ups, conditioning, techniques, and safety procedures to help prevent any kind of unnecessary injuries. ABSENCES: EXCUSED Fever/Illness School Camp Mandatory school activities UNEXCUSED Extracurricular activities School dances Birthday parties School sports *Family Gatherings *Coaches reserve the right to excuse family gatherings at their discretion. PLEASE ARRANGE ALL DOCTOR AND DENTIST APPOINTMENTS FOR TIMES OTHER THAN PRACTICE DAYS AND TIMES! GAME DAY Athletes are expected to arrive ONE HOUR before the scheduled game time. Athletes 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. This can be as late as the Wednesday before game day. Please do not contact the opposing team. Presidents are responsible for communication about game day, which they then share with the Football & Spirit Directors who share with their coaches. 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 11U, 12U, 13U and 14U level on occasion. PRACTICES - LOCATION & TIMES Our designated practice field is Artillery Field, which is located behind Holman Stadium. Please do not drive in to the pathway (next to the storage cubes) unless authorized. Parking is allowed on the side of the street adjacent to the field only. The police will ticket your vehicle if you are parked on the opposite side of the street. There is ample parking on Sargent Avenue as well. Typically our two oldest football teams will be at Nashua High School North for their practices. SMOKING is not permitted at any practice or game locations. PETS are not allowed at any practice or game locations. 8

9 Until the first game of the season, practices can be held up to 5 nights a week from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Please see your individual Head Coach for specific days and times. After school begins, practices are limited to 3 days a week. Late August early September, cheerleading squads will move to indoor practices. Indoor practices are held at the Nashua PAL/St. Pat s Gym located at 29 Spring Street or at Nashua High School North. Please be advised that there is absolutely no parking in the St. Pat s parking lot, nor is there any parking in front of Charron Medical Supplies on Saturdays. There is plenty of parking at the courthouse across the street. More information will follow with specific information from your child s team parent and/or coach. 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 Comfortable attire, such as gym shorts & T-shirts No jeans of any type No baggy clothing No sweatshirts with hoods or strings No pajama bottoms Athletic sneakers must be worn No SANDALS No SPAGHETTI STRAPS FOOTBALL Must wear cleats (no metal) Sneakers are prohibited Must wear 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 with their name clearly labeled. 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. 9

10 Stay away from sugary and junk foods. Get plenty of rest. UNIFORMS CAN NEVER BE USED AS COSTUMES! Uniforms are the property of NASHUA PAL FORCE, 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. 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 and practice jerseys CHEERLEADING Cheerleading Shirt Cheerleading Skirt 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! If you are found with any jewelry on, it will be counted as an unexcused absence. Please refrain from having your participant having any new piercings done now, because ALL jewelry (even new piercings) MUST BE REMOVED FOR ALL PRACTICES AND GAMES. No jewelry will be taped over. DISCIPLINARY ACTION Running is an every day 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 practice 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 10

11 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. This can be given to the Head Coach before each practice or game and returned after each practice or game. Please mark your child s medication clearly prior to giving it to the Head Coach. 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. 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. 11

12 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. 12

13 Nashua PAL Force CHEERLEADING PLACEMENT & EVALUATIONS Our cheerleading program registers cheerleaders from the ages of 5 (by July 31, 2017) through 14 (as of July 31, 2017). Cheerleaders will be assigned to squads based on several factors. Our goal at Nashua PAL Force is to place all cheerleaders on teams that will challenge them to achieve new skills yet to remain competitive. The Spirit Director and Spirit Registrar will put together a preliminary roster. Due to cheerleaders aging out of the program every year and new cheerleaders joining the program every year, rosters are typically fluid for the first week or two of practices. Any roster change will be initiated by the Spirit Director. Parents will be notified and encouraged to give feedback if they choose. Factors that will be taken into consideration include (but are not limited to) age, experience, ability, size of the squad, needs of the squad. There is NO guarantee that your child will be placed on the same team as their siblings. On the same note, there is NO guarantee that your cheerleader will be placed on the same team as his/her friends, or the same team they were on last year. 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 they 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. A cheerleader s designated role on the squad, whether it is in a stunt, or placement for jumps or dances, is NOT up for discussion. The best thing you can do for your child is support them and encourage them to keep doing their best. HAIR Hair MUST be pulled back with a hair tie. 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. 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. WARMUPS All cheerleaders must own a Nashua PAL Force warm-up. If you already own a warm-up, please be sure that both the pants and jacket fit appropriately. New participants must purchase a warm-up suit. Payment is due at the time of fittings. WARMUPS ARE YOURS TO KEEP AT THE END OF THE SEASON! 13

14 THE CHEERLEADING UNIFORM CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS THAT ALL CHEERLEADERS MUST HAVE WITH THEM AT EVERY GAME NO EXCEPTIONS! * UNIFORM (GAME JERSEY & SHORTS) * GAME BOW * WARMUP * WHITE CHEERLEADING SNEAKERS * WHITE NO SHOW SOCKS * CHEERLEADING BAG We use our cheerleading sneakers SOLEY for INDOOR PRACTICES and COMPETITIONS! Please have your child wear a separate 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 Nashua PAL FORCE! 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. INDOOR PRACTICES Indoor practices are closed in the practice space. You may observe in the vestibule closest to the restrooms or the hallway as long as you are considerate of the athletes practicing. Please do not try to get your child s attention or coach them or call to them from the hallway. That can be distracting to the other athletes and be a safety issue. 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. 14

15 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 not limited to: Bodysuits/briefs/sneakers/warm-ups Cheer Bows Spectator tickets for Competitions Travel associated with competitions Competition T-shirts Game Shirts Game Shorts Coaches gifts ALL FEES ARE ASSESSED PER PARTICIPANT, NOT PER FAMILY! COMPETITION All cheerleading squads will compete at the NH State Cheerleading Competition. Cheer teams younger than Division 10 will not be competitive past the State level. Full details will 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 Saturday of or before Thanksgiving weekend. If a squad places at the Regional level, they will continue onto the National Competition. National Competition is typically held the first week of December. Parents are responsible for funding to 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 Nashua PAL Force has been fortunate enough to be extremely successful over the last ten 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, GUARDIAN, OR CHAPERONE 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. NHYFSC ELITE CHEER TEAMS The NHYFSC Elite Cheer teams are similar to the 8 th grade All Star Football Teams. They are cheer teams comprised of cheerleaders league age 11 through league age 14 who are currently rostered on an NHYFSC cheer team. Typically two teams are formed, a red level team and a blue level team. Both teams are small and maxed out at 18 athletes. Any athlete who is trying out is doing so with the full knowledge that they are required to attend nationals. NHYFSC ELITE CHEER PROCESS (VIA NHYFSC Constitution): 15

16 Athlete Nomination, Recruitment & Selection: A. All cheer athletes must be between years old and on a division 12, 14 or 18 team. All must be rostered for the 2017 season. B. Cheer athlete selection must afford the Elite coaching staff to be able to insure all positions, flyers, bases, and back spotters are on the team, as well as athletes with advanced tumbling skills. C. No more than 4 athletes from any one association shall be on any team. i. There are not enough athletes to field a team. ii. The head coach comes to the state board and requests additional players over the maximum of 4 is needed for the team. A. Associations should understand that when nominating an athlete, they need to consider how they will match up on the bigger picture. Being nominated to the team is not a statement that each athlete is equal in skill or aptitude. Once all athletes are identified the NHYFSC will coordinate a meeting for the prospective players and parents to learn about the Elite experience. B. Deadline for nominations for cheer will be September 1st: * All cheer athletes will participate in a 2-day skill assessment/tryout session as developed by the Elite coaching staff. The NHYFSC Cheer Coordinator and head coach will work together on scheduling the session. * Skill assessment/tryout dates 9/15 & 9/16. There is a possibility for some athletes to be cut at the first tryout on the 15th and not need to return on the 16th. * Choreography scheduled for 9-24 Nashua PAL Force Additional Selection Criteria: A) Any athlete who would like to be nominated for the NHYFSC Elite team must have the minimum tumbling required for Red Level Teams (handspring). It is important to know that these skills do not guarantee your spot on the Elite team. Additionally, you may have Blue Level tumbling and still be placed on a Red Level team based on your tryout and each team s needs. B) Athletes must remember that home team commitments take priority over the Elite Team when it comes to practices and obligations. C) No more than four NPF athletes can be selected per team. In the event that there are multiple teams at the same level (two Red Level teams or two Blue Level teams)- only four NPF athletes can be selected and would be required to be on the same team. D) Elite athletes are required to secure flights and pay dues to their team without any financial assistance from NPF. This is a separate team and as such are not eligible for NPF travel funds. Please review bylaws for details. E) Any athlete who has outstanding monies owed to Nashua PAL Force cannot try out for the Elite team. All balances (registration, equipment, uniform, etc) must be paid in full prior to trying out. F) Athletes can ONLY try out with the clear understanding that they must accept their placement if chosen. You cannot change your mind once chosen for a team as it disrupts the entire team and leaves the team at a disadvantage for securing athletes. G) Athletes MUST sign up to try out with the full knowledge and consent of their parents. 16

17 Nashua PAL Force 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 kick off 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 halves 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 Participation in 5 or more regular season games against local teams from Bedford, Nor Rock, Franklin, Laconia, Goffstown, Concord, & Manchester East Participation in year-end exciting SUPER BOWL 17