Franklin Jr. Wildcats Youth Football & Cheer

Transcription

1 Franklin Jr. Wildcats Youth Football & Cheer 2017 Parent/Guardian and Participant Handbook WELCOME Welcome to the Franklin Jr. Wildcats (FJW). This handbook was developed to help our parents/guardians and youth participants understand how our organization operates, what they can expect, and what is expected of them. While we can t cover every situation in this handbook, you are asked to follow the spirit of what is outlined here, and allow common sense to prevail. FJW was organized by and is operated entirely by volunteer members your positive input is welcome! MISSION STATEMENT Franklin Jr. Wildcats Youth Football and Cheer exists to promote the emotional, mental, and physical development of our youth participants. The purpose of the Jr. Wildcats is to offer the opportunity to participate in communitysupported football and cheer programs which stress the intrinsic value of every individual participant. The goal of the FJW organization is to promote personal achievement and improvement through discipline and the spirit of competition. The youth participants will be coached in a positive environment, which will build character, teamwork, the challenge of competition, and personal responsibility. FJW is dedicated to organizing the finest program possible to enable our youth participants to have the best experience possible. ORGANIZATION / LEAGUE AFFILIATION FJW is a nonprofit 501-C3 organization, governed by bylaws on file with the IRS and the California Secretary of State, and run by parent volunteers, in association with Sierra Valley USA Youth Football & Cheer (SVUSA). Members may download copies of these bylaws or the SVUSA rulebook at any time by visiting Board of Directors: Our Executive board is made up of 9 unpaid volunteer positions. Volunteer board members each serve a two-year term, with elections for alternating positions each year. The Executive Board of Directors meet monthly, with meetings typically held on the first Monday of each month. Board meetings are open to the general membership. If you would like to attend a meeting, we ask that you schedule a visit through the VP of Administration. If you are interested in becoming an Executive board member, please see any member of the Executive board for more information. Serving you for the 2017 Season will be: Title Name President Marlo Carter marlocar7.mc@gmail.com VP of Administration Shareen Kidd VP Of Finance Darcy Collins darcybcollins@gmail.com VP of Football Greg Fong gafong@hotmail.com VP of Cheer DeAnna Taylor coachd.fjwcheer@gmail.com VP of Volunteers Jenn Harris fjw.volunteer@gmail.com VP of Information/Website Chris Jaromay cjaromay@comcast.net VP of Spirit Wear Debby Lloyd deblloyd333@yahoo.com VP of Marketing/Fundraising Football: FJW has six football teams, based on age and weight policies established by the SVUSA. Each team shall carry a maximum of 35 players.

2 Cheerleading: FJW has up to 5 cheer squads with a maximum of 30 girls on each squad, based on age policies established by SVUSA. Depending on availability, we may also sponsor post-season competitive teams comprised of regular season members. The competitive teams are separately coached and members are selected on a tryout basis. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FJW is operated entirely by volunteers every activity that is part of our program occurs through the efforts of volunteers. Board members, coaches and instructors donate approximately 200 hours or more per person, each season, to ensure we can offer the highest quality program to our children. It is critical that every volunteer be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. There are a variety of levels of involvement within our program, as follows: Football Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Team Managers, Weigh masters and Instructors These volunteers manage all practices and games for FJW. There is one head coach, one team manager (selected by head coach and approved by Executive board), and up to six assistant coaches per team. In addition, we allow up to four Youth Instructors per team. Youth Instructors must be at least 14 years of age and in good academic standing. There is one weighmaster per team who is responsible for certifying that all rules are being followed with regards to age and weight requirements for each game. Football coaches are the primary instructors for the players. They are responsible for supervision, teaching plays, running drills, and discipline on the field, as well as management of parent relations and communications. All issues and questions should be directed to the head coach for resolution. Cheer Coaches and Instructors There is one head coach and up to six assistant coaches per squad, five of which can be Youth Instructors. Youth Instructors must be at least 14 years of age and in good academic standing. The adult coaching staff is responsible for discipline, parent communications, planning squad events and programs, team building and instructor relations. FJW primarily uses current and former high school cheerleaders as instructors. The instructors are responsible for developing game and competition routines, teaching the routines, and strengthening cheerleader skills. They do not discipline cheerleaders, but they do help them stay focused. Parents may not discuss the routines or formations with the instructors; these issues should be directed to the head coach. Parent Volunteers Approximately 100 volunteers are needed for each home game for setup, teardown and staffing of the snack bar, gate, and spirit wear table, etc. Every parent is required to volunteer 8 hours for each child that is in the program, with a maximum of 16 hours per family. Parents must sign up for all 8 hours before the Jamboree or the child will be unable to participate in Jamboree or any future games until the commitment has been made. Missing any required volunteer time will result in a fine of $25 per hour. If by the end of the season the required volunteer time is not completed, the football player/cheerleader will not be eligible to return the FJW program until all outstanding payments for unfulfilled volunteer hours have been received by the board. Football Players and Cheerleaders Every child is expected to put forth their best effort, both on and off the field, and to abide by the rules and regulations in this handbook and the SVUSA rulebook. Children are expected to act with courtesy and respect, particularly when wearing FJW uniforms or other FJW apparel. They are also asked to perform their best at all games and competitions, and to be open to learning what they are taught. COACHES FJW utilizes volunteer coaches for both cheer and football. Coaches are certified by either USA Football Heads Up Certification or ASEP Cheer Certification. Football coaches provide all instruction and training. Cheer coaches provide training and instruction, supervise teenage instructors and manage squad activities and communications. Head coaches are responsible for choosing his/her respective assistant coaches and youth instructors, and presenting them to the board for final approval. Because coaches duties are different for each sport, the following summarizes how coaches are selected Parent/Guardian and Participant Handbook Updated June 16, 2016, 2016 Page 2 of 10

3 Coach Selection Process: Coaching for the Franklin Jr. Wildcats is a very rewarding experience, and the number of applicants sometimes exceeds the number of vacancies. The most difficult task for the Executive Board of Directors is choosing head coaches from among people who we know all care about kids and who share the same goal of serving our community. Those selected to coach are the individuals who have the best skills, leadership and experience to lead a particular team for the particular coming year. Interested applicants should submit an online application. Submit completed applications for football or cheer head coach position by December 15 each year. The FJW Board of Directors screens all head coach applicants. If only one person applies and has FJW experience that is acceptable to the Board, an interview may not be necessary. When there is more than one applicant for a head coaching position, the Board of Directors interviews each applicant to determine the best fit for our organization. A head coach must have at least one full year of coaching experience with FJW in order to be considered for a head coaching position. In the event no applicants for a head coaching position have the required one-year experience, the Board of Directors may waive this requirement for the vacant position. All coaches and assistant coaches must complete a background check. Football coaches must also complete the USA Football Tackling Certification course and Age Appropriate course. RULES AND POLICIES Every parent/guardian and participant is required to read this handbook to become familiar with our program and abide by the policies and procedures outlined. In addition, every parent/guardian and participant is required to sign the acknowledgement at the end of this handbook certifying that they have read and understand FJW s citizenship rules regarding conduct. In addition, a copy of the official SVUSA rulebook can be viewed and/or downloaded on our website under the forms tab. CITIZENSHIP The FJW require pride and respect to each other, to SVUSA associations, to leadership, to coaches, parents, teachers, teammates and classmates. Any derogatory comments, mocking of others, gossip, or criticism that is not constructive in nature will not be tolerated. All football players, cheerleaders, board members, coaches, instructors and parents are bound by the behavior guidelines outlined in the Parent/Guardian s and Participant s Codes of Conduct below. Parent/Guardian s Code of Conduct FJW s goals cannot be achieved without the participation and cooperation of parents, guardians, and other adult and youth volunteers. By volunteering your time you will send a positive message to your child. Adult misconduct at youth sporting events is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. As a parent/guardian of a youth participant, I will: Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice or other youth sports event. Place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win. Support coaches and officials working with my child in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all. Threatening or causing harm to any coach will result in dismissal from the program. Demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, alcohol, foul language, an d will refrain from their use at all events. Remember that the game is for the youth - not the adults. Encourage my child to treat other participants, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability. Further, I: Agree to be financially responsible for all equipment/uniform issued to my child other than the normal wear and tear during games and practice, and will reimburse FJW for lost or damaged equipment. Agree to bring any concern/complaint I have to my child s Head Coach. If the concern/complaint is not resolved, I agree to then bring the concern/complaint to the attention of the Football or Cheer Coordinator, respectively. If my concern/complaint is still not resolved, only then will I address the situation with the FJW Executive Board of Directors, who will then determine if the Conduct and Rules Committee shall convene to investigate and resolve my concern/complaint. Understand that the FJW Football and Cheer Program is a volunteer-based organization. Parental involvement is mandatory and critical to success. I agree to volunteer at least 8 hours (per enrolled child, with a 16-hour family maximum) during the season. I understand that my child s Team Manager will be responsible for scheduling my volunteer time to meet the needs of the organization. I understand that I must commit to 8 hours of time before the Jamboree or my child will not play. For any time that I do not serve, I will reimburse the organization a fee of $25 for each hour that I do not fulfill. Understand that FJW is a non-profit organization and must occasionally rely on fundraising activities for financial support. I agree to participate and meet the minimum obligation set forth by the FJW Board of Directors for any mandatory fundraising activity deemed necessary for this cause. Page 3 of Parent/Guardian and Participant Handbook Updated June 16, 2016, 2016

4 Participant s Code of Conduct Being a member of the FJW means more than just learning about and playing football or being a cheerleader. As a player/cheerleader, both on and off the field, you are a representative of FJW and are expected to act accordingly. No matter what the circumstances, whether in victory or defeat, always conduct yourself with PRIDE and POISE. Good citizenship is a must. Vulgarity (foul language), temper tantrums, or fighting is absolutely prohibited. Any participant who has an altercation with the school or law enforcement authorities (as a result of misconduct) or is observed displaying conduct (anywhere, anytime) below the acceptable standards of a player or cheerleader will face suspension from the team. If you are going to miss a practice or a game, you must notify your coach. Missing or cutting practice will hurt both you and your team, and will be the primary reason for you not participating in games. There is no excuse for being late to practice or games. Missing practices, not giving 100% at practices, not knowing your role, being out of condition, and disciplinary violations can result in suspension. A participant may not be allowed to participate in a game at the discretion of his/her coach AND with the president s approval. During instructional periods you will only speak when spoken to or with permission. When addressing or replying to any coach, you will address him/her as Coach. Game officials will always be addressed as Sir or Ma am. Report all equipment/uniform problems to your coach immediately. Report all injuries to your coach immediately. A good education is critical to your future success; therefore, you must sustain at least a C average in school. Participants shall report to your coach if you are having difficulty in any classes. COMMUNICATIONS Our website ( is our main source of information for game schedules and FJW news. In addition, we want to hear from you! We welcome your questions, ideas, and input at all times! Please see a member of your coaching staff, board member, or send a via our website. If you have a serious concern or complaint, we ask that you immediately bring it to the attention of your child's head coach. If you do not feel the situation has been properly addressed, you can next speak with the VP of Cheer or Football. If you still feel your concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can take your concern to the Board of Directors by sending an to VP of Administration. SCHEDULE Refer to the FJW website for the most current information) COSTS AND FEES The regular registration fees for the 2016 season are $200 up to January 15, $250 for regular registration (up to April 1 st ), $300 for late football registration. These fees include a non-refundable admin/tryout fee of $75 for football and $50 for cheer. Because our organization is non-profit, our objective is to invest all fees and proceeds right back into our program. We do our best to keep our fees as closely aligned with our budget as possible. FUNDRAISING As previously indicated, youth football and cheer is an expensive program. FJW would experience a yearly revenue shortfall if we did not do any fundraising programs. As an organization, we realize that families are asked to raise funds for many reasons; school, church, other youth organizations. For that reason we attempt to limit our fundraising each year; however, it is necessary. Traditionally we require participation in only one or two mandatory fundraisers per year. By mandatory, we mean that each participant in the FJW program must participate 100% in the organization fundraiser. In order for FJW to remain a solid organization, we must be diligent in insuring each participant cooperates. If you have fundraising ideas or want to be more involved, please contact our fundraising coordinator. In 2016, your fundraising requirement will be $100. The fundraiser may include 5 coupon books to sell at $20 each. The board reserves the right to change the fundraiser depending on new fundraising options that present during the off season. The payment for the fundraiser must be made immediately upon registration or can be scheduled to be debited on July 15, PRE-SEASON CONDITIONING Each season FJW offers preseason conditioning. This is not mandatory, however it is highly recommended. This season we plan to start with optional conditioning the week of June 6th at Toby Johnson Middle School. These preseason conditioning drills are led by FJW coaches and board members and are a great opportunity for all youth in the area to become familiar with drills they will participate in during the season as well as get into better physical shape prior to the official season beginning. We encourage all anticipated participants to become involved in these sessions. It is not necessary to be a committed member of the FJW organization to participate in these drills. In fact we encourage first time participants to try out the organization during these sessions to get to know the coaches, fellow teammates and learn something about football or cheer. Please check our web site frequently for dates and details regarding our preseason conditioning sessions. We will host a fee based youth football camp in July with the Franklin High School coaches. Additionally, veteran FJW participants may be permitted to use equipment, with a deposit, for various full contact camps that take place in the area. FJW currently does not endorse any of these camps, but certainly encourages summer football camp participation. There are several good camps in the Sacramento/Bay area that numerous FJW participants have taken part in.

5 TRYOUTS Because we are limited in the number of football players and cheerleaders on each team/squad, tryouts are required if there are more applicants than available positions. Anyone owing a balance from a prior season will not be eligible to participate until the balance is paid in full. FJW attempts to move players to the appropriate team based on age, weight, athletic ability in order to insure the best possible scenario for the participants and FJW. However, if all rosters are full after the first week of tryouts, no player can be moved to another team without approval by both head coaches, the VP of Football, the participant s parents and with consent of the board of directors. If signups exceed the amount of football equipment for tryouts, we reserve the right to close registrations for that level. Final Rosters - When final selections are made for each sport, rosters are posted on the FJW website. The postings are available for only two days following final cuts, before they are removed. Should a player or cheerleader be unable to participate after final rosters are posted, alternates are called based on rankings during tryouts. No participant may change teams after final rosters have been determined. Football - Tryouts run for two weeks beginning with mandatory conditioning on July 14. Players are to wear athletic shorts and a plain white t-shirt with the last name written boldly on the back of the shirt. Players may wear football cleats (refer to the SVUSA rulebook to determine what types of cleats are allowed). Players may NOT wear home jerseys from a previous year during tryouts. A first cut (to 45 players or 40 for Mighty Mite) may be made at the end of the first week, if necessary, and the final cut to 35 players is made at the end of the second week. The coaching staff evaluates players during this two-week period, therefore full attendance is highly recommended. These two weeks are mandatory for ALL players. Any player that does not complete the two weeks of tryouts and has one or more unexcused absences can be dropped and not eligible for selection by a coach. A player will only be allowed two excused absences during the two-week tryout period. Excused absences are 1) medical/injury [with a doctor s note]; 2) Academic [with proof of a field trip or other schoolrequired activity]; 3) religious [worship or education]; 4) family emergency; and 5) activity in which he/she has made a prior commitment to fulfill [playoff/championship, such as All-Stars baseball]. Family vacations are typically NOT excused absences. Please discuss your concerns with your coach. Any player that has more than two unexcused absences may be dropped and not eligible for selection by a coach. If a player has the excused absences described above, that player will not be allowed to participate in contact drills in the second week of tryouts until their 10 hours of conditioning are completed. Absences will affect a coach s ability to evaluate that player and make-up tryouts are not offered. Players may not participate in contact drills without being in the defined age/weight categories (SVUSA Rulebook). All players must meet the age/weight limits in order to certify. Any player not certifying by the first game of the season will be dismissed from the team. The age and weight charts for football are included in the Appendix. (SVUSA Rulebook). Cheer - Assessments are held in mid-april each year. Applicants participate in a week-long clinic, during which time they are taught a cheer/dance routine. They perform this routine in small groups before independent judges. The cheer coordinators then assign girls to squads based on age and position. Extra points are awarded for those who demonstrate unassisted proficiency in tumbling (back handspring, back layout, back tuck) during the clinic week. Attitude and attendance during the clinic are also included in the evaluation. Cheer Competition Squad (tentative) -The competition squad consists of regular season cheerleaders wishing to further advance their skills and participate in competition. Cheerleaders will not be required to tryout, however, attitude and attendance at games/practices will be the factors considered to allow cheerleaders onto this competition team. Interested cheerleaders who attend practices/games and who display positive attitudes will attend practices and competitions beginning in December and extending to February. The team will attend regional competitions as well as 1-2 season-end national competitions in February. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Refunds - Should your child be cut or decide to drop from the program, registration fees (less the $75 football or $75 cheer tryout/administration fee) will be refunded once all issued football equipment is returned and/or cheer uniform pieces ordered have been paid for. Fees are only refundable prior to Jamboree. After certification at Jamboree, no refund is offered. Any special football equipment and/or cheerleading uniform pieces ordered on behalf of your child 2016 Parent/Guardian and Participant Handbook Updated October 17, 2015 Page 6 of 10

6 will still be your financial responsibility. In addition, any issued equipment must be returned immediately or it becomes the financial liability of the participant s parent or guardian. Parking - Parking on the street (Franklin High Road) is prohibited, and violators will be ticketed. Please use either the Toby Johnson Parking lots or the Library parking lot. In addition, there is no parking in the fire lane. When dropping off or picking up your child, you may use the right side of the round-about as long as you remain in the car at all times, and NEVER block the fire lane directly in front of the gate or the crosswalk. The left side of the roundabout is to always stay clear for through traffic. Participant Pick-Up - Parents must arrive on time to pick up their participants immediately following practices and/or games. The FJW coaches and/or board members will do their best to ensure your child s supervision; however, it is the parent s responsibility to be on time to ensure their child s safety and security. Repetitive violations (15 minutes or more) after the end of practice may result in discipline, including game suspension. Garbage - All trash must be picked up after all practices and games. Each squad will be responsible for removing garbage in their practice area. Failure to keep Toby Johnson MS tidy and picked up jeopardizes our facility use. We ask that everyone please pitch in. Guests - Parents are welcome to attend all practices. Siblings and friends are also welcome provided they are not disruptive and are being supervised by a parent. Parents may not leave siblings and/or friends unattended at games, practices or other FJW events. Pets - Because we participate at an Elk Grove Unified School District field, pets are not allowed to attend any FJW practice, game or function. This is a school district policy. The only exception is for certified service animals. Attendance -Attendance at all practices and games is mandatory. Each participant is allowed only four unexcused absences from practices/games per season and can be dropped from the team/squad at the fifth unexcused absence. Participants are allowed only five excused absences. The only excused absences are: 1. Medical/Injury (with a doctor s note) 2. Academic (with proof of a field trip or other school-required activity) 3. Religious (worship or education) 4. Family emergency 5. Another activity in which he/she has made a prior commitment to fulfill and is in a playoff/championship (such as All-Star baseball) during try-outs, if the other activity overlaps tryout hours. If you cannot attend practice or a game, the parent must notify your head coach directly (do not tell another child or parent to tell the coach for you) prior to practice. If you do not show up and have not notified your coach, it will be counted as an unexcused absence. Failure to meet the attendance guidelines will result in discipline procedures, up to and including dismissal from FJW. Football - After the season starts, a player who misses more than one day of practice in a week may not be eligible to play in that week s game. This applies to the regular season as well as postseason/playoff games. Speak with your coach for more details. Cheer - Because of the importance of stunting and teamwork in cheer, any absence can have a negative impact on the squad, particularly close to competition. For that reason, excessive unexcused tardiness and/or early dismissals are not acceptable. Any cheerleader with an unexcused absence after October 1st can be moved to another position in the routine or dropped from the competition routine altogether. Football Equipment - As part of the initial registration fee, each FJW football player is provided everything necessary to participate except footwear. Both game and practice uniforms are issued to each participant. Game pants and jerseys are not to be worn for practice. These uniform pieces are typically more expensive and we must use these uniform parts for several years. Each participant is expected to maintain their equipment throughout the season and return all items in the same condition they were issued, with normal wear and tear. Participants are responsible for inspection of their equipment during the season. Coaches have some spare parts to help maintain the equipment; however excessive abuse like leaving equipment out in sun or rain, improper cleaning of uniforms, sitting on helmets, or excessive wearing of game uniforms could result in additional fees being assessed when equipment is returned at the end of the season. Failure to return assigned equipment will result in additional costs to the participant. All football equipment is evaluated by outside vendors to ensure quality and safety. As a point of reference, below is a general cost of each uniform piece. These costs may vary depending on size and style of equipment Parent/Guardian and Participant Handbook Updated October 17, 2015 Page 7 of 10

7 Helmet...$150 Shoulder Pads...$60 Girdle w/pads...$20 Practice Pants and Belt...$25 Game Pants...$35 Knee and Thigh Pads...$20 Practice Jersey...$20 Game Jersey...$50 Dress Code Pre-season Conditioning and Tryouts - Football players are to wear athletic shorts and a plain white t-shirt with the last name written boldly on the back of the shirt. Players may wear football cleats (refer to the SVUSA rulebook to determine what types of cleats are allowed). Football Practices - Football players should wear SVUSA-approved cleats and FJW-issued practice pants, practice jersey, girdle, belt, all pads and helmet. Cheer Practices - Cheerleaders should wear purple, black, or gray shorts with a minimum 3 inch inseam. Spanks must be worn under shorts. White t-shirts should be worn (no tank tops). T-shirts should not be too loose. Sweatshirts must be free of hoods, drawstrings and pockets. Athletic shoes must be worn at all times (no Chucks, sandals or thick/hard soles). Fingernails should not be visible beyond the end of the fingertip when viewed from the palm side of the hand. Hair, including bangs, should be pulled back in a neat ponytail. No metal or plastic barrettes. Flat clips may be used. Absolutely no jewelry! Football Games - Football players must wear game pants, FJW socks, cleats, shoulder pads, girdle and pads, pads for pants, belt, and helmet with chinstrap, mouthpiece, and jersey. Socks pulled over cleats, tape around belts, or anything else used for decorative purposes will not be allowed when in uniform on game days. Cheer Games - Cheerleaders will wear skirt, shell (or shell and bodyliner), socks, shoes, briefs and game bow, as directed by individual coaches. Bodyliners should be in your cheer bag at all times. Cheerleaders must wear their full uniform or be completely in street clothes. Individual pieces of the uniform may not be worn. Forgotten Game Day Attire - FJW is not responsible for providing forgotten game day attire (as described above); parents must retrieve equipment/uniform pieces. Failure to bring all required equipment to games will result in the participant being benched until half-time, providing the uniform/equipment is retrieved prior to half-time. Game Day Procedures and Etiquette - All football players must weigh in and certify before each game, including Jamboree. All cheerleaders must certify at Jamboree and at the last game of the season. SVUSA rules require that any participant who does not certify be suspended from that game or from competition. Football players are required to arrive 90 minutes prior to game time, and cheerleaders are required to arrive 60 minutes before the scheduled start of their game. Football players who arrive after the certification process has finished may not be permitted to participate in that day s game. Because there are 5 full football games each Saturday, there is little time to waste between games. For that reason, it is necessary for football players, cheerleaders, and fans to quickly and respectfully move away from the field after their game has ended. All football players are expected to act respectful at all times before, during and after each game. The level of respect toward coaches, officials, cheerleaders, and parents is to be maintained whether at a FJW sponsored event or not. As a member of FJW, participants conduct reflects on the FJW organization. Parents should never interrupt the coaching staff during a game. Typically at the end of the game, each coaching staff will hold a post-game breakdown with their team off the field. This is a great learning time for many players. Please do not interrupt your son or daughters coaching staff during this time. Questions and concerns may be brought to the attention of the Head Coach after the team wrap-up following the game, by phone or before or after practice. Football is an emotional game. As parents, we sometime allow our emotions to carry over into the postgame activities. Please check your emotions prior to talking to your son or daughter, coach, official, or board member. FJW strives for this experience to be as positive as possible. Positive experiences turn into lifetime memories. For most youth, these experiences in sports are the best they will enjoy. Let s help keep it that way. Cancellations - If a practice or game is canceled for any reason, it will be posted on our website at DISCIPLINE POLICY FJW strives to promote the emotional, mental, and physical development of our youth participants. For that reason, certain standards of behavior are required of all participants. Non-compliance with policy or procedure in either the handbook or the signed Participant s Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary actions, up to and including dismissal Page 8 of Parent/Guardian and Participant Handbook Updated October 17, 2015

8 from the FJW organization. Dismissal will only result if recommended by the Head Coach and only with the approval of the Board of Directors. In general, the following disciplinary steps will be taken; however, depending on the violation, discipline steps can be skipped. 1 st Offense Written notice sent home or phone call made to parents; participation may be limited during the next game.* 2 nd Offense Meeting with participant, parent, Head Coach and Football or Cheer Coordinator, respectively. Participant will sit out entire next game in uniform. 3 rd Offense Possible suspension or dismissal from the FJW program. SAFETY Your child s safety is our highest priority. The following safety measures will be followed at all times: Food and Water - Coaches, instructors, board members and players should not eat on the field during practices or games. Water breaks will be taken as needed, and all participants are responsible for bringing clearly labeled adequate-sized water jugs to each practice and game. Water bottles should not be shared between players or cheerleaders. Sodas or energy drinks during practices or games are NOT recommended. Healthy snacks and water may be provided during halftime and/or at the conclusion of each game, at the discretion of the Head Coach. Physicals - Every participant is required to provide a Medical Clearance Form dated after April 15th of the current year from a recognized medical doctor or chiropractor prior to the first week of practice at the family s expense. Children may see their own doctor. Conditioning - Conditioning exercises will be part of each practice, to ensure children are able to keep up with the rigors of their sport, particularly the first two weeks of official practice. As mentioned earlier, it is recommended that players participate in preseason conditioning. Practice begins in late July and it is not uncommon for the temperature to be 90 during practice sessions. If your son or daughter is not typically active outdoors during the summer, they will be diminishing their ability to be successful. Although FJW is cautious not to overwork players when it is hot, certain levels of conditioning must take place in order for players to sustain the physical rigors of full contact football. FJW coaches and board members are aware of the effects of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and do everything possibl e to avoid these situations. Please ensure that your child drinks plenty of water throughout the season, but especially on practice and game days during the summer months. We monitor local weather stations with regard to Spare the Air designated days. FJW is fortunate that Toby Johnson MS typically feels the effects of the Delta breeze by the time practice begins, or shortly after the start of practice. If you have any questions, please see your coach or a board member. Equipment - All football equipment is evaluated by outside vendors to ensure quality and safety. Stunting - Cheerleaders will stunt only on grass or mats that are at least ½ thick. Cheer stunt groups will be evaluated at each stunt level, and will not be allowed to advance until they have consistently demonstrated proficiency. Stunt groups will not be changed unless they have been evaluated for proficiency and certified in all possible stunt group combinations. Injuries - An EMT on duty will manage injuries during games. Only certified personnel can manage injuries, which may include deferring to a licensed medical professional. In the event of any injury, parents who are licensed medical professionals should identify themselves to the staff person in charge but should not intervene until asked. Injuries during practice will be managed by a coach or board member. Children with injuries to the head, neck or back will not be moved and an ambulance will be summoned to the field. Children with other injuries who state they are unable to continue with practice will be taken to the sidelines and parents will be summoned. Support devices - Casts or braces with extensive metal or hard plastic may not be worn during practice or games at any time. Please see your coach for more information. ACADEMICS FJW is committed to your child s academic success as well as their athletic success. Participants who excel during the season, earning a 3.0 GPA or better, may apply for the FJW Scholar Athlete Award. Information on this program is made available to all participants on the FJW website in the middle of September. Participants are encouraged to complete the application and return it to their Head Coach or a Board Member. Award recipients are recognized during the end-of-season banquets Parent/Guardian and Participant Handbook Updated October 17, 2015 Page 9 of 10

9 2017 Parent/Guardian and Participant Handbook ACKNOWLEDGMENT/SIGNATURE PAGE CHILD S NAME: LEVEL (Circle One): Mighty Mite Jr. Pee Wee Pee Wee Jr. Midget Midget Tiny Mite TEAM (Circle One): Football Cheer By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read the 2016 FJW Parent/Guardian and Participant Handbook, and I have explained its contents to my son/daughter. I understand if I or my son/daughter violates this code of conduct, I or my son/daughter will be subject to disciplinary action, which could include probation, suspension, or expulsion from the Franklin Junior Wildcats program. Additionally, I acknowledge that I understand that the FJW is a volunteer-based organization and parental/guardian involvement is mandatory and critical to its success. I agree to volunteer at least 8 hours (per enrolled child, with a 16-hour family maximum) during the season. I understand that my child s Team Manager will be responsible for scheduling my volunteer time to meet the needs of the organization. For any time that I do not serve, I will reimburse the organization a fee of $25 for each hour period that I do not fulfill. ***THIS PAGE IS NOW AN ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE THAT IS DONE ONLINE DURING REGISTRATION*** THIS PAGE MUST BE SIGNED AND TURNED IN TO A FJW BOARD MEMBER OR YOUR CHILD S TEAM MANAGER BEFORE HE/SHE WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN TRYOUTS. ADDITIONALLY, EVERY PARTICIPANT IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A MEDICAL CLEARANCE FORM, DATED AFTER APRIL 15th OF THE CURRENT YEAR, FROM A RECOGNIZED MEDICAL DOCTOR OR CHIROPRACTOR PRIOR TO THE FIRST WEEK OF PRACTICE AT HIS/HER FAMILY S EXPENSE. FAILURE TO OBTAIN SUCH MEDICAL CLEARANCE WILL PROHIBIT YOUR CHILD FROM PARTICIPATING IN MANDATORY CONDITIONING OR TRYOUTS. Page 10 of Parent/Guardian and Participant Handbook Updated December 8, 2016