Youth Football & Cheerleading Handbook

Transcription

1 Youth Football & Cheerleading Handbook 1

2 PAGE 3.Football Age & Weight Limits Cheerleading Age limits PAGE 4.Philosophy Volunteering PAGE 5.Meeting Information Communication Injuries Insurance Attendance PAGE 6.Discipline Rules for Missing Practice Equipment & Uniform Policy Parents Rights & Responsibilities PAGE 7.Parents Code of Conduct TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 8 Player & Cheerleader Code of Conduct PAGE 9 Football PAGE 10. Football Practice PAGE 11. Cheerleading 2

3 Date of last handbook update: 2017 FOOTBALL AGE & WEIGHT LIMITS A Squad years old; maximum weight of 160 pounds. Player may not turn 15 before Sept. 1 B Squad years old; maximum weight of 140 pounds. Player may not turn 13 before Sept. 1 C Squad 9-10 years old; maximum weight of 115 pounds. Player may not turn 11 before Sept. 1 D Squad 7-8 years old; maximum weight of 95 pounds. Player MUST be 7 by Sept. 1 PLAYERS MUST BE WITHIN THE AGE BRACKET ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1 OF THE CURRENT YEAR. CHEERLEADING AGE LIMITS A Squad years old B Squad years old C Squad 9-10 years old D Squad 7-8 years old The Cheerleading Director may move a child from one squad to another depending on birth date or experience. Parents will be notified of any changes. 3

4 THE DONEGAL BRAVES Midget Football & Cheerleading This organization was formed in 1961 to provide children living in the Donegal School District, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with the opportunity to participate in football & cheerleading. Striving to promote sportsmanship, mental and physical health, family reverence, loyalty, character, and citizenship has been the stated goal of this organization since it s inception. Participants in the Donegal Braves organization have consistently matured into our community leaders over the years and we expect the same positive results long into the future. PHILOSOPHY The philosophy of the coaching staff of the Donegal Braves is to teach the fundamentals of football and cheerleading while providing the opportunity for participation. We will promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and individual self-confidence, as well as encourage good mental and physical health. These principles will be taught through positive reinforcement with the best interest of the child as the primary focus. Since the inception of the Donegal Braves Midget Football and Cheerleading, the ultimate goal of the organization is to provide the children with positive activities that promote teamwork and sportsmanship and help develop self-esteem. This would not be possible without the constant commitment of the Officers, Directors, Coaches, Trainers and Parents who are willing to step up and volunteer their time to help wherever needed. VOLUNTEERING There are many areas within the organization where time and talents are needed. Following are the areas that can always use volunteers: Concession Stand-practices* Fundraising Game Day-chain gang**, clean up, concession stand* Program Awards & Banquet/Year End Party Coaches donate many hours of their time teaching our children. Please make their jobs easier by volunteering! * You will never be asked to work in the concession stand when your child s squad is playing/ cheerleading. If there are not enough volunteers to work the concession stand for a game, the concession stand would have to close, which would result in a loss of funds to the Association. ** If we do not have 3 volunteers for every home game for chain gang, we forfeit the game. In those instances, the referees will ask visitors from the opposing team to work chain gang. Not only is that embarrassing, it shows a lack of respect for the visiting team. 4

5 MEETING INFORMATION The Donegal Braves Midget Football Association ( the Association ) has year round meetings that are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. The months of August through October, they are held at the pavilion located in War Memorial Park in Marietta. During the off-season, November through July, they are held at a location that will be arranged by the President of the organization. Meeting location and time will be announced via /website/facebook. COMMUNICATION Everyone is encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions on improving the program. Working together, we can have a successful program and keep it fun for the children. In order to be an active participant, we encourage parents and coaches to attend all monthly meetings. In addition, the Board Members are frequently available for questions or concerns during practice times. Coaches will generally communicate through /text/phone call/website. INJURIES Coaches will immediately refer all injuries to the trainer. Any player or cheerleader that incurs an injury during practice or a game that requires medical attention by a professional, must have a doctor note stating they are cleared to return to play. Each football player MUST have a physical prior to the first practice. In the event that your child gets injured during practice or a game where you are not in attendance, we MUST have a way to reach you at all times. Please make sure your contact information is always up to date. INSURANCE Donegal Braves provides Sports Accident Insurance, for all Football Players and Cheerleader. The registration fee you pay includes this cost. The current policy is a Primary/Excess plan. This means that the insurance company will pay the first $100 of any and all claims. The balance is to be submitted to your own medical insurance company for payment. Any remaining balance that your insurance company does not pay (example: deductible or co-pay) will then be covered under our insurance plan. ATTENDANCE Football games and practices are very rarely cancelled due to cold weather or rain. Do not assume that because it is raining there will be no practice/game. If a cancellation should occur, notification will be sent via /text/facebook post/website. If notification has not been received you are expected to report to the appropriate place on time. Cancellations are decided by the Head Coaches, Athletic Director and/or Cheerleading Director. 5

6 DISCIPLINE The following policy will be enforced if other measures of discipline have failed to effect a change in behavior. The following disciplinary actions are available to the Coaching Staff and/or Directors to handle any case needed: 1st offense: 15 minutes time out from practice and notification to the parents by the Director. 2nd offense: One practice suspension and suspension from the next game the player/cheerleader attends. Notification to the parents by the Director 3rd offense: Dismissal from the squad for the remainder of the season. RULES FOR MISSING PRACTICE 1. Parents should notify a member of the staff prior to practice if possible. 2. If unable to notify the staff prior to practice, a verbal or written notice from the parents and the reason for not attending is needed to be able to attend the next practice or game. 3. Failure to notify the staff could result in less and/or no participation time in a game or other appropriate disciplinary action. 4. If a practice or game is cancelled due to weather or any other circumstance, you will be notified. Please DO NOT contact the Director, Coaches, or Assistants as this will take up their time in making a decision as to whether a practice or game will go on. EQUIPMENT & UNIFORM POLICY In an effort to maintain and preserve our equipment inventory and to allow for ample time to recondition and restock for the following season, the policy outlined below will be strictly enforced: IF THE EQUIPMENT OR UNIFORM ISSUED TO YOUR CHILD FOR THE SEASON IS NOT TURNED IN TO THE EQUIPMENT MANAGER OR CHEERLEADING DIRECTOR WITHIN 15 DAYS AFTER THE SPECIFIED DATE, YOU WILL RECEIVE A BILL FOR THE FULL PRICE OF THE EQUIPMENT OR UNIFORM. ALL EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS MUST BE CLEAN AND IN THE SAME CONDITION AS WHEN THEY WERE ISSUED. PARENTS RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES As parents of the children in the program, you have the following rights and responsibilities: - To be notified of and attend the parents meetings. - To participate under the provisions set forth by the Bylaws and the Officers. - To support the program. - To volunteer freely of any time possible. - To help the Officers achieve the overall business plan. As a parent, you are the foundation of this organization and should be ready to promote the purposes of the organization at every opportunity for the betterment of our youth through sports programs. 6

7 PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT Parents should read & understand the following points prior to their child/children participating in our league. Any parent guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice will be asked to leave the sports facility and be suspended from the following game. Repeat violations may cause a multiple game suspension, or the season forfeiture of the privilege of attending all games. The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, & Good Citizenship The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these six pillars of character. A parent will therefore agree: To not force their child/children to participate in sports. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league. I (and my guests) will be positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or ability. I will teach my child that doing one s best is more important that winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place. 7

8 I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team. PLAYER & CHEERLEADER CODE OF CONDUCT Have fun! Be a good sport(win or lose); Be honest, fair and always show good sportsmanship to all coaches, players, officials, parents, and fans by demonstrating good sportsmanship at every game and practice. Learn the value of commitment to the team. I will attend every practice and game that I can. I will notify the coach if I am unable to be at a practice or game. Put personal goals aside or the betterment of the team. Show courtesy and respect to teammates, opponents and coaches. Realize that athletic contests, including practice sessions are educational experiences and opportunities. I will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct. I will not engage in rude behavior. I will treat everyone including coaches, parents, players, and officials, with respect, regardless or race, creed, color, nationality or gender. Address the members of the staff as Coach, Mr./Miss/Mrs. Be on time for games and practices as set by the staff. Pay close attention to all drills and instructions and do not horse around with others. Absolutely NO profane or abusive language will be tolerated. NO downing the ability of other players. NEVER talk back to or yell at coaches at any time. If you have a problem, see the Athletic/ Cheerleading Director. Never talk back to or yell at officials before, during, or after scrimmages or games. NO fighting. DO NOT mistreat or abuse any piece of equipment issued by the organization. Display sportsmanship and clean play at all times. Come properly dressed for all games and practices according to the weather. Always remember: - You GET respect when you GIVE respect. - There is no I in TEAM - The more you are committed to your team, the better you will become as an individual and team player. - Practice during the week is work, but game day is fun. You must wear the required shoes. NO gum or eating during practice or games Due to injuries, NO jewelry allowed. This includes but is not limited to watches, rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Long hair must be tied back at all times. 8

9 FOOTBALL Behavior Children are expected to behave at all times and abide by the rules to ensure the safety of everyone. Coaches have the authority to review any disruptive behavior by a player with the Athletic Director and board members of the organization. When necessary, disciplinary action and/or possible expulsion from the program can occur (see section on Discipline) Team Size The roster size for football teams is unlimited. However, keep in mind that depending on the size of the team and each player s ability, he/she may not get the same amount of game play as a more experienced player. Required Items The following items are needed by each football player prior to the start of practice: - Physical- provided by your family physician or a physician designated by the Braves - Football shoes with non-detachable cleats - Protective cup The following items are provided by the Association: - Helmet - 1 Mouth Guard - Shoulder pads - Rib Protector - Game & Practice Jerseys - Game & Practice Pants with belt Any other equipment that you choose to purchase/wear must be approved by your coaches (wrist guards, shin guards, etc.) Helmets: - DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR HELMETS. If you have any problems with your helmet please see your coach or equipment manager. - Keep your helmet clean by using a sponge and hot soapy water then rinse. - DO NOT APPLY stickers, masking tape, or use any kind of paint on the helmet or face mask. - The purpose of a football helmet is for use during games and practices. DO NOT use your helmet for any other purpose. - Your helmet is not to be thrown, used as a seat, or misused in any way. Pants: - Practice pants & game pants have built in pads that can not be removed. Bleach should not be used. 9

10 Football Practice Practices are generally 4 times a week (Monday-Thursday) until the school year begins, after which practices are held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Saturday practices are at the discretion of the coaches. During the week, practice is held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Unexcused absences from practice can result in a loss of playing time in games (see section on Attendance). Practices are rarely cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Every effort will be made to contact players when a practice is cancelled. Please have your child to practice on time and pick them up promptly at the end of practice. If there is a problem getting your child to or from practice, please inform the head coach so that other arrangements can be made. If for some reason the player will miss practice, please notify the head coach. it is the parent s responsibility to transport your child to and from practice and each game. Our coaches volunteer their time and effort to teach our players fundamental football, teamwork and good sportsmanship. They have the authority and responsibility for all players when they are on the football field. DECISIONS REGARDING PLAYING TIME, POSITIONS, PLAY SELECTIONS, ETC. IS THE SOLE DECISION AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COACHES. Game Day Complaints will NOT be answered or even read until 24 hours after game day. That fives everyone involved time to settle down and think about the situation they want to complain about. Any s or contact before 24 hours will be disregarded. 10

11 CHEERLEADING Welcome to Donegal Braves Cheerleading! Sideline cheer is our primary focus. The purpose is to engage with the fans and keep everyone in high spirits during the games. We will have prepared cheers and perform a short half time routine. We will perform sideline stunts and tumbling as the skill levels allows and when the conditions are safe. Our number one goal is to have fun and develop a love for the sport. Additionally, our goal is to provide the cheerleaders with a solid foundation for moving to the next level, whether it be all-star, junior high or a competitive rec team. Proper technique, voice, enthusiasm and advanced skill levels will help them reach their goals in the sport. Competition squads will also be available for those who wish to participate. Preparing for attending competitions teaches teamwork, sportsmanship and commitment. Memories made a competitions with your teammates by your side, last a lifetime. Please keep in mind, that participating on a competition team requires attendance at all practices, when team members are missing, stunts and other skills cannot be practiced. Adult coaches with cheer experience and clearances will be coaching all teams. Cheerleaders are supervised at all times, and tumbling and stunting should only be done in the presence of a coach. UNIFORMS The Association will supply a vest and skirt for each participant. These items must be returned at the end of the season. The Association will also supply hair bows for both the game day and competition cheer squads. Each participant is required to purchase the following: crop top, boy shorts, cheer shoes, cheer socks and warm up suit. Fund Raising opportunities will be available to help those who participate, to offset these additional costs. To protect the uniforms, the cheerleaders are asked not to eat while in uniform, or to cover the uniform with a jacket or shirt. PRACTICE Mandatory Practices: unless specified otherwise, ALL practices are mandatory. If you are available, you are expected to be at practice unless you have an approved planned or excused absence. Excused Absences: funeral, wedding, illness, school event (such as orientation, play or concert). Illness that results in absence from school. Planned Absences: family vacation, summer camp, commitment to summer sport already in session (such as swimming), or another organizational commitment that you have already made (ex. girl scouts, brownies). Unexcused Absences: just deciding you don t feel like practicing, missing practice for another event (not listed as excused), leaving early for another practice (after you have already made the commitment to cheer). The formal attendance policy is listed on the Donegal Braves website. STUNTS, MOUNTING and TUMBLING Stunting, mounting and tumbling will be taught at the discretion of the coaches and adult advisors. All participants will be instructed on proper technique using proper safety techniques. Cheerleaders should NOT be performing any of these skills without the permission of a coach and under supervision of a coach. 11