2017 Parent Meeting
Parent Meeting Primary Reasons we have this meeting: 1. Offer a forum for Parents to meet the RYFB staff 2. Cover information about our program and league, games/practices, equipment, coaching, team assignments, position assignment, and Player Safety 3. Our partnership with USA Football requires that we have at least one Parent Meeting to cover the key elements of their program
Introductions Cody Gross - Head Field Director Brandon Bassham Player Safety, Field Director Tim Miller - Field Director, Registrations Josh Daniels Flag Field Director Justin Bascom - Flag Field Director Kurt Adams - Rockford 7 s Director Dave Dubes, Head Official Mike Petersen, Jacques Chuck Green; Chad Gordon; John Hyink; Scott Thompson Assistant Field Directors
RYFB Information Rockford Youth Football, RYFB is an independent organization. RYFB has been active for over 30 years. RYFB averages over 300 registrations and fields 14 to 18 teams at grades 3 rd 6 th each year. Rock 7 s register 60 to 70 players between our East Middle School and North Middle School teams RYFB Flag has another 280+ registered RYFB was formerly Rockford Rocket, but underwent the name change to separate from our former league. RYFB is a tax exempt non-profit organization (501C3) RYFB is organized and operated by all volunteers.
West Michigan Youth Football League RYFB is part of the WMYFL, which was formed in 2016 by Rockford, Lowell, Northview, Caledonia, East Grand Rapids, and Kentwood. WMYFL is the governing body for all rules, schedules, and roster assignments. WMYFL is run by it s members with the assistance of a paid commissioner. Interleague affiliation with Greenville and Forest Hills
WMYFL Mission Supporting a safe, fun environment to teach good sportsmanship and the basic fundamentals of football to all participants!! http://www.wmyfl.net/ The Tradition Starts Here
Rock 7 s Seventh Grade Dedicated Seventh Grade Program Administered by RYFB Two Teams East Middle School & North Middle School Aligned with 8 th Grade Program Part of the Big Ten Middle School League all rules are the same as 8 th Grade Games are scheduled through Big Ten Practices held after school Games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Tackle Games All game locations and times are scheduled BY WMYFL and will comprise of a 7 week schedule. Some changes in schedule could happen based on team records later in the season. Games are always played on Saturdays Special requests are rarely honored. Games start as early as 8:00 am and could start as late as 4:00pm.
RYFB Home Games RYFB plays most home games at ERMS or NRMS. RYFB has 5-6 games at each field every week. RYFB has one weekend at The TED 9 games. Because of our team count not every team will be able to play on the TED. Games are randomly assigned. Two Field Directors will be scheduled at home every week to ensure proper management at the fields (Team1 & Team 12). We will require Parent Volunteers to assist with concessions and chains during home games.
Tackle Games & Practices Practices begin August 21 st. 4 conditioning practices week of Aug 21 Contact practices begin week of Aug 28 Games start September 9 th with the final games on October 21 st. Coaching selections are being made this week Coaches will have rosters by 13 th. Please watch your email to know whose team you are on. Coaches typically use a system we have called Bonzi Team
RYFB Coaching Selections Coaching selections are made based on: 1. Overall Coaching Experience 2. Experience with the RYFB Program 3. End of year Parent Feedback All Coaches must meet the following criteria: 1. Background Check Completed by MSP. 2. Take and pass the USA Football online Tackle Certification Course. 3. Attend a Mandatory coaches meeting with a focus on positive coaching techniques and rules.
RYFB Team Assignments Each Head Coach can Draft 5 players for their team. That includes all coaches kids. 1 Head Coach + 4 Assistants fills the draft. Remaining roster spots are filled randomly by the WMYFL. Players assigned using a formula that includes age, weight, and experience. Special requests for team assignments are rarely honored.
RYFB Position Assignments Head Coaches have the responsibility for assigning positions to be played for each team. Each coach should be using an evaluation process to identify positions best suited for the player and is in the best interest of the team. Do not hesitate to ask your players coach what his evaluation process is!
Equipment Needs 1. Certified Helmet WHITE 2. Football Shoulder Pads 3. Black Pants with all pads: Hip, Tail Bone, Thigh, and Knee Pads 4. Cleats: not mandatory but recommended. Can not have metal on bottom of shoe. Screw in is ok, but can not have metal tips. 5. Mouth Guard: Must be attached unless you have a Dentist Note. 6. Visors are allowed but players eyes must be visible Players must have Helmets and Should Pads for the first week of practice. More information on our website: http://rockfordyfb.com/leagueinfo/equipment-info
Weight Every player will weigh in prior to each game on a certified scale. All equipment (minus helmet) must be worn. That includes any pads being used during game. Forearm pads, gloves, elbow pads. No under sized equipment allowed to make weight.
Weight Maximums Weight Maximums are now only for Ball Carriers and Skilled positions. Anyone not meeting the weight limits must play in between the tackles on offense or defense. They can kick but must excuse themselves from Play after the act of kicking or punting. 3 rd /4 th : 125 lbs 5 th /6 th : 145 lbs Rock 7 s: No limit
WMYFL Rules All rules are based on the MHSAA Football Rules with exception to specific rules made by the WMYFL. All games will have at least one certified MHSAA official Examples: Clock, Mouth Pieces, Scoring, Weight, Playing Time. 3 rd /4 th Grade has a few Special Rules
WMYFL Rules Specific rules you should be aware of 3 rd /4 th Grade no contact on punts and there are no returns 3 rd /4 th Grade Offense coach allowed on field for first 3 games. If the game reaches a 24 point differential coaches, officials and field director will meet and the coach of the team behind must select up to 5 players from the opposing team to sit until the point differential is under 24
RYFB Parent Responsibilities 1. Supply All Equipment except Game Jersey 2. Communication 3. Cheer for your child and team 4. Snacks when it is your time 5. Work concessions when you have home games 6. Work down and distance chains at home games 7. Complete the end of year Coaches Feedback * Note RYFB asks that is you have a issue with your coach that you contact them directly and try to work through it. Never approach a coach during practice or in front of the players.
Player Safety RYFB is committed to player safety. Staff & Referees are trained in basic CPR AED s are on the field for all games Dedicated Player Safety Coach Aligned with USA Football Coaches are equipped with a basic First Aid Kit All players receive a baseline Concussion Test using the King Devic Test
Player Safety Football is a full contact sport and injuries can occur. Coaches should be prepared to handle any and all injuries. Parents need to remain calm, your child is already hurting and/or upset. When in doubt, call EMS.
Player Safety Any player that needs to seek medical attention due practice or a game must have an injury report filled out by the coach and turned into the league. Players can not return until cleared by your Doctor. NO BRACES OR CASTS ARE ALLOWED.
Q&A We will take Questions after our Player Safety Presentation
Player Safety
Key Components 1. Player Safety Coach (PSC) 2. Coaching Certification 3. Equipment Fitting 4. Concussion Recognition & Response 5. Heat Preparedness & Hydration 6. Sudden Cardiac Arrest 7. Tackling & Blocking
4-STEP GAME PLAN USA Football Master Trainers train Player Safety Coach League coaches complete USA Football s Coach Certification PSCs conduct Heads Up Coaches Clinic Demonstrate coach preparedness Engage and inform parents to be part of the solution Reinforce training and monitor compliance
Equipment Fitting
HELMET FITTING 1. Measure Head Size 2. Putting On & Taking Off 3. Adjusting The Helmet 4. Adjusting The Jaw Pads 5. Checking For Proper Fit 6. Ensure Coverage In Back
Shoulder Pad Fitting 1. Measure Chest 2. Measure Shoulders 3. Put On Pads 4. Secure Straps 5. Check For Proper Fit 6. Ensure Coverage in Front/Back
Concussion Recognition/Response A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury or TBI caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. This fast movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging the brain cells.
Concussion Recognition/Response Signs Appears dazed or stunned Confused about assignment or position Forgets instruction Unsure of game, score or opponent Moves clumsily Answers question slowly Loses consciousness (even briefly) Shows mood, behavior or personality changes Can t recall events before or after receiving a hit or fall Symptoms Headache or pressure in head Nausea or vomiting Balance problems or dizziness Double or blurry vision Sensitivity to light or noise Feeling sluggish Confusion Does not feel right
Removal From Play 1. Player is removed if a concussion is suspected. 2. King-Devic Concussion Screening administered. 3. Parents informed of potential issue. 4. Player must be evaluated by a medical professional.
RETURN TO PLAY PROGRESSIVE RETURN 1. Light aerobic exercise only to increase heart rate: 5 to 10 min, light jog or exercise bike 2. Continued aerobic activity: moderate jogging, brief running, bike 3. Heavy non-contact activity: Sprints, weights, non-contact football drills 4. Athlete returns to controlled football practice 5. Full return KEY FACTORS Only begin return to play protocol after athlete is symptom free. Coaches must monitor for a return of symptoms at every stage. Only one stage per day. Move to next stage if athlete remains symptom free for 24 hours following trial. If symptoms reappear, rest until they subside, beginning at Level 1.
www.rockfordrocketfootball.com
Body Temperature Over 104 F. Body is unable to give off heat. Symptoms of dizziness, collapse, confusion, irrational behavior, disorientation. Call 9-1-1, attempt to cool down the body. Prevention with heat acclimation, hydration, appropriate practice levels. www.rockfordrocketfootball.com
www.rockfordrocketfootball.com
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Not a Heart Attack. Electrical Arrhythmia Disorder. Symptoms: - Chest Pain - Racing Heart - Prior Episodes - Shortness of Breath Action Steps - Call 9-1-1 - CPR - AED
Levels of Contact
Practice Guidelines First four practices are considered conditioning practices. A player must complete four conditioning practices before participating in full equipment. - 45 Minute Min. NO EXCEPTIONS. After the first game must follow below protocol Per Week - 1) Helmet 2) Helmet & THUD 3) Full Contact One scrimmage per week, up to 30 minutes of FULL CONTACT. Injury report must be sent in if a player is hurt during practice or a game.
Shoulder Tackling
THE BREAKDOWN - Knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart, upper body in a 45-degree forward lean, chin up and weight on the balls of your feet (not your toes). - Shoulders over knees, knees over toes. - Able to move in any direction. - Teach progression: Feet > Squeeze >Sink > Hands
SWOOP - Come to balance. Regain lower pad level. - Take quick, choppy steps to bring the body under control while continuing to gain ground toward the ball carrier with the leverage foot forward. - Once the defender is within striking distance of the ball-carrier, the defender widens his base and sinks his hips.
NEAR FOOT - After closing to the ball-carrier, the final step is a short downhill power step. - Staggered stance with a bend in both knees. With your back foot directly under your hips. - Head and eyes up, shoulders square to contact. - Back flat, spine-in-line. - Leverage foot up to declare same foot, same shoulder concept.
UPPERCUTS - Upper body movement to secure tackle. - Forcefully club both arms in an upper-cut motion. - Thumbs up and elbows down. - After the Rip, secure the tackle by grabbing cloth (the back of the ball-carrier s jersey); you should have your elbows tight to ball-carrier s sides.
SHOOT - Forcefully explode your hips open and upward. - Using the larger muscle groups of the lower body produces a powerful tackle. - To finish the tackle, continue to drive your legs while working up and through opponents.
LEVERAGE - The defensive player targets the ball-carrier s near hip. - The near foot and near shoulder (nearest to the ball carrier s target hip) are slightly forward while closing. - Once the defender is within the contact zone, he or she Swoops to Near Foot position to maintain a strong base and ensure footwork remains under control, striking with the same foot and same shoulder.
Form Tackle - This is a leverage tackle with a near foot and near shoulder strike. - The shoulder strike is to the near pec. -Near Foot position. - A great Shoot with Uppercuts in which the defender grabs cloth, secures the tackle and dominates contact to generate power to reverse momentum. - Finish by driving the feet through contact to take the ball carrier backwards and to the ground.
Thigh & Drive Tackle - This is a leverage tackle with near foot and near shoulder. - Often referred to as eyes through the thighs. - The shoulder makes contact with the thigh board. - Arms are ripped aggressively around the legs to wrap and squeeze, trapping the legs together. - The tackler drives through the legs, maintaining posture and keeping the head up to take the ballcarrier to the ground.
Thigh & Roll Tackle - The shoulder makes contact with runner s thigh board. - Arms are ripped aggressively around the legs to wrap and squeeze, trapping the legs together. - The defender rolls away from the leverage side by aggressively dropping his or her opposite shoulder and hip. - Defenders should try to roll enough times to end up on top of the runner as a way of ensuring enough power during the roll.
Heads Up Blocking
Chin up. Eyes open. Knees bent. Feet shoulder-width apart with a toe-to-instep stagger. Back flat with rear end slightly below the shoulders. Hand is three to four inches in front of shoulders, fingers extended to create a fivepointed base of support. Weight on balls of the feet.
Explode out of the stance with a four- to six-inch directional step. Weight on balls of feet. Back flat. Knees bent. Head and eyes up. Hands explode to chest on get off to prepare to strike defender. Get second step down before contact with near defender or maintain posture working to second level; keep wide base, head up and flat back.
Depending on the type of block, the blocker will drive the: - Surface (front of shoulder, chest and hands) - Heels of both hands into the defensive player Aiming point for an upward strike is just below the base of the defender s shoulder pads Goal is to lift the defender s chest with pad under pad, raising his center of gravity and controlling him
After the strike, forcefully sink the hips to maintain leverage and create a power angle in the lower body. Create a wide base and use proper balance to stay on the block. With inside and underneath positioning, stay compact and close space inside defender s frame.
With a wide base, accelerate feet and continue leg drive to capitalize on strike and stick. Continue to work body and hand position during finish phase to stay connected to the defender and maintain sustained control of opponent. Work hips and hands to steer defender away from point of attack and the ballcarrier s path.