NORCROSS YOUTH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (NYAA) HANDBOOK 2015
Mission Statement The mission of Norcross Youth Athletic Association is to connect the community through our youth. Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. -Vince Lombardi 2
Norcross Youth Athletic Association Football Handbook Dear Parents & Athletes of the Norcross Youth Athletics Association, Welcome to the 2015 football season! 2014 was another banner year as we had 3 division winners and 4 teams to make a deep run into the playoffs; we had 4 cheer teams with first place finishes and each of our other cheer teams place in the annual GFL Cheer-Off competition. Hopefully everyone is excited and ready to have a fun and successful 2015 season! It is our goal to teach your child the fundamentals and challenges of competitive tackle football and cheer. The NYAA is a 100% volunteer organization. In order for our association to have a successful year, the participation of all parents is vital. Every Parent must commit to a minimum of 8 hours of volunteer time. An outstanding season depends on participation of everyone. Our coaching staff has many years of both youth coaching and football playing experience. They have all volunteered to coach our teams and we appreciate their time and dedication to our programs. We are honored to have your child participate in the NYAA programs. If you have any questions during the season, please speak with your Team Mom. The Team Mom is your liaison with the coaching staff and the NYAA. You are also welcome to contact any member of the NYAA Board or coaching staff after practices, by phone or through email. Each parent is expected to attend any meetings scheduled throughout the season. Most information will be distributed during these meetings. To accomplish our goals as an association, we must focus on our preparation, work ethic, experience, and camaraderie. Also with you, the parent, by volunteering your time and energy we will meet the challenge of competing in the toughest youth league in the state of Georgia. We are excited to watch this group of talented young athletes grow and mature. Please visit our website www.norcrossathletics.com for additional information regarding NYAA, including important dates to remember. This handbook is not intended to be comprehensive. The NYAA Board 3
Table of Contents Page Topic Page 5 NYAA Objectives 6-9 Registration 10 Season Information 11 NYAA Football Rules 12 Coach Responsibilities 13 Parent Responsibilities 14 NYAA Parent Rules 15 Problem Resolution 16 NYAA Board 4
NYAA Objectives 1. Mental preparing student athletes for competition, performing under pressure, as well as balancing their experience with the priority of student first. 2. Physical to improve strength and conditioning in order to play hard throughout practice and games. 3. Fundamental/Technique to help master individual skills necessary to participate/compete at this level. 4. The development of discipline, commitment, and interpersonal relationships essential to be productive and positive contributors in the community. 5. The opportunity to HAVE FUN! Connecting Community Through Our Youth 5
Players and Cheerleaders Coaches Parents Community NYAA Board GFL Registration Registration The NYAA Football registration can be paid online or at one of our walk in registration by Visa, Mastercard, check or money order. The registration fee is NON- REFUNDABLE. The registration fee for 2015 is $225. Each registration will be located at Norcross High School in the Duke House. Registration is from 10 AM 2 PM. Uniform sizing will be available at each registration. If you register online, your child must come in person to be sized and to complete a registration form. Also needed at the time of registration is each player s birth certificate and NYAA physical form. All birth certificate and physical forms must be turned in before the player will be able to participate in any NYAA event/practice. Birth Certficates Per GFL rules, to verify a player s age, we are required to have a copy of the player s birth certificate with a raised seal before they are able to participate. Birth certificates will be verified and copied during the registration process and kept on file. Any player without a birth certificate on file with NYAA WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY NYAA EVENT/PRACTICE UNTIL 6
A BIRTH CERTIFICATE IS ON FILE. Returning players birth certificates are kept on file from the previous season, unless otherwise notified. Physicals Each player is required to have a physical examination prior to practice begins. All physicals must be documented on the NYAA physical form. This form can be filled out by your physician or the physician on hand during community physical events. The physical forms can be printed from the NYAA website or obtained during registration and once turned in will be kept on file. Registration What s Provided The following items are included in the registration fee: - Primary game jersey with number - Game Pants (to be returned at the end of the season) - Game Socks - Norcross Helmet Decal - Player Admission for Youth Night at NHS - Two (2) Corky Kell classic tickets - Preseason Camps - Participation Trophy - Supplemental insurance coverage - League fees Supplemental Insurance Included in the registration fee is a supplemental insurance policy provided through the GFL & NYAA. Please note that this insurance is supplemental your insurance is the primary insurance for any injury. The supplemental insurance may help with some costs that your primary coverage may not address. NYAA offers no guarantees 7
of coverage, as those decisions are made by the actual carrier. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact the NYAA President or Secretary. Uniforms NYAA provides each player with a game jersey, one pair of game pants, Uniform sizing will be available at each sign up. Game uniforms should be worn to games only and not practices. Game pants must be turned in at the conclusion of the season. Each player will receive the jersey and pants size specified during the registration process. It is imperative that players get sized during registration. Jersey Numbers During registration each player will select three number preferences in priority order. The Head Coach will assign numbers selected to the players in priority order whenever possible. 8
Registration What s NOT Provided NYAA does NOT provide: - Silver Helmet with navy blue mask - Shoulder Pads - Pants pads - Cleats - Practice uniforms - Mouthpiece (colored) - T-shirt (to wear under shoulder pads) Each player must have them items to participate. Each of the items previously listed are available at most sporting goods stores. Listed below is an approximate cost of the items identified above: Shoulder Pads Cleats Practice Pads/Pants/jersey Helmet $35 - $100 (new) $25 - $100 (new) $25 - $50 (new) $55 - $200 (new) The prices are estimates for new equipment but may be purchased used from some sporting goods stores or other parents. Please notify your Coach if you are having difficulties in obtaining these items. NYAA is not responsible or liable for equipment defects of used equipment. It is parents responsibility to make sure equipment is inspected and certified for use prior to having their child participate in contact sports. Also your Coach will have more information regarding helmet painting. 9
Registration Additional Expenses NYAA wants to provide each person with an idea of the additional expenses that may be incurred during the football season. The information and amounts below are for information purposes only. Name on Jersey The Team Mom will coordinate efforts to get the player s names on their game jerseys, cost usually ranges from $10 - $15 depending on the type of lettering. Pictures Team & Individual pictures are available for purchase ranging from $20 - $55 depending on the package you select End of the Season Banquet There will either be an association and/or a team based fundraiser to offset the costs associated with an End of the Season banquet. Additional costs may be incurred to cover prices for the venue, food, and gifts for the players and coaches Pink Wear October is Breast Cancer awareness month and each team is encouraged to order pink items for awareness and support. Typical items are socks, helmet stickers, tape, etc. Snack & Drink Fund Team Moms may have a rotating schedule for parents, or request funds to purchase drink and snack items for post-game and/or post-practice activities 10
Season Information Evaluations In the event evaluations are required, you will be contacted prior to evaluations with the exact evaluation time for your child s age group. NOTE: All evaluations related to player position and/or team selection will be at the sole discretion of the Head Coach. Preseason Camps/Team Meeting There will be two preseason camps that will be held prior to practice beginning. Typically, the camps run Monday Thursday evenings and will be held at Cemetery Field. Each team will have a preseason meeting which will be an opportunity for the players, coaches, and parents to fellowship. This meeting is mandatory and will cover pertinent information related to the upcoming season. Practice Football practice begins on Monday, July 27th at West Gwinnett Park. The first three practices are conducted in shorts, t-shirts, and helmets. A player must practice three days in shorts prior to practicing in full pads. Practice will be two hours Monday - Friday the first two weeks of the season, with the first full pad practice on Thursday, July 30 st. Once school begins, practices will be held three days a week, typically Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for 1 ½ hours each practice. The Head Coach will confirm your practice schedule in advance. The Six year old team will practice two days a week, typically on Tuesday and Thursday for 1 ½ hours each practice. The other exception is the 8 th grade team is under one Head Coach with multiple divisional team with 2 hour practice and different schedules depending on which team players are assigned to. Practices are NOT optional. Timely and regular attendance at practice is crucial to the success of the player s team and may have a direct influence on playing time. Players should drink plenty of water on practice days. Water is provided during practice as well. 11
NYAA Football Rules 1) No jewelry is to worn by players in practices or games. 2) PARTICIPATION: A. Players must arrive 1 hour prior to scheduled game time (or earlier, to be determined by Head Coach) B. Players must attend all practices. Two or more missed practices without the Head Coach s consent will preclude the player from participating in the Saturday game within that given week. Players are expected to arrive at practice on-time and READY to practice at the time designated by the coach. 3) Disrespect to Coaches or team members, unsportsmanlike conduct and failure to adhere to the GFL Code of Conduct will NOT be tolerated. 4) Parents/Guardians must notify the Head Coach of any change in the player s medical condition during the course of the football season 5) Complete and proper uniform is required for game day participation 6) Parents/Guardians must adhere to the Code of Conduct as set forth by the GFL & NYAA. 7) Use of drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco products at practices or games is not allowed 8) No child should be without a parent/guardian supervision at any NYAA or GFL function. In the event a parent/guardian cannot be present, another adult responsible for the player must be present and the Head Coach or Team Mom must be notified. Failure to have a responsible party at the practice or function may result in the child having to sit out during the activity. 9) Profanity or any threatening, abusive language will NOT be tolerated 10) GFL rules take precedent over NYAA rules, except in the case where NYAA s policy may be more stringent than GFL s 12
Coach Responsibilities All NYAA Football Head & Assistant Coaches are expected to provide a positive and enriching atmosphere for our players All Coaches will make every effort to correct any behavioral issues on the field. However, if there are issues a Coach cannot resolve, they will seek parental involvement to resolve the situation or conflict Coaches will communicate any concerns or problems to the Football Director Coaches will not favor one particular player nor discourage any player from participating Coaches will promote, encourage, and teach all aspects of football and working together as a team; to the best of their ability The Head Coach will ensure all players receive their required number of plays governed by the GFL. Additional playing time is earned by the player and is at the Head Coach s discretion The Team Mom is the communication point of the team and information from the Coaches will be disseminated through the Team Mom The Head Coach will be happy to discuss with you matters concerning your child at the appropriate time, but will not engage in conversation about other players. During practice or games is not an appropriate time to address concerns. 13
Parent Responsibilities 1) NYAA is a nonprofit, volunteer organization and a successful season depends on the Coaches, Parents, and Team Mom working together. Parents are expected to volunteer up to 8 hours throughout the course of the season. Failure to complete assigned volunteer obligation will result in a $50 fine being imposed. The fine must be paid before your child can participate in any NYAA activities. You will be asked to perform one or more of the following duties: A. Gate B. Chain Gang C. Announcer D. Concessions E. Snacks When you support NYAA activities you are considered an ambassador to our community: 1. Profanity or any threatening, abusive language towards the Coaches, Parents, Teammates or Officials will NOT be tolerated while performing NYAA duties 2. No firearms are allowed while performing those duties 3. Use of alcohol of illegal drugs will NOT be tolerated 4. Any violation of the rules above may constitute banishment from NYAA activities for the remainder of the season 2) A Parent, Guardian, or designated responsible adult must be present for all practices, games and GFL sponsored events 3) Parents are expected to allow the Coaches to coach. Please do not interfere with the instructional time of practice or at a game 4) Parents are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship on and off the field, as well as during practice and games 5) If parents have issues concerning their child, it needs to be addressed with the Head Coach before or after practice 6) Parents are expected to have their child READY to practice at the specified practice times 7) Parents are expected to have their child at their game at least one hour prior to the scheduled game time or time determined by the Head Coach 8) If you have any questions regarding game rules, you may request a copy of the GFL handbook or the Team Mom will have a copy on hand for you to review 14
Parent Rules Like most other youth leagues, NYAA is a 100% volunteer-run organization. Parents are expected to assist with the various responsibilities required during the season. This includes 8 total hours of volunteering for ticket gates, parking control, concession stands, etc. Failure to complete the assigned volunteer obligation will result in a $50 fine. The fine must be paid before your child can participate in any additional NYAA activities. Each participant is expected to participate in the park-wide fundraiser and must sell seven (7) coupon cards. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to fund the season-end banquet, and provide players with compression t-shirts. I understand the regular season game admission cost for the 2015 season is $4 for adults and $1 for children. Use of ANY tobacco products, drugs and/or alcohol is not allowed in designated football and cheerleading practice/game areas or any Gwinnett County parks. Anyone suspected to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol will be asked to leave the premises. Parents must abide by the Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Rules. THIS INCLUDES PARKING IN DESIGNATED PARKING SPACES ONLY. I will accept the decisions of officials on the field as being fair and called to the best of their abilities. I will set a good example for players and other spectators. I will not criticize an opposing team, its players, fans, coaches or team by harmful words or gestures. I will support the coaches, players, and administration and help teach the value of great sportsmanship and ethical conduct. I understand that behavior deemed inappropriate by NYAA s Code of Conduct or the Gwinnett Football League s Coded of Conduct is cause for immediate ejection from park premises and repeat offenses will result in expulsion from Norcross Youth Athletic Association. PARENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE PRACTICE OR GAME FIELDS. CERTIFIED COACHING STAFF ONLY. 15
Problem Resolution When a Parent has a complaint, the following procedure should be followed to attain resolution: Step 1 Communicate the problem to the Head Coach and attempt to come to a resolution. In order for there to be a resolution, no complaint should ever be communicated without a proposed solution accompanying it. Pick a time that is appropriate to talk calmly, privately and candidly with the Head Coach. The Head Coach or Parent may however, ask the Team Mom or another Coach to join the conversation as a witness. Please keep in mind that due to the emotional aspects prior to and immediately following a game, this is NOT an appropriate time to have an objective conversation with the Head Coach regarding any problems or issues you may have Step 2 If the problem cannot be resolved, the Parent and/or Coach need to communicate the issue to one of the NYAA Co-Directors Step 3 In the event the problem has still not been resolved, the Parent can contact the NYAA Football Director. The problem must be submitted in writing with the results from steps 1 & 2 documented. The NYAA Football Director will NOT address any issue until steps 1 & 2 have been completed and the results documented in writing. - NYAA reserves the right to refuse registration to any child based upon a history of nonconformity to established NYAA and/or GFL rules - The NYAA Board will make every attempt to resolve all matters, as they deem fit and necessary - The NYAA Board s decision is final on all matters relating to the NYAA 16
NYAA Board NAME POSITION PHONE EMAIL Lemont Williamson President 404-642-1858 Almer Reddick Vice President 252-917-2648 Sonya Stallworth Secretary 678-200-8362 Michelle Minor Treasurer 404-513-2014 Duane Dennis Football Co-Director 678-386-6396 Lashonna Washington-Tyler Football Co-Director 404-387-3509 Latashia Johnson Cheer Director 678-308-1195 Rotasha Pressley Cheer Co-Director 770-880-1964 Renece Thomas Cheer Agent 770-329-7872 Laurel Burks Game Day Coordinator 678-558-7372 Brandi Brown Player Agent Football 404-957-1378 Erika Williams-Walker Player Agent Football 404-663-7559 Marya Calhoun Communications Director 678-357-7208 Jocelyn Billups Team Mom Director 678-360-6461 Toni Freeman Public Relations Director 678-929-8014 Quincy Edwards Equipment Director 404-934-6840 17