Rockdale Youth Football Associations 2016 Tackle Football and Cheer Season Updated: June 29, 2016 1
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF RYFA Dear RYFA Family, On behalf of Rockdale Youth Football Association (RYFA) I would like to welcome you and your family to the RYFA Bulldog family! This handbook is designed to answer all of your questions regarding the rule and regulations, which govern RYFA and all its members. We hope this booklet will provide you with a better understanding or our mission and how the association functions. Our youth football and cheerleading program is for children ages 5 12. This year our Division One football teams will be a part of the Georgia Extreme Youth Football League which is made up of some of the best football organizations in the Metro Atlanta area. We are very excited to be a part of this conference not only because of the competition our football players and cheerleaders will face but because this conference is a family orientated conference. When you come to the park on Saturday for your child s game you will want to stay all day to support the rest of the Bulldogs teams. We are always looking for fresh ideas and welcome any parent to apply to join the Board of Directors. Board meetings are open to the public and are held on the second Tuesday of each month (except December no meeting). Bi weekly meetings may be are held during the season, if needed. Should you have a question or concern, please feel free to join us and present them to the Executive Board. Our coaching staff is looking forward to working with your football player or cheerleader to help make them the best they can be as an athlete and as a person. Below is a list of items you will find in this folder: Welcome Letter 2016 Football and Cheerleading Rules and Regulations Parent s Code of Conduct must be signed by parent and returned Player/Cheerleader s Code of Conduct must be signed by player/cheerleader and returned Calendar of Events Information Sheet on Concussions Please Note All football Players and Cheerleaders must have a state issued ID for certification. Please take time to go over all the documents in this package some of them have to be returned to the associations before your child is able to practice. We are excited about the big things that are happening at RYFA! Sincerely, Dewey Blaise President of RYFA Updated: June 29, 2016 2
Exhibit A 2016 R.Y.F.A. FOOTBALL PLAYER INFORMATION The RYFA Football program is designed to build character, promote confidence, leadership and discipline in a safe and nurturing environment. The 2016 Executive Board has developed this informative packet to help the parents of RYFA Football understand and accept the responsibilities and commitment of our program. Registration Fee: $165.00 for the season Registration fees are used to fund the following: o o Administrative Cost which include but are not limited to Earl O Neal Sports Complex Utilities, Game Officials, Conference dues, Concession, etc. Helmet decals/stickers ***It is mandatory that all parents and/or guardians volunteer 2 hours in the concession stand and participant in a fundraiser. You may pay a $25 opt out fee instead of volunteering. If you fail to volunteer your assigned two hours your football player/cheerleader will have to sit out for one game. Items Provided by Rockdale Youth Football Association: 1. Uniform (Jersey, pants and socks) ***All R.Y.F.A. issued helmet and shoulder pads must be returned at the end of the season. Missing equipment will be subject to a fine and full replacement cost. Additional Items to Be Purchased by the Parent(s)/Guardian(s): 1. Football Cleats 2. Practice Pants 3. Practice Jersey 4. 7 Piece Pad Set (For pants) 5. Optional Padding (Rib Protectors, Neck Rolls, Back Plates, etc.) 6. Individual Team Initiatives ***R.Y.F.A. recommends purchasing individual pads that can be transferred between game and practice pants. We do not recommend pads that are stitched into the pants. Important Notification: Mouthpieces must be worn at all times while on the playing field. Children without the proper mouth piece will not be allowed to participate in any practices and games. This is a highly sensitive safety concern. No exceptions are made against player safety. I.T.I. RYFA is not responsible for any Individual Team Initiatives, which may include but is not limited to, printing player names on the back of game jerseys, providing participation trophies, or hosting an end of season banquet. All ITI s (Individual Team initiatives) must be paid for by the fund raising efforts of the individual teams. Updated: June 29, 2016 3
Equipment Distribution: All players must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian during equipment distribution to insure proper fitting of their equipment and to confirm receipt of any helmet and shoulder pads rented. Registration fees and equipment rental fees must be paid in full and insurance waivers signed before any equipment will be given out. Equipment distribution dates: June 30 th 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. July 9 th 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Equipment Return: All equipment must be returned immediately after the player s last game of the season. Parents/Guardian s are responsible for the successful return of their child s equipment. If equipment is not returned by December 17, 2016 a fine, including the full replacement cost and any collection efforts will be enforced. ***All dates are subject to change. Schedule changes are updated on the RYFA website http://www.rockdaleyouthfootball.com. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Practice and Evaluation Information: Ages 5 12 evaluations are set to start on Monday, July 11, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. and continue on July 12 th, 14 th, 18 th, 19 th and 21 st. Maximum length of practice is two hours per day, ten hours per week until the start of school. Normal Practice Schedule (after school begins): Division I Bulldogs 6 8 p.m. 4 times a week, including any games scheduled ***Practice schedule is subject to coach availability. TEAM PLACEMENT The age groups are determined as follows: Division I (age as of July 1 st ) Team 6 and Under 7 and Under 8 and Under 9 and Under 10 and Under 11 and Under 12 and Under Updated: June 29, 2016 4
PRACTICE 1. All players must attend every practice. Please schedule doctor s appointments, activities, etc. on days and times that do not conflict with practice and games. 2. Excused absences are for the following reasons: contagious illness and a death in the immediate family. 3. Maximum length of practice is two hours per day, ten hours per week until the start of school. After school begins, practice will be no more than two hours per day, six hours per week. This does not include games. 4. Excessive absences will result in disciplinary action determined by the coach. 5. Please arrive promptly, with all equipment including pads, mouthpiece, and cleats. 6. Players should eat a nutritious snack or light meal 2 hours prior to the start of practice. 7. No jewelry allowed at practices or games. 8. No gum chewing. 9. No cell phones during practice. 10. Injured or ill but, not contagious, players are expected to watch practice from the sidelines. 11. If a player is injured and cannot practice, a physician s note stating the exact injury must be provided. The player cannot resume regular practices or games without a written release form from the physician. 12. Please send water with your player. 13. Players are expected to be PUNCTUAL and remain with the team for the entire scheduled practice time. GAMES 1. All players are expected to attend all of their scheduled football games. 2. The Developmental program has a clear the bench rule where each player must play either a full series on offense or a full series on defense. (Clear the bench rule is not enforceable in the D 1 program.) 3. Players are required to arrive and check in with their coach one (1) hour prior to the start of their game unless otherwise specified by the Head Coach. 4. For the safety of our athletes we recommend that players do not wear jewelry during games or practices. 5. Players need to arrive to each game fully dressed in RYFA uniform and ready to begin pre game practice. 6. All players must remain with their teams on the field and may not walk into the bleachers or to the concession stand during the game. 7. Parents Please enjoy the game from the bleachers only. Parents are not permitted on the field, at any time unless requested by the coaching staff or referee in the event of an injury. WEATHER 1. If rain is an issue during the scheduled practices, contact your head coach. 2. Games may be delayed due to weather conditions. Please be patient and understand that it is the discretion of the referee to cancel or postpone a game. Check the website for weather information. CAMPS 1. Every player is encouraged, but not required to attend the RYFA Spring Camp and off season workouts. BEHAVIOR 1. Respect each other! 2. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. After the first warning a parent/coach conference may be scheduled. 3. If behavior problems persist, then a parent may be asked to remain at practices to attend to the child. 4. Disciplinary action will be at the discretion of the coach and the RYFA Vice President of Football operations. Disciplinary actions may include: sitting out all or part of a game. Updated: June 29, 2016 5
5. Recurring behavioral problems may result in being cut from the team without refund at the discretion of the coach and the RYFA Vice President of Football. FUNDRAISER 1. Every player is required to participant in RYFA s fundraiser program. IMPORTANT DATES (these dates are tentative dates please check the website for updates) June 30 th Equipment distribution from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. July 9 th Equipment distribution from 10:00 to 2:00. July 11 th Football evaluations (all ages) 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. July 12 th Football evaluations (all ages) 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. July 14 th Football evaluations (all ages) 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. July 18 th Football evaluations (all ages) 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. July 19 th Football evaluations (all ages) 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. July 21 st Football evaluations (all ages) 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. August 4 th Mandatory Parent 6:30 p.m. Evaluations will take place on RYFA s practice fields. Our practice fields are located across the street from our game fields. Directions from our game fields to our practice fields Turn LEFT out of parking lot onto OLD COVINGTON RD Make and immediate RIGHT into EARL O NEAL SPORTS COMPLEX Follow the signs to the pavilion/playground The practice fields are across from the pavilion/playground ***All dates are subject to change. Schedule changes are updated on the RYFA website www.rockdaleyouthfootball.com. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Updated: June 29, 2016 6
Exhibit A Rockdale Youth Football Association 2016 Cheer Rules and Regulations The RYFA Cheer program is designed to promote cheerleading to our youth in a safe and nurturing environment. The 2016 Executive Board has developed this informative packet to help the parents of RYFA cheerleaders understand and accept the responsibilities and commitment of this program. Please contact Ashley Edwards at aedwards@rockdaleyouthfootball.com for additional information. REGISTRATION $125.00 for the season. Each cheer participate must pay for a cheer, breast cancer, competition package and homecoming fees. Registration fees are used to fund the following: All utilities used at Earl O'Neal Sports Complex Game Officials Conference Dues Concession Administrative Cost Competition Fees ***It is mandatory that all parents and/or guardians volunteer 2 hours in the concession stand and participant in a fundraiser. You may pay a $25 opt out fee instead of volunteering. If you fail to volunteer your assigned two hours your football player/cheerleader will have to sit out for one game. CHEER PACKS Cheer Pack for new RYFA cheerleaders $150 includes uniform, socks, bow, shoes, poms, warm up suit, t shirt, shorts and bag. Cheer Pack for returning cheerleaders $75 includes socks, bow, shoes, t shirt, shorts and bag (If you are a returning cheerleader but needs a new uniform or warm up suit you must pay the cheer pack fee of a new cheerleader). Breast Cancer pack for new RYFA cheerleaders $20 includes bow, socks and poms. Breast Cancer pack for returning cheerleaders $10 includes bow and socks (If you are a returning cheerleader but needs new breast cancer poms you must pay the breast cancer pack fee of a new cheerleader). Competition Pack $30 includes bow, socks and shirt. Homecoming Fee $25 All items in cheer pack are yours to keep at the end of the season. Cheer Pack must be paid by July 30, 2016, Homecoming Fee must be paid by August 30, 2016, Breast Cancer Pack must be paid by September 15, 2016 and Competition Pack must be paid by October 1, 2016, I.T.I. RYFA is not responsible for any Individual Team Initiatives, which may include but is not limited to purchasing bags, providing participation trophies, or hosting an end of season banquet. All ITI s (Individual Team initiatives) must be paid for by the fund raising efforts of the individual teams. The Parents are also responsible for the end of season banquet. Updated: June 29, 2016 7
PLACEMENT 1. The age groups are determined as follows: UNIFORMS Division I (age as of July 1 st ) Team Cheer Ages 6 and Under 5 &6 8 and Under 7 & 8 10 and Under 9 & 10 12 and Under 11 &12 1. All Cheerleaders are required to wear the official RYFA Cheerleading uniform. Uniforms include: shell top, skirt, midriff top, bloomers, no show socks, shoes, bow, poms and body liner when applicable. CHEERLEADING 1. Cheerleaders are required to attend all football games for their respective teams. 2. Cheerleaders are required to attend the Cheerleading Competition. 3. Cheerleaders will practice up to 3 days a week and days will be determined by the coach. COMPETITION 1. Additional practices will be scheduled to prepare for the competition. All scheduled practices are mandatory. 2. Frequent missed practices will result in suspension from the team with no refund. PRACTICE 1. Cheerleaders must attend ALL practices. Schedule doctor s appointments, activities, etc. for days and times that do not conflict with practice. 2. Excused absences are for the following reasons: contagious illness and a death in the immediate family. 3. Maximum length of practice is two hours per day, ten hours per week until the start of school. After school begins, practice will be no more than two hours per day, six hours per week. This does not include games. 4. Excessive absences will result in disciplinary action determined by the coach and Vice President of Cheer. 5. Please arrive promptly, with sunscreen and/or bug spray applied as necessary prior to practice. Cheerleaders should eat a nutritious snack or light meal 2 hours prior to the start of practice. 6. Cheerleaders should wear cheerleading shorts, old cheerleading shoes and a t shirt to every practice. Please, NO DENIM. Midsections must be covered at all times, no crop tops. Hair should be pulled back, away from the face. During the winter months, cheerleaders should wear sweatpants and sweatshirts to and from practice. 7. No jewelry allowed at practices or games. 8. No hair beads, No hair barrettes, No metal pony tail holders. 9. Only elastic hair accessories can be used in hair during practice, games and competition. 10. No gum. 11. Cell phones must be silenced and put away during practice. Updated: June 29, 2016 8
12. If a cheerleader is injured or ill but not contagious, she is expected to watch practice from the sidelines of the practice field. 13. If a cheerleader is injured and cannot practice, a physician s note stating the exact injury must be provided. The cheerleader cannot resume regular practices or games until she has a written release for the physician. 14. Please send water with your cheerleader. 15. Cheerleaders are expected to be PUNCTUAL and remain with your team for the entirety of the scheduled practice time. GAMES 1. All cheerleaders are required to attend all of their respective football games. 2. All cheerleaders are required to cheer the entirety of the football game. 3. All cheerleaders are required to wear the RYFA cheerleading uniform described under the uniform section of this document. 4. Cheerleaders are required to arrive and check in with their coach one (1) hour prior to the start of their game. 5. No jewelry will be allowed at any time for the safety of our athletes. 6. No nail polish or glitter at games. 7. Hair should be fixed in a neat manner and be pulled off face at every game. 8. No hair beads, No hair barrettes, No metal pony tail holders. 9. Only elastic hair accessories can be used in hair during practice, games and competition. 10. Cheerleaders need to arrive to each game fully dressed in RYFA uniform and ready to begin pre game practice. 11. All cheerleaders must remain with their squad on the field and may not walk into the bleachers or to the concession stand during the game. 12. Parents Enjoy the game and watch your fabulous girls cheer on your team from the bleachers! WEATHER 1. If rain is an issue during the scheduled practices, contact your squads Team Mom. 2. Games may be delayed due to weather conditions. Please be patient and understand that it is the discretion of the referee to call a game. If the football players are on the field, the cheerleaders will cheer. Check the website for weather information. CAMPS 1. Every cheerleader is encouraged to attend the RYFA Cheerleading Camp. BEHAVIOR 1. Respect each other! 2. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. After the first warning a parent/coach conference may be scheduled. 3. If behavior problems persist, then a parent may be asked to remain at practices to attend to the child. 4. Disciplinary action will be at the discretion of the coach and the RYFA Vice President of Cheer. Disciplinary actions may include: sitting out part of a game or the half time performance. 5. Recurring behavioral problems may result in dismissal from the team and is at the discretion of the coach and the RYFA Vice President of Cheer. Updated: June 29, 2016 9
FUNDRAISER 2. Every cheerleader will be required to participant in a fundraiser or pay an opt out fee. IMPORTANT DATES (this dates are tentative dates please check the website for updates) July 18 th, 19 th and 20 th Mandatory Division One Tryouts 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. August 1 st First Practice 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. August 4 th Mandatory Parent 6:30 p.m. August 6 th Uniform Fitting 11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. ***All dates are subject to change. Schedule changes are updated on the RYFA website www.rockdaleyouthfootball.com. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Updated: June 29, 2016 10
PARENT S/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT As a player s parent/guardian: 1. I will remember that the children are participating to have fun, and learn character building processes that can benefit them for life, and that the game is for youth, not adults. 2. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others. 3. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for the participates, and will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, players, or parent such as booing, and taunting; name calling, refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures even when upset. 4. I (and my guests) understand that while at any RYFA event we are prohibited from engaging in and/or initiating negative criticism, gossip, slander, and/or any other form of speech that is otherwise offensive or will spread discord amongst anyone participating and/or attending RYFA events. 5. I, too, will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility, name calling or violence. 6. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability. 7. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and remind my child that doing one's best is most important. 8. I will not ridicule my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition during or after a game. 9. I will promote the emotional and physical well being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire to win. 10. I will respect the officials, coaches, volunteers and other authority including RYFA s Board Members at all times, including during games and I will not question or confront officials, coaches, and other authority at the game field, and will take time to speak with officials, coaches, and other authority at an agreed upon time and place. 11. I will do my part to ensure the sports environment for my child is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events, and being under the influence of these items at all youth sports events. 12. 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. 13. I will obey all County laws, RYFA s, and the conference RYFA is a member of rules while at youth sport events; 14. I will do my part to ensure that the park and visiting parks stay clean, by placing my trash in the designated areas and making sure that all visitors to our park do the same Updated: June 29, 2016 11
15. I will make every effort to ensure that my child is at every practice and game, and on time; 16. I agree to volunteer and work the designated time(s) in the concession stand(s), if I m unable to work the time(s) designated, I agree to find someone to work on my behave; 17. I understand if at any point during a game, if any parent, guardian, or guest of the team interrupts the normal flow of the game, they can be subject to disciplinary action that will include, but not limited to the following: Verbal warning by official to head coach, assistant coaches, players, parents, and/or guest of the team both on the field and within the facility. 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty enforced Forfeiture of game and automatic one game suspension, with written documentation of incident kept on file by RYFA Removal from sports complex, by RYFA Executive Board Member and/or by local law enforcement agency. Season suspension of party involved, with no refund being issued If at any time during the season, as a parent or guardian, an issue arises when you would like to discuss the matter with the RYFA Executive Board, you may do so by contacting the Secretary, so that a special meeting of the an Executive Board maybe called to address the issue(s). Parent s Signature Date Player/Cheerleader s Name (Please Print Neatly) THIS MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO RYFA BEFORE YOUR CHILD CAN PARTICIPATE IN ANY RYFA ACTIVITY. Updated: June 29, 2016 12
1. I will attend all practices and games; PLAYER S CODE OF CONDUCT 2. I will be coach able and ready to learn and have fun; 3. I will give 100% at all practices and games; 4. I will be a team player and put my team first; 5. I will always display a good and positive attitude; 6. I will demonstrate good sportsmanship; 7. I will obey and listen to my coaches; 8. I will show respect to all adults, coaches, players, teammates and officials at all times; 9. I will not allow myself to display anger, use foul language, obscene gestures, fight, or argue with any coach, opposing player or teammate; 10. I will always come to practice with the proper equipment; 11. I will have respect for all the equipment; 12. And most importantly I will continue to do my best in school while participating in at RYFA. I understand it s an honor and privilege to be a Rockdale Youth football player or cheerleader, and I will work hard and strive to do my best to uphold my team s name, on and off the field. Player/Cheerleader s Signature Date Player/Cheerleader s Name (Please Print Neatly) THIS MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO RYFA BEFORE YOUR CHILD CAN PARTICIPATE IN ANY RYFA ACTIVITY. Updated: June 29, 2016 13
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Important Upcoming Dates: Football June 30 th Equipment distribution 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. July 9 th Equipment distribution 10:00 to 2:00. July 11 th, 12 th and 14 th Football evaluations (all ages) 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. July 18 th, 19 th and July 21 st Football evaluations (all ages) 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. August 4 th Mandatory Parent 6:30 p.m. Cheer July 18 th, 19 th and 20 th Mandatory Division One Tryouts 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. August 1 st First Practice 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. August 4 th Mandatory Parent 6:30 p.m. August 6 th Uniform Fitting 11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Updated: June 29, 2016 15
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