HARTFORD YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB PARENTS HANDBOOK Welcome players and parents to the Hartford Youth Football (HYFB), a non-profit organization, dedicated to the youth of the community and the sport of football. The HYFB is affiliated with the Wisconsin All American Youth Football League (AAYFL). The program is not affiliated with the Hartford Union School district or the Hartford Recreation Department. PURPOSE This handbook sets forth the background, philosophy, objectives, policies, and codes of ethics for the Hartford Youth Football Club, Inc. as established by the Board of Directors. It is intended to serve as a guide for all participating student/athletes, parents/guardians, coaches and administrators to follow in the course of their involvement with HYFB. The handbook will be updated on an annual basis. BACKGROUND HYFB was established in 1988 to allow student/athletes in grades 6, 7, and 8 to compete in an organized tackle football league. In 1993, HYFB was incorporated as a volunteer organization operating as a non-profit corporation. A 5th grade team was added in 2009. GOAL The goal of our program is to educate youth on the proper techniques of football stressing teamwork, discipline, commitment, and fair play while providing a learning and caring environment. MEMBERSHIP Membership in the program is open to anyone who wishes to participate following AAYFL guidelines. There will be no cuts. Students must be residents in the Hartford Union School District.
POLICIES ELIGIBILITY HYFB is open to all children in grades 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 living within the Hartford Union High School District. Per All American Youth Football League (AAYFL) rules, no player can participate in the league on or after his or her 15th birthday. HYFB offers equal sports play opportunity for all student/athletes regardless of race, creed, gender, economic status or ability. HYFB reserves the right to curtail a player s involvement in practices and games due to academic and/or disciplinary problems. MOVING UP GRADE LEVELS In an effort to provide our kids with optimal playing opportunity and well balanced teams, our coaching staff always reserves the right to work with parents to identify players who may be moved up a grade level. This is a common practice and is based on size and ability, and is consistent with league rules. Players will not be moved without parent and player consent. We believe balancing players across team levels improves playing time at each team level, and helps to keep our program competitive. It is not our policy to turn any players away from the opportunity to play football. Coaches will follow guidelines established by the board when considering movement of a player. If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with the head coach from the grade level you wish to speak with. REGISTRATION Registration for HYFB kicks off at our annual banquet in November. Registration consists of returning all completed registration forms and submitting fees. The registration fee is noted on the yearly registration form. Registrations are now taken year-round, and time of registration determines season of play (if registered between November to the following August, it is for the upcoming season in September; if registered between September and October, it is for the following year s season, not the current September-October season).
VOLUNTEERING Each player s family is asked to provide at least seven (7) hours of volunteering to program, equip the player s, prepare for and host games, provide a year-end banquet for the players, and fulfill tasks needed to help operate the club. A refundable volunteer/equipment deposit is required when picking up equipment. The fee will be refunded at the end of the season (or can be applied to the following year s registration) If seven (7) volunteer hours are not documented, the deposit is not refundable. ADDITIONALLY if you do not complete the required hours you then forfeit the fee and will be required to pay an additional $150 when you register for another year of football, and each year after if the hours are not completed. COACHES Coaches are selected by the Coaches Committee and are required to interview, meet AAFYL guidelines, and pass certification courses. At the discretion of the board, coaches will be refunded for their children s registration fee at the end of the season. Coaches hours also will count for the parent volunteer requirement. DRUG, TOBACCO, AND ALCOHOL FREE All student/athletes, parents/guardians, coaches, and administrators must be drug, tobacco, and alcohol free at all HYFB practices, scrimmages, games, and meetings. FINANCES HYFB derives its income from registration fees, fundraisers, concession stand sales, and donations. Expenses include football equipment, equipment repairs, raffle tickets, AAYFL fees, AAYFL insurance, registration advertisements, postage, photocopies, concession startup, referee fees, coaches clinics, trophies, awards, and miscellaneous items. Anyone experiencing financial hardships are encourage to contact the lead registration committee member.
EQUIPMENT HYFB maintains an inventory of equipment sufficient to suit up our players. Equipment provided by HYFB includes helmets, shoulder pads, knee pads, thigh pads, pants, jerseys, and mouth guards. Individuals are responsible for returning equipment in the 'issued condition' or repair fees will be assessed. Individuals are responsible for their own shoes and personal protective equipment. Equipment not returned clean will be assessed a $10 fee per item. MEDICAL It is recommended that all student/athletes have a complete physical examination every two years. It will be mandatory for each parent/legal guardian to fill out a medical form for each child enrolled in the program. Parents/Legal Guardians will also be required to fill out an updated Medical Form if any changes to their child s medical condition arise. Parents/guardians are responsible for informing the coaches in writing of any special conditions that their student/athlete may have (e.g. asthma, allergies, etc.). HYFB coaches strongly encourage each player to start a daily conditioning routine at least two weeks before the first practice. Players and/or parents/guardians may contact the coaches at any time during the registration period to obtain guidance on recommended conditioning exercises. Student/athletes are required to immediately inform their coaches of any injury or condition which may affect their participation in a practice session, scrimmage, or game. Parents/guardians are responsible for informing the coaches should their student/athlete suffer any injury requiring medical treatment as a result of participation in a HYFB practice, scrimmage, or game. INSURANCE It is strongly recommended that all student/athletes have adequate health insurance coverage. The AAYFL maintains a liability insurance policy. COMMUNICATIONS HYFB strongly encourages parental involvement. HYFB coaches welcome comments and questions from parents. The best time to talk to coaches is after practice sessions; not on game days, and not on the telephone. Written comments and questions are also welcome.
GRIEVANCE PROCESS Should a parent/guardian have a concern with HYFB, the grievance process outlined below shall be followed. Hopefully, resolution can be attained after the first step; however, should this not be the case, the process provides a going up the ladder approach which is designed to produce a fair and mutually acceptable solution. The parent/guardian shall adhere to the 24 hour waiting rule prior to addressing any concerns. This will allow for a calm discussion. 1. The parent/guardian shall document the concern in writing and send it to a Coaches Committee member. The Committee will gather the facts and propose a solution to the parent/guardian and coach. 2. If a satisfactory solution is not found, the parent/guardian may attend the next scheduled board meeting. PRACTICES Unless otherwise noted by the coaches, all practices will be held on the practice fields located behind Hartford Union High School. Practices will be held rain or shine, but not when lightning is present. Please be prompt when picking up students/athletes after practice. AAYFL rules state that a player must have ten (10) hours of conditioning practice time before participating in any physical contact. After equipment is distributed, it is expected that each player will come to practice each day, on time, well rested, fully equipped, and ready to participate. Each player needs to bring water or sports drink Please pick up and drop of students/athletes in the high school parking lot. ***Do not drop off your non-player siblings at practice without parental supervision as we are not a daycare service*** Pre-season and in-season schedules are located on our website www.hartfordyouthfootball.com. PLAYING TIME Playing time will determined based on the following Qualities:
7th and 8th Grades Shall use an earned playing time model, all players that meet the below factors will play significant minutes : 1. Attendance a. One excused practice per season is allowed: i. Excused practices are 1. Sick 2. Death in Family 3. Family Function 4. Injured 5. Exigent circumstances that are unavoidable and outside the scope of the player s control. (HC will have final say) b. Miss 1 practice during the week player will sit 1 st quarter minimum c. Miss 2 practices during the week player will sit 1 st half. d. Miss 3 practices during the week player will sit the entire game. (player maybe asked not to dress for the game, this will be a Head Coaching decision) 2. Hustle and Effort: Everyone will be expected to give 100% at all times. a. Comes prepared to work b. Works hard an performs every drill and task without question c. Gives 100% 3. Knowledge of assignment: We cannot play a player who does not know their assignments. Your position coaches should spend extra time helping players who have a desire. 4. Contribution to the Overall TEAM: Football is one of the few team sports left. The individual, who motivates his teammates to do better, is always enthusiastic and ready will make a greater contribution than one who does not possess this quality. 5. Talent: Should all the above be equal, talent will determine playing time. However, talent will not enter into our evaluation until we look closely at the first 4 qualities. 5th and 6th grade: The 5th and 6th grade teams will use a 50% playing time standard. However the above qualities can be used as a factor to reduce playing time for those players who fail to meet the minimum standards. HC must be prepared to provide documentation and or testimony to support playing time reduction to the CC. Remember that the 5th and 6th grade levels focus is on player development and education and not on field success. Playing time should not be reduced simply to win a football game. Should playing time be reduced as a result of the above rules, the deficiencies in the players conduct should be discussed with the player and the parent to gain better compliance and reduce parental complaints.
GAMES Unless otherwise noted by the coaches, all home games will be played at the Town of Hartford Town Hall field located on Hwy K in Hartford. Locations of away games will be announced by the coaches at the last practice session immediately preceding the away game. Maps will be provided or can be found at www.hartfordyouthfootball.com VIOLATIONS In the case of repeated or serious violations of its policies, HYFB reserves the right to provide an on-the-spot refund/immediate expulsion of the player associated with the offending party. REFUND POLICY There will be no refunds after the first team scrimmage in August, unless the player transfers school districts, or for certain cases that must be approved by the HYFB board of directors. All refunds require written submission for cancellations and will be partial, and start at 75% subject to board approval. OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES FOR ALL - To support HYFB throughout the community. OBJECTIVES FOR STUDENT/ATHLETES To have fun To develop a strong work ethic To learn football fundamentals To improve playing skills To prepare for high school football To develop physical vigor and desirable habits in health and safety To develop friendships To learn and exemplify good sportsmanship To realize that athletic competition is both a privilege and a responsibility
OBJECTIVES FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND SPECTATORS To require sportsmanship, fair play and good citizenship for participant and spectator alike To promote positive team spirit and morals To treat visiting teams and fans as guests of HYFB and of the community OBJECTIVES FOR COACHES / BOARD MEMBERS To take responsibility in adhering to the philosophy and objectives of HYFB To recognize coaching as teaching in its truest form To work toward a goal of team and individual improvement during the course of the season To give careful consideration to the physical condition of the student/athletes at all times To deal fairly with each student/athlete to actively participate in practice sessions and whenever possible in game situations. To conduct oneself in the highest professional manner To provide, through association, a positive role model for the student/athletes APPENDIX AAYFL Player Code of Conduct AAYFL Parent Code of Conduct HYFB Website: www.hartfordyouthfootball.com AAYFL Website: www.aayfl.org
HARTFORD YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB PARENTS HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDEMENT Parent Agreement: I have read the Parent Handbook and understand the background, philosophy, objectives, policies, and codes of ethics. Parent/Guardian Signature Date