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Participant Handbook
2011 WYF Participation Handbook
Welcome to Westfield Youth Football (WYF). This handbook was developed to help our adult and youth members understand how our organization operates and what is expected of all players, parents, and volunteers. While we can’t cover every contingency in this handbook, you are asked to follow the spirit of what is outlined here, and allow common sense to prevail. WYF Is organized by and operated entirely by volunteer members- you’re input is always welcome.
MISSION:
Our mission is to teach football to youths between the ages of 8 and 15, in order to help them meet their individual goals. The training will take place in an environment based on the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, courage, loyalty and respect for oneself and others.
ORGANIZATION:
WYF, also known as Westfield Youth Football, is a non-profit Massachusetts Corporation, governed by By-Laws. We are affiliated with the Suburban Amateur Football League (SAFL). The teams are divided up into six teams, based on age and weight policies established by the SAFL.
RULES AND POLICIES:
Every parent and participant is required to read this handbook and abide by the policies outlined herein. All parents and participants are required to return a Parent/Participant Contract signed by both parents and participant certifying that they have read and understand this document.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
WYF is operated entirely by VOLUNTEERS. Every activity that is part of our program occurs through the efforts of volunteers. Board members and coaches donate approximately 200 hours or more each season to assure that we offer the highest quality program to our children. It is critical that every volunteer be treated with courtesy and respect at all times.
There are a variety of levels of involvement within our program that are outlined as follows:
Board of Directors - Volunteers are elected to a one-year term by the previous Board of Directors. They are responsible for the management of all operations within the program. This includes oversight of all volunteer networks, fundraising, insuring the integrity of the program, and upholding its by-laws. Other board members are appointed as needed for a one-year term per the by-laws.
Football Coaches - Volunteers manage all practices and games for WYF. There is one head coach and at least one assistant coach per team. Football coaches are the primary instructors for the players. They are responsible for supervision, teaching plays, running drills, and discipline on the field. All issues should be directed to the Parent Liaison who will in turn inform the Head Coach. Complaints will be handled In Accordance With (IAW) the COMMUNICATIONS section of this handbook (page 4).
Parent Volunteers - At least 30 volunteers are needed for each home game to staff the concession stand, chain gang, and field crew. Every parent is required to volunteer (4) hours for each child that you have in the program. Documentation of volunteer hours will be kept to assure compliance.
Football players - Every child is expected to put forth their best effort, both on the field and off, and to abide by rules and regulations in this handbook and the required youth conduct discussed on page 3.
CITIZENSHIP:
WYF is known for its pride and respect for others, for other SAFL programs and their leadership, for coaches, parents, teachers and fellow participants. Any derogatory comments, i.e., mocking of others, gossip, or negative criticism will be considered grounds for termination of membership.
REQUIRED ADULT CONDUCT:
The support of parents is essential to the success of any youth program. This support should, however, be of the off-field variety in such activities as fundraising, promotion, equipment maintenance, team sponsorship, and other volunteer activities. (On occasion, well-meaning parents have become overzealous and caused unwarranted problems). For the safety and well being of everyone involved, WYF provides these rules concerning parent conduct. Failure to comply with these rules constitutes grounds for membership termination IAW this handbook and WYF By-Laws.
(a) Parents should clearly understand that the purpose of this program is to teach children teamwork, good sportsmanship, fair play, and the love of the game. All parents will place the emotional and physical well being of their child/children over their personal desire to win. All parents will assist in teaching their child that rules are important and must be followed.
(b) Alcohol, use of any tobacco products, drugs or pets will not be permitted at the practices or games, or any other WYF activity.
(c) Parent must stay in the areas designated by the local programs during all practices and games. Parents are never to approach the coaches or officials during a game.
(d) Parents are expected to cheer loudly for their team, but always in good taste and never in a way that is disparaging to the opposing team. Un-sportsmanlike conduct is prohibited at all times, and can result in penalties to the team on the field.
(e) Derogatory statements toward game officials or the opposing team are prohibited and can result in a forfeiture of the game.
(f) A positive mental attitude, free from parent pressures, is an important ingredient for the success of any youth program. Adults will refrain from executing libel or slanderous comments, rumors or threats, especially in the presence of children of the program, coaches, or any personnel connected with the program. Verbal and physical abuse will not be tolerated against anyone within the WYF organization. Racial epithets or negative innuendos related to a person/players race, religion, or ethnicity will not be tolerated.
(g) Parents will not dictate any children’s playing position or the amount of time they hold, run with, throw, or catch the football. Parents also will not dictate which players start each game. The Head Coach is solely responsible for dictating all team positions.
(h) Parents must encourage attendance at all practice sessions. Absences impede progress for the rest of the team as well as for the child who is absent. Missing practice will lead to limited playing time during the game at the discretion of the Head Coach. Missing practice should be limited to illness or serious injury: Children with minor injuries or mild sickness can still benefit from observing at practice session. You must notify your coach if an absence occurs.
(i) Parents are responsible for transporting all players to and from all games and practice, on time. Please have players on the field 15 min prior to practice and 60 min prior to games. Parents are required to be at the field 15 min prior to the end of practice.
(j) WYF cannot be held responsible for the health and welfare of unattended siblings of players.
(k) Parents are reminded they too reflect the WYF program. The focus of the WYF program is to foster good sportsmanship, honesty, courage, loyalty, and respect for oneself as well as others.
REQUIRED YOUTH CONDUCT:
Hard work and dedication will be required before you can wear the uniform of the team. Being a member of the team requires much more than just learning about playing the game of football.
(a) Good grades in school are required.
(b) All players participating in WYF, will be required to present Academic Progress Report at designated time. This will be distributed per team Head Coach, once, if not twice within the course of the season. Players/participants are required to present these to their teachers, and return at specified date by Head Coach. We encourage and strongly support strong academic achievement amongst our players, and academics are always to come before athletics. WYF encourages academic excellence, and strongly support those within the school system assisting our players.
(c) Vulgarity, temper tantrums, lying, taunting, threatening, demeaning comments about other players, and fighting are absolutely prohibited. Any player observed displaying improper conduct below the acceptable standards of WYF will result in disciplinary action or termination of membership.
(d) If you are going to miss a practice or game, you must notify your Head Coach. You are expected to arrive at games and practices on time, or to alert your Head Coach if you are going to be late.
(e) Report all problems to your coaches immediately. It is your responsibility - not your parents - to keep your uniform and equipment clean and in good repair. Football uniforms must be clean before every game.
VIOLATIONS OF REQUIRED CONDUCT OR OTHER POLICIES IN THIS HANDBOOK OR WYF BY-LAWS:
Youth:
(1) First Offense: Head Coach will take the player aside and speak with them privately about their behavior and consequences. At the end of practice, the Head Coach and Parent Liaison will verbally notify the parents of the player involved in the offense. The offense will be documented by the Head Coach.
(2) Second Offense: Head Coach and Parent Liaison will meet with the parents and the player privately, documenting the offense in writing. The Head Coach will decide if the player’s behavior will result in a loss of playing time in the next game.
(3) Third Offense: Head Coach and Parent Liaison will meet with the parents and the player privately, documenting the incident in writing. The offense will be reported to the WYF Board of Directors in writing. The player will be suspended for one game.
(4) Fourth Offense: Head Coach and Parent Liaison will meet with the parents and the player privately, documenting the offense. The offense will be brought before the Executive Board of Directors. The player and parents will be invited to attend the meeting to discuss the offense(s). The Executive Board of Directors will decide if the player is dropped from the roster, attendance of the player and parents is not required to render this decision.
.Adults:
Westfield Youth Football Executive Board has established a NO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR IMPROPER ADULT BEHAVIOR. Each adult will be required to sign a Parent/Participant Contract. Violation of the Parent/Participant contract will result in the following:
(1) First Offense: A verbal warning will be given to the parent(s) from the WYF President or Vice President.
(2) Second Offense: A written warning will be given to the parent(s) from the WYF Board of Directors.
(3) Third Offense: Written notification from the WYF Board of Directors will direct the parent that he/she will not be permitted to attend practices, games or any function of WYF for the remainder of the current season.
COMPLAINTS:
. If you have a question or an insight to share, you should begin with the team parent liaison. The parent liaison will keep the Head Coach informed of any player safety or medical issues. All complaints require written documentation which will include: details of the complaint, at least one proposed solution to the complaint, the complainant’s role in complaint resolution, and contact information of the complainant. No complaints will be acted on by the Head Coach unless a written statement of the complaint is provided. Please remember if you have a complaint, you must be part of the solution.
SCHEDULE:
Practice begins on a date established by the SAFL, generally the first week of August, and continues until end of October. Practice time run between 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday thru Friday until school begins. The practice schedule changes after the beginning of the school year, practice will be held approximately three days a week at the Head Coaches discretion. Times will change once it is too dark to practice. Times will be 5:30 PM to 7:30 pm or as directed by the Head Coach. WYF will practice in the rain. If there is a sign of lightning practice will be cancelled. Parents must stay for practice during inclement weather in case the practice is called because of lightning.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance at all practices and games is mandatory. Each participant is allowed only four unexcused absences from practices. The only excused absences are:
(1) Medical/Injury (with doctors note excused absences can be extended)
(2) Players ineligible for practices, due to injury, will not be allowed to participate in any manner within WYF until a doctor's note is presented to Head Coach giving that individual clearance to return at full capacity.
(3) Academic (with proof of field trip or other school activity)
(4) Religious (worship or education)
(5) Family emergency (with note excused absences can be extended)
(6) Another activity in which he/she has been involved for several weeks and in playoff/championship (such as baseball All-Star)
(7) Planned family vacation (please schedule time around the players football obligation).
If you cannot attend practice or a game, you must notify the Head Coach directly, in advance. If you do not show up and do not notify your coach, it will be counted as an unexcused absence.
FOOTBALL TEAMS:
Seniors: IAW SAFL By-Laws: For 7th and 8th graders, these teams play in the Senior Division. The player may not turn 15 years of age on or before December 31st of the current football season.
Juniors: IAW SAFL By-Laws: For 5th and 6th graders, these teams play in the Junior Division. The player must be 10 years of age, or turn 10 years of age, during the player registration period, and cannot turn 13 years of age on or before December 31st of the current football season.
PeeWee: IAW SAFL By-Laws: For 3rd and 4th graders, these teams play in the Peewee Division. The player must be 8 years of age, or turn 8 years of age, by September 1st and can not turn 11 years of age on or before December 31st of the current football season.
SAFL Eligibility:
Must be a resident of the town, city or territory on whose team they play:
Weight limit for skilled positions:
PeeWee: Any player weighing more than 80.0 pounds at the SAFL official weigh-in (player may have in-season weight of 82 pounds) shall be deemed an overweight player. This means that the player must play on the interior line from tackle to tackle.
Juniors: Any player weighing more than 115.0 pounds at the SAFL official weigh-in (player may have in-season weight of 120 pounds) shall be deemed an overweight player. This means that the player must play on the interior line from tackle to tackle.
Seniors: Any player weighing more than 135.0 pounds at the SAFL official weigh-in (player may have in-season weight of 140 pounds) shall be deemed an overweight player. This means that the player must play on the interior line from tackle to tackle.
All players will be weighed at an official SAFL weigh in prior to the first game. Players are to be weighed only once, at the official weigh in. All players are to be weighed in game jersey, and shorts IAW SAFL By-Laws. Any player exceeding the skilled position weight will be deemed an “overweight player” and be limited to playing positions of down linemen on either offense or defense. The official weigh in will be at Westfield High School during the last week of August.
Playing time:
Each player should receive a fair and equal amount of playing time IAW SAFL By-Laws. Unequal playing time may occur when a player chooses not to participate when asked by the coaching staff or when safety dictates. Each Head Coach will decide the consequences for missed practices.
Handouts:
As a player, you are sometimes given hand outs at practice. It is your responsibility to bring them home to your parents, and make sure your parents read them. If there is an announcement at practice, make sure your parents get the information.
Safety:
Your child’s safety is our highest priority. The following measures will be followed at all times:
Food and Water: Players are responsible for bringing adequate-size water jugs to each practice and game. Coaches will supply water for on-field use only on game days. Coaches, board members, parents may not eat on the field of practice (trash left behind by parents). Water breaks will be taken as needed.
Conditioning: Conditioning exercises will be a part of each practice to ensure the player is able to keep up with the rigors of this sport.
Equipment: Helmets are evaluated by an outside vendor to ensure quality and safety. The Equipment Commissioner prior to the start of the season inspects all other equipment.
Certifications: All coaches are National Youth Sports Certification Association (NYSCA) certified as well as USA Football certified.
Injuries: Medical personnel will manage all injuries during games. The coach will manage injuries during practice. Players with injuries to the head neck or back will not be moved and an ambulance will be summoned to the field. Players with injuries who state they are unable to continue to practice will be taken to the sidelines and parents will be summoned. A first aid/CPR certified individual will available during all practices and games.
Equipment:
You are to wear a complete league approved uniform for games. Current year game jersey or game pants are not to be worn during practices. One mouth guard will be provided by WYF. If the player needs additional mouth guards during the course of the season, it is the parent’s responsibility to provide them. A protective cup is required for all practices and games. If the player does not have a cup he/she will not be able to participate. Players are responsible for their personal equipment. Keep track of it. Do not sit on the helmet at any time. The coaches are not there to pick up after you and your parents. The cost of maintaining and replacing worn football equipment is the largest expenses for WYF. The player is responsible for the equipment issued to him/her. All WYF equipment must be returned promptly at the end of the season (generally the following Saturday between 9:00 am and noon after the last game). Treat the equipment in a responsible manner. Equipment maintained properly and in good condition is critical for your safety.
Equipment list supplied by WYF:
(a) Helmet and chinstrap supplied by WYF to be returned at the end of the season.
(b) Shoulder pads and hip, thigh, knee and tailbone pads supplied by WYF to be returned at the end of the season.
(c) Game and Practice pants supplied by WYF to be returned at the end of the season.
(d) Game Jersey with name- tag supplied by WYF-player keeps at the end of the season.
(e) Game socks supplied by WYF-player keeps at the end of the season.
(f) One Mouth guard supplied by WYF- player keeps at the end of the season
(g) Practice jersey supplied by WYF-player keeps at the end of the season
Player’s responsibility:
(a) Football shoes, molded, non-metal and non removable cleats not to exceed ¾ inch
(b) Athletic supporter and cup
(c) Arm and hand pads (optional)
(d) Rib pads (optional).
(e) Water for practice-a one gallon jug with spigot on lid is recommended
A parent signature is required for all players to receive his/her equipment at the designated equipment handout event.
It is the player’s responsibility to maintain the equipment in good condition throughout the season; any problems see his/her equipment coach.
At the end of the season, or if a player separates from the team, it is the player and his/her parent’s responsibility to return the equipment: helmet and chin strap, shoulder pads, clean game and practice pants and pant pads. The game jersey is for the player to keep. All players will return their equipment following their participation in the last game of the season. Players should be prepared to change out of gear, into street clothes, and turn in all equipment handed out to them at the beginning of the season.
Parents meeting:
Prior to the start of each season, a MANDATORY parents meeting will be held. All players’ parent(s) of new and returning players are required to attend. It will be held at the Westfield High School Auditorium. It is imperative that all parents attend. The meeting is your chance to hear from the Board of Directors and get vital information concerning conduct, the WYF program, and schedule.
REGISTRATION:
A player will not be permitted to play or attend practice without written permission and a waiver of injury signed by the parent(s) and/or legal guardian.
The following is required for all players:
(a) Birth certificate: a copy will be required for all new players at registration; this will be retained by the SAFL. Bring a copy to registration. Returning players who have skipped the preceding year are considered to be new players for SAFL purposes and are required to bring a copy of their birth certificate to registration.
(b) WYF Registration Form and WYF Parent/Participant Contract completed at registration.
(c) SAFL registration form: to be completed at registration, parents keep (1) copy of form.
(d) Waiver form: must be completed at registration; this is required for 2nd graders (who must turn 8 years old by Aug 31st of the current year) and any player that does not reside in Westfield. (Waivers have to be filled out yearly)
(e) Fee: Set yearly by the WYF Board of Directors. Cash or Check (made out to WYF)
Volunteers:
As with all volunteer organization, there is always much work to be done. A parent will be required to volunteer 4 hrs during the course of the season.
(a) Field Preparation and Clean up: each home game requires a small crew to set up the field. Field set up includes; putting out yard markers, goal post pads, end zone markers, walk field to check for any objects of decree and set up the announcer’s booth.
(b) Chain Gang: each game requires 3 volunteers to operate the chain gang; the chain gang works with the referees to keep the down marker and ten-yard chains on the side line. This is honestly the best seat in the house. If WYF has no volunteers for the chain gang, the game will be forfeited.
(c) Concession Stand: each game requires a set up crew and break down crew, plus 5 volunteers for each game to work the concession stand.
(d) Announcing Booth: each home game requires a volunteer to play a recording of the National Anthem, and announce the teams. The volunteer would also help track the game scores.
(e) Car Wash: WYF will hold 1 possibly 2 car washes per year, players are required to attend and help.
(f) Golf Tournament: WYF will hold a Golf Tournament date (TBD), volunteers are needed to help organize, and solicit donations.
(g) Applebee’s Fundraiser Breakfast: WYF holds a pancake breakfast annually in August at Applebee’s in Westfield. Volunteers are needed to wait and bus tables, as well as clean up afterward. Tickets are passed out at equipment handouts and need to be sold prior to the breakfast date.
(h) Raffle Calendar: Players are expected to sell as many raffle calendars as possible. Calendars are distributed in early August and money and stubs are due back just prior to the raffle month of drawings, usually October.
2011 Executive Board and Board of Directors
President-* Bob St. Pierre
Vice-President-* Mike Pighetti
Medical Director-Shannon Fournier
Fundraiser- Jenn Harnden
Co-Fundraiser- Kelly Adam
Treasurer-* Howard Barber
Secretary- Kelly Adam
Equipment Commissioner- Scott Greene
Co- Equipment Commissioner- Mark Brady
Concessionaire- Karin Brady
Co-Concessionaire- Cheryl Ruta
Registrar-* Raquel Stringham
Parent Volunteer Coordinator- Tiffany Royland
Web Developer- Chuck Stringham
Merchandiser- Karin Hoiberg
SAFL Representative- Troy St. Pierre
Pee Wee Head Coach-* Howard Barber
Junior Head Coach-* Mike Balch
Senior Head Coach- * Troy St. Pierre
Flag Football Coach-* Scott Greene
Parent Liasons- Bob Santiago
Kelly Adam
Tara Gazda
( *** denotes Executive Board Members)
Board Meetings: All meetings are held at the Sons of Erin Hall, 22 Williams St Westfield, on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm (January thru May, October and November) at 8:00 pm (June thru September).
Thank you for taking the time to inform yourself about Westfield Youth Football, WYF Board of Directors
Westfield Youth Football MOST Frequently Asked Questionsby parents…
Q) When does the season begin and end? A) The season starts the first week of August and continues to the second week of November.
Q) How much time is involved in football? A) It is a huge time commitment on the part of players and parents. From around Aug 1st to Sept 3rd practice is 5 times per week for 2 hours each practice 6 pm-8 pm. From Sept 6th thru the end of the season practice 3 times per week for 2 hours. Times will be 6 pm- 8pm, the end time changes due to daylight at the Head Coach’s discretion.
Q) Isn’t really hot out then? A) It sure is! It is imperative that your child drinks plenty of water during the football season. It is the player’s responsibility to bring adequate water to practice. The coaches have scheduled water breaks throughout the practices.
Q) Where will my child have practices and games? A) The practice site will be at the Westfield High School on Montgomery Rd. All Home games will be held at Billy Bullens Field at the Westfield Vocational High School.
Q) Is Football too rough for my child? A) Only you and your child can answer this one. WYF takes great strides to insure that coaches are knowledgeable, well trained individuals with the abilities to teach proper technique and skill and that all the equipment is inspected and in good condition to provide proper safety for all players. But, keep in mind… this is tackle football. It’s not a sport for every child. Please discuss this with your child and any of our Board members prior to registering if you have specific concerns. REGISTRATION FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE FOR ANY REASON AFTER YOU REGISTER.
Q) Are the coaches paid employees of Westfield Youth Football? A) No. They are volunteer businessmen and/or fathers who donate their time to help our kids. This entire program, in fact, is run by volunteers who put in a huge amount of personal time all year round to make this program available to tour children.
Q) Can we sign up now and pay later? A) Due to the nature of this sport, there are a large number of expenses that must be paid before the season even begins. We are not able to register any child without payment in full at registration time unless coordinated otherwise with the WYF President.
Q) After I pay my registration fees are there any other fees involved? A) No. Fundraising raises the balance of the money needed to operate this program safely. You as a parent are needed to help with all fundraisers.
Q) Do we have to buy all the equipment? A) No. WYF provides all the equipment for football on a lease basis (with the exception of some personal items). All equipment must be returned at the end of each season.
Q) How do you select teams? A) In WYF there are six to nine depending on registration numbers, these teams are determined by age, grade and ability.
Q) When will I know what team my child is on? A) You will know what division your child will be in at registration. By the last week of August, you will know which team your player is on.
Q) How much will my child play? A) Coaches try to play all children as equitably as possible IAW SAFL rules.
Q) Why do football coaches yell so much? A) Let us answer this way…. Imagine if you invited 35 boys over to your home, put pads and a helmet on them and told them to hit each other as hard as they can, knock each other down and then do it again.again and… again. And again, what do you think would happen? More likely than not it would be complete chaos, mayhem, arguing, eventual name-calling, fist fighting and perhaps even a call from your neighbors asking you to move. I’m not sure a polite “Lets calm down now boys” would cut it. The answer to this question is: Coaches will demand complete attention and sometimes they demand it loudly. This is a contact sport and coaches are responsible for teaching the kids not only how to play football, but to do it properly so no one gets hurt. This requires a lot of cooperation, teamwork and respect for each other and to this end; coaches will make sure they are heard.
Q) Does my child really have to be at registration and why? A) Yes!! Every participant must be at registration with the parent or legal guardian. All players are placed in a division of play based on age and grade (of the following year). All players must be weighed in and have a copy of their birth certificates verified by WYF officials, as well as be fitted for equipment during registration.
Q) I’M so busy; can my neighbor bring my child to sign up? A) NO. Only a parent or legal guardian can register your child and sign the required documents.
Q) What happens if we miss all the sign ups? A) Our last registration will be held in April. You name will be put on a waiting list.
Q) Can girls sign up to play football with the boys? A) Absolutely
Q) If my child does not like football or we are unhappy with our team later, can we quit and get our money back? A) NO. Due to the pre-season costs in this sport, all fees paid at registration are not refundable for any reason.
Q) If my son/daughter gets hurt do you refund our money? A) NO. Due to the pre-season costs in this sport, all fees paid at registration are not refundable for any reason.
