***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.

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 safety waivers signed before any equipment will be given out.

Equipment distribution dates:

July 13^th - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

July 20^th - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

July 27^th - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

August 3^rd - 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 1, 2013 the rental deposit will be forfeited and 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 7-14 evaluations are set for Monday, July 29 and Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. All players will be evaluated for both Division 1 and Developmental programs. Maximum length of practice is two hours per day, ten hours per week until the start of school.

Ages 4-6 evaluations are set to begin for Monday , August 5 and Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.  Maximum length of practice is two hours per day, six hours per week until the start of school.

Normal Practice Schedule (after school begins):

Freshman (4-6)                       6-8 p.m.           2 times a week, including any games scheduled

Sophomores (7-8)                  6-8 p.m.           3 times a week, including any games scheduled

Juniors (9-10)                         6-8 p.m.           3 times a week, including any games scheduled

Seniors (11-13)                        6-8 p.m.           4 times a week, including any games scheduled

Division I Bulldogs                   6-8 p.m.           4 times a week, including any games scheduled

***Practice schedule is subject to coach availability.

TEAM PLACEMENT

1.        The Developmental program is for novice/intermediate players. 

2.        Developmental teams are not allowed to stay together as a returning playing unit.

3.        Developmental players are selected via draft process.

4.        Special placement requests for all Developmental players are considered for siblings only.

5.        Division I players are selected via recruitment process.

6.        Being a past Division I player does not guarantee a spot on a Division I team.  

7.        Division I players are required to be certified by the conference that RYFA is a member of. Upon certification you are accepting all requirements associated with Division I level play. 

8.        There is no placement consideration for neighbors, friends, carpools, cousins or siblings. 

9.        All placements are final. If a Division I position is accepted, a player cannot move down to Developmental within the same season. Refunds are not granted for players choosing to leave the Division I program.

10.    Division I players must earn their starting position. There is no clear the bench rule at the Division I level.

The age groups are determined as follows:

Division I (age as of July 31^st)                                             Developmental (age as of July 31^st)

Team                                                                                      Division                  Age                        

7 and Under                                                                          Freshman              4, 5, 6

8 and Under                                                                          Sophomore           7, 8

9 and Under                                                                         Junior                     9, 10, 11

10 and Under                                                                      Senior                    12 & Up                                

11 and Under

12 and Under

14 and Under

Developmental divisions are subject to change based on player head count at each age.

 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.

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)

July 29 and July 30, 2013 starting at 6:30 pm evaluations for ages 7-14 year olds

August 5, 6 and 8, 2013 starting at 6:30 pm evaluations for ages 4-6 year olds

***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.  

Exhibit A

Rockdale Youth Football Association

 2013 Cheer Rules and Regulations

The RYFA Cheer program is designed to promote cheerleading to our youth in a safe and nurturing environment.  The 2013 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 Jermaine Gleaton at [email protected] for additional information. 

REGISTRATION

1. $125.00 for the season.  Each cheer participate must pay for a cheer package.   Registration fees are used to fund the following:

Use of cheerleading skirt and vest (midriff – Division One)

Use of poms

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.   

2. Items included in mandatory Cheer Pack to Be Purchased By Parent or Guardian for a cost of $125 ($75 for the 4 year old squad):

Cheerleading Shoes

Bloomers

Socks

Hair Ribbons

Warm Up Suit

Midriff top (not included in the 4 year old squad’s cheer pack or Division One cheer pack)

All items in cheer pack are yours to keep at the end of the season.

Cheer Pack must be paid by July 31, 2013

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.

PLACEMENT

1.        All Division I and Developmental cheerleaders will be assigned to their respective team after the football draft.

2.        Being a past Division I cheerleader does not guarantee a spot on a Division I team.  

3.        No cheerleader is guaranteed a spot on the same team as previous years. 

4.        Placement on squads for all cheerleaders will be at the discretion of the RYFA Vice President of Cheer.

5.        Placement requests and considerations for all cheerleaders will be assessed for siblings only and made after the football draft has occurred.

6.        Developmental cheerleaders can cheer up one age group for sibling circumstances only.  

7.        Once the Division I bids have been awarded, it is the responsibility of the cheerleader to read and accept all of the requirements that are associated with Division I. 

8.        No placement considerations will be made for either division for neighbors, friends, carpools, cousins or anything other than siblings. 

9.        All placements are final.  Once a Division I position has been accepted, a cheerleader cannot move down to Developmental within the same season.  If a child chooses to leave the Division I program, no monies will be returned.

10.    The age groups are determined as follows:

Division I (age as of July 31^st)                                             Interleague (age as of July 31^st)

Team                      Cheer Ages                           Division                  Cheer Ages

8 and Under          6, 7, 8                                     Freshman              4, 5, 6 (the 4 year olds will be on a squad together)

10 and Under       8, 9, 10                                   Sophomore           6, 7, 8 (6 with experience)

11 and Under       9, 10, 11                                Junior                     9, 10, 11

12 and Under       10, 11, 12, 13, 14                                 Senior                    11, 12, 13                                             

Depending on the number of cheerleaders some squads may not be filled and age groups for developmental might be merged.  Ages for Division One can change due to the conference RYFA is a member of.

UNIFORMS

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.            
2. Cheerleading uniforms (and midriffs for D1) must be returned to RYFA at the end of the season.  You do have the option to purchase the uniform at the end of the season for the prorated replacement cost of the uniform. 

DIVISION I CHEERLEADING

1.        Division I cheerleaders are required to attend a stunt camp.

2.        Division I cheerleaders are required to attend all football games for their respective teams.

3.        Division I cheerleaders are required to attend the Cheerleading Competition.

4.        Division I cheerleaders will practice up to 3 days a week and days will be determined by the coach. 

DEVELOPMENTAL

1. All Developmental cheerleaders are required to attend all games for their respective football teams.
2. All Developmental cheerleaders are required to attend the Cheerleading Competition. 
3. Developmental cheerleaders will practice 2 days per 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 gum. 

9.        Cell phones must be silenced and put away during practice.

10.    If a cheerleader is injured or ill but not contagious, she is expected to watch practice from the sidelines of the practice field.

11.    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.

12.    Please send water with your cheerleader.

13.    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 makeup, nail polish or glitter at games.

7.       Hair should be fixed in a neat manner and be pulled off face at every game.

8.       Cheerleaders need to arrive to each game fully dressed in RYFA uniform and ready to begin pre-game practice.

9.       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.

10.    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 Spring Cheerleading Camp.

CLINIC

1. A cheer clinic for all cheerleaders will be held the week of football evaluations. 
2. This clinic is also when all cheerleaders will be evaluated for the Division I cheerleading program.  
3. Most cheerleading materials will be taught at this clinic.

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.  

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 22, 23 and 25, 2013                    Mandatory Division One Tryouts                      6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

July 29, 2013                                        Evaluations for Developmental (ages 4-6)       6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

July 28, 2013                                        Uniform Fitting                                                     2:00 p.m. – 5:00 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.