FAQs
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Below is a list of some of the most
commonly asked questions by parents regarding our rules,
procedures and the new league, CFL. If you do not find
the answers to your questions, please speak with your team mom
and she will help you get the answers you need. To view the specific CHEERLEADING FAQs click here.
Q: What is the Harrison Hoya Youth Football and
Cheerleading Assoc.?
A: We are a not for profit,
all volunteer football and cheerleading
association. We had approximately 400 football players and
150 cheerleaders, ages 5-12, in 2010. We are a
founding member of
the Cobb Football League (CFL). We
play highly competitive tackle football. Our cheerleaders
participate in cheer competitions in addition to game day
cheering.
Our goals are to:
- Teach the fundamentals of football
and cheerleading
- Teach discipline
- Teach team work
- Teach the children to hustle
- Have Fun!
Q: What is the new Cobb Football League?
A: The Cobb Football league is a new league that
was formed in 2011. All youth associations within CFL
have aligned with a county highschool. The thought
process is that children will begin to gravitate to the
highschool they are districted for and this will help build
community ties, school loyalty, and team pride. The
highschool does not control our association
nor do they profit financialy from us. Cobb County is
excited about the new league and the future for all schools
to join. Cobb is one of the best counties in Georgia
and one of the few that does not have an organized league.
We are excited about helping set the groundwork for what we
believe will be the best youth football league in the area.
Q: What schools are current members of the
CFL?
A: The founding members of the CFL are Harrison,
Kell, Pope, Walton, McEachern, and Wheeler. We have
several inquiries from other schools wishing to join and
requesting mroe information. We are also allowing some
Paulding County schools to join this year witht he
understanding that they will form their own league next
year.
Q: Do I have to live within one of the
above school districts to play for the CFL?
A: No, you do not. While the idea of the
league is to have the children playing within their
highschool district, no child will be turned away. We
will highly encourage a family to play for their school if
they are in the league however; it is ultimately the choice
of your family on where you prefer to play. If your
school is not in the league, you may still play at any of
our parks that you choose.
Q: We played at Due West last year and are
familiar with the playing rules for the NWGYFL. Can
you please explain the major differences?
A: While there are some differences, there are also
some similarities. We both follow a modified version
of the Georgia Highschool rules. We will not have a
pre-game weigh in (more info below); we will have an 8 play
minimum (same as NWGYFLs DI except they count special teams
as plays while we do not); teams will have a maximum of 24
players instead of their maximum of 34. Our amount of
practice is different and explained in detail below.
Parents will no longer need to pay a gate fee to enter
games; the league pays the refs so we will no longer need to
collect money at the gate. ALL teams at ALL parks are
drafted equally. Please see the draft question below
for more details. We offer 5 year old, 6/7 year old,
8/9 year old & 10/11 year old football & cheer. NWGYFL
has a Division 1 and a Division II while CFL will equally
draft all teams so there will NOT be a division split.
The CFL has listened to many complaints that parents have
had in other leagues and created a league with these things
in mind.
Q: Can you please explain the football
draft process?
A: All players within each age group will be
evaluated by the coaches for that age group. The
players will be assigned a skill level (A, B, C, D).
The evaluations will be averaged for each player.
During the actual draft process, each coach will chose a
player from the A group until they are complete and then the
B, C, D. A team is allowed to protect up to 4 coaches
kids and will skip a round in the draft for the rank of each
protected player. (ex. Coach protects 4 players
and they rank 2 of them A, 1 B and 1 C. The coach will
be have to choose 2 less times during the A picks, 1 less
during the B picks and 1 less during the C pick.) The
draft is overseen by an Executive board member from the CFL.
ALL teams at ALL schools will use the exact same draft
process so that ALL teams are equally drafted. This
leads to more competitive games since all teams will have
equal skill levels. This will mean closer scoring and
more intense, competitive games. We will not see a ton
of 48-0 games any longer and children will believe that they
will be able to beat that team the next time.
Q: What are the age and weight limits?
A:
Q:
When and how often do we practice for football?
A: Practice will take place at Lost Mt Park on
Tues/Thurs/Fri. The 5, 6, & 7 year olds will practice
from 6:00-8:00 on Tues & Thurs with a 1 hour run through
(helmet only) practice on Fridays at 6:00. All other age
groups will practice from 6:30-8:30 on Tues/Thurs with a 1
hour run through (helmets only) at 6:30 on Fridays.
Q: What do I need to bring to practice for my son?
A: Make sure that your son has his practice
pants, with all pads in place, his shoulder pads and a practice
jersey and his helmet with chin strap and mouth piece. The
Spirit Shack sells practice pants, practice jerseys, chin
straps, and mouth pieces. You should also make sure your
child has plenty of water to drink. It is especially
important early in the season when temperatures are very high.
During practice, water is better than Gatorade/PowerAde.
Sports drinks tend to be high in sugars and can cause cramping
and nausea.
Q: How do I know where to go on the 1st day of
practice?
A: We will have plenty of board members available
on Field 1 with instructions on where everyone needs to meet.
There will also be signs indicating where each age/weight group
is meeting. If you need assistance, please locate someone
with a Harrison Board member shirt on and they can help direct
you or answer any questions.
Q: Does my child have to attend every practice and
what happens if he misses practice?
A: Football is a team sport and every player has
an essential role for each team. It is imperative that
your child make it to practice. Imagine that your team
needs to work on offensive plays and your quarter back takes
that night off from practice…that will affect the practice for
the entire team. We understand that emergencies and
illnesses happen but, please try to understand that football is
a team commitment and you need to make sure that every effort is
made to be at each practice. If you do need to miss a
practice, please contact either your team mom or head coach as
soon as you know that you will not be there. In certain
cases, if your child misses too many practices or has missed an
essential practice, the head coach may decide that they are not
ready to play in the game that week. The coach can then
fill out a missed practice form and although your child may
still play, they are not required to play them the minimum
number of plays. This is not done as a form of punishment.
This is done in protection of the child as they may not be
physically ready to play from having missed practice or they may
have missed the instruction of plays or changes to plays and we
do not want to put them in a situation where they do not know
what to do and may get hurt.
Q: Do we practice in the rain?
A: Yes, we will practice in the rain.
Games are not called due to rain so the boys will need to learn
to play in these conditions. In some instances (fields
holding too much water or lightning in the area), practice will
be called early and you should be contacted by your team mom
when this happens, generally by a calling post message and/or
email. So, when in doubt, be sure to check your messages
before heading out. If practice has
not been called in advance, please show up at the fields
prepared to play. If weather develops at 6:30, we will
assess the danger and make a decision based on the current
conditions and what is expected to happen (i.e. quick shower or
large storm). If lightning is in the area, please remain
in your cars until you see your coach taking the field.
Q: Do I have to remain at the entire practice with
my child?
A: Yes, either a parent or another
responsible adult must remain at practice with your child at all
times. This is for the safety of your children as we do
not want anyone wandering off alone. You are also needed
there in case your child gets injured and needs medical
attention or if a practice is suddenly cancelled because of
inclement weather. In the rare occasions that you may need
to leave practice, please make sure that your team mom or a
coach has your contact information and that you are available,
if needed.
Q: Can I come out on the field to help during
practices or games?
A: Only certified coaches and board
members are allowed on the fields. This is for
both practices and games. We have limited space to practice in
and if we allow one parent on the field, we have to allow them
all. Plus, for the safety of the children, each adult on
the field must have passed a criminal background check. If
you want to help on game day, you can volunteer to be on the
chain gang during home games. The only other people
allowed on the game fields are 6 certified coaches, 2 water
boys, and a ball boy. The water boys and ball boys must be
under 18 years old.
Q: How long will the season last?
A: This depends on how far your team makes it in
the play-offs. Some teams will be done by the beginning of
November while some will play until mid-November. We ask
that everyone plans to play until the middle of November.
Q: Besides registration costs, what other expenses
should I expect during the year?
A: Everyone should expect to have to purchase
practice pants and jersey (game pants and jersey cannot
be worn to practice), additional mouth-pieces,
and cleats. Beyond that, some teams will collect funds
to cover certain items (i.e. team moms making folders for
each family, the cost of a calling post account, etc…).
You will also be asked to contribute to thank you/end of
season gifts for the coaches and team mom. This amount
is determined by each team and depends on the number of
families and the cost of the items being purchased. Your team mom will schedule each
family a game to bring either half-time or end of the game snack
for the players and coaches. Any additional costs for the end of
the season banquet (this should be decided as a team).
Optional expenses would be: concession stand purchases, spirit
wear, Parents/Business Sponsorships.
Q: How are the coaches chosen and approved?
A: Coaches are volunteers although they must meet
certain criteria to be a coach. The first thing is that all coaches and board members must pass a
criminal background check. All coaches are then certified
through the CFL. We also rely on parental input when
choosing coaches so; we do read the coach evaluation forms from
the previous season.
Q: Why can’t I choose my son’s head coach?
A: All players are evaluated and ranked by
skill level. Each team is then drafted so that all
teams have equally talented players. Therefore, there
is no way to guarantee a specif coach as another coach that
gets to pick in the draft 1st may choose your son.
Q: Where and at what time are games played?
A: Home games are played on the 2 fields at
Lost Mountain Park and all teams will also play 2 games in
the Harrison High School stadium.. The field closet to the field house is
field 1; the one next to it is field 2. Away games will be played
at the home field for the opposing team. Directions to all
fields can be found on
www.cfl.com.
All games are played on Saturday.
Q: Are there any special procedures for Game Days?
A: Your coach will advise you of the time
he expects his team to arrive for warm ups prior to game
time.
Q: How does the Game Day Weigh In work?
A: CFL will not have a pre-game weigh
in prior to every game. Each child will be weighed
during the team certification process. If they are
over the base weight, they will be a stickered player and
will not be allowed to advance the ball. For players
that are over base weight, we will offer another weigh in
later in the season so they can try to make base weight and
have their sticker removed.
Q: Just how many times am I expected to work the
concession stand? How long is each shift?
A: Parents will not have to work the
concession stand on game days. You will however; be
required to work a maximum of 3 practice shifts. These
shifts will be approx. 3 hours long (6:15-8:45/9:00).
You will need to pick your 1st 2 shifts before being given
equipment. That way, you choose when you work.
There will be a $75.00 deposit, per participant required during equipment pick up. You may also
opt to a pay a minimal "opt out" fee and not have to work any concession
shifts.
All deposit checks will not be cashed unless you fail to
meet the required number of shifts. Failure to work
the shifts, as agreed, will result in the forfeiture of your
deposit check. Deposit checks will be shredded as your
commitment is met.
Q: Can someone else work the concession stand for
me? Is anyone excluded from working the concession stand?
What happens if I do not work my shifts?
A: Anyone over the age of 16 can work
the concession stand in your place. Please be sure to
tell your team mom who will be working and make sure they
sign in under your child’s name when they arrive. The
only people excluded from working the concession stand are
the Head Coach, team mom and their families and the Board Members.
This is only because we feel that they already give so much
of their time. Of course, if they want to volunteer,
they are more than welcome. We do not like to cash
anyone’s deposit checks and will work with you as best as
possible to see that you are able to work your shifts.
To ensure that the dates you choose to work are good for
you, please be sure to bring your personal calendar to
equipment pick up. If you do not want to work
the concession stand at all, please let your team mom know ASAP.
Please know that we will cash your deposit
check in lieu of you working.
Q: Who do I speak to if I have a problem or
complaint?
A: Your first source should be your Team Rep as
he/she will act as a liaison between you and your coaches.
If this does not provide the results you are looking for, you
should then speak to a board member and they will schedule a
time to meet with you and discuss the problem. Please
understand that you may not always agree with the decisions that
your coach makes regarding your child but, they have to do what
is best for the entire team, too. Also, be sure to
remember that everyone here is a volunteer from all of the Board Members down to the
Coaches, Team Moms and Team Reps. Nobody in this entire
association gets paid for what they do. They are
not professionals. They all volunteer their time
because they love football/cheerleading and they love the children.
They are all parents that are giving of their time for the
betterment of this park and youth program and for the benefit of
every child and family that play here.
Q: How can I become involved?
A: You can volunteer as a Team Rep, Team
Parent, Coach, or become a sponsor. Stay involved and stay
positive. If you would like to become a board member,
nominations and elections take place in October.
Q: Does Harrison Youth Football have a website?
A: Our website address is
www.duewesthoyas.com.
This website will be updated frequently and will provide tons of
information for you. You can also go to
www.cfl.com to find game
schedules and directions to other parks.