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.