Coaching and Management Staff

Senior Coaches

Director of Football: / Wayne Hill / 07429 188499 /
Head Coach: / Jay Alexander
Offensive Coordinator:
Defensive Coordinator:
Special Teams Coordinator:

Offensive Positional Coaches

Quarterbacks:
Receivers:
Offensive Line:
Running Backs:

Defensive Positional Coaches

Defensive Line:
Linebackers:
Defensive Backs:

Management Staff

General Manager: / Greg Freeman
Team Assistant:

Welcome to the University of Birmingham Lions Junior Programme

TheUniversity of Birmingham Lions of American Football Programme

The University of Birmingham Lions consists primarily of two teams, the University of Birmingham Lions , which is our student team (18 plus and must be a student at UofB) and the University of Birmingham Lions Juniors which is our Junior team (16 to 19). Each team has its own set of qualified staff members including head coaches, coordinators, positional coaches and team managers. Both teams practice and play games at the University of Birmingham (B15 2TT). The Programme also has affiliated clubs which run Youth (under 17’s) programmes. These clubs consist of the Birmingham Bulls and the Sandwell Steelers. These clubs offer a wide range of football programmes including cadet flag, youth flag, youth kitted, adult flag and adult kitted . Please visit their websites for further details.

Each of the University of Birmingham Lions team is run by a committee, which is appointed by its members at its annual general meeting (held at the end of the season). The committee is supported by a team of officers, who assist the committee in the general running of the Programme. For more details about the committee and its officers please visit our website.

The University of Birmingham Lions is governed by its constitution, a copy of which is available for download on our website. The constitution ensures that the Programme is run in a fair and appropriate manner. Please make sure you read the current constitution and if you have any questions please feel free to contact the committee.For more information about The Programme please visit our website

Club Registration

In order to play/practice American football for the University of Birmingham Lions Juniorsyou must have completed the following:

  1. Completed the Club registration form.
  2. Provided a copy of your ID

If you are under the age of 18 you will need the consent of a parent or guardian who holds the parental responsibilities for you.

The University of Birmingham Lions Juniors Aim

  • To offer a stable, well-run and enduring Junior American Football club for Birmingham and the surrounding area, giving the whole community the opportunity to play and enjoy our sport.
  • To develop our players and volunteers, helping them to realise their potential both on and off the field.
  • To encourage participation, with experienced coaches taking care and effort to teach the basics of the game to all participants.
  • To offer an enjoyable game day experience for all, with an ethos of success.
  • To provide regular training with skilled and qualified coaching staff.
  • To enthuse club members to build an active, healthy lifestyle through participation in American Football.
  • To ensure the well-being of young people whilst in the care of the club and away from parents or carers.
  • To Become National Champions.

Welfare at the University of Birmingham Junior Programme

The team takes the welfare of its players very seriously and has a policy in place to ensure all players feel safe. Any player needing to talk about an issue can do so in the first instance either with the coach he/she feels most comfortable with or with the team manager. Feel free to approach us before or after training or on our contact numbers and no matter is too trivial to talk about if it concerns you.

In the case of more serious issues there are welfare and grievance procedures in the club constitution available on the website and you can choose to follow these.

The team has zero tolerance of bullying and any concerns should be brought to the attention of the team staff immediately.

Equipment Loans

Equipment can be loaned to you by the club but it will be on a first come first served basis. The club will endeavour to equip all players but there is a limited amount of equipment available. We would recommend that you purchase your own complete set. If you can’t purchase the full set then we do recommend you buy a set of bottom halves. Equipment sets are available through the club. Please speak to a member of staff for more information or a list of suitable suppliers.

Practice Information

Padded Practice

A Padded practice means that full equipment will be worn. These types of practice will be ‘Full Contact’. This means the level of contact should be at game level.

Padded Practice Uniform and Equipment

For a Padded practice you are requiredto wear the follow items:

  1. Helmet* (white)
  2. Gum Shield*.
  3. White (Defence) or Blue (Offence) Football Jersey*
  4. Shoulder pads*.
  5. Blue or White under jersey (optional)
  6. Blue Bottoms Halves* (with belt).
  7. Hip*, Tail*, Thigh* and Knee pads*.
  8. Blue or White Leggings (optional).
  9. White Socks.
  10. Cleats* or Boots* (plastic or rubber studs).
  11. Gloves (optional)

Defence Offence

Please be aware that if you play on both the Offence and the Defence you will require a blue and a white practice jersey.

The club can’t provide you with a practice jersey and you will have to purchase your own. Please speak to a member of staff for a list of suitable suppliers.

Non-Padded Practice

A Non-Padded practice means there will be ‘No Contact’ or ‘Minimal Contact’ during that practice. Helmets must be worn at all times unless otherwise instructed by a member of the coaching staff.

Non-Padded Practice Uniform and Equipment

For a Non-Padded practice you are required to wear the following items:

  1. Helmet* (white)
  2. Gum Shield*.
  3. White (Defence) or Blue (Offence) Football Jersey*
  4. Blue or White under jersey (optional).
  5. Blue Shorts* or Grey Tracksuit* pants.
  6. Blue or White Leggings (optional).
  7. White Socks.
  8. Cleats* or Boots* (plastic or rubber studs).
  9. Gloves (optional)

Other Equipment

We would also recommend that you bring the following to practice:

  1. Change of clothes.
  2. Towel.
  3. Isotonic drink.
  4. Bottle/s of water.
  5. Playbook.

Practice

Prior to the start of the Warm Ups there will be a registration and preparation period. Once you arrive at practice you will need to follow the following procedures:

  1. Inform the General Manager of your presence.
  2. Pay any money due, to the General Manager.
  3. Change for practice.

Please make sure that you follow these procedures, even if you are late to a practice. Failure to do so may result in you not getting an attendance mark for that day (which could affect your game time).

Items marked with a * are mandatory, failure to wear them will result in you not participating in practice.

Gameday Information

Equipment and Uniform

It is very important that you have all the correct equipment on Gamedays, if you don’t the Referees will not allow you to play in that game. You must also have the correct uniform, this will makes us look and feel like a team. For a Gameday you are required wear the follow items:

  1. WhiteHelmet* with correct logo and stripes.
  2. Gum Shield*.
  3. Team Jersey* (issued on the day).
  4. Shoulder pads*.
  5. Blue or White Under Jersey (optional).
  6. Blue Bottoms Halves* (with belt).
  7. Hip*, Tail*, Thigh* and Knee pads*.
  8. Blue or White Leggings (optional).
  9. White Socks*.
  10. Cleats* or Boots* (plastic or rubber studs).
  11. Blue, White or Grey Gloves (optional).

Main Alternate

Other Equipment

We would also recommend that you bring the following to Games:

  1. Change of clothes.
  2. Towel.
  3. Isotonic drink.
  4. Bottle of water.
  5. Food or Money.

Game Jersey Numbering System

1 9 / Head Coach’s Choice
10 to 19 / Quarterbacks & Receivers
20 to 29 / Running Backs & Defensive backs
30 to 39 / Running Backs & Defensive backs
40 to 49 / Running Backs & Tight Ends
50 to 59 / Offensive Line, Defensive Line & Linebackers.
60 to 69 / Offensive Line & Defensive Line
70 to 79 / Offensive Line & Defensive Line
80 to 89 / Receivers & Tight Ends
90 to 99 / Defensive Line & Linebackers

Please be aware that the club does not have every number from 1 to 99. Numbers will be determined on a first come first served basis and on theiravailability.

Pre-Game Dress Code

When you arrive to any Game (home or away) you are expected to wear ether team colours or team merchandise.

  1. Blue/Grey Team Top (T-shirt, Hoody or Jumper).
  2. Blue/Grey Tracksuit Bottoms or Team Shorts.

All of the items are available at our team shop, follow the link on our website.

The Club understands that you may not be able to afford some or all of these items. In this case we would ask that you wear a plain blue top and plain grey tracksuit bottoms or shorts.

Items marked with a * are mandatory, failure to wear them will result in you not playing!

The Selection Process

Selection Criteria

The coaching staff will follow a Selection Process to determinea player’s classification and game time. Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams players will be selected by their relevant Coordinators. You willbe assessed using the following criteria:

  1. Commitment(Attendance):

Your attendance percentage.

Your punctuality.

Any mitigating circumstances will be taken into account.

  1. Work Ethic:

How hard you work.

How much effort you put in.

Showing Respect to everyone.

  1. Positional Skills:

Talent at your position.

Strength and conditioning.

Knowledge of your position.

Decision making skills.

  1. Football Knowledge:

Knowledge of the playbook.

Ability to make reads and adjustments.

Understanding of the game rules.

Knowledge of tactics.

  1. Discipline:

Behaviour during all Club events.

Following all the rules set.

Difficult and challenging situations dealt with.

Listening to coaches and acting positively on that instruction.

  1. Attitude:

Positive attitude towards the coaching staff.

Positive attitude towards the management staff.

Positive attitude towards your team mates.

  1. Equipment and Uniform:

Correct equipment.

Clean and maintained equipment.

Correct uniform for a Padded practice.

Correct uniform for a Non-padded practice.

Correct Gameday uniform.

  1. Tactical(This will vary from Game to Game):

Do you give the team a tactical advantage.

  1. Finance

Up to date Subscription.

Up to date League fee.

Up to date Transport fee.

Up to date Post Season fee.

Payment plans adhered to.

If you are experiencing personal financial difficulties but are adhering to your payment plan, then you will pass this section of the criteria.

Classification of Players

Starter - A player who is selected to take the field first. Players who start will see a good percentage of Game Time

Rotational Player – A player who will rotate in on a regular or predetermined basis. Rotational players will see a fair amount of Game Time.

Back Up – A player who will back up the Starters and Rotational players. The Game Time for Back Ups will be at the discretion of the Coaching Staff.

Specialists – A player who will be used in certain situations for a specialist role. The Game Time will be at the discretion of Coaching Staff or specific to the position (Punters, Kickers, etc).

Team Leaders

The University of Birmingham Lions Juniors will be looking to appoint 4 Captains so the following positions will be available:

  • Team Captain(selected by Head Coach).
  • Offensive Captain(selected by Coordinator).
  • Defensive Captain(selected by Coordinator).
  • Special Teams Captain (selected by Coordinator).

To be selected for a Captaincy you must meet the following criteria:

Excellent Leadership skills.

Excellent decision making skills.

High attendance percentage.

High scores in the Selection Criteria.

Good tactical knowledge related to the Captaincy.

Attendance and Fee’s

Attendance

Your Attendance will be monitored very carefully throughout the season. A weekly total will be generated (you may ask for yours at any point) which is used as part of the selection process for game time and starting positions. Mitigating circumstances will be taken into account but these must be discussed with the Head Coach as soon as possible.

How to Let the Club Know

If you are unable to attend or you are going be late to a practice/game then you must follow the below procedures:

  1. Inform theGeneral Manager.
  2. Inform your Unit Coordinator(Offence/Defence).

To inform the clubany of the following methods can be used:

  • Phone Call.
  • Text Message.
  • Facebook.
  • Email.
  • Informed the General Manager and Coordinator at a previous practice or game.

Reasonable Notice

If you are unable to attend or you are going be late to a practice/game then you must let the club know a minimum of 24 hours prior to the designated start time.

What to do in Emergences

The club understands that emergencies can occur and prevent you from let the club know at the required time. In this case we would ask that you inform the General Manager as soon as possible.

The Attendance Strike System

Anyone that doesn't attend practice without informing the club will be given a strike. You will also be given a strike if you fail give the club reasonable notice (unless it is an emergency). If you get 3 strikes you are out and will be automatically cut from the team.

Season Fee’s

The cost for the year can be broken down into 4 parts:

  1. Your Club Subscription

This is the money you pay to the club, this covers the cost for Practice/Game venues, Ambulances (for games), Referees (for games), food (for games) and Equipment.

Season Fee - £145.00

You can pay this at £5.00 per week, £20.00 per month or £145.00 in full. Please speak to your General Manager for more information.

  1. League Registration Fee

To participate in games the National Leagues will ask you for a league registration fee. This fee is paid directly to the league. Your General manager will direct you on how to proceed.

Season Fee - £25.00

  1. Transport Fee’s(Regular Season)

For most Away Games we will travel by coach. The Fee for each game will vary depending on the amount of people and the distance travelled. Supporters are welcome on transport and are expected to pay the same fee as players.

Fee - Your General Manager will let you know of the exact amount closer to the events.

  1. Post Season Fee

Any post season games are not factored in to your subscription or Coach fees. Unfortunately we cannot predict where post season games will take place (apart from the National Final). The games could be at home, away or a mixture of both. In this case we will charge players per game.The fee will vary depending on its location.

Fee - Your General Manager will let you know of the exact amount closer to the events.

Please make your cheques payable to the University of Birmingham Lions American Football Programme.

Health and Physical Fitness

Improving Your Fitness Levels

In order to improve yourself as a player it is very important that you improve and maintain your fitness level. By doing so not only will you increase your abilities but you will also increase your enjoyment within the sport. There are three key areas in which you should look to make improvements:

Strength.

Speed and Agility.

Cardiovascular Level.

The University of Birmingham Lionsrecommends that you join a reputable gym and follow a programme suited to your position in American Football. Should you require any guidance on this please speak to a member of the coaching staff.

When using any gym it is important to follow its health and safety guidelines. Please make sure you read and follow all the safety instructions provided by that gym; failure to do so could result in serious injury.

Injuries

Unfortunately injuries can happen in sport but there are things you can do to help to reduce them.

  1. Stretching/Warming Up correctly before taking part in physical activity.
  2. Stretching frequently throughout the week.
  3. Correctly taping your Ankles and Wrists.
  4. Braces for key joints or areas such as Ankles, Wrists, Knees, Elbows and Backs.
  5. Good to high level of fitness.

If you are seen to be carrying an injury your participation maybe limited or even stopped. If you sustain an injury during Practice or Game please inform a member of staff immediately so an assessment can be made. If the injury is of a serious nature you maybe advised to visit a doctor or hospital.Should you sustain any injury outside of football please inform a member of staff.

If you are experiencing an injury period and can’t take a physical part in a practice or game you are still expected to attend. The only exception to this is if a doctor has advised you to rest your injury at home.

Alcohol and Substance Policy

The University of Birmingham Lions will not tolerate any consumption of alcohol or tobacco products on the pitch or designated sideline during any game or practice session, nor on coach transport to away games or events.