HEGEWISCH BULLDOGS
2014
PARENT/CHILD
INFORMATION HANDBOOK
VISIT US AT OUR WEBSITE – HEGEWISCHBULLDOGS.COM
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BULLDOGS FOOTBALL AND CHEERLEADING PROGRAM
The Hegewisch Bulldogs Organization is a non-profit organization formed to provide area youth with the opportunity to participate in football and cheerleading. Our goals are to promote and instill self-confidence, good sportsmanship, camaraderie and physical and mental development while learning the techniques of football and cheerleading.
Mandatory Family/Volunteer Participation
In order to accomplish our goals, we rely on the assistance of parent volunteers. Therefore, we have a mandatory family/volunteer participation system. There is a deposit in the amount of $75.00, refundable at the end of the season if you have completed the mandatory requirements.
In order to receive your deposit back, each family is required to perform at least four (4) volunteer assignments during the season. There are no “half” refunds. Listed are some of the family/volunteer options we are considering for this season. Please keep in mind, they are subject to change:
Attend a meeting (1 mandatory)Field set up
Concession standField take down/clean up
Tag Day (mandatory)Split-the-pot
Scoreboard operatorBake sale table
Spirit wear TableChain gang
All parents and fans are asked to help keep our field clean before, during and after all practices and games. Please do your part and dispose of all trash properly.
Your child’s sense of achievement will be heightened if he/she has your support. We encourage you to come to practices, as well as the games, to see your child’s progress.
Team Parents
Team parents are an important part of our coaching support staff. Two team parents are needed for each team/squad. At least one team parent must be present at each practice and game. These parents are responsible for taking attendance, handing out notes, collecting paperwork, and making necessary phone calls. Team parents will work closely with the Executive Board and coaches to keep the line of communication flowing.
Fees/Registration
Football:$150.00 (includes jersey & sponsor t-shirt)
Cheerleading:$125.00 (includes sponsor t-shirt and some competitions)
*each football player is to pay a refundable equipment fee in the amount of $25.00.
**each cheerleader is to pay a refundable uniform fee in the amount of $25.00.
***each family is to pay a refundable participation fee in the amount of $75.00.
Homecoming Raffle
As a way to help keep registration costs down, we require each football player and cheerleader to sell 100 raffle tickets for $1.00 each (total tickets are reduced with multiple children).
This is our only mandatory fundraiser. We may do other fundraisers, but this is the only one that is mandatory for each family.
All raffle ticket money is due on or before our first game of the season. If not turned in, your child may not play until ticket money is received.
Tag Day
Tag day is a mandatory event needed to receive your family participation fee back. It is usually held on Friday and Saturday, and only minimal service is required (date TBA). All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Homecoming
Homecoming will be scheduled after we receive the game schedule from the Metro Youth Football League. We try to plan events to make this a special weekend for the kids. Events may include a pep rally, bonfire, party, crowning of a king and queen for each level, parade, and special performances by cheerleaders. This is usually a weekend-long event, so please be prepared!!
Awards Banquet
After all the games are played and the season is just a memory, we have our year-end banquet to recognize the achievements of all the football and cheerleading participants. Reservations are required for this banquet. We will send home reservation request forms along with associated cost information later in the season. Banquet seating is determined on a first come, first served basis.
Hegewisch Bulldogs Spirit Wear
We offer a special collection of Bulldogs logo items at all home games and also during most practices. Some items may require pre-orders (jackets, jerseys, etc.).
Website/Notes
The Hegewisch Bulldogs website will be updated throughout the year with important information, games, schedules, maps, etc. The URL is hegewischbulldogs.com. Notes will also be sent home on a regular basis by each team. All information regarding activities, games, schedules, weigh-ins, etc. will be handed out after practice by the team parent. Please double check with your child if he/she has any notes. If your child misses a practice, please ask the team parent if they missed any information. We also have a Facebook page that is updated regularly and gives you an opportunity to post your own pictures, voice your opinion (please be respectful), cheer on your team, etc. Please friend us on the Hegewisch Bulldogs Facebook page.
Injuries
1.Any child sustaining injuries that require medical attention must have a signed doctor’s release to participate in practices or games for the current season. This release must be turned in to the Player Agent.
2.Any child who contracts an infectious disease (other than a cold or the flu) during a football season must have a signed doctor’s release to participate in practices and games. This release must be turned in to the Player Agent.
3.It is the responsibility of the parents to contact the Player Agent to obtain league medical forms in the event that there’s an injury during a Hegewisch Bulldogs game, practice or event. This should be done immediately following the injury and before the end of the season.
4.The Hegewisch Bulldogs medical insurance is a secondary insurance. Our medical insurance only pays part of your “out of pocket” cost.
*Due to safety concerns, league regulations and insurance requirements, no one except the players, coaches, board members and board authorized personnel will be allowed on the field at Hegewisch Bulldogs games. Parents are not allowed in the roped off area with players and coaches at ANY time during a game.
FOOTBALL PLAYER, CHEERLEADER, PARENT/FAN AND COACHES
CODE OF CONDUCT
THE FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT OF ZERO TOLERANCE AND VIOLATION IMPLICATIONS:
Football Player Code of Conduct
Any violations will be dealt with on a case to case basis. Written notice on first violation will be enforced. Depending on the violation, the second infraction may result in a season or lifetime ejection from the organization. However, ejection on the first violation may also occur. No refunds will be issued by the organization if ejection occurs. Other ramifications may include game(s) suspension and/or physical exercise.
*All violation procedures will be overseen by the Executive Board.
1.No arguing/disrespecting the coaching staff at any time.
2.No arguing/disrespecting teammates or opposing players.
3.All football players shall demonstrate good sportsmanship at all practices, games and Hegewish Bulldogs events.
4.No gang signs, conduct or apparel of any kind allowed near practice, games and Hegewisch Bulldogs events,
5.No foul language during practice, games or Hegewisch Bulldogs events.
6.No fighting or undesired physical contact of any kind. This includes horseplay, spitting and any other solicited or unsolicited acts of violence.
7.During the football season, you are a Hegewisch Bulldog on and off the field. Any violation at any time will reflect on our organization. Please follow all rules on and off the field. You can be reprimanded by the Hegewisch Bulldogs for acts outside of practice, games and events.
8.Smoking, alcohol and tobacco is prohibited. Coaches and team parents will not be allowed to smoke/drink around the players. Players caught smoking/drinking will be dismissed from the Hegewisch Bulldogs.
Cheerleader Code of Conduct
Misconduct as listed below will lead to a parent conference. In the event the problem persists, the cheerleader may be dismissed from the organization with Executive Board approval.
1.Cheerleaders are first and foremost Hegewisch Bulldogs Cheerleaders.
2. Respect the sport of cheerleading, your coaches, yourself and your teammates.
3.All cheerleaders shall demonstrate ladylike behavior and good sportsmanship at all practices, games and Hegewisch Bulldogs events.
4.Disputes between girls, coaches, team parents or parents are not to interfere with practices/games. All problems will be handled by the coach away from the other cheerleaders.
5.Any cheerleader creating problems, disrupting a squad, exhibiting a poor attitude, not giving her all and/or fostering a poor attitude in others will be dealt with immediately.
6.Be polite and attentive when watching routines of opposing teams at the field and at competitions.
7.Cheerleaders not willing to participate in practice will wait out the remainder of the practice. Continued unwillingness to participate will result in a suspension from the upcoming game. The cheerleader will be required to attend the game in full uniform and sit with their team parent or coaches.
8.Foul language or gestures will not be tolerated. No hitting or pushing will be tolerated. These types of behavior will result in immediate suspension for the next game and possibly from the organization.
9.Smoking, alcohol and tobacco are prohibited. Coaches and team parents will not be allowed to smoke/drink around cheerleaders.
10.Stunting is allowed during scheduled practices and games in indicated areas as specified by coaches ONLY.
Parents and cheerleaders, if at any time you feel you have a problem or feel you are being treated unfairly; the following steps need to be taken
1.Notify team parent/coach. If matter remains unsolved, then
2.Notify the Cheerleading Moderator. If still unresolved, then
3.Contact the Hegewisch Bulldogs Executive Board.
Parent/Fan Code of Conduct
The Hegewisch Bulldogs Organization has a zero tolerance approach to parental and adult inappropriate behavior at any Bulldogs practice, game or event. Verbal or physical violence will simply not be tolerated. The Hegewisch Bulldogs reserve every right to impose a seasonal or lifetime ban on any parent/adult who cannot adhere to sociable and positive behavior. Again, no refunds will be issued in these cases.
1.Absolutely no negative verbal exchanges with players (even your own child), coaches, referees or any other league/team officials.
2.Fighting, physical violence or verbal threats/comments will not be tolerated.
Disciplinary actions for violations are as follows:
1.First violation: Parent/fan ejected from the premises.
2.Second violation: Parent/fan ejection for the remainder of the football season.
3.Third violation: Ejection of the parent/fan AND related children from the team and league for the remainder of the football season.
Coaches Code of Conduct
1.To teach and instruct players/cheerleaders in strict adherence of objectives to promote and instill self-confidence, good sportsmanship, camaraderie and physical and mental development while learning the techniques of football and cheerleading.
2.To attend practices and games on time or make provisions to have suitable replacement personnel attending in your place.
3.To always remember that you are instructing young athletes and your instruction must be geared to youth in regards to language and physical instruction.
4.To teach the game of football in a tough manner without instructing purposeful injuring plays or “loop holing” rules of play.
5.To adhere to the by-laws of the Hegewisch Bulldogs Organization and Chicago Park District usage rules in regards to traffic, field usage and alcohol/tobacco usage. This also applies to other parks and facilities that we may visit while on the road.
6.To always try to be a positive influence on those we instruct and make their time in our program a fun and enjoyable experience.
7.To always give each child a fair shot at each position on the team or squad. Just because your son/daughter is on the team or squad, they may not deserve the best positions or the most playing time.
8.To be knowledgeable of the current playbook that this organization operates under and teach these plays to the participants.
REMEMBER – RESPECT YOURSELF, YOUR TEAMMATES, YOUR COACHES, YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR COMMUNITY IN A POSITIVE MANNER AT ALL TIMES. ALWAYS DEMONSTRATE AND MAINTAIN GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP!!
BULLDOGS FOOTBALL POLICIES
Mission Statement
The mission of the Hegewisch Bulldogs Organization is to teach children ages 7-14 the basics and fundamentals of football while promoting self-confidence, good sportsmanship, camaraderie and physical and mental development. Pee-wee through Junior Varsity play in a competitive environment, while the Super Pee-wee level focuses on development.
Eligibility
1.All boys must be 7 years old by November 15th of the current year. Players cannot have reached their 15th birthday before November 15th or be in the 9th grade.
2.Registration is on a first come, first served basis, with alumni receiving priority, so that as many children as possible can participate. A waiting list will be established after maximum registration is reached at each level. The maximum shall be determined by the Executive Board each year.
3.Players must show proof of age by submitting an original birth certificate. (If prior year player, we should have a copy.) A copy of the birth certificate will be kept on file with the Player Agent, and will bear the Metro League seal. This is a league requirement. If we do not have your birth certificate, the player will not be able to weigh-in, therefore, they will not be able to play.
Team Placement
The Metro Youth League regulates the teams. Age and weight classifications are strictly enforced as follows:
Super Pee-wee – 7 and 8 year olds ...... up to 85 lbs
Pee-wee – 9 and 10 year olds...... up to 100 lbs
Widget – 11 and 12 years olds...... up to 125 lbs
Junior Varsity – 13 and 14 year olds...... up to 155 lbs
*Note: age is determined by the child’s age as of November 15th of the current year.
Official Weigh-In
There will be three (3) official league weigh-ins that the football players may be required to attend. The first weigh-in will be before the first regular season game and is mandatory. If a child does not make weight for his level, there will be a second weigh-in before the second game of the season. The third weigh-in is for the players who were within five (5) pounds of the level limit. This weigh-in is usually held around the sixth or seventh game of the season, before playoffs.
1.Each player must wear his current year game jersey to the weigh-in, shorts and gym shoes. We will be fined if this is not followed.
2.It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure that the child attends the official weigh-in on time. Failure to attend the weigh-in may result in game suspensions or being dropped completely from the roster. This is a league rule. No refunds will be issued. The team parent or coach will let you know dates and times.
3.No child can be moved to a team that exceeds his age or weight classification, unless he has permission from his parent and the Executive Board. A mutual decision as to what is best for the player will discussed. Sometimes players are needed to play up. They may do so with parent’s permission only.
4.The Hegewisch Bulldogs Organization does not condone any severe weight loss methods.
5.Players not making weight (being over the maximum for the team they are rostered on) at the first or second weigh-in will have the opportunity to play on the next level up with parent’s permission and Executive Board approval.
6.Any Junior Varsity player not making weight (155 lbs) by the second weigh-in will be removed from the roster and required to turn in his equipment.
Participation
1.A player cannot be dropped from a team for any reason unless there is Executive Board approval.
2.Attendance at practices is considered mandatory. If your child cannot make practice, make sure the team parent or coach is contacted at least 1 hour before practice begins.
3.All participants are required to attend Friday practices (or the last practice before a game). Unexcused absences will be addressed in the following method:
Football players cannot participate in the opening series of the game. For offensive players this would mean the first offensive series. For defensive players this would mean the first defensive series. For players playing both ways this would mean no participation in both the first offensive and defensive series.
4.Attendance will be taken at all practices and games.
5.Habitual tardiness will also be tracked and will count as an unexcused absence.
6.Each parent must sign a Bulldogs parent/player code of participation form stating that they have read and agreed to this code of participation. The Pee-wee through Junior Varsity levels are competitive and playing time is earned (2 play series minimum). The Super Pee-wee level will emphasize development of skill and strive to have a consistent rotation of players during the games.