GHYFL
2012
Coaches
Handbook
Table of contents
1. GHYFL Board of Directors
2. Websites
3. Tryouts & Draft
4. Weigh-Ins
5. Rosters
6. Team Parent Meeting
7. Practice - Fields and Equipment
8. Equipment
9. Safety
10. Scrimmages
11. Fundraising
12. Team Parent
13. Field Preparation
14. Game Day Responsibilities
15. All-Stars
16. Hall of Fame Awards
17. FCYFL Code of Conduct
18. Background Investigation
19. FCYFL Coaching Registration
20. USA Football Certification
1) GHYFL Board of Directors
Individual contact information can be found on the GHYFL website
a) Commissioner, Gary Skeens
b) Vice Commissioner, Dean Mathews
c) Treasurer, Kelley Mahoney
d) Secretary, Vicki Benjamin
e) Equipment Manager, Rodney Cooper
f) Cheerleading Coordinator, Elisabeth Bryson
g) Fundraising, Laura Landrum
h) Operations, Matt Patterson
h) Coaching Coordinator, Drew Roberts
2) Websites
a) Gainesville Haymarket Youth Football League (GHYFL): grizzlyfootball.org
Contains important information and links specific to GHYFL.
b) Fairfax County Youth Football League (FCYFL): fcyfl.org
Contains important information and links about the entire league, including overall rules and
regulations.
3) Tryouts & Draft
a) AnkleBiter
Aug 6th-10th. Draft is on Friday, Aug 11, teams set for Monday practice. Location - Alvey
b) 75lb
Aug 6th-10th. Draft is on Friday, Aug 11, teams set for Monday practice. Location - GSC.
c) 85lb
Aug 6th-10th. Draft is on Saturday Aug 11, teams set for Monday practice. Location – GSC.
d) 95lb
Aug 6th-10th. Draft is on Saturday Aug 11, teams set for Monday practice. Location - GMS.
.e) 110 – 125
Aug 6th-10th. Draft is on Saturday Aug 11, teams set for Monday practice. Location – Tyler
4) Weigh-Ins
a) Weigh-in will be conducted on 8/11. This is a mandatory weigh-in for all players. Only players
concerned about making weight should be held out of this weigh-in.
b) Once you step on the scale, it is final. BE SURE.
c) GHYFL will have a scale available to pre-weigh any player that is close.
d) Use spotters to verify our scale is equal to their scales.
e) Only one coach is allowed to enter with the players.
f) Have all paperwork “signed by all parties” and in order. Players must remain quite and in line.
g) Late weigh-in dates will be held on 8/18 ($10), 8/25 ($20), 9/2 ($50) and 9/9 ($50). Late weigh-in
players must pay the fee to FCYFL. Players on weight progression do not need to pay the fee.
5) Rosters
a) All rosters must be submitted to the commissioner by (TBD) for submission to FCYFL for
approval.
b) Ankle Biter rosters must have actual weights of players as documented at weigh-in. All other
divisions should indicate max weight for age.
c) You will be notified when your roster has been approved and how to obtain it electronically. Print
enough copies for the season, you will need to have 2 copies for every game.
d) Any additions or subtractions after original approval must be resubmitted to GHYFL and FCYFL
for approval.
6) Team Parent Meeting
The following should be covered as soon as possible once teams have been selected.
a) Parking restrictions at your practice field and games.
b) Your practice attendance policy, habitual no-shows and/or late.
c) Parent involvement during the game.
d) Duties required by volunteers on Home games. (Snack bar (1), Chains (3), Parking (1), field setup
for 1st game and cleanup after last game)
e) Fundraising / Sponsorships
f) Weigh-ins and weight issues
g) Extra mouthpieces.
h) Safety, Hydration.
i) Equipment maintenance and issues.
j) Your expectations for the players and parents
k) Contact information and best method to communicate issues.
7) Practice - Fields and Equipment
a) General –
i) All teams will practice at their assigned locations and days for the duration of the season.
Changes in practice days and locations must be approved.
ii) All coaches will receive equipment for the season and must all be returned upon season
completion.
iii) Blocks and Tees will not be provided.
b) Tyler
i) No teams are allowed to practice on the main field. The main field can be used for special
teams work only; you must receive prior approval from Gary Skeens.
ii) Do not practice in the infield dirt of either softball field.
iii) Parking for parents and assistant coaches is limited to the parking lot. Only Head Coaches will
be allowed to park in the lot by the containers/snack bar.
iv) Obey all parking restrictions with regards to access for emergency vehicles.
v) Do not park in the Grass!!
c) Pace
i) The use and storage of lights must first be approved by Gary Skeens.
ii) Obey all parking restrictions with regards to access for emergency vehicles.
iii) Do not park in the Grass!!
d) Gainesville Middle
i) The use and storage of lights must first be approved by Gary Skeens.
ii) Obey all parking restrictions with regards to access for emergency vehicles.
iii) Do not park in the Grass!!
e) Alvey Elementary
i) The use and storage of lights must first be approved by Gary Skeens.
ii) Obey all parking restrictions with regards to access for emergency vehicles.
iii) Do not park in the Grass!!
f) Buckland Mills Elementary
i) The use and storage of lights must first be approved by Gary Skeens.
ii) Obey all parking restrictions with regards to access for emergency vehicles.
iii) Do not park in the Grass!!
8) Equipment (Player)
a) Pre-season
i) All Head Coaches will be required to assist in the distribution of player equipment.
ii)
iii) All exchanges after the start of practice must be done by either the Head Coach or an assistant.
Players or parents may not enter the containers for exchanges.
iv) All coaches will receive a repair kit for minor repairs for straps, snaps buckles etc...
v) Check proper fit of equipment routinely, especially new and younger players.
vi) When putting on helmet stickers it is highly recommended that all helmets be done by the same
person for uniformity.
vii) It is up to the team to put names on the jerseys if they so choose. The league will not pay to
have names on jerseys.
vii) Any stickers, except the Grizzly logos, MUST be removed before returning equipment. Use of
paper stickers is prohibited; only place decal quality stickers on helmets!!
b) In –Season maintenance/replacement (Coaches ONLY)
i) Contact Rodney Cooper
9) Safety
a) Coaches are responsible for the safety of all players and spectators.
b) On extremely hot days check the FCYFL website (www.FCYFL.org).We also need to follow
Prince William County high school heat advisory restrictions. Information will be posted on the
GHYFL website. Failure to obey could result in disciplinary actions.
c) Hydration – Keep your players hydrated during practices and games. In extremely hot weather
have frequent water breaks. Water break standards set by FCYFL must be followed during code
red and orange conditions.
i) Symptoms of Dehydration: If child becomes pale, dizzy, faints, or looks sick, remove them
from the sun if possible. Give them water slowly. If nausea occurs and they cannot take fluids,
call 911.
d) Mouthpiece – The mouthpiece serves two purposes. The most evident is protection of the teeth.
Secondly, a mouthpiece can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages,
loss of consciousness, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the
lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw.
i) Make sure your players have fitted mouthpieces.
ii) Make sure they cover all the teeth. Many players cut them short or chew them to the point they
are no longer effective.
iii) During games, referees have been known to not allow a player to play because their
mouthpiece was too small. Be prepared, have extra on hand. Grizzly Den usually has them for
$2.00.
e) Tackling Fundamentals – Ensure you go over proper tackling fundamentals with every player
regardless of experience!
f) Concussions – Be cognizant of symptoms!!. If any symptoms are apparent, keep the player out of
practice and inform the parents. Encourage the family to seek professional medical attention.
i) Symptoms – Loss of consciousness after any trauma to the head, confusion, headache, nausea
or vomiting, blurred vision and loss of short-term memory (you may not remember the actual
injury and some time before and after the impact).
ii) Seek immediate treatment if: vomiting more than once after a head injury, prolonged
confusion, extreme drowsiness, weakness or inability to walk, severe headache, loss of
memory of the event (amnesia), perseverating (saying the same thing over and over).
iii) GHYFL follows the procedures outlined in the CDC’s “Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports
initiative”. Coaches should familiarize themselves with the information on their website
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/youth.html
iv) All coaches, head and assistants, are required to take the online concussion training course
provided by the CDC. To take the course, use the following link;
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/online_training.html
h) Do’s and Don’ts
i) Do:
(1) Carry your first-aid kit to all practices and games.
(2) Reassure and aid children who are injured.
(3) Provide immediate medical attention to the child.
(4) Remember to:
(a) LOOK for signs of injury (blood, black-and-blue marks, deformity of limb or joint,
etc..)
(b) LISTEN to the injured describe what happened and what hurts.
(c) FEEL the injured are carefully for signs of swelling, or grating of broken bones.
(5) Have all players medical release forms with you at all times
(6) Call emergency personnel if needed.
ii) Don’t:
(1) Administer any medication.
(2) Provide any food or beverages (other than water).
(3) Hesitate in giving aid when needed.
(4) Be afraid to ask for help when unsure of what to do (i.e. CPR)
(5) Allow the child back on the field until the bleeding has stopped.
(6) Transport injured ballplayers except in extreme emergencies.
(7) Hesitate to report any potential safety hazards to board members.
10) Scrimmages
a) Pre-season scrimmages can be set up with other clubs by going to the Fairfax county website
(www.fcyfl.org) and selecting the Member Clubs link. Contact information can be found there for
the various teams for the weight class needed. If not listed contact their commissioner for the
information.
b) Scrimmages between different weight divisions is forbidden by FCYFL.
11) Fundraising / Sponsorships
Laura Landrum Coordinator
a) All coaches are required to get a $500 sponsor for their team! Sponsor information is available on
the GHYFL website.
b) All teams and players are required to participate in Grizzly fundraising efforts.
c) You will be notified of Grizzly Day and Gala events, both are mandatory for coaches to attend.
Encourage maximum participation from players and families.
12) Team Parent
You need to identify your team parent immediately after receiving your team. Many activities they
will be assisting you with, start prior to the first game when you are the busiest. Having a good team
parent is extremely important in assisting the head coach with all of the team/league coordination.
Although you are ultimately responsible, the team parent can assist you in the following activities.
a) Snack schedule
b) Contact lists
c) Parking volunteer schedule. One (1) volunteer at home games only. Volunteer needs to report 10
minutes before the start of the game prior to yours.
d) Snack bar schedule. Two (2) volunteers at home games only (depending on assigned field).
Volunteer needs to report 10 minutes before the start of the game prior to yours.
d) Chain Crew. Three (3) volunteers at home games only (Volunteer needs to report 10 minutes
before the start of your game.)
e) Fundraising
f) Pictures. Team and individual pictures will take place (TBD.) They will be scheduled to avoid
conflicts with games.
g) End-of-season party
h) Coordinate Cheerleaders, for games and party.
13) Field Preparation/Maintenance
a) Painting – Head coaches may be asked to assist in field preparation, maintenance and painting.
b) Wear and Tear – If you notice our practice or game fields are getting torn up in some areas please
move to an alternate spot on the field and contact the coaching coordinator.
14) Game Day Responsibilities
a) Field Commissioner
All Head Coaches will be asked to act as the field commissioner on weekends they are scheduled
to have home games. Assistant coaches may fill in but it is the responsibility of the Head Coach.
The field commissioner is responsible for setting up and breaking down the field, reporting scores,
ensuring clean-up and handling any issues at the fields. Further details and schedules will be sent
out closer to the start of the season.
b) Coach
i) The Head Coach is responsible for the actions of all players and parents on the sidelines.
Players on the sideline and parents should not communicate with game officials for any reason.
If you experience a problem please get the Field Commissioner and notify the Board if
necessary.
ii) Have all required paperwork for players. Paperwork provided to you after the official weigh-in
must be in your possession for each game.
iii) Formal Roster(s). Two copies must be submitted each game.
iv) Chain Gang for Home Games. Three (3) volunteers needed.
v) Meet with other Head Coach for warm-up arrangements.
vi) Report scores for home games. Scores are reported on the FCYFL site. Instructions will be sent
out closer to the start of the season.
vii) If you are the first home team on the field you must show up early and assist in setting the
field up. If you are the last home team on the field you must assist in taking it down and
cleaning up trash.
15) All-Stars
a) Ankle Biters – The Route 66 Bowl will be played between the Vienna and Gainesville Ankle
Biters. Coaches will nominate players at the end of the season. The number of players from each
team will be determined by the Board on a yearly basis based upon the number of Ankle Biter
teams.
b) All others – There are no all-stars for other weight classes. American Division Champions will
play in the Metro Bowl.
16) Hall of Fame Awards
a) Each Head Coach is required to nominate at least one player for the FCYFL Hall of Fame Award.
This award is for both on-the-field and off-the-field accomplishments. Off-the-field
accomplishments such as community service or academic awards should constitute a higher value
than on-the-field accomplishments.
b) Get to know your players and what they do outside of football. Start early.
c) This is a great honor for those nominated; please give it some careful thought and preparation.
d) Coaches can also be nominated by parents and/or other coaches.
17) Background Investigation
a) Every coach, head and assistants, must complete a background investigation via ncsisafe.com. The
head coach is responsible for ensuring all assistant coaches submit a background investigation.
b) Go to https://www.ncsisafe.com/members/SelfRegBatchCode.aspx.
c) Enter ‘81116420’ for your self registration id number.
d) Enter the other requested information and submit.
e) If you have any problems, please contact the Coaching Coordinator
18) FCYFL Coaching Registration and Code of Conduct
a) Each coach, head and assistants, must register with FCYFL. Coaches who are not registered are
not allowed to be on the sidelines during games. The head coach is responsible for ensuring all
assistant coaches register with FCYFL.
b) Go to fcyfl.com and click “Coaching Registration”.
c) If there is more than one team at your Weight Class and Division, ensure you know what team
number you are prior to registering. (For example: 75 American Team 1, AB 3 etc.)
d) If you have any problems, please contact the Coaching Coordinator
19) USA Football Certification
a) Each coach, head and assistants, must get certified through USA Football (http://usafootball.com/).
b) The promo code for payment is FCGYF2012. This promo code is case sensitive!
c) All costs for coach’s one year memberships will be paid by the league. Information on registering
with USA Football will be sent out prior to the season starting.
d) Once you are certified, print out the certificate and keep it with you on the sidelines. FCYFL will
be checking and removing coaches who do not have their certifications with them.
e) Certifications are good for 2 years. Ensure yours is current by logging on to the website and
checking.
f) If you have any problems, please contact the Coaching Coordinator
20) Cheerleading Squads
a) Because the number of registered cheerleaders is significantly less than the number of registered
football players, not all football teams receive a cheerleading squad. Teams most likely to receive
a cheer squad are those where a player has a sister that is a registered cheerleader. If you would
like to request that a cheer squad be assigned to your team, please contact Alicia Canestra
at [email protected].
b) Cheerleaders are an important part of the Grizzly Organization and Head Coaches should ensure
they are included in team functions as much as possible.