East Chatham Charger
Youth Football and
Cheerleading
Guidelines
www.eastchathamchargers.com
East Chatham Charger Youth Football and Cheerleading Guidelines
Welcome to ECC Youth Football and Cheerleading
Our league belongs to the Central Piedmont Youth Football League and has been in existence for
over 15 years. East Chatham Youth Football and Cheerleading League is a non profit
organization that was founded on the principles of helping children build character and develop
mentally and physically through the fundamentals of athletics and team sports. The East
Chatham Charger Organization works with children from ages 5 to 15. The league has about two
hundred children participating in both football and cheerleading yearly in our league.
The East Chatham Organization is run entirely by volunteers who spend not only the football
season, but also most of the year preparing for the season events. With the exception of a
small grant from the Chatham County Recreation Department, we are self-funded. We raise
needed funds through registration fees, gate admissions, merchandise, and concession sales to
pay for player's equipment, uniforms, field use and maintenance, referee fees, storage and
more.
We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all of those who have supported the
East Chatham Chargers and participate in our league and to welcome anyone that is new. We
always have a lot of fun on our teams and enjoy the spirit of competition and teamwork.
How we keep it safe, fun and fair:

Kids complete with kids of similar age and size. Our youth football league sets and
enforces a strict age/weight matrix that reduces risk of injuries.

Did you know that youth football is safer than soccer? According to the U.S. Consumer
Safety Commission, youth football has fewer serious injuries than youth soccer.

ECC football and cheerleading has strict rules and guidelines for protecting the safety of
our kids. Our rules require that every participating child plays in every game. See our
website for a complete and detailed description of our rules.

ECC provides camps for both football and cheerleading every year to help teach
fundamentals.

ECC coaches attend professional clinics to enhance knowledge of the game
Visit our web site: www.eastchathamchargers.com
www.eastchathamchargers.com
ECC Parent/Volunteer Code of Conduct
By signing your child up to participate in ECC sports, you have agreed to the following:
Standards for Volunteer Coaches & Board Members and Parent Code of Conduct
The East Chatham Community Football League may deny any person the right to coach or be a participant based on the following:
• Any felony conviction within the last fifteen (15) years.
• Any serious misdemeanor conviction [class A1 and 1] within the last ten (10) years (for example: larceny, assault on female, injury to
real property, etc).
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, please note that the following are specifically noted as reasons to deny an individual the right to coach:
• Any narcotic drug law offense within the last ten (10) years.
• Two or more alcohol related convictions within the last ten (10) years.
• Violation of domestic abuse or child abuse laws.
• Any charge involving an offense committed against the welfare of a juvenile.
• Conviction of an offense related to sex or sexual misconduct.
• Aberrant behavior that presents a potential danger to self and others.
FOR BACKGROUND CHECK: Information is requested on coaches & board members letter of application
1. Full Name (First, Middle, Last, including Jr., III, etc) Proper spelling, include hyphenated last names, maiden names, etc.
2. Date of Birth, 3. Race and Sex , 4. Social Security Number
NOTES:
• A potential coach or board member with a charge in which a prayer for judgment has been entered may be approved to coach (but will be
evaluated on a case-by-case basis).
• A potential coach or board member with a pending charge will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• A potential coach or board member with a charge that has been dismissed or in which the coach or board member has been found not guilty
will not be denied a volunteer slot on the basis of that dismissal or not guilty verdict.
PLAYER, PARENT, COACH, SPECTATOR, UMPIRES AND ANYONE INVOLVED WITH YOUTH ATHLETIC LEAGUE
SPORTSMANSHIP CODE OF CONDUCT
I understand that my responsibilities as a youth guardian are of great importance and that my actions have the potential to significantly influence
the youth athletes whom I am involved with. Therefore, I promise to uphold the following right of young athletes to the best of my ability.
Right to participate in sports
Right to participate at a level commensurate with each child’s maturity and ability
Right to have qualified adult leadership
Right to play as a child and not as an adult
Right of children to share in the leadership and decision-making of their sport participation
Right to participate in safe and healthy environments
Right to proper preparation for participation in sports.
Right to an equal opportunity to strive for success
Right to be treated with dignity
Right to have fun in Sports.
I also promise to conduct myself in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Coaches, parents, spectators as given next.
I will treat each player, opposing coach, official, parent, and administrator with respect and dignity.
I will do my best to learn the fundamental skills, teaching and evaluation techniques, strategies of my sport.
I will become thoroughly familiar with the rules of my sport.
I will become familiar with the objectives of the youth sport’s program with which I am affiliated. I will strive to achieve these objectives and
communicate them to my players and their parents.
I will uphold the authority of officials who are assigned to the contests in which I coach, and I will assist them in every way to conduct fair and
impartial competitive contests.
I will learn the strengths and weaknesses of my players so that I might place them into situation where they have an active participation.
I will communicate to my players and their parents the rights and responsibilities of individuals on our team.
I will cooperate with the administrator of our organization in the enforcement of rules and regulations and I will report any irregularities that
violate sound competitive practices.
I will protect the health and safety of my players by insisting that all of the activities under my control be conducted for their psychological and
sociological welfare, rather than for the vicarious interest of adults.
I will be responsible for assistant coaches/helpers and parents of my players.
With my signature, which I voluntarily affix to this contract, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to fulfill the promises made
herein. I also agree to obey the Code of Conduct. Failure to abide to this contract may result in the dismissal of your involvement or presence at
any recreation facility or where any recreation games or practices are taking place.
I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or board members of the organization, Written warning, Parental game and/or practice suspension with written
documentation of incident(s).
www.eastchathamchargers.com
1. Registration Requirements:
Only new players and cheerleaders must provide a COPY of their birth certificate. Birth
certificates must contain the county/state seal of birth state. Hospital and other birth
mementos cannot be accepted. Returning participant’s birth certificates are kept on file
from the previous year therefore, returning participants do not have to provide another
copy. Copies of the birth certificates will be maintained in a confidential file as long as a
child is participating in our program.
An updated (within the last year) physical is required with a doctor’s signature in order
for your child to participate.
All documentation is due NO LATER than close of registration, August 3rd. Talk to a
coach or a board member if there is a problem in obtaining required documents and if
there is financial concern.
Payment in full is required by registration close-out, no exceptions.
2. Financial Assistance:
ECC will does provide scholarship options for those that cannot pay fees in full. Families
receiving financial assistance are expected to volunteer in the organization for a minimum
of 8 hours during the season, such as concessions, field help, fundraisers, etc.
Scholarships are limited and are voted on by the board for approval. Please visit our
website for the application or see a board member for further information.
3. Refund Policy:
All registrations fees are non-refundable. If there is a special circumstance that we
need to consider, a request must be made in writing and presented to a board member.
Contact information is located on our website.
4. Football Practice:
July 30th is the start of our season. Flag –1 ½ hrs 3 days a week while school is not in
session, and 2 days per week once school is in session. Tackle- 2 hrs, with a 15 minute
rest period: 4 days a week while school is not in session and 3 days per week once school
is in session. Practice sessions shall not exceed the weekly and evening termination limits
as specified. All sessions shall end no later than 9:30pm. During the summer, practice will
be Monday-Thursday, unless otherwise decided by the coach of your team. See the
cheer section of this document for their practice schedules.
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5. Weather Policy:
Regarding practice in inclement weather, always assume practice is “on”. Cancellations will
be made AT the field unless you receive prior notification from your coach or a board
member. In the event of threatening thunderstorms during any practice, the coach
should immediately stop practice and see that all players are secure inside a building, if
available, or an automobile, never under trees or open shelters. Regarding game day
inclement weather, a coach or organizer AT the game site shall decide as soon as
possible, prior to kickoff time, whether a scheduled game shall be postponed and call the
visiting team if necessary.
6. Games:
A game schedule will be provided as soon as it is received from the Central Piedmont
League. Games are played on Saturdays and the first game is the first weekend in
September. Games are played every Saturday through the end of October, unless a bye
is shown on the schedule. All players should be at the playing field 45 minutes prior to
kick-off, unless otherwise instructed by the coach. Play-offs and championship games
will be announced later. Home games are played at Northwood High School. No animals
or coolers are allowed at home games. ** There is a small admission fee for everyone
entering the gate to watch the game, except for players, cheerleaders, coaches and
trainers.
7. Attendance:
Football and cheerleading are team sports! Absences make it very difficult for coaches
to plan for their team. Be at the field on time for BOTH practices and games! Special
commitments must be brought to the attention of the coach well in advance. Unexcused
absences may result in coach’s discretion of appropriate consequence.
8. Dress:
Participants must wear comfortable, not baggy clothing for practice. T-shirts, shorts,
and rubber cleats are fine (tennis shoes for cheerleaders). Uniforms will ONLY be worn
for games, except for wearing jerseys/cheer uniforms on game day at his/her school.
Football uniforms are loaned to you and must be kept in good condition. Parents will pay
for any ruined and/or un-returned uniform piece. All uniforms MUST be returned at
the end of the season. For safety reasons, NO jewelry is allowed during practice or
games (unless a medical bracelet is doctor approved).
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9. Conduct:
There will be no profanity allowed on the field, bench or in the bleachers during the
season: offenders will be subject to suspension from the parks and/or field for the
remainder of the season. No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products will be allowed on
the field. Disagreements will be brought to the attention of the head coach or a board
member. Good sportsmanship and being a team player is expected from every participant!
Poor conduct, lack of respect towards coaches and team members will result in removal
from the team. Any player or coach who is put out of a game because of unsportsmanlike
conduct will forfeit his right to participate in the remainder of said game and the next
scheduled game and may be subject to further disciplinary action including suspension
from the league. On the second offense, said individual will forfeit his right to
participate in any further games this current season.
10. Transportation:
Parents are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from games and
practices. Inform a coach of any transportation problems. Coaches are not responsible
for transportation unless prearranged well in advance. PARENTS MUST PICK UP
THEIR CHILDREN PROMPLTLY AT THE END OF PRACTICES AND GAMES!
11. Fundraisers:
ECC is a non-profit organization and relies heavily on fundraisers to provide safe and
adequate equipment and facilities to run our program to benefit your child. We ask that
all players and cheerleaders participate in all fundraisers. We ask everyone to provide
their fair share of support to our fundraising activities, which is mostly concession time.
More information will be provided as fundraisers are organized.
12. Volunteers:
Parents are expected to support their children and their team. Time helping in the
concession stand, with the fields, helping with phone calls, assisting with equipment, etc.
are just a few ways you can support our organization and your child. Every little bit helps.
For those families receiving financial assistance, we do require a parent or guardian to
give at least 8 hours of volunteer time. See a board member for assignments.
www.eastchathamchargers.com
13. Football Uniforms:
Uniforms are specially ordered for each team and are very expensive. Football equipment
issued ensures the safety of your child and is property of ECC. Participants are allowed
to wear their jersey tops and/or cheerleading uniform to school to promote spirit for
their team and our organization on game days only. Correct footwear is also required.
Heavy sneakers and sandals are not allowed for football, only rubber cleats. Sneakers
are required for cheerleading. You may purchase your own equipment, but it must meet
our league’s regulation requirements.
14. PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF ANY FOOTBALL UNIFORM PIECE
THAT IS RUINED, LOST, PERMANENTLY STAINED OR ALTERED.
We do realize accidents happen, but uniforms must be maintained in good condition.
Uniforms must be returned WASHED AND CLEANED at the end of the season. See
section below on uniform care. Parents/guardians agree to return all gear issued to the
player within 14 days of the player’s last game. Failure to return the player’s gear will
result in a $350 charge. By signing the registration, parent/guardians further agrees to
pay all legal costs and fees incurred by ECC in attempting to retrieve the player’s gear.
This is very important! Return the gear promptly and in good condition at the end of
the season, otherwise there will be penalties.
15. Football Uniform Requirements:
Your child will be issued a helmet, mouthpiece, chinstrap, various pads, game jerseys and
game pants, practice pants, and socks. (Flag team will be issued jersey and mouthpiece).
You will be required to purchase rubber cleats. Metal spikes are not allowed. Athletic
cups are not required, but recommended.
16. Football Equipment and Uniform Care:
See the equipment manager or your coach if there are any problems or concerns with
equipment issued. Remember – parents will pay for any uniform/equipment piece that is
damaged or not returned.
Helmets, Chinstraps, Mouthpieces:
-
Do not replace the facemask on your own
-
Do not apply any stickers, labels, decorations, etc. on your helmet
-
Bandanas/hair beads may not be worn under helmets
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-
Chinstraps must be snapped at all times to the helmet
-
Mouthpieces must be attached to the facemask (except Flag). One mouthpiece
will be supplied. You may purchase another just to be safe. Mouthpieces are
NOT returned to ECC.
Shoulder pads, thigh pads, knee pads, socks:
-
The pads may be wiped with a wet cloth – do NOT put them in a dryer
-
Socks are not returned. Socks are part of the uniform and must be worn during
the games.
Pants/Jerseys:
-
Wash often in cold or warm water. DO NOT use chlorine bleach.
-
Jerseys should be air dried, but may be dried in dryer on low heat.
-
Do not cut, or alter your jersey or pants for any reason. If there is a problem
with fitting, see the equipment manager or coach.
17. Parent Concerns/Questions:
Concerns should be discussed first with the head coach of your child’s team. If your
concerns are still not answered, then speak with a member of the ECC board. We want to
know your opinions and concerns in order to provide a better program and environment
for your child. According to the Central Piedmont League rules, a player is guaranteed a
mandatory minimum number of 4 plays during each game. Coaches may suspend a player
from any activity due to medical or disciplinary reasons as well as poor attendances at
practices. Coaches will advise parents/guardians of any suspensions.
18. Web Site:
Our web site will contain information about schedules, games, events, notices, etc. Make
sure you check frequently for updates. If you object to having your child’s photo on our
website, please notify us as soon as possible. If you do not notify us, we assume you have
no objection. www.eastchathamchargers.com
www.eastchathamchargers.com
19. Game Rules:
A complete listing of all game rules are on our website. Please familiarize yourself with
these rules and print a copy if you need to. A lot of specific information is included and
would reduce the number of questions to coaches if you read these in detail before our
first practice.
20. End of Year Celebrations:
It is our goal to plan an organization-wide celebration for all players, cheerleaders and
direct family to celebrate your child’s season accomplishments. We anticipate doing this
the first or second week of November and will let you know as soon as it is planned. We
will provide food, give out team trophies and collect all final equipment during this time.
21. Board of Directors:
Joe Atwater
jatwater2@nc.rr.com
919-357-8815
Sireatta Atwater
Secretary
jatwater2@nc.rr.com
919-357-8815
Mindy Gill
Sponsorship Coordinator
mojogill@aol.com
919-545-9741
Shawn Harris
President
eccfootball@hotmail.com
Rich Kosut
Equipment Manager
rjkosut@hotmail.com
919-360-3489
Susy Kosut
Equipment Manager
bcbabies@hotmail.com
919-360-1485
Jessica Mason
mason6@bellsouth.net
919-362-4352
Mike Queen
mqueen@queenscape.com
919-303-5756
Kelly Queen H
Treasurer
queenscape@bellsouth.net
919-303-5756
Kristie Roberson
Cheerleading Director
Kristie0916@aol.com
919-918-3813
David Roberson
Vice President
drob916@aol.com
919-918-3813
Herbie Stubbs
hstubbs@chathamsheriff.com
GO CHARGERS!
www.eastchathamchargers.com
The following section is for ECC Cheerleaders
Cheerleader Practice Rules:
1. Be kind. There is no room for personal conflicts. Do not bring them to practices.
2. Warming up is not optional….you must participate in order to cheer.
3. Never build a stunt without a coach present.
4. No playing around….be serious. It is dangerous if you do not pay attention.
5. Hair must be worn pulled away from your face.
6. NO JEWELRY – PERIOD! Remove all before practice.
7. NO GUM, candy or sodas during practices.
8. Wear tennis shoes & clothing that is comfortable, but not too baggy. NO JEANS.
9. Try and then try again, but don’t be afraid to ask for help.
10. Follow directions from coaches and trainers!
Cheerleader Game Rules:
1. Arrive 30 minutes prior to game time to stretch out.
2. Cheer through the entire game (including half-time)
3. SMILE!!!
4. Bring a water bottle – NO sodas.
5. Come dressed in complete uniform – shell, skirt, briefs, hair bow, socks, cheer shoes.
6. NO COMPLAINING!!!
7. Show spirit and entertain the stands.
8. Listen to coaches/trainers.
9. NO JEWELRY – PERIOD!
10. No Gum Chewing.
11. No talking between cheers. Stand in ready position unless showing spirit!
12. When there is an injured player on the field, you must stand in ready positions and remain QUIET
until player is up.
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ATTENDANCE:
Cheerleading is a team sport! Absences make it difficult for the coaches to plan for their squad and it
makes it difficult for the other squad members. Be at the field on time! When an absence is
unavoidable, please contact your coach ahead of time. Too many absences will result in removal from the
squad.
DRESS:
Cheerleaders must wear comfortable, but not baggy clothing for practice. (ex: athletic shorts, t-shirt,
tennis shoes). Uniforms are to be worn only for games and other ECC events. Proper footwear is
required for safety. DO NOT wear cheer shoes to practice – save them for game days and competition.
NO JEWELRY will be worn – PERIOD!!! This is a league rule and it is there for safety reasons! If you
wear earrings, take them out before practice, games, etc.
Hair must be pulled up away from face with no excessive hair bands/beads, etc.
PRACTICES:
Each squad will practice at least 2 days a week. Days to be determined by squad coach/trainers.
Practice sessions will be:
5-6 Squad: 1 ½ hours, 3 days a week while school is not in session, and no more than 2 days per week once
school is in session.
All other Squads: 2 hours, with a 15 minute rest period, 4 days a week while school is not in session, and
no more than 3 days a week once school is in session.
GAMES:
A game schedule will be provided to everyone as soon as we receive it. The Central Piedmont League
makes this schedule and then distributes it to us. The first games begin on September 8th - but some
will have a bye. All games will be scheduled for Saturdays – in the event of a cancellation (ex: due to
rain) all attempts will be made to reschedule and we will be notified ASAP of the makeup date.
Cheerleaders are expected to cheer until the game is over – this includes overtime!
Please bring a water bottle to each game. No sodas & no food during the games.
Each cheerleader needs to be at the game 30 minutes prior to game time to get stretched out.
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP is to be promoted at ALL TIMES! Cheerleaders will do all cheering in a
positive manner – NO taunting, booing, or negative actions.
TRANSPORTATION:
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Parents are responsible for arranging transportation to and from games and practices. Inform a coach
of any transportation changes or problems. PARENTS MUST PICK UP THEIR CHILDREN PROMPTLY AT
THE END OF PRACTICES AND GAMES!!!!!!
VOLUNTEERS:
Parents are expected to support their children and their team. A small amount of time helping in the
concession stand, on the field, cleaning up, fundraising is just some of the ways to help. Even just an
hour helps!
CONDUCT:
Parents are encouraged to show sportsmanship at all times.
If parents are unruly, abusive to coaches, officials, players or recreational staff, they will be asked to
leave the park or field. The League will not tolerate such behavior in front of the kids.
Alcoholic beverages or drugs will not be allowed on park or field premises.
NO SMOKING on school grounds – this includes parking lots!
Parents are also encouraged to insure kids not participating in organized sports do not engage in games in
the spectator area. Please DO NOT allow kids to bring balls to the park/field. This is dangerous. The
League has had injuries occur while kids are unsupervised. Please be attentive to your children at all
times.
Dogs, cats and other pets are not allowed on the fields/parks. Service animals are allowed.
Bicycles are not allowed.
Parents are NOT allowed on the playing fields. Parents are also NOT allowed on the track if one exists
around the field.
Parents are not allowed to stand in front of the cheerleaders at the fence. This is a distraction to them
and it blocks the view of others. Please remain in stands or away from the immediate cheer area.
PARENT CONCERNS/QUESTIONS:
We want to know your opinions, concerns & compliments in order to provide a better program and
environment for your child.
Please feel free to discuss any with the coach of your child’s squad, Cheerleading Director or any other
Board member. You can find a complete listing of Board members and contact information in this
document and on our website: www.eastchathamchargers.com
www.eastchathamchargers.com
WEBSITE:
Our website will contain information about schedules, games, events, notices, etc. Make sure you check
frequently for updates.
CHEER COMPETITION:
All squads will compete in the Central Piedmont League Cheer Competition. It has been decided by the
league that competition will be held on the first Saturday of December! Location will be decided on by
the Central Piedmont League and they will notify us a later date.
UNIFORMS:
Uniforms are specially ordered for each cheerleader. They are expensive and not quickly replaced.
Please take good care of your uniform. Wash the uniforms in cold water only and hang to dry. Do not
have dry-cleaned – it will ruin the fabric.
Uniform requirements for game days:
Shell, skirt, briefs, hair bow, socks, and cheer shoes. On cold days, a white turtleneck or bodysuit
should be worn under the shell. White sweatpants or the cheer wind suit may also be worn.
Cheer shoes are made by Hanes Sport. They can be found at Wal-Mart and are the only Cheerleading
shoe that they carry. Each cheerleader is responsible for purchasing her own.
Go chargers!
www.eastchathamchargers.com
www.eastchathamchargers.com