Dear RYFL Parents and Participants of the 2008 Season, Welcome to Rochester Youth Football League. The volunteers and coaches of the league have been working very hard over the last several months to prepare for a very successful and fun season. I am very fortunate to have such a dedicated group of people to help make this season even better than the last. I hope that this letter will help everyone involved to be more informed. Below are a few important things to be aware of. Fundraising: We have two fundraisers in which we ask every participant in the league to participate. Every child in the program will be asked to donate a 12 pack of soda. Each team will be responsible for a different flavor, which will be announced by your team coach once they are determined. Every child in the program will be responsible for selling 5 calendars at $5.00 each. Once your calendars are sold the money ($25.00) is yours to keep as you pre paid for them at registration. During games we will continue the traditional 50/50 raffle and the B players will pass the hat as well. Pride in our park: There is a no smoking policy at our park. Last season there were an awful lot of cigarette butts that we had to pick up off of the ground. Not a fun job!!!! There was also an awful lot of clothing, sneakers, chairs etc. left behind at the park. PLEASE help make our volunteer time easier by taking responsibility for these issues. Uniform Distribution: Every child in the program will be responsible for their uniform. It must be worn only at RYFL Games and must be returned in the same condition it was given. If any portion of the uniform is not returned or is damaged you will be held responsible for repair or replacement. You and your child will need to sign a uniform sheet claiming responsibility. Cheering: Each team has a certain number of uniforms. Sizes vary each year. Please remember---this is a children’s league not a competing league, therefore size is not as important as the girls having fun and learning to cheer! Parent/Player Code of Ethics: We all know that football is a very exciting and intense sport! Spectators as well as players can find themselves emotionally involved in the game. It is necessary for everyone involved to remain respectful and courteous at all times. The Rules and Bylaws of the park prohibit such behavior and will it will not be tolerated. A code of ethics sheet must be read by parents as well as children. Coach Code of Ethics: All team coaches are required to attend training regarding code of ethics. Once they go through training they are expected to follow RYFL Code of Ethics as outlined in RYFL Rules and By Laws. Cook Shack: The concession stand has always been run strictly by volunteers. There are many hours invested in the success of this most important fundraising effort. And lets face it…everybody loves to eat during our games!!! All parents are asked to cover at least two-three games during the season. We will need extra help for Jamboree, Opening Day and Little Red events. Each team is scheduled to cover one week including 4 games. One game on a Wednesday evening and 3 games on the following Sunday. Extra volunteers are also needed on Opening Day, Jamboree and Pro Bowl Games. Please see Roxanne or Bob if you can volunteer extra help!!! Typically it is the responsibility of Team Mom to be sure concession is covered. If there are problems getting volunteers then the Team Coach will need to know so that he can help. If the concession is not adequately staffed by your team…the game will not start. If a parent doesn’t show up there child will not be allowed to play. Also, no children are allowed in the Cook Shack for any reason. All volunteers must be adults. Teenagers (16 and up) need to be approved in advance. Thank you for your time and effort. It is much appreciated!!! League Website: http://www.eteamz.com/RochesterYouthFootball/ Everything you need to know is right here! Parents, Coaches and fans are welcome! New this season---you can register your child online! Bob Benoit, RYFL Commissioner 335-0472 bobb631@verizon.com 2008 DATES TO REMEMBER (Also posted on our website) August 16th All New Football Players Draft and Weigh In all players 10:00 am – 12:00pm Equipment Handout Wear cleats, and comfortable running clothes Practices run everyday for the first two weeks. 3 days per week afterwards. Usually held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. August 25th All Returning Football Players Soda Drop Off practice time August 27th All Football Players Jamboree 5:30am - 9:00 pm August 24th All Cheerleaders Cheering Clinic Soda Drop Off Wear Exercise clothing 10:00 am -Noon September 7th All Participants September 7th All Participants Picture Day Opening Day October 19th Calendars Due All Participants start at 7:30 am (1st 2 teams playing) starts at 9:00 am WHAT YOUR PLAYER NEEDS Football players will need to provide: cleats, mouth guard, an athletic supporter with cup, and a team a practice jersey. Practice jerseys can be a large t-shirt that fits over the shoulder pads or a team jersey can be purchased in your team colors with name and RYFL logo Cheerleaders will need to provide: white sneakers. Bloomers to match their skirts. Can be purchased at Collins. Team coaches usually order t-shirts in team colors with their names on them for a small additional fee.