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EASTLAND VIKINGS

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

PARENT HANDBOOK

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Mission Statement

The Eastland Viking Athletic Association is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is the promotion of

citizenship, leadership, and sportsmanship through athletics. Its objective is to provide an organized football,

cheerleading, and dance team program for the youth of our community between the ages of five (5) and

fourteen (14). Furthermore, we hope to educate our youth in the proper moral, mental, and physical values

so that they may become an asset to their community.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Registration..................................................................................... 3

II. Code of Conduct ............................................................................ 4

III. Athletic Program ............................................................................ 5

IV. Athletic Program Practice and Games ............................................6

V. Athletic Program Attendance and Uniforms ...................................6

VI. Athletic Program Uniforms Continued ...........................................7

VII. Health and Safety............................................................................. 7

VIII. Health and Safety Continued……………………………………..8

VII. Special Events................................................................................ 8

VIII. Special Events Continued………………………………………...9

IX. Communication................................................................................ 9

X. Parent Participation.......................................................................... 9

XI. Administration................................................................................. 9

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REGISTRATION

FEES
Fees are collected to cover the administrative costs of the Eastland Vikings Athletic Association. Fees are
used to purchase items such as supplies, equipment, copying, mailing, telephone services, league fees,
trophies, field rental, maintenance, and certain activities sponsored by the organization. All fees must be
paid by July 29, 2010. Should any balance remain, your child will be removed from the program.

REGISTRATION OPTIONS

Season Registration:

Cost: $75.00 per member


$50 Fundraising Commitment Fee
$20 Snack Fee

Date: At the practice field on practice days thru July 29th

Note: Each football team will have a maximum of thirty-five (35) players and each cheerleading squad
will have a maximum of twenty-five (25), and dance team will have a maximum of twenty -five (25) for
this reason, each squad is subject to early cut-off.

Deadline to register for cheerleading or dance team is July 12, 2010. Cheer and Dance Uniform fees are
due July 12,2010 and the remaining program pack fees are due July 29, 2010.

A family discount of $5.00 per additional member is offered to families with two or more members
registered with EVAA. Families with 3 or more children receive an additional discounted fundraising and
registration fee. Qualifying members must meet one of the following:

1) Live in the same household; and/or


2) have one common parent (share a parent).

METHODS OF PAYMENT

Cash, money orders, personal checks and cashiers checks are accepted as payment for registration fees.
There is a $40.00 NSF fee for all returned checks.

REFUNDS

Registration refunds are given at the discretion of the Executive Board on a case-by-case basis.
After July 8, 2010 all fees are non-refundable.

FORMS

Upon registration, parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive:


1. A registration form for each member;
2. A physical card for each member.

The Member Handbook will be distributed at the Parent Orientations. All registration forms and payment
must be completed and returned to the Secretary. The physical card must be completed and returned to
your Team Coordinator by July 20, 2010. Failure to complete required paperwork will result in

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your member being prohibited from practice or game participation.
LEAGUE AFFILIATION
EVAA is a member of the Unified Youth Alliance (UYA). This league is responsible for creating game
schedules, assigning game officials, and organizing end-of season championship games. As a member of
the league, we are required to pay membership fees to help cover the cost of operations. Membership fees
are determined by the league and are subject to change.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Members of the Eastland Viking Athletic Association shall conduct themselves in a manner that shows respect for
themselves, their teammates, their organization, and their opponents. All members, including parent(s)/guardian(s)
are expected to display fair play and positive sportsmanship. Violations of this code by any member may result in
their removal from the organization.

The UYA Advisory Committee shall be responsible for initiating correction (s) for any misconduct
and/or unsportsmanlike behavior during a UYA event. No player, non-player participant, coach,
assistant coach, trainer, spectator shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner before, during, or after
all UYA League function.

Examples of misconduct/unsportsmanlike behavior are, but not limited to (refer to The Ohio High
School Athletic Association rule book):
A. Baiting or taunting acts, or words or insignia worn which encourages ill will. This
includes any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or
demean others under any circumstance including on the basis of race, religion,
gender, or national origin.
B. Using profanity, insulting, vulgar language or gestures.
C. Any delayed excessive or prolonged act by which a player, non- player participant,
coach, non-player, spectator, attempts to focus attention upon him/her.
D. Using tobacco or smokeless tobacco for players, and coaches
E. Use of alcohol.
F. Use of illicit or illegal drugs.
G. Any item that a majority votes of the UYA Advisory Committee deems detrimental
to the operation of the UYA.
FIRST OFENSE: If a player, coach, assistant coach, entire team, substitute, Trainer, or any other team
assistant, spectator, or visitor violates the UYA/OHSAA code of conduct, the offender is suspended from
the rest of the game the infraction occurred and must leave the premises. Offender is also suspended from
the next scheduled League event regular or special and is not permitted on the premises.

SECOND OFFENSE: If the a player, coach, assistant coach, entire team, substitute, trainer, or any other
team assistant, spectator, or visitor violates the UYA/OHSAA code of conduct for the ANOTHER
infraction, the offender is suspended for the rest of the game infraction occurred and must leave the
premises. Offender is also suspended from the next two (2) scheduled league events regular or special and
is not permitted on the premises. A $50.00 fine to the offender’s organization in the offender’s name.

THIRD OFFENSE: If the a player, coach, assistant coach, entire team, substitute, trainer, or any other
team assistant, spectator, or visitor violates the UYA/OHSAA code of conduct for ANOTHER infraction,
the offender shall be expelled from participating in any remain regular/post season play. Eligibility for any
future involvement with a UYA organization will be prohibited. A $100.00 fine to the organization in the
offender’s name. That organization will be on one (1) calendar year probation from the date of the
infraction.

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TEAM DIVISIONS
The EVAA offers three types of athletic programs; football, cheerleading, and dance team. The teams are
divided by the following UYA League guidelines:

70 Pound Squad - MiniWeight


Maximum Weight: 70 pounds
There are no X players allowed on the 70 pound division
Age Restriction: Cannot turn 6 years old before July 1st of the current year.

85 Pound Squad - Flyweight:


Maximum Ball Advancement Weight: 85 pounds
Age Restriction: Cannot turn eight (8) years old before July 1st of the current year

105 Pound Squad - Welterweights:


Maximum Ball Advancement Weight: 105 pounds
Age Restriction: Cannot turn ten (10) years old before July 1st of the current year

125 Pound Squad - Middleweights:


Maximum Ball Advancement Weight: 125 pounds
Age Restriction: Cannot turn twelve (12) years old before November 1st of the current year.
Note: Cheerleaders cannot turn twelve (12) years old before July 1st of the current year

145 Pound Squad - Cruiserweights:


Maximum Ball Advancement Weight: 145 pounds
Age Restriction: Cannot turn thirteen (13) years old before July 1st of the current year

180 Pound Squad - Heavyweights:


Maximum Ball Advancement Weight: 180 pounds
Age Restriction: Cannot turn fifteen (15) years old before July 1st of the current year and cannot be beyond
8th grade.
Note: Any female player may not be in the tenth (10th) grade or turn sixteen (16) during the calendar year.

Weight guidelines are subject to change according to UYA guidelines. Age guidelines apply to cheerleaders
and dance team members. Age and weight guidelines apply to football players. Accepting children under
the age minimum may be done at the discretion of the coach, and with the approval of the Athletic Director.

DANCE TEAM
Junior Varsity squad 9 and under – can not turn 10 before July 1st
Varsity squad 10-14 – can not turn 15 before July 1st and can not be beyond the 8th grade

PRACTICE
Location
Practice for football players will be held at Far East Recreation Center fields and Walnut Ridge High
School Practice Areas. Practice for cheerleaders and dance team will be held in the large parking lot
located east of Walnut Ridge High School. Practice for cheerleaders and dance team members will be
moved to an indoor location to be determined by the Cheerleading and Dance Team Director. Coaches will
notify you of any changes in practice locations.

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Schedule
Practice for all members is Monday through Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. After Labor Day, practice is
Tuesday through Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to dusk. Once cheerleading and dance team practice is moved
indoors, practice runs until 8:00 p.m., or at the discretion of the Athletic Director and coaches.

Cancellation
Practice is cancelled only if there is thunder and lightning. Any other cancellations of practice will be made
under the discretion of the Athletic Director, or appropriate board member. You may also check the voice
mail for cancellations.

GAMES
The first official season game is held August 28, 2010. A schedule will be distributed to each team for
member distribution. Pre-season preview and/or bowl games may also be scheduled.

Our home games are played at Yorktown Middle School. Away games are held at various locations around
the city. Your child’s coach or Team Coordinator will provide you with direction to all away game
locations.

Game participation is based on your child’s performance during practice. All members must show the
ability to follow directions and observe the rules of safety before a coach can allow them to play or cheer.
Participants with chronic attendance or behavior problems are at risk of not participating at games or
cheerleading competitions. EVAA cannot guarantee that a child will participate in a game or
competition.

ATTENDANCE
Attendance is mandatory at every practice and game. Parents are responsible for getting their child (ren) to
and from practice and games. Children are expected to be on time and ready to participate. If your child is
going to be late or absent, please make every effort to inform the Coach or Team Coordinator. It is also
very important to notify the coach if your child will be on vacation, or will not be attending a special event.
Special events are planned with every child in mind, and adjustments must be made for absent children.

It is mandatory that all children are picked up on time. Failure to pick up your child on time will result in
the following in order of offense:
1. Verbal reminder from the coach;
2. Written warning;
3. Member suspension from practice and game for one week.
Continued abuse of the policy will be brought to the attention of the Athletic Director, and the
Cheerleading/Dance Team Director for review.

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

Dress
During conditioning and pre-season practice, dress consists of shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, and socks. No
member is permitted to wear jeans or sandals to practice. After conditioning, football players will be
required to wear the appropriate equipment as outlined below.

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Parents will need to provide:

Football Cheerleading Dance Team


-practice pants -cheer pack -dance pack
-pads -shorts/warm-up pants -shorts
-practice jersey -t-shirt/warm-up shirt -warm-up pants
-supporter cup -tennis shoes -t-shirt
-mouthpiece -tennis shoes
-girdle
-cleats

Cheerleaders and Dance Team members are required to purchase program packs. The Cheerleading/Dance
Team Director will inform you of the items required for purchase.

EVAA will issue:


-Helmet, Chin Strap, Shoulder Pads, Game Jersey, Game Pants, Game Socks

Helmets and shoulder pads are issued in July or August, while game jerseys and pants are issued in August.
The Athletic Director, Cheerleading/Dance Team Director will inform you of distribution dates.

Care and cleaning of football game equipment is the responsibility of the coaches. Uniforms are not to be
cleaned by parent(s) or guardian(s). Uniforms and equipment should never be left unattended, and should
be worn for games or special events only. Lost or damaged uniforms and/or equipment must be paid for
before new items are issued. The cost for replacement is:

Helmet $85 Game Jersey $45 Chin Strap $15


Shoulder Pads $75 Game Pants $35 Game Socks $6

Care and cleaning of cheerleading and dance team uniforms are the responsibility of the parent(s) or
guardian(s). Uniforms should be cleaned according to instructions on uniforms. Tennis shoes should be
cleaned prior to coming to the game or competition. All cheerleaders and dance team members are
expected to come to games or competition in a clean uniform, which will mean weekly cleaning.
Cheerleading and Dance Team uniforms need to be taken care of during the season so that they are
presentable for competition.

Football uniforms and equipment must be turned in immediately following the last game that they
play in. Please remember to bring a change of clothing for your child.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Certification – August 14th or August 21st


All football players will be certified at the UYA Certifications. The certifications are necessary to ensure
teams are adequately matched. At the certifications league officials will verify each player’s age and
weight as recorded on the coach’s roster. Players who exceed weight maximum will be classified as X-
Players and can remain on their correct team but they may not advance the ball.

Physical Cards
Physical cards are required by EVAA to ensure a child is physically fit to participate in the program. They

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also alert us to any allergies and /or other health concerns your child (ren) may have. Physical cards must
be turned in by July 20, 2010.

Birth Certificates
Birth certificates are required for submission to league certification officials to prove the age and child’s
date of birth. This ensures that a child is participating in the correct age class. The birth certificate must
be submitted to your child (rens) Team Coordinator by July 20, 2010. Children are unable to
participate in certification without his/her birth certificate, and will forfeit certification. Certification is
required to play. If your child misses the primary certification they must attend the secondary certification.
If they miss both certifications they will not be able to participate in the season and will not receive a
refund.

Coaches Certification
EVAA football coaching staff is required to be certified through the National Youth Sports Coaches
Association (NYSCA), and the Cheer and Dance Coaches are certified by the NCSSE (National Council
for Spirit Safety and Education). Both of these trainings focus on injury prevention, child development,
and good sportsmanship. They also provide liability insurance for any coach that completes the program.

Injuries
If your child receives a minor injury during practice or a game, you will be informed at the end of the game
or practice. If your child is seriously injured, we will notify you or the emergency contacts listed on the
child’s registration form immediately. In cases of serious injuries, written permission from a physician is
required before a child can return to participate. A first aid kit and cellular phone are kept on the sidelines
in case of emergencies. Insurance coverage is the responsibility of the parent.

Nutrition
It is important for children to eat well-balanced meals, but they should eat at least forty-five (45) minutes
before practice or a game to avoid getting cramps or an upset stomach. All children must bring water to
practice. Water is necessary to assist in prevention of dehydration. Please do not allow the participating
child (ren) to bring Kool-Aid, fruit juices, and sodas, as they block the absorption of fluids into the body.

Smoking/Profanity/Drug Use
All members are asked to refrain from using tobacco, any illegal substance, or foul language in the
presence of the football players, cheerleaders, and dance team members. Smoking and profanity are
prohibited at all games and practices.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Preview Games and Scrimmages


Preview games are a series of games designed to give the teams a chance to play before the official start of
the season. Scrimmages are also unofficial games that allow the teams to play against other teams before
the season begins.

Viking Get Acquainted Day – August 15th


Viking Get Acquainted Day allows the membership to get to know each other in a fun setting. At this event
parents are encouraged to mingle with other parents on their teams, as well as parents on other teams.

Homecoming – October 2nd


Homecoming is a daylong celebration. Before each game, each football player, cheerleader, and dance
team member is escorted across the field by their parent(s) as their names are announced. A Homecoming
King and Queen are crowned for each weight division. The day will end with a Homecoming Dance that

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evening.

Cheerleading and Dance Team Competition – October 31st


This competition and showcase gives the cheerleaders and dance team members an opportunity to show
that hard work pays off. From practice to games, cheerleaders and dance team members work hard to
support the football players by cheering them on and cheering them up. They get the crowd involved with
crowd participation cheers, and exhibit tremendous team spirit. This competition gives parents, football
players, coaches, and other supporters the opportunity to support their season of cheering, and dancing.

Black and Gold Banquet Celebration – November 7th


The Awards Ceremony is held at the end of the season to recognize the football players, cheerleaders, dance
team members, coaches, parent volunteers, corporate sponsorships, community volunteers, and board
members. Organizational trophies are presented at the Awards Ceremony and we have a buffet style dinner
setting.

COMMUNICATION
Notice of events and activities are communicated in a variety of ways. Coaches and Team Coordinators
may send home written information, make announcements at the field, or make phone calls. The Executive
Board distributes a monthly newsletter and activity calendar. You may also visit our website at
www.eastlandvikings.com for information on the organization.

Any questions, comments, and/or suggestions are welcomed and encouraged as we make an effort to
continue to provide a service to our youth and the community. If you have an issue you feel needs
addressing, please see the coach after the game or practice. Messages or concerns may also be left on the
EVAA voice mail hotline at (614) 470-0994, or e-mail to eastlandvikings@hotmail.com.

PARENT PARTICIPATION
VOLUNTEERS
The success of the organization depends on the efforts of our volunteers. Each parent is required to
volunteer – (please see volunteer breakdown). By volunteering, you are making it clear that you will
become “involved” with organizations that you allow your child to be a part of, not just a spectator.

TEAM COORDINATORS
The Team Coordinator has a very important role on every team. This position works closely with the
coaching staff and Executive Board to establish a strong rapport and good working relationship with all
parents on their team. There is one Team Coordinator per team that is selected by the Head Coach.
Additional assistants are encouraged. The Team Coordinator has a responsibility to make sure that their
team is represented at every event sponsored by the organization. This includes making sure that
representatives from their team fulfill their home game requirements. Team Coordinators also assist the
coaches with the administrative aspects of the team to include keeping game statistics, filming games,
coordinating team activities, and helping coaches to keep parents informed of all upcoming games and
events. Team Coordinators are also responsible for coming up with snack assignments or a plan for the
team.
ADMINISTRATION
EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Executive Board makes the day-to-day decisions to support the organization and the members.
Members of the Executive Board include the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Athletic

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Director, Fundraising Coordinator, and Director of Committees. All decisions concerning the organization
are made at Executive Board Meetings, and must pass by a majority vote1. Parents are welcome to attend
any and all Executive Board Meetings. Dates, times, and places are indicated on the activity calendar and
announced on the hotline.

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EVAA Bylaws, Article V, Section 1

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