Parents Corner

1. PURPOSE
   1. The purpose of this organization shall be to promote and uphold team spirit, to develop good sportsmanship among participants, to support the athletic program, and to develop better relationships in the community. The organization’s goal is to work in harmony with coaches, officials, athletic teams, parents, and all other organizations. Our number one priority is cheering and foremost for the (FYAA) Fairfield Youth Athletic Association football teams!
2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
   1. You must be enrolled in grades Kindergarten through 6^th for the upcoming season/school year.
   2. You will cheer for the grade that you are going into, even if you are an “older” child for that grade. The only exception is if approved by the FYCA President.
   3. Each cheerleader must possess a suitable ATTITUDE deemed necessary by the Coaching Team or Board. This not only includes his or her squad but also all other squads. We’re working for the same common goal of having a very successful and enjoyable season.
   4. You must submit a non-refundable registration fee at the time of registration.
   5. A multiple-child discount of $25 will be applied to one (1) registration for families with more than one child participating in the organization.
3. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
   1. All cheerleaders are required to attend practices and games. This includes all playoff games, and the Super Bowl and may include other games FYAA football teams are invited to participate in. Cheerleaders are permitted a maximum of 4 excused absences.  These include practices, games, and events.  To be excused, the coaching team must be informed ahead of time. 
   2. Scrimmage and benefit games are optional, but encouraged.  Participation in these will be at the discretion of the coaching team.
   3. All Recreational squads will participate in Youth Night and Fairfield’s Homecoming Parade.
   4. The season will run from July through November.
4. PRACTICES
   1. Practices will be 1-2 nights a week.  Additional practices or changes to the practice schedule must be approved by the President of FYCA and communicated to the parents with no less than a week's notice. 
   2. During all FYCA functions NO ALCOHOL, TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR PROFANITY IS ALLOWED AT ANY TIME. Cheerleaders, parents, coaches, volunteers, and guests are asked to treat facilities with respect by cleaning up after themselves.  
   3. Practices will not be scheduled to conflict with any sanctioned FYCA event; such as FYAA football games, Homecoming Parade, Youth Night at the FHS home football game, etc. When possible, coaches should consider school district-scheduled events and functions when scheduling practices.
   4. Proper clothing for practice is practice wear (t-shirt, shorts and tennis shoes). This will be strictly enforced. Sweatpants are permitted in cooler weather. The Coaching Team may require specific attire for practice. Cheerleaders may also be asked to wear uniforms to practice.
   5. It is advised that your child bring a water bottle to every practice. The Coaches will set up water breaks during practices. The child cannot choose to do this at his/her free will. Please discuss this with your child. If your child is taking medication that requires him/her to have a lot of water, please note this in writing and give a copy to your Coaches and the President.
   6. Practice time is limited. Cheerleaders need to arrive stretched and ready to cheer.
   7. Parents should pick up their cheerleaders in person after each practice, as practices are closed to non-FYCA participants unless approved by the FYCA President. This is a safety issue as cars are entering and leaving the area at the time of dismissal.  Please alert coaches if someone different will be picking up your child.

4. ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
   1. Cheerleading Practices and Games: All cheerleaders are required to attend practices and games beginning in July and continuing through the Super Bowl.  Cheerleaders are permitted a maximum of 4 excused absences.  These include practices, games, and events.  To be excused, the Coaching Team must be informed ahead of time.   
   2. FYCA Squad appearances other than games, such as FHS Homecoming Parade, Youth Night at FHS football games, etc. are mandatory unless you have spoken to your coaching team ahead of time.  (See 5.01)
   3. Any other activities/opportunities chosen by the Coaching Team - the coaching team will give reasonable notice so attendance decisions can be made timely if additional activities/opportunities are chosen.
   4. Tardiness/Early Leave: Please be on time for practices and games. All cheerleaders need to be at each game 30 minutes before starting time dressed in uniform and ready to cheer. This time is used to warm up and get the banner ready for the football team. 
   5. Unexcused Absences: An unexcused absence is a no-call/no-show to a practice, game, or event.  Communication (phone call, text, email, or app) with the Coaching Team is expected when a cheerleader is unable to attend any function.  Consequences for unexcused absences are: 
                  (1) a warning                                                                                                                                  
                  (2) sitting out one-quarter of a game. 
5. PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY
   1. All cheerleaders are responsible for securing their transportation to and from practices, clinics/games (home and away), etc. All cheerleaders must arrive on time and be ready as scheduled. The game schedule is determined by FYAA and communicated to FYCA.  The FYCA board will notify coaches immediately of any changes.
   2. Schedules are subject to change – verbal announcements may have to be made at the end of practices or games. All cheerleaders/parents must be responsible for receiving and noting these changes when necessary. It may be a good idea to pick up a little early to get any information from your Coaches. Additional game changes are possible with minimum notice.
   3. We expect timely pick-ups from ALL practices, games, and events. Please remember coaching is a voluntary position and the Coaching Team also has other responsibilities outside of FYCA. The 2^nd time you are late, your child will sit out for one quarter at the next game.

6.04      It is your responsibility to advise the Coaching Team 2 weeks in advance, and in writing, of all planned vacations.

6.05      Any child continuously disturbing practice/games will be asked to sit out and the problem will be discussed with the parents. The parents will be asked to correct the problem.

6.06      Any conflicts/disagreements should be handled in the following manner:

First, put it in writing (e-mail or hard copy) and submit it to your Coaching Team.

If the matter is not settled, then submit it in writing to the FYCA President (E-mail or hard copy). Conflicts are NOT to be taken to the Team Mom. If this procedure is not followed and anyone on the FYCA staff (coaches, team moms, board members) is verbally or physically harmed, the appropriate actions will be taken.

6.07      Financial Responsibility: Parents are responsible for all required clothing/uniform costs, registration fees, and miscellaneous fees/costs.

6.08      Parents should be good role models for their children. Please refrain from negative comments or actions towards any participants (ours or other organizations) or the FYCA organization. You are expected to review this with your child and follow it. The FYCA Board will review all complaints. Parents who have not followed the Code of Conduct may be asked not to attend FYCA functions, which include games.

6. • • • PHYSICAL VIOLENCE IS AN AUTOMATIC BAN FROM ALL FYCA ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING PRACTICE, GAMES & EVENTS.  NO WARNINGS PROVIDED.
7. FOOTBALL GAMES
   1. There are approximately eight (8) regular season games, three (3) playoff games, and a possible Super Bowl. Games are either Saturday or Sunday, starting with the K/1^st grade at approximately 9:00 am, 2^nd grade at 10:30 am, 3^rd grade at 12:00 pm, 4^th grade at 1:30 pm, 5^th grade at 3:00 pm and 6^th grade at 4:30 pm. This is subject to change, but it gives an idea. You will receive a detailed schedule with locations and times when the season gets closer.  Even after the schedule is posted, dates, times and locations are subject to change.  A board member of Recreational Squads will notify coaches and parents of schedule changes.  You may also check the league website for schedules and field locations.  www.gmyfc.org
   2. Cheerleaders cheer in rain, snow, cold, and heat. In case of severe weather, the coaching team will contact you if a game is canceled, as soon as they are notified. If the football team is playing, FYCA is expected to cheer.  Do not take it upon yourself to call a game.
   3. Cheerleaders must come to every game in complete uniform and proper shoes or they will not be permitted to cheer.
   4. A parent/guardian/adult must be designated and responsible for each cheerleader at games and events. Parents must inform the coaching staff if someone other than themselves will be responsible for their child during a game or event. 
   5. Game Attendance: see 5.01
8. APPEARANCE
   1. For safety reasons, NO JEWELRY (INCLUDING WATCHES AND POST EARRINGS) IS TO BE WORN TO ANY PRACTICES OR GAMES. If your child wears jewelry to practice or games, they will be asked to remove it. If the jewelry is not removed immediately, the cheerleader will sit out of the practice, game, etc. and this will be considered an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE. Coaches and team moms are not responsible for holding or watching anyone’s jewelry and are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
   2. Uniforms must be kept clean at all times.  Please consider this when choosing snacks and drinks while your child is in uniform. 
   3. Make-up is not necessary, but if worn, should look natural, not excessive. It is also the COACHES CHOICE whether or not it can be worn.
   4. All hairstyles must be neat and secured up out of the face, not needing attention while practicing or performing. Do not wear large plastic or metal hair decorations.
   5. Long fingernails are not permitted. Please keep them trimmed and clean so that you don’t scratch your teammates.
   6. UNIFORM: The cheerleading uniform should not be worn when not at a cheerleading or organizational function unless prior permission has been given. One exception to this is spirit day at school (typically Fridays).  Keep the uniform clean and pressed.  Wash it in cold water and hang it dry unless garment instructions say otherwise.
9. CONDUCT
   1. Cheerleaders should maintain and uphold the reputation of FYCA through their own conduct and squad spirit.
   2. Cheerleaders should be courteous, polite, and friendly and try to have a smile for everyone.
   3. All cheers, chants, and banners should be in a positive and sportsmanlike manner.
   4. Cheerleaders should make every attempt to ignore or discourage negative or unsportsmanlike responses at events and not become involved in such actions themselves.
   5. Cheerleaders in uniform or wearing any item of FYCA identification must always conduct themselves in a manner becoming to an FYCA squad member.
10. RULES
    1. Please refer to Section 5 for Attendance Requirements.
    2. Attitude: Any cheerleader displaying a bad attitude during a practice or game will sit out for the remaining time left. This will be counted as an unexcused absence.
    3. Practice and Game Rules of Conduct
       • a. Leave personal conflicts at the door – do not bring them to practice and games.
       • b. Always show good sportsmanship.
       • c. Keep hands, feet, and harmful words to yourself.
       • d. Do not make fun of each other (no whispering) or laugh at someone in a bad context.
       • e. Always respect teammates and coaches for their hard work and determination.
       • f. No jewelry, gum, candy or long fingernails for safety reasons.
       • g. Always wear appropriate clothing and gym shoes.
       • h. Always bring a water bottle.
       • i. Go to the bathroom before practices and games.
       • j. Don’t take criticism personally, it is meant to help not hurt.
       • k. Show 110% effort at all times, not just when in the spotlight.
       • l. No use of cell phones or electronic devices during practice or games.
11. DISCIPLINE
    1. It is FYCA’s policy that disciplinary action will only be used as a last resort. Every reasonable attempt will be made by the Coaches and the FYCA Board to avoid situations that could lead to such action and find ways to reverse negative trends. Verbal warnings will be given for all first occurrences.
    2. Each squad’s coaching team will set their discipline policy before the first practice.
    3. A cheerleader may be dismissed from any squad for excessive disruptive behavior during any FYCA-sanctioned function or excessive absences. Please refer to Section 5 Attendance Requirements.
    4. FYCA reserves the right to deny any cheerleader the right to participate the following year if the cheerleader was disciplined for excessive disruptive behavior, excessive absences, or unresolved financial issues that have negatively impacted the organization.
12. SOCIAL MEDIA
    1. Social media includes blogs, online networks, and any other Internet-based tools for sharing and discussing information.
    2. Parent/Guardians, Cheerleaders, Coaches, Team Moms, and FYCA Board are held responsible when posting online – If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. Postings involving FYCA in any form should NOT be negative or derogatory.
    3. FYCA-related blogs, Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, etc. require prior approval from the Board before being created. 
    4. FYCA and/or the Coaches reserve the right to request that certain subjects be avoided, delete certain posts, and remove inappropriate comments.

12.05    Cyberbullying is NOT permitted!  

13.   SAFETY: The Greater Cincinnati Youth Football League (GCYFL) Requires All FYCA Coaches to complete the following:
    1. Lindsay's Law - Yearly Requirement
    2. Concussion Certification - Yearly Requirement
    3. Background Check - Every 2 years
    4. CPR Certification - Must be current and not expired (1 person per staff must complete)