NEYSA Football

FAQ’s

Who runs the Association? How can I become involved?

Northeastern Youth Sports Association (NEYSA) is a not-for-profit youth sports organization. It is a volunteer run organization with governing by-laws that offers youth sports programs for children living in or near Northeastern School District. However, we are not affiliated with Northeastern School District. The general membership meetings are held the second Sunday of each month at 7pm. The meetings are held at the Mt. Wolf Fire Hall.

Please visit our website at http: www.neysa-sports.org

What do we expect of parents and guardians?

The goals of our association include fostering an enjoyment of the game, advancing the development of individual and team skills and promoting good sportsmanship. It is imperative that parents assume appropriate levels of responsibility to help us achieve these goals. While there may be some disagreement about coaching methods, any concerns or disagreements with NEYSA coaches or board members should be handled respectfully and directly with the individuals concerned. As a condition for registering children with our organization, we require that parents agree to abide by the Code of Ethics. Failure to follow these rules will result in appropriate action being taken by the association to ensure that the guidelines are followed, including removal of spectators from games and possibly their child’s dismissal from their respective team.

· treat coaches, players, referees and other spectators with respect

· bring and pick up child from practices and games promptly

· let your child’s coach know when he/she will be unable to attend practices or games as far in advance as possible

· discuss any differences in opinion or concerns with child’s coach in private and at a time agreeable to him/her

· do not be publicly critical of coaching or playing decisions

· do not use foul, abusive or inappropriate language at practices or games

· do not use alcohol or tobacco at Shelley Field or on school district property

· abide by the Central Penn Midget Football League’s Code of Ethics

We also expect that parents and guardians volunteer to help us with some of the routine tasks that are needed to help run the organization: concession stand, field lining and maintenance are the most obvious examples.

How are coaches selected?

All of our coaches are volunteers, although because of a shortage of volunteers, coaches are often drafted. All coaches are approved by the General Manager and Head Coach of each team. Our coaches are required to obtain a Childline Child Abuse History Clearance form.

I’m not comfortable coaching, but still would like to help out – what else can I do?

There are several other ways that you can help. Team parents are needed to help make phone calls, distribute information to the players and get other parent volunteers to help with home games. Home game tasks that need volunteers: set up the field, weigh-in rep, chains and downmarker, scoreboard, timeclock, spotter and clean up. We need help staffing our concession stand – the proceeds help to keep the registration fees down. We also need people to line the fields prior to each home game – usually Saturday afternoons for about 1-2 hours.

Without parent volunteers, it becomes difficult to manage the football program. Very often, coaches and coordinators have been stuck doing all the above mentioned tasks because parents have not come forward to help. Remember, the coaches are already volunteering their time to coach your son(s). They put in a lot of time on and off the field preparing for each practice and game. The Concession Stand Committee volunteers their time and spends countless hours preparing the stand for practices and games. We’re only looking for an hour or two of your time in this capacity, not a full time commitment.

Please contact the General Manager or Administrative Support if you’re able to volunteer. Without volunteers, there can be no NEYSA Football.

What do registration fees cover?

Registration fees help to pay for the following: all the equipment your son(s) receives and his uniform(s), league fees, referee fees, etc. A portion of all registration fees are budgeted for field services and maintenance items such as paint, balls, reseeding the field, etc.

The club does not issue refunds of registration fees. Refunds will NOT be granted simply because a player decides they don’t want to play or their schedule has conflicts.

Are there fundraisers?

We rely on fundraising activities to help cover a lot of expenses related to football. Without a fundraiser, registration fees would need to be significantly increased. The fundraiser is handed out at registration and turned in at equipment handout. This gives each player approximately three (3) months to reach the minimum requirement. There is also a buy-out option that can be paid for at registration. If the fundraiser is not turned in at equipment handout, and the player did not do the buy-out, the player will NOT receive his equipment.

What equipment does each player receive?

NEYSA Football will provide the following to each player:

v Helmet with chinstrap

v Shoulder Pads

v Hip, Thigh, Tailbone and Knee Pads

v Girdle

v Practice Jersey and a pair of Practice Pants

v Belt

v Mouthpiece

v Game Jersey(s) and a pair of Game Pants

All of the above, with the exception of the mouthpiece, MUST be turned back in at the end of the season. Each team will have a designated date and time for handout and turn in.

You will have to provide your son with shoes, socks and any other protection that you deem necessary.

What is the difference between JV and Varsity?

Teams are comprised of age groups. Smurfs are 6-7 year olds, Rinks 8-9 year olds, Ponies 10-11 year olds and Midgets 12-13 year old. If there are enough players, the age group will be divided into a Varsity team and a JV team. This will be determined by the coaches after two-three weeks of practice and is based on experience and skill level of each player. Depending on the availability of coaches and the number of players on JV, there may be more than one JV team for an age group. The Varsity teams are trying to win and the players will have to earn playing time. On the JV teams, all players will receive equal playing time and may be moved to Varsity during the season if needed. JV players can play in Varsity games; however, Varsity players can not play in JV games. Smurfs are considered to be JV. The Varsity game schedule is usually determined in early Spring for the upcoming season. JV schedules will be determined in late August once all Clubs have submitted the number of JV teams they will have.

According to the Central Penn Midget League’s by-laws, no JV player can start in more than three (3) Varsity games during a season, except on special teams, and still be a JV player.