FAQ
| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
Is it safe to play football?
Yes. Keep in mind that with any sport, there is always a risk of injury. Our coaches attend numerous clinics where they are trained on the safest blocking and tackling techniques. While it seems natural to assume that collisions and tackling may be a bit more dangerous than standing in the middle of a field taking a penalty kick in soccer, keep in mind that the boys are outfitted with top notch protective equipment. We provide certified helmets, shoulder pads, thigh, hip, knee and tail pads and many players will also purchase rib protectors. The kids also must wear mouthpieces on every play (the refs and coaches make sure of this).
My son plays too many other sports, why should he play football?
Football is the most popular sport in America and is truly a team sport. We also have the luxury of living in the state with the best professional football team in the world. Through the course of a season you can really see the boys begin to operate as a team. The complexities of football also make it very interesting for the boys. After a play is called in the huddle, they must understand the play, understand what they need to do in their position on that play, line up in the proper position, ensure that they know the snap count and “go” at the proper moment, then execute their responsibility on that play.
Finally, unlike many other sports, Northborough and Southborough are not rivals in football. Your child will meet and become friends with people in the other town. When your son goes to high school, they wont be in classes with rivals, they’ll be in class with friends and teammates.
When does the season start?
Practice starts on July 30. Practices are from 5:45-8pm at Melican field in Northborough on Mondays-Thursday’s until school starts. The first game is typically right around labor day. Once school starts, practices are held Tuesday and Thursday nights (same time and place). Saturday morning walk-throughs may also be periodically called.
Why does it start so early?
In order to protect the safety of our players American Youth Football (AYF) mandates that practice begin no later that the first week in August. This allows us to ensure that the boys get the proper amount of training before going into their first game. There is a considerable amount to teach the boys including stance, positions, plays, blocking, proper tackling technique, proper running technique, defensive schemes, etc… Many of the teams we compete with actually start earlier in July.
In addition, American Youth Football mandates that we have 10 hours of practice without pads prior to the start of padded practice. This 10 hours is completed that first week. This means we typically only have 3 weeks to focus on blocking, tackling and scrimmaging before we meet our first opponent.
What if we miss the first week?
We HIGHLY recommend you not miss that week. Your son will not be able to practice in pads until they complete 10 hours of non-padded instruction. If it is imperative that you miss a week, we would prefer you miss one of the padded weeks. Keep in mind- if this is your kids first year playing- it will put them behind the other boys on the team. We will do whatever we can to ensure that they are up to speed but we will not play them unless we feel they are ready to play.
Do parents have to stay for the entire practice?
Parents or a designee for Tiny Mites and Mighty Mites have to be there for the entire practice. In the event that your son needs to go to the bathroom, they need to be accompanied by an adult into the bathrooms at Melican (it is difficult to get through the padding without an adult there to help). Coaches will not take your child to the bathroom.
Is there practice if it’s raining?
Yes. However, we will cancel or postpone practice if there is lightning or if the fields are so soggy that we feel the kids could get hurt.
How much does it cost?
It costs $150 to register and we offer an early bird discount of $25 if you register prior to April 30. The money goes to paying for equipment, field maintenance, and paying for refs. We also do a calendar fund raiser during the year where your son is required to sell at least $150 in raffle calendars (15 raffle tickets at $10 each).
When and How can I Register?
Early Registration runs through April 30th.
Registration closes June 30th.
Parents can register their children on the REGISTRATION page on this website.
What kind of documentation do I need to provide?
Parent Consent Form
Birth Certificate with raised seal
Code of Conduct (from both parents and child)
Full year report card
Medical Release Form
What equipment is provided? What do I need to buy?
We provide helmets, shoulder pads, practice and game pants, practice and game jerseys, chin strap, knee pads, thigh pads, hip pads, and tail pads.
Our helmets are either new or refurbished and recertified by the manufacturer. We will make information available to you if you would like to buy any of your own equipment (Including helmets).
You will need to buy a mouthpiece (we suggest 2 since your son can’t play if he loses or forgets his), a cup, football cleats and maroon socks. There are other items that are not required but that you may want to buy. Coaches will send info on these items to you prior to the start of the season (new chin strap, padded shirts, rib protectors, etc…)
Will my son play?
There is a mandated minimum number of plays for every boy. Some will play more, none will play less (unless they are ill or injured).
What position will my son play?
That depends on their strengths as identified by the coaches. Everyone will have a chance to run with the ball and to tackle during practice. Over the course of the season we try to let any player that wants to run with the ball have an opportunity to do so in a game.
When are games? What towns do we play?
Games typically start Sunday mornings with the Tiny Mites and Mighty Mites around 9 a.m. They are followed by the fourth graders, then fifth, etc…We ask that you arrive an hour before game time. We play towns like Shrewsbury, Worcester, Charlton/Dudley, Millbury/Sutton, Hudson, Marlborough, Westborough and Lancaster. Half of our games are played at Algonquin High School and half are “Away”. The season is typically 10 games and starts with a Jamboree and ends with the Mighty Mite Bowl.aHalf our games are typically Home games (played at Algonquin High School) and half are away games.
What if my son/daughter is not doing well in school?
School is the first priority. If your son is not doing well we’d like to know and will do our best to help you focus them.
What if my son/daughter is sick?
If your son is too sick to go to school, then they are too sick to practice.
I don’t know much about football or cheer, how can I help?
We always need volunteers to help out at games with the chains and/or play counts. Rest assured, our Team Mom we will reach out to you. As far as helping your son, we’ll give you some stuff to work on with them at the start and throughout the season. Playing catch with a football in the yard never hurts (remember, thumbs and pointer fingers together if its above the waist, pinkies together below the waist).
Northborough and Southborough aren’t football towns- shouldn’t we put our son in lacrosse, baseball or soccer?
Those are all good sports with excellent programs in both towns. We would recommend that you expose your child to numerous sports and let them find the ones that they like the most.
Isn’t football a sport you can start in 7th grade and not skip a beat?
Yes, you can start playing football at any time in your life. The reason to start now is not to become a professional athlete, it’s because its fun, it physically conditions your son, and it builds a sense of teamwork and responsibility that will help your son through school and life.
What are the Age Groups?
FOOTBALL: - Teams are determined by grade, however, an age cut-off date of 12/31 is enforced requiring the player to move accordingly.
|
Grade |
Age Range |
|
K - 1st
|
5 to 6
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2nd - 3rd
|
7 to 9
|
|
4th
|
8 to 10
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5th
|
9 to 11
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6th
|
10 to 12
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|
7th
|
11 to 13
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8th
|
12 to 14
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CHEER: - Teams are determined by Divisional requirements of AYF. Age cut-off date is 7/31.
|
Division |
Age Range |
Level * |
|
Tiney/Mitey Mite
|
5 to 8
|
Red Only
|
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Division 10
|
8 to 10
|
Red Only
|
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Division 12
|
10 to 12
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Red & Blue
|
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Division 13
|
11 to 12
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Red & Blue
|
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Division 15
|
13 to 15
|
Red & Blue
|
*Red and Blue division will determine the level of competition. Team competitive level to be determined.
What is the expected Code of Conduct?
We will be providing each player, cheerleader, coach, committee member and volunteer with a Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Action Plan to ensure that we all uphold the ethical and morale standards that our program requires. This requires mandatory participation.
Why do I have to sell Calendar Raffles?
Our major fundraising effort is to promote the sale of raffle tickets. These tickets are provided during equipment hand out. Each player/cheerleader is responsible for selling a total of 15 calendar raffles at a cost of $10 each. The raffle runs during the month of October so calendar proceeds must be returned by September 23rd.
Who are the Coaches?
We are committed to hosting a football and cheer program at every level, but we need your help! Please take the time to consider becoming a part of our group of quality coaches. We provide all the necessary information from coaching skills, assistance with game planning, daily drill agenda’s, plays/formations/routes, and instruction on how to implement these plans. We receive assistance from the Algonquin Regional High School coaching staff both prior to the season and during our pre-season practice sessions. If interested, please contact us via email at NSBod@jrthawks.com
Why do I have to Volunteer:?
Without the assistance of our membership it would be impossible for the children to have a successful season. We require that each family fulfill the obligation of providing four (4) hours of volunteer service. A few examples of the opportunities to volunteer are snack shack assistance, chain gang, play counter, team parent, apparel table, etc....
NSYFCA also encourages all feedback and is looking for fresh ideas on how to improve. We have multiple opportunities for those people who want to become a part of the decision making structure.
Do you have any special events?
We all work hard so we believe we should have an opportunity to play hard too. Each year we kick off the season with a family oriented outdoor BBQ (date and location to be determined). This provides a wonderful opportunity for you and your children to relax and feel the sense of community we have developed over the years.
Additionally, we host a year end banquet to provide a wrap-up regarding the individual teams’ accomplishments. Awards & praise will be offered to our players and cheerleaders.
Our cheer program also provides opportunities to compete for local, regional and national championships. We encourage all our program participants to take part and be there to cheer for our cheerleaders. These events are located in Lowell, Worcester and ultimately in Florida.
Is this a scholastic program?
All-American Academic Achievement Alliance recognizes student athletes for their academic achievements. The Alliance rewards scholar athletes in every region. Awards include the Eastbay Scholarship & The Carl Allegretti Scholarship. These scholarships are rewarded on a point system achieved based on the individuals academic achievements for the calendar year.
