IMPORTANT: Tomorrow’s Scrimmage Info

Things to bring: It will be hot! Bring plenty of water for players, They have bleachers at most of the fields, but you may choose to bring a chair if you choose to sit.  A light snack or two would be good for players (something healthy) and/or cash if you choose to use their vendors. An umbrella is a good idea as there is a chance of rain/thunderstorms.  A change of clothes for your player .  Garbage bag for muddy equipment and cleats after the scrimmage (it will save your car)

Expectation of fans: We positively cheer for OUR team’s victories (small and large) and we cheer on OUR team in defeats (small and large).  Anything else is unacceptable, there will be no warnings, you will be asked to leave the venue.  On occasion there will be a “big hit”, this is perfectly ok to cheer for.  If your player is on the receiving end of such a hit, do not take it personally when the opposing parents cheer for their player (this is football, what goes around comes around, you will get your chance to cheer).  If a player stays down from a play we will remain quiet until that player is up on his feet at which time some applause is in order.

In the rare event that a player stays down, do not under any circumstance come onto the field unless otherwise instructed to do so. The coaches will clear the area, assess the situation and take the appropriate steps.  Most kids stay down due to hurt pride not hurt bodies.

Players: For many this scrimmage represents their first real competition on an organized team, for others it is the first chance to prove how much they have grown as a player and what they can do.  Regardless of being a new player or veteran they all will be incredibly nervous. This is commonplace for football.  Eventually the players will learn to channel this nervous energy to make themselves better players. Nervous or scared is normal!!!

Coaches: Please remember that all coaches are volunteering their time to teach your child this game.  Most if not all have played this game and want to pass on their experiences and knowledge.  Please know that we may sometimes raise our voices to get a point across, but we are not yelling at your child.  We know what they are capable of and only wish for them to reach their full potential.  If the coaches played the game in the past they may use terms that seem “off” to the casual bystander, these sayings have been ingrained in the game for generations, I am not making excuses for their use, but I do want to explain where they come from.  In “the heat of battle” some of these terms may slip out as we are trying to motivate…not offend.  We are all trying to be better people, but it takes time, cut them some slack.

Playing time: We will make every effort to get every player as much playing time as possible (the A and B teams were split to maximize playing time for all).  Given the amount of players per team it is all but impossible to give equal time, but we will do our best.

Refs: These guys do an incredibly difficult job for low pay. Many are retired and only wish to stay active and give back to this game.  They will miss many infractions, make insane calls and sometimes not be up on current rules.  We are lucky they are willing to do this job at all.  Please allow the coaches to protest the calls and move on.  There is a zero tolerance policy for any confrontation with referees from spectators.