Table of Contents

1:01 League Affiliation

1:02 Club Philosophy

1:03 Registration

1:04 Registration requirements

1:05 Refund Policy

1:06 Coaches Requirements

1:06 Coaches Requirements

1:07 Coaching Staff Structure

1:08 Team Commitments

1:09 Equipment Distribution

1:10 Parent Committee

1:11 Team Managers

1:12 Practice

1:13 Cancellation Policy

1:14 Scrimmages

1:15 Parents Duties

1:16 Games

1:17 Fundraising

1:18 Player Responsibilities

1:19 Behavior

1:20 Policy Enforcement

1:21 Expulsion

1:22 Grievances

1:23 Special Events

1:24 Equipment Turn In

1:25 Elections

 

 

Southern Maryland United

2019 Football Operational Policies

1:01 League Affiliation

The Southern Maryland United Youth Sports and its youth teams, the Southern Maryland United, are members of the American Youth Football League (AYF) and its Southern Maryland Conference (SMC). We are bound by their guidelines and requirements.

1:02 Club Philosophy

The Southern Maryland United is a serious, competitive sports organization with aspirations of competing in the Regional Championship Games and the National Championships at Kissimmee, Florida. We are not the typical youth sports program. We do not want just anyone to join, therefore our requirements are much stricter than some may be accustomed too. This must be made very clear from day one when recruiting coaches, speaking to parents and recruiting players.

1:03 Registration

The registration for the 2019 football and cheer season will be from April 1, 2019- July 26, 2019. The cost of registration is $200. Returning players who are in good standing, can register from March 1 - May 17, 2019 and they will be charged $150. The Multi-Player registration discount is reduced $50 per child for up to 3 players. All players after that will be $50

 All Board of Directors members, and coaches are required to participate in the registration process. They must volunteer to work the registration table one weekend out of each month.

1:04 Registration requirements

In accordance with AYF procedure, each participant must have the following:

a.      Government issued ID

b.      Birth Certificate

1:05 Refund Policy

All Spring Registrations are non-refundable after April 1, of the registration year. All Fall Sports registrations are non-refundable after August 1, of the registration year. Any refunds prior to the cutoff date will have a $35 administrative fee deducted. To receive a refund, the parent of the participant must contact the Team Manager and Head Coach and notify them of their intent prior to the cutoff date. The parent must then turn in all issued equipment to the Equipment Manager. After doing so, the Treasurer will issue a refund to the person listed on the child’s registration form. Refunds will not be given to anyone other than the parent/guardian who signed the registration form for that child. There will be no exceptions to this policy.

1:06 Coaches Requirements

Coaches’ requirements are as follows

1.      Must be approved by the Football Commissioner and voted in by the Board of Directors.

2.      Must attend the monthly coaches meeting in preparation for the upcoming season.

3.      Must participate in offseason workout programs or camps.

4.      Must be appropriately prepared for the position they hold.

5.      Must complete a background check

6.      Compile a complete minute by minute practice schedule, playbook and drill list and have it approved by the Football Commissioner

1:07 Coaching Staff Structure

For football a full coaching staff consists of, a Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, Offensive Line Coach, Defensive Line Coach, Quarterback Coach, Running Backs Coach, Receivers Coach, Linebackers Coach, Defensive Backs Coach, etc.

Each teams coaching staff must have no less than 3 coaches in order to field a team. They each must be able to coach a different aspect on both Offense and Defense. Each staff must ensure that specific skill training is being achieved daily.

1:08 Team Commitments

The available divisions in which we are able to fill teams are Super Tiny Mite, Tiny Mite, Mighty Mite, Cadet, Jr. Pee Wee, Pee Wee, Jr. Midget, and Midget, along with the Unlimited Weight divisions which are 6U, 7U, 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, and 13U.

We will fill teams according to the number of coaches we have prepared in the offseason coaching program. The maximum number of players per team for football is 30. In the event of a teams’ registration number exceeding 30, a second coaching staff will be assembled and another team will be formed. Parents and players will be able to decide which team they wished to join. Those who don’t choose, the first teams' coach will have first choice to keep or send player to second team.

Football Commissioner shall present to the Board of Directors a complete list of team commitments by August 1, 2019.

1:09 Equipment Distribution

For football equipment will be distributed on July 26, 2019 at a later designated location. Only paid registrants will receive equipment. Any players who are allowed to register after that date, will receive equipment based on determination of Equipment Manager.

An equipment release form is required upon the issue of football equipment and uniforms. This form will detail the cost of replacement equipment, should it be lost, altered, or destroyed. The parent or guardian signing this document will be held responsible for all cost. No equipment will be issued until this document has been reviewed and signed by the parent or guardian.

Football players will be provided with the following equipment by the organization and must be returned at the end of the season:

a.      Football Helmet

b.      Shoulder pads

c.      Knee pads

d.      Practice pants

e.      Game pants

These items are also provided and can be kept

b.      1 game jersey

d.      1 pair of sleeves

e.      1 team bag

 

1:10 Parent Committee

Parent Committee will consist of Vice President, Director of Parent Committee, and Team Managers from all teams. This committee will handle all complaints and grievances. The Vice President will advise them of all available options prior to any vote.

1:11 Team Managers

Each team will select a Team Manager. It is very important that the person selected is able to devote the time to the team responsibilities. The Team Manager will attend weekly meetings at the practice field, their attendance is mandatory. At these meetings, information will be distributed to them from the Board of Directors to pass on to the parents on their team. Are responsible for creating snack/MPR/chain crew/concession stand volunteer/merchandise sales volunteer schedule to be turned over to the Director of Parent Committee prior to the first game. They will be the liaison between the families and Board of Directors.

1:12 Practice

Practice will begin on July 21, 2019. All coaches are expected to be in attendance on a daily basis. Practice will be 5 five days a week until school starts. Players will be in shorts and t-shirts for the first week. Players will be acclimated over the next week. They will be in helmet with shorts and jersey for 2 days, in shoulder pads and pants with pads for 2 days and in full gear the remainder of the season unless a light practice is stipulated. When school starts, we will practice 3 days a week. All teams will practice on the same days.

Practice is held from 6pm to 8pm Monday – Friday from July 21 until the start of school year. And three days a week after school starts.

Practice is mandatory. Missing multiple day of practice will result in dismissal from the club and forfeiture of registration fee. If your child attends school that day then they are expected to be in practice.

If you leave your child at practice, you must return no later than 7:45pm to receive your child and get any necessary information from the coaching staff.

1:13 Cancellation Policy

In the event that we have to cancel practice or games, a club wide email will be sent out, a Facebook post, and text messages will be sent out immediately. The practice and games fields are controlled by the Charles County Parks and Recreation office, so they make the official call on field closure.

 

1:14 Scrimmages

The Football Commissioner will schedule all scrimmages to ensure that scrimmages are being sought out for all teams at the same location on the same day. Any Head Coach that wants that would like to have a scrimmage scheduled must give contact information to the Football Commissioner and make a request.

1:15 Parents Duties

There are several responsibilities that are required of the parents of each child. The Team Manager will work with the parents to create schedules for the following:

1.      Bring snacks to a game

2.      Hold the chains or down marker during a game

3.      Complete the mandatory play roster (MPR) during a game

4.      Work at the Concession Stand for 1 hour.

5.      Work at the Merchandise Sale Table for 1 hour.

6.      Each family is required to participate in every fundraiser.

1:16 Games

Players must be present at every game at least 1 hour prior to scheduled start time. They must be dressed in padded girdle and game pants (for those who are borderline weight overage you can wear shorts), game socks, cleats or flip flops, and game jersey with shoulder pads and helmet in hand. Failure to do so will result in not being allowed to play in the game and dismissal from the club.

1:17 Fundraising

There will be multiple fundraisers during the season. Fundraising is essential to our organization running smoothly and growing. A minimum level of participation for each fundraiser is required. Failure to meet the minimum participation level will result in your child missing games or dismissal from the club.

1:18 Player Responsibilities

Players are only responsible for themselves.

1.      Work ethic- They are required to give 100% effort in practice and games

2.      Discipline- They must follow coach’s instructions, and never be disrespectful

3.      Positive Attitude- Be a good teammate

4.      Personal Responsibility- Make sure to be equipped properly for practice and games

Any player that is removed from play for disciplinary reasons, parent and player will have to come before the Parent’s Committee before being allowed to return.

The highest level of commitment is expected. Our coaches give up a lot of free time and a lot of money is spent for the season to go on. Do not waste our time and money.

1:19 Behavior

The Southern Maryland United Youth Sports Organization strives to be the best in providing a positive Sportsmanship environment for our players. Our program is bigger than any one player, coach or spectator. As a Potomac River Blackhawk Spectator, we require the following:

1.      Be encouraging

2.      Keep all public comments positive. Complaints should be made in private.

3.      Only players and coaches are allowed on the field, no exceptions.

4.      Leave the coaching to the coaches. If you have suggestions or would like to coach next year’s team, please volunteer so you can attend the mandatory coaches’ clinics, pass the background checks, pass the coaches written test, and sign the coach’s contract.

5.      Criticizing the officials, coaches, opponents or fans will not be tolerated at all.

6.      No abusive language or cursing.

7.      Be supportive, creating unnecessary drama or stirring up controversy is grounds for dismissal from the program.

8.      Do not communicate with the officials AT ALL. Any penalty caused by a family member in the stands will result in immediate removal of their child from the game and the family will have to meet with the parents committee to decide if they will be allowed to return.

9.      You are responsible for any family members and friends attending the game to watch your child.

10.   Help make this a positive experience for all.

1:20 Policy Enforcement

1.      Individuals will be given one warning for inappropriate activity.

2.      Individuals that continue will be asked to leave the field and the player will be removed from the game until the spectator has left.

3.      If they refuse to leave, the police will be called and player will be dismissed from the program.

If removed from the program, a request to go before the Parent’s Committee can be submitted in writing to be considered for reinstatement.

1:21 Expulsion

Violation of the Code of Ethics or Spectator Contract will result in expulsion from the club. Expulsion is defined as revocation of membership privileges. Expulsion is permanent, and any expelled family is no longer able to attend practices, or any club meetings of any kind. When necessary said family will not be allowed to attend home games.

1:22 Grievances

All grievances will be handled by the Parents Committee. The party or parties may request a hearing by contacting their Team Manager and obtain a Grievance Request form. Once the form is completed and returned, the Parent Committee will call an immediate hearing on the next available day. The party or parties must be willing to accept the Parents Committee decision since it is final.

1:23 Special Events

a.      Kickoff Bowl (location TBD) will be the Saturday prior to the 1^st regular season game. The Director of Football Operations is responsible for finding teams for the club to compete against. Parent Committee and volunteers are responsible for decorating the field. Trophies will be given out for MVP, Offensive MVP, and Defensive MVP for our and the opposing teams.

b.      Pep Rally (location TBD) will be the night before the Homecoming date. Food will be provided for each player. Parent Committee and volunteers are responsible for decorating the location. Lights and PA equipment will be obtained by the Board of Directors. Each Coaching Staff will be given a chance to speak about their team and the organization, and announce their players one by one.

c.      Homecoming- date will be chosen prior to schedule being released

d.      End of Season Banquet

1:24 Equipment Turn In

Equipment turn in will be immediately after the final game. If a team loses in the first round of the playoffs, they will meet the equipment manager at the designated location at the designated time after the game is complete. If a team loses at the SMC, State, Regional, or National Championship, they will return the equipment immediately after returning to the area at the designated time and location.

1:25 Elections

Candidates must declare their intent to run for a position by the November Board meeting. They must be present at that meeting and speak on their own behalf as to why they want to run and what skills they bring to the position that will be beneficial to the organization. They will receive five minutes to speak. Voting will take place during the December Board meeting. All Board members whose terms are ending must bring all paperwork and contact in that belongs to the SMU to the December meeting. If they are unseated they must turn over to the incoming officer all paperwork. Unseated Board member are allowed to remain voting members and may run again at the end of the next year. Incumbent officers must declare their desire to continue the responsibilities of their position also. Newly elected Board members must be prepared by the January meeting to take office.