Welcome to the ACAO! We are excited to have you with us this season! ACA Optimist Club (“ACAO”) was established in 1989. This year brings in a breath of fresh air as we add football to our organization. We are excited to kick off this new expansion with positivity and an optimistic attitude.
The ACAO hosts various events during the year to give back to the community. Events include summer splash bash, football camps, cheer camps, food drives, an official cheer competition, football super bowl and a holiday party.
Each squad must have at least 2 Sponsors for teams up to 12 girls and 3 Sponsors for teams up to 16 girls. Sponsors are responsible for all communication and information to their coaches and parents of their squad.
The ACAO maintains an annually elected Board of Directors to run the Club. The Board of Directors helps to ensure all of its rules are being followed, investigates complaints, everyone operates in a safe manner, and helps to ensure that everyone has fun. All of the ACAO Directors and Officers are volunteers and many are also Sponsors. The ACAO Board and its members review and approve its Bylaws and rules each year. A listing of its current Directors and Officers, as well as a copy of the most current adopted rules and Bylaws can be found on the ACAO official website.
The ACAO is looking forward to another exciting season and its best year ever. The ACAO is happy that you want to be a part of it and certainly welcomes any feedback including any suggestions to make it a more enjoyable experience.
Thank you,
The ACAO Board of Directors!
Important info: ACAO official website www.acaoptimistclub.com Primary contact Mike Mills or Glenda White at [email protected]
Who is the ACAO?
Arlington Community Athletics Organization (known as “ACAO”, “Club” or “Optimist Club”) is a non-profit club affiliated with Optimist International. The ACAO was formed in 1989 to provide social activities for all of its participants. The Club has a Board of Directors, which meets once a month and who governs the Club, help makes and monitors the rules, makes changes to its programs, and resolves any conflicts or problems. The Club maintains Bylaws and Rules that are in place to help run all facets the Club. Some of the rules are in place because there have been problems related to such action in the past. Most of the rules are to help ensure that everything is fair and that everyone is safe. The Club encourages everyone to visit its website at www.acaoptimistclub.com to obtain more information about its history, ongoing programs, general information, bylaws, rules, forms, referrals of vendors or coaches, and where various announcements are posted.
Generally, each month the Board, Coaches and Sponsors meet with the Board on the second Monday of every month. At the meetings, old business is completed, different vendors present their goods or services, rules and bylaw changes are discussed, and important announcements are discussed. It is the duty of the Coaches and Sponsors to take the information received from the ACAO and pass it along to everyone on their squad. In addition, to the meetings, the ACAO posts some of these items on their website, and then sends emails and TXT blasts to Coaches, Sponsors and parents related to important announcements or changes. Such items include canceled games, schedule changes, registration dates and deadlines, volunteers needed, new events, event time and dates, survey requests, forms, financial statement information deadlines, etc. This is why it is very important to supply both the ACAO and your Coach or Sponsor with your cell phone and with your email address on the registration form. Optimist Creed The ACAO believes that respect of others and good sportsmanship is very important and must be exhibited by everyone at all times that are involved in or with the ACAO. As a result, the ACAO adopted a creed that articulates its Code of Honor that it expects everyone to abide by. The Optimist Creed is as follows: Promise Yourself - To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble. Practices
To be held at a location determined by your Coaches o Limit of 2 pre-approved absences per season o Excused absences are limited to: illness, illness of a minor child, death in family, school function, religious holidays, academic required programs, pre-approved family vacations, anything else must be pre-approved by sponsor only They MUST wear adequate football attire to practice Provide child a water bottle at practices and games – no soft drinks Games
ALL participates are to be at the field with their team 30 mins before game time in full uniform o All participants must be in full uniform to take the field. A participant may be benched until all uniform requirements are met. Important Dates
09/02/2018 – ACAO Swim Party at BK Pool (Stovall Park) 09/08/2018 – Opening Day Ceremonies – 8U -12U 9/22/2018 – Opening Day for 6U
10/13/2018 – Pink out! In support of breast cancer awareness, the team can wear matching pink accessories. Let’s have fun with it. TBA – Optimist Night, cheerleaders and football players are announced at a high school football game (5:30PM – field to be announced) TBA - Competition In November, the ACAO holds its annual Competition for its cheerleaders. TBA – Team EOY Party TBA – ACAO Christmas Party Rules & Policies
1. Above all everyone should follow the ACAO Optimist creed and always portray the upmost respect and honor to everyone, as well as demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times! 2. Attend all required practices and games. 3. Notify the Coaches if you will be absent, late, or need to leave early for any practice, game, or event. 4. Any and all injuries occurring during any practice, game, or event should always be immediately reported to the Sponsors and to the ACAO Board, and 1st Vice President. 5. If anyone is hurt on the field during a game please be respectful until the individual is removed from the field by kneeling down on one knee. If the individual is removed from the field and conscious then you should clap as a sign of respect. NEVER clap if the individual is removed via ambulance or is unconscious. 6. All participants and coaches ARE NOT ALLOWED to chew gum, eat food, snacks, or candy, or drink sodas during practice or during a game. 7. Pay attention to your coaches. They are there to teach you cheers so you can be the best cheerleader you can be. Do not hang on them while at practice or a game. 8. Follow the Chain of Command related to handling your complaint about anything or anyone. That is - tell your Sponsor first. If the matter is not resolved or if the matter relates to the Sponsors then contact the ACAO Board – at [email protected] 9. Each participant is responsible for bringing water to drink at practice and to the games. 10. Everyone should remember to stay hydrated and drink lots of water during practice and at the games, especially if you are outdoors and the outdoor temperature is 90 degrees or higher. 11. Participants and coaches should show up at least 30 minutes before their game time to allow adequate time to warm up and for check in. 12. A participant cannot leave a game or practice without being accompanied by a responsible person. Jr. Coaches and participants have to tell the Coaches before leaving a practice or game for any reason. 13. To ensure everyone’s safety, if a participant needs to be dropped off at practice or at a game the participants’ parents/guardian should arrange clear drop off or pick up instructions with the Coaches. Everyone has busy schedules, so as a courtesy and to ensure safety, if you are late for drop off or pick up please call and notify the Sponsors. 14. NO mascots or non-cheerleaders are allowed on the field or in the cheer area during any game. 15. NEVER yell or scream at any other person, football player, cheerleader, coach, Sponsor, or parent. 16. NO electronic devices should be used during practice or at a game. 17. If a participant voluntarily quits without cause during the season then they are prohibited from returning to play on any team during the next season. 18. The participant must sign the Chain of Command form, Social Media and Conduct form, and obtain a physical. 19. NO coach is allowed to be paid and paid lessons or camps cannot be deemed mandatory by anyone on the squad. 20. Violations of these rules or multiple no-shows for practices or games may result in suspension or removal from the team.
Parents:
1. Sign the Chain of Command and give it to your Coach. 2. To help ensure safety, parents should discuss with the Coach, any new or existing medical condition concerning your child or any injury that has been sustained by your child. 3. Please immediately report to the Coach any injury during practice, games, or at events. 4. Please have your child at all practice and games on time. You should be at a game at least 30 minutes before the game for squad check in. (or earlier if sponsor request) Notify the Coaches if your child will be absent, late or have to leave early for any practice, game, or event. 5. NEVER argue with a Coach or other parent in front of the squad or your child or any children. Please have any conversations like these outside the presence of any and all children even when on a phone call. These types of actions can create hard feelings for the participants, create gossip and is cause for removal of your child from the squad. 6. Always demonstrate good sportsmanship, respect, and honesty. Refrain from making negative comments or gestures, using profanity, obscene gestures, or phrases. 7. Follow the Chain of Command if you have a problem or complaint. If at any time you should have a problem you cannot resolve with your Coaches or it relates to your Coaches you can contact the Mike Mills, at [email protected]. If the problem persists contact the ACAO Board, at [email protected] 8. The Coach job is hard and parents are highly encouraged to offer support to the Coach by volunteering for jobs or functions such as spirit sticks, party, break away sign duty, football team liaison, presents, historian, picture taking, and helping out at practice. 9. If parents would like to Coach or volunteer to help at any ACAO function please contact the ACAO Board and let your Coach know. 10. Parents should be responsible and ensure their child is wearing the full uniform and that the uniform is neat, not torn, and that the participants are wearing proper undergarments while wearing their uniforms. 11. If parents have any suggestions the ACAO would welcome them. The ACAO requests that you please forward them to [email protected]. At the end of the season you will be given a survey to complete, please complete to give us good feedback. If we are not told we may not know if something is wrong or needs improvement.
ACAO – Information Packet Acknowledgement Form
Dear ACAO,
I have read and understand the ACAO Information Packet in its entirety and promise to follow all of the rules of the ACAO. I have also gone over the rules with my child and we have agreed for my child to also follow all that is expected from her / him.
We also understand that cheerleading is a team sport and that her / his attendance at games and practice is a must in order for the best of the team. We understand that we will be allowed 2 pre-approved excused absents and 3 unexcused absents and that anything more than this will be grounds for removal from the team. (3 late arrival or early departures will count as 1 unexcused absent)
In addition, my child and I promise to act in a good sportsman-like manner and have respect for everyone.
______Parent’s Signature Printed Name Date
______Parent’s Signature Printed Name Date
______Child’s Signature Printed Name Date
Squad Name: ______Grade: ______
Arlington Community Athletics Optimist Club
Chain of Command Form
The Arlington Community Athletics Optimist Club wants everyone to have a fun experience with its organization. The ACAO takes very seriously any problems, concerns or suggestions. In order for these types of things to be considered, the following chain of command procedure must be followed:
Step 1 - Talk with your one or both of your sponsors. If they are not aware of the problem, they cannot resolve it. Step 2 - If you do not feel the issue was solved with your sponsors, contact the V.P., Angela Bentley, at 817-223-0737 Step 3 - If you feel the issue still has not been resolved or addressed, please submit your concern in writing via email or text an ACAO Board member, or mail letter to the ACAO Board of Directors, P.O. BOX 170489 ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76003. You will need to sign your name and provide contact information when addressing written issues.
Please have each parent sign this form acknowledging the chain of command.
TEAM NAME: ______GRADE: ______
Participants Name Parents Signature Phone Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Arlington Community Athletics Optimist Club
Acknowledgement of Name Use
The Arlington Community Athletics Optimist Club wants everyone to have a fun experience with its organization. The ACAO takes very seriously the protection of the youth involved in our program.
For the protection of those involved in our program, each parent must agree and acknowledge the use of their child’s name, which may be placed on any or all items they wear during the season.
Please have each parent sign this form acknowledging the use of their child’s name or initials.
TEAM NAME: ______GRADE: ______
Participants Name Parents Signature Phone Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Arlington Community Athletics Optimist Club Youth Sports Physical Form Valid for 12 months from date of exam
Athletes Name: ______Age: ______Sex: Male Female Date of Birth: ______
MONTH DAY YEAR Doctor or Clinic: ______
Parent’s Name: ______Parents address: ______
Telephone #: Home: ______Cell: ______Work: ______
To be completed by Physician: Circle positive points and explain. Previous history of Allergy, Head Injury, Unconsciousness, Bone or Joint Disease and/or Injury, Heart Disease, Hypertension, Renal Disease and/or Injury, Diabetes, Emotional Disturbance, Epilepsy.
Explanation: ______
______
Is the athlete routinely taking any medication? Yes No If yes, please explain: ______
______
Is the athlete allergic to any medication? Yes No If yes, please explain: ______
______
Height ______Weight______Blood Pressure ______Pulse: ______
Vision: Right 20/____ Left 20/_____ Corrected: Yes No
MEDICAL NORMAL ABNORMAL ABNORMAL FINDINGS INITIALS OF PHYSICAN Appearance Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat Lymph Nodes Heart Pulses Lungs Abdomen Skin Genitalia (males only) Hernia Spine Neck
TO BE COMPLETED BY PARENT OR GUARDIAN:
Does the athlete have a precious history of: YES NO YES NO
A. Bleeding Tendencies ______F. Neck Injury ______B. Head injuries, unconsciousness ______G. Bone and/or joint injury ______concussion, seizures H. Diabetes ______C. Asthma ______I: If “yes” please explain: ______D. Hernia ______E. Sickle Cell Anemia ______ACA OPTIMIST CLUB Weather Protocol Severe Storms and Lightning Lightning is a threat during any severe thunderstorm. Coaches should move students off of the field or buses into a building for safety if lightning is occurring. Coaches in charge of athletic events should be aware of approaching severe storms or other weather related emergencies. It is suggested that school officials could use the public address systems to warn spectators of approaching severe weather. Coaches, officials, or administrators should stop play when it is determined that it is unsafe to play. Regardless of the sophistication of weather monitoring devices and predictions, lightning creates situations that are impossible to anticipate. How can we go about judging the dangers of lightning beyond guesswork? What is the rule to be followed when (1) lightning is not visible but conditions are right for its development, (2) lightning is a possibility due to conditions, (3) lightning is imminent? While the probability of being struck by lightning is very low, the odds are significantly greater when a storm is in the area and the proper safety precautions are not followed. More deaths in the United States are caused by lightning than any other natural phenomenon. One in twelve individuals struck are hit while playing golf. Also, more people are struck during involvement in recreational and sporting events than while working. We have heard of lightning strikes from clear, overhead skies. These strikes have resulted in deaths and injury. We are in immediate risk of the possibility of a lightning strike when the leading edge of a thunderstorm is within 10 miles. Such lightning would come from the “anvil cloud” or overhanging leading edge of a thunderstorm. What to do in cold weather
Cold weather is defined as any temperature that can negatively affect the body’s regulatory system. These do not have to be freezing temperatures. The following temperature guidelines have been established for Arlington Community Athletics Optimist Club practices and games. 1. Wind Chill Factor Between 32-35 Degrees with Rain x 45 minutes outdoor exposure. 2. Wind Chill Factor 32 Degrees or Below with Rain x All practices will be inside. No outside exposure. 3. Wind Chill Factor Between 25-32 Degrees (Dry) x 45 minutes of total exposure to chill factor. 4. Temperature under 32 Degrees and/ or Wind Chill Factor under 25 Degrees x No outside practices. All work must be inside.
Significance: Although excessive and prolonged exposure to cold may be an infrequent problem in high school athletics, the prevention, recognition and management of cold-related conditions are still an important consideration for coaches, administrators and athletic trainers. The human body’s mechanisms of heat retention are significantly less efficient than our ability to dissipate heat. Epidemiological research suggests that even in otherwise innocuous environmental conditions, hypothermia can occur. During the day, the temperature may be moderate and the sun shining, but as the sun sets and the temperature begins to fall, when coupled with conditions of exhaustion, dehydration and wet clothing associated with physical activity, the risk of cold- related pathology can increase. Understanding the mechanisms of heat retention and production are essential to the prevention and management of cold-related illnesses and injuries:
Vasoconstriction - Decreases blood flow to the periphery to prevent loss of body heat. Shivering - While involuntary shivering generates heat through increased muscle activity, it may also hinder an athlete's sport performance and ability to perform behavioral tasks to aid in heat retention. Activity increase - Increases heat production through a general increase in metabolic activity. Quick bouts of intense activity can generate incredible amounts of heat. Behavioral responses - Adjusting the number and type of clothing layers will result in heat regulation by controlling the amount of heat lost by the body.
Prevention
Dress in layers. Cover the head to prevent excessive heat loss from the head and neck. Stay dry by wearing a wicking fabric next to the body and a breathable, water repellent outer layer. Stay adequately hydrated. Eat regular meals. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Educate participants, coaches, officials and administrators in recognition of cold-related illnesses. Consider cancellation of athletic events if weather conditions warrant. If unsure whether an athlete is hypothermic, err on the side of caution and treat accordingly.
What to do in hot weather **NO OUTSIDE ACTIVITY IF THE HEAT INDEX IS ABOVE 105 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT** Hot Weather Hints for Athletic Conditioning Early fall athletic practice is frequently conducted in very warm and highly humid weather. Under such conditions, special precautions should be observed according to the committee on the Medical Aspects of Sports of the American Medical Association. Otherwise, the athlete is subject to: 1. Heat syncope: Fainting or near fainting following dizziness, usually while running or after a sudden change in position. Caused by a drop in blood pressure as the brain is deprived of oxygenated blood. 2. Heat cramps: Tightening or spasms of active muscles, without loss of consciousness. Caused by an electrolyte imbalance. 3. Heat exhaustion: Dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, which may be accompanied by irrational behavior of belligerence and some muscle cramping. Loss of consciousness may occur. 4. Heat stroke (sun stroke): Acute medical emergency. Extremely high body core temperature 106-108qFahrenheit, no perspiration (hot, dry skin), disorientation, muscle twitching, convulsions, coma and possible death. Treatment: For heat syncope, heat cramps and heat exhaustion, move victim to a cooler, shaded area, elevate feet (or lower head), loosen or remove clothing, offer fluids by mouth, and cool skin with wet compresses or a fan. Activate the emergency medical system (EMS) by dialing 911. For heat stroke, activate EMS. Oral fluid intake is not likely, but the other steps described above should be taken while waiting for the arrival of a rescue squad