Established 1973 and combined in 2017 http://bismarckyouthfootball.website.siplay.com/ BYFL Parents Handbook – 2019 On behalf of our sponsors, coaches, board members and volunteers, I extend a warm welcome to players and parents for the 2019 Bismarck Youth Football League (BYFL) season. We are excited to be starting our third season as a league combining the great histories of the BMFL and YFL while encompassing two age divisions – a 3rd-4th grade division and a 5th-6th grade division. Our mission is to enable participants (ages 8-12) the opportunity to benefit from participation in team sports and activities (football & cheerleading) in a safe and structured environment. We are proud that many alumni continue to play football and cheer at the high school and college level as well as our coaches who played in the league. Our league consists of 28 teams of approximately 22 players each for approximately 620 participants. The league is divided into in two age divisions: 14 – 3rd-4th grade teams and 14 – 5th-6th grade teams. The 3rd-4th grade teams will play their last game during “Super Weekend.” In the 5th-6th grade division there is a playoff format and, after the regular season, playoff positions will be determined by each team’s standing within their conference. The playoffs are divided into three divisions of play: gold, silver and bronze. Our website contains additional league and schedule information http://bismarckyouthfootball.website.siplay.com/ The handbook provides information on league organization, a code of conduct for parents and children and options if you encounter any problems. The information presented is strictly a guide and can be changed or discontinued at any time by the board of directors without notice. Finally, please be sure to thank our sponsors that keep registration rates reasonable as well as the many volunteers that donate countless hours to ensure your child has a great football experience. Without them, the Bismarck Youth Football League would not be a successful and respected program. We hope that you and your player enjoy this season! Sincerely, Donavan Klein President Bismarck Youth Football League 2 BYFL Parents Handbook – 2019 Bismarck Youth Football League (BYFL) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization operated by dedicated volunteers whose mission is to enable participants (ages 8-12) the opportunity to benefit from participation in team sports and activities in a safe and structured environment. Through this active participation, BYFL programs teach fundamental values, skills and knowledge that children will use throughout their lives. We are dedicated to sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play. • Parents can expect the BYFL to provide opportunities for children to be instructed in football by highly motivated and knowledgeable volunteers. • Parents can expect their children to actively participate in all practices. • BYFL will provide practice fields. Although our goal is to have your team’s practice field as near to your home as possible, we are limited by available facility locations and the number of participants from different areas of town. Also, please be aware that some teams may have to change practice locations during the course of the season due to scheduling conflicts or field conditions. Often, these changes are beyond the league’s control. • Regular season games are played at the Cottonwood softball diamonds on south 12th street for 3rd-4th grade and the Hughes Education Center on North Washington Street for 5th-6th grade. • BYFL will provide licensed referees certified in High School and/or College football. Please remember that they are human, and therefore occasionally may make an officiating error; it is part of the game. Game results are NEVER reversed because of a perceived officiating error. • BYFL is responsible for most of the equipment that each player requires: The league will issue each player a helmet, shoulder pads, football pants and game jersey. Parents are responsible for practice jerseys, mouth guards, jockey “hard” cups, socks and cleats. At the conclusion of the year, all BYFL equipment items are to be returned in good condition at a time and location announced by the league. Failure to return the borrowed equipment will result in the League charging the responsible parent/guardian $400 (cost of the equipment) and any collection costs (including attorney fees, if required). • Parents or legal guardians have the right to remove their child from participation at any time. • Parents should expect the highest standards of conduct from all BYFL football coaches, league officials and adult volunteers. BYFL policy forbids ALCOHOL, TOBACCO OR ILLEGAL DRUG use at all games, scrimmages and practices. No foul or obscene language; physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or bullying by other players will be tolerated. • BYFL coaches will treat each player, parents/guardians and fans with respect at all times. In return, please show consideration for all personnel connected with the league at all times. ANY PHYSICAL, VERBAL OR PERSONAL ABUSE TOWARD AN OFFICIAL OR VOLUNTEER BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER A GAME WILL BRING IMMEDIATE 3 BYFL Parents Handbook – 2019 REMOVAL FROM THE LEAGUE OF THE VIOLATING PLAYERS OR PARENT/GUARDIAN. THIS IS A ZERO TOLERANCE RULE. • BYFL does NOT carry medical insurance for players. This is the responsibility of each participant’s parent/guardian to include ambulance or emergency medical treatment. • The University of Mary student trainers are expected be on hand for all league games and will provide limited medical treatment for minor injuries. • Refer to the BYFL’s website for updated information: http://bismarckyouthfootball.website.siplay.com/ 4 BYFL Parents Handbook – 2019 • BYFL has a “No Refund” policy after the first practice. Refunds will be available before the first practice, less $20 for administrative costs. This means, no refunds for any reason, to include injury, sickness, medical excuse, moving out of town, desire to play a different sport, school issues, fighting, not liking the coach or teammates, practice field is too far away, etc. • All football players must complete a North Dakota High School Activities Association Athletic Pre-participation physical. A copy of the physical form MUST be on file with the BYFL before equipment handout. • BYFL expects each parent and spectator to abide by the same code of conduct required of the volunteers working with your children. This includes NO ALCOHOL, TOBACCO OR ILLEGAL DRUG USE at BYFL games, scrimmages or practices. No obscene language and no physical, emotional or other abuse toward any player, parent/guardian, fan or other league volunteers will be tolerated. Like coaches, parents/guardians should be role models for every child on their football team. Please remember to praise your child and members of all teams for their hard work and accomplishments. • For the safety of all of our kids - Obey ALL parking signs at the fields. City officials will enforce the parking regulations. DO NOT climb on or over the fences, please use the gates. NO DOGS ALLOWED AT FIELDS. • BYFL expects all fans to control their emotions at games. Officials are human and fans may not always agree with their decisions. Keep in mind, that parents/guardians’ behavior sends a message to children. There are lessons to be taught in victories, as well as defeats. At the end of the game, talk to your children. Share your feelings in a positive way. • Treat all coaches with respect and dignity. They are unpaid volunteers who contribute their time and talents for the benefit of your children. You may not always agree with a coach's decision, however, he/she has the final say on their football team. • The most successful teams are not necessarily determined by their won-loss record or ability, but by the level of support that parents/guardians/family members/friends provide them and their coaches. Please volunteer your time and talents when requested. Coaches unanimously agree that support, encouragement and time are the most valuable commodities that parents and guardians can provide. A unified football team with support, loyalty and encouragement is a winner. This shows children the value of teamwork and good sportsmanship. • During games, only players, coaches and league officials may be near team’s sideline. At Cottonwood softball diamonds we enforce a spectator/team sideline policy. Teams will be on one side and all spectators will be on the opposite side. ONLY authorized coaches and players are on the team sideline. ALL parents & spectators will be on the Parent side – NO exceptions. • Coaches and referees have the right to remove any parent, player, or volunteer, from any BYFL event (including practice), who is creating a disturbance, not abiding by the code of conduct, or creating an unhealthy environment for children, without a refund, pending review by the League’s ‘Grievance Committee’. 5 BYFL Parents Handbook – 2019 • BYFL has observed that some parents have a tendency to re-live their youth through their children. Please remember that your children do not think like adults. Football may not be easy for them. Do not expect them to play like players at the high school level; they must be allowed to learn and develop at their own rate. • You are not paying for the right to choose a position for your child; otherwise we would have 22 centers on a team. The coaches will decide positions. • If you believe that you are being treated unfairly, please talk to your coach first. If that fails to satisfactorily address your issues, you may contact the league president and division commissioners and/or submit a league grievance form. The League’s ‘Grievance Committee’ will review and follow the procedures outlined on the form. Please remember that BYFL grievance decisions are FINAL. Involving the ‘Grievance Committee’ may cause a coach, parent/guardian and/or the player to be dismissed from the league without refund of deposit.