NORTH DECATUR YOUTH FOOTBALL
North Decatur Youth Football
2024 Participation Handbook
Organization
NDYFL, also known as North Decatur Youth Football League, is a non-profit Indiana Corporation, governed by By-Laws. We are affiliated with the Eastern Indiana Youth Football League (EIYFL). EIYFL sets the gameplay rules and regulations for team divisions.
Rules and Policies
Every parent and participant is required to read this handbook and abide by the policies outlined herein. All parents and participants, upon signing a NDYFL Registration, certify that they have read and understand this document and agree to the policies set forth by this handbook and the NDYFL By-Laws.
Roles and Responsibilities
NDYFL is operated entirely by VOLUNTEERS. Every activity that is part of our program occurs through the effort of volunteers. Hundreds of hours are being donated to this cause in order for us to offer the highest quality program to our youth. It is critical that each volunteer is treated with courtesy and respect at all times.
There are a variety of levels of involvement within our program that are outlined below:
Board of Directors (Operating Board) - Volunteers are elected to a two-year term by vote at the annual banquet. They are responsible for the management of all operations within the program. This includes oversight of all volunteer networks, fundraising, upholding of by-laws, and ensuring the integrity of the program.
Football Coaches - Volunteer coaches manage all practices and games for NDYFL. There is one head coach per team and a max of 3 assistant coaches per team. They are responsible for supervision, skill development, practice planning, game planning, and all execution of team goals and objectives.
Game Day Workers - Workers are needed for each game to staff the 2 concessions stand, ticket sales, and scoreboard operator for hosted games. Workers are needed to operate the chains for games that we are designated as the home team. The board will post the worker schedule on the NDYFL website.
Football Players - Every child is expected to put forth their best effort, both on the field and off, and to abide by the rules and regulations in this handbook and the required youth conduct section.
Citizenship
NDYFL is known for its pride and respect of others, including all EIYFL participants, their leadership, parents, and coaches. Any derogatory comments or actions will be considered grounds for termination of membership to the NDYFL.
Required Adult Conduct
Alcohol, use of any tobacco products, or drugs are prohibited at all NDYFL activities and on the campus that the activity is being hosted by.
Parents must stay in designated areas by the local programs for practice and games.
Derogatory statements toward game officials or the opposing team is strictly prohibited.
Parents/Family are never to approach a coach or official during a game.
Parents/Family are never to discuss a player's playing time with the coach directly after a game (there is a minimum 24 hr cool off period before any discussions may take place).
Parents will not dictate a player's playing time or their position.
Verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated against anyone within the NDYFL organization.
Parents are responsible to get their child to practice on time. Missing practices may affect the playing time of that player. Coach must be notified in advance if the player is going to miss.
Parents are responsible for transporting their player to and from the games. Time of arrival will be set by the Head Coach and it will be adhered too or playing time could be reduced.
Parents are responsible for taking care of their players. Parents must be prompt when dropping off and picking up players.
Parents are responsible to promote sportsmanship, honesty, courage, loyalty, and respect for oneself and others, as they are members of the NDYFL.
Report all problems to your players' Head Coach. If the Head Coach cannot resolve the issue you can contact the board.
Required Youth Conduct
Good grades and classroom effort are expected to be a member of the NDYFL.
Vulgarity, lying, temper tantrums, taunting, threatening, and demeaning comments will NOT be accepted at any time or place. Observed improper conduct will be handled on a case by case basis.
If you are going to miss practice or a game, you must notify the head coach in advance of that practice or game.
Report all problems to your Head Coach immediately.
Schedule
Practice begins on a date established by the NDYFL, usually the last week of July and continues until the end of the season designated by EIYFL. Practice cancellations due to rain will be the discretion of the Head Coach. When adverse weather is observed practice will be delayed or moved indoors, Head Coaches will communicate changes. The Head Coach has the right to alter practice times but must stay within the max 3 days/week and two days of full contact/pads guidelines once school is in session.
Attendance
Attendance at practice and games should mirror school attendance handbook policy. Attendance at all practice and games is expected.
Football Teams
A League - 5th and 6th Graders who will not turn 13 years of age before July 1st.
B League - 3rd and 4th Graders who will not turn 11 years of age before July 1st.
C League – Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Graders who will not turn 9 years of age before July 1st.
NDYFL Eligibility
Must be a resident of North Decatur School District or a current student at North Decatur Elementary. If not, you must submit a request to the NDYFL Board. Board will review and make decisions on a case by case basis.
Playing Time
The goal of NDYFL is to provide a rewarding experience for all participants that are physically able to play, that want to play, have met the requirements to play and the situation is safe for the player. If all that is met, then the NDYFL sets the goal that all players will play a minimum of four downs per half. Playing time is waived if the player is offered the opportunity to play but refuses. It is expected that the older grade should receive higher priority of game time, this allows the kids to develop within this contact sport and the coaches to properly introduce them to the new level of play when it is their first year in a new division.
Safety
Your child's safety is our number one priority. The following measures will be followed at all times:
Players are responsible for providing their own water. Squirt bottles or bottles with straws are the preferred method.
Conditioning exercises will be a part of each practice to ensure the player is able to keep up with the requirements of the sport.
Equipment: Helmets are evaluated by outside vendors to ensure quality and safety. The equipment manager ensures all equipment safe to use before the start of the first practice.
Certifications: All coaches will go through concussion training and routine injury training prior to the start of first practice.
Parents supply mouthguards with tether or anti choking device. The Head Coach will have replacements on the sideline for games but parents will be responsible for mouth guards if lost outside of practice and/or game.
When the temperature is above 95 degrees, our practices will be no pads.
When the temperature is between 90-95 degrees, the board will make the decision on pads.
All injuries during practice will be formally reported to the Head Coach, Board, and the parents.
NO scrimmaging other teams during the week. NDYFL plays only scheduled season games.
NO scrimmaging or live play of different divisions of NDYFL. (ex. C league cannot play B league)
NO kid complaining of head injury will return to practice without consent of the parent and head coach.
Equipment List supplied by the NDYFL
*NDYFL supplied equipment is only to be used for NDYFL sanctioned practice and games.
Helmet and chinstrap. (If using a personal helmet, then certification of helmet must be given to the Board of Directors before use.)
Shoulder pads
Hip, thigh, knee, and tailbone pads
Practice pants and practice jersey
Game Jersey and pants
All players/parents are responsible to return supplied equipment to the NDYFL at the designated time upon the end of the season, fee will be assessed for missing or misused equipment.
NDYFL Board Contact:
NDyouthfootballleague@gmail.com
President: Luke Mauer - ndyouthfootballleague@gmail.com
Vice President: Mark Reisman - ndyouthfootballleague@gmail.com