Football Handbook
Table of Contents
1. Mission Statement 2
2. Coaches Code of Conduct / Ethics 3
5. Football Fields and their Locations 7
6. Sportsmanship Award Program 8-9
The Park Ridge Youth Football organization is committed to providing a safe, positive, and nourishing environment where our student athletes and coaches are afforded the opportunity to develop strength of character, build self-esteem, and realize personal development. We will do this by creating an atmosphere that:
Ø Promotes Self Respect & Discipline
Ø Fosters Teamwork & Friendships
Ø Teaches Core Fundamentals & Rules of the Game
Ø Rewards Sportsmanship & Fair Play
Ø Promotes Pride & Leadership
Ø Sets an Example of Community Spirit & Good Citizenship
Our goal is to make this the most positive and influential experience that our players and cheerleaders will have.
To our coaches, we ask that you incorporate the ideals of this mission statement into your coaching philosophy and routine. We ask that you respect each other, in all football-related situations and know that you must lead by example and be willing to submit to a higher standard than non-coaches.
Most of all, we want everyone to have fun!
2. Coaches Code of Conduct / Ethics
All football and cheerleading coaches will abide by this code of Conduct / Ethics that include the following provisions.
If any of these rules are broken, the Park Ridge Football Board of Directors shall have the authority to impose a penalty.
1. Coaches shall not criticize players / cheerleaders in front of spectators. Reserve constructive criticism for private or team settings if others might benefit.
2. Coaches will accept decisions of the game officials and judges on the field as fair and called to the best of the officials ability.
3. Coaches will not criticize an opposing team, its players, coaches, or cheerleaders verbally or with gestures.
4. Coaches should emphasize that good athletes strive to be good students and that both are physically and mentally alert.
5. Coaches should strive to make every football / cheerleading activity serve as a training ground for life, and a basis for good mental and physical health.
6. Coaches should emphasize that winning is the result of good teamwork.
7. Coaches should not engage in excessive sideline coaching and shall not leave the bench area to shout instructions from the sidelines.
8. Coaches together with team officials, will be jointly responsible for the conduct and control of team fans and spectators. Any fan / spectator who becomes a nuisance and out of control will be asked to leave.
9. Coaches will not use abusive and profane language at any time.
10. Coaches are strongly encouraged to not "run up the score" when their team gets a commanding lead in order to raise the score as high as it can. Rather, every effort should be made to ensure all players are afforded the opportunity to participate.
11. Coaches shall not receive payment, in cash or kind, for services as a coach.
12. Coaches will not permit or encourage "sweating down" tactics in order for a player to make the team weight.
13. Coaches shall not permit an ineligible player to participate in a game.
14. Coaches shall not deliberately incite un-sportsmanlike conduct.
15. Coaches shall not smoke and / or use smokeless tobacco on the football field.
16. Coaches shall abstain from the possession and drinking of alcoholic beverages and the possession or use of any illegal substance on both the game and practice fields.
17. Coaches shall remove from a game or practice any participant when even slightly in doubt about his / her health, whether or not as a result of injury, until competent medical advise is available.
18. Coaches shall control their fans. Remember as a team coach, you're responsible for your team and fan reaction will usually be in step with your reaction.
Park Ridge Youth Football adopts all IHSA Football Rules & Regulations with the following exceptions.
Rule Description Rules Common Across All House Leagues Rules specific to Senior House League Rules specific Intermediate House League Rules specific to Junior House League
1. Clock Management Ø Each game shall consist of four (4) twelve (12) minute quarters, with a five (5) minute half time. Ø During the first (1st) and third (3rd) quarters the clock starts again on the ensuing kick-off. Ø During the second and fourth quarters, in addition to the above, the clock will stop during the last two (2) minutes for an incomplete pass, a run out of bounds, quarterback grounding the ball, and to move the chains after a 1st down (once chains are set, clock starts running).Ø Injuries automatically stop the clock and the injured player must be taken out of the game for at least 1 play. The clock will start at the snap of the ball.
2. Equipment If the player is not wearing the proper equipment, the player will not be allowed to play. This includes: Ø Mouthgard, Helmet, CupØ Pads, Shoulder, knee, thigh, hip
3. Extra Points Ball is spotted at the 2.5 yard line. Ø One (1) point for Pass / Run.Ø Two (2) points for a kick. Ø One (1) point for Pass / Run.Ø Two (2) points for a kick. Ø One (1) point for run.Ø Two (2) points for pass.
4. Fumbles Ø Advancing fumbles is allowed, provided player did not recover fumble with knee or knees touching ground. (Except stripers)
5. Games Ø Games will be played in all weather conditions with the exception of lightning.
6. Huddles Ø Huddles should be limited to thirty (30) seconds. Ø Referees will issue one (1) warning and any further delays will result in a five (5) yard penalty and the clock will stop until the ball is snapped. Ø After the 4th game of the season field coaches are not allowed to instruct their team after the break of the huddle.
7. Injuries Ø Injured players must be removed from the game for at least 1 play. Ø Injured players automatically stop the clock. The clock will start on the subsequent snap.
8. Kickoffs Ø Kickoffs will be from the 45 yard line.Ø On-side kickoffs are allowed. Ø Kickoffs will be from the 40 yard line.Ø On-side kickoffs are allowed.Ø No more than four (4) striped players can be on the kickoff or receiving team and must be in the middle front of formation.
9. Penalties The following penalties will be marked off from the spot of the foul.Ø Holding - 10 yardsØ Facemasking - 15 yards & automatic 1st downsØ Clipping - 15 yards The following penalties will be marked off from the line of scrimmage.Ø Offsides - 5 yardsØ Mouthgard - 5 yardsØ Pass Interference - 15 yard Ø Unsportsmanlike Conduct - 15 yards
10. Practices Ø A maximum of 3 practices per week not totaling more than 6 hours per week.
11. Punting Ø There will be no rushing of the punter. Ø Players cannot leave the line of scrimmage until the ball is punted. Ø Team must announce if it is going to punt on fourth (4th) down. Ø Seven (7) men on the line of scrimmage.Ø No quick kicks will be allowed. Ø Allowed to rush punter.Ø Do not have to announce 4th down intentions.
12. Sidelines / Spectators Ø A distance of five (5) yards from the sidelines must be maintained by all spectators. This is for the protection of our players and spectators. Coaches should help enforce this rule.
13. Slaughter Rule Ø Any team losing by 18 points or more will automatically get the ball on the fifty (50) yard line.
14. Substitutions Ø When playing defense, at the end of every second (2) play, the players on the bench (substitutes) must be inserted into the game.Ø On offense, no substitutions are required.Ø If a hurry up offense is used, the referee shall stop the clock and hold the play until the defense has substituted.
15. Timeouts Ø Each team will be allowed 3 timeouts per half.
Weight Limits Ø Players will be officially weighed during the first (1st) two weeks or practice.Ø Players over the official league weight will be wear a designated marking "striped" on their helmet. These players must play on the line of scrimmage between the tackles in either a 3pt or 4pt football stance. Ø "Striped" players can intercept a pass and recover fumbles, however they cannot advance the ball. Ø Violation of the above mentioned rules will result in a 5 yard penalty. Ø No Player over 135 lbs can carry or receive the ball. Ø "Striped" players weight limit to be finalized after registration. Ø No Player over 115 lbs can carry or receive the ball. Ø "Striped" players weight limit to be finalized after registration.
Park Ridge Youth Football consists of 4 House Leagues.
These are:
League Age Weight
Flag 6 & 7 No Limit
Junior 7 thru 9 50 to 85 lbs
10 Up to 70 lbs
Intermediate 9 thru 11 Up to 115 lbs
12 Up to 85 lbs
Senior 11 thru 13 Up to 150 lbs.
5. Football Fields and their Locations
Hinkley Park, Park Ridge - (283 Busse Hwy)
Northwest Park, Park Ridge - (Northwest Hwy past Dee Rd)
Southwest Park, Park Ridge - (S Western or Lincoln , 3 blocks S of Devon)
6. Sportsmanship Awards Program
Program Description
Ø Sportsmanship awards will be given to football players in each house league (Senior, Intermediate, Junior, Flag) based on nominations from league coaches and if possible referee input.
Ø Award nominations will be based on established critieria.
Ø A plaque and award will be presented to award recipients in each league.
Awards Criteria
Criteria established by the Park Ridge Football board of directors includes:
Ø Open and visible displays of sportsmanship. (See checklist below).
Ø Attends 90% of team practices.
Ø Attends 90% of team games.
Ø Open and visible displays of enthusiasm for the sport.
Awards Process
1. Board members will review sportsmanship criteria with League commissioners prior to start of practices.
2. League commissioners will review and explain award criteria with coaches.
3. League coaches will review and explain award criteria with players.
4. Coaches will nominate a player from each team in each house league during the 7th week of the season.
5. A nomination form will be provided at a later date for coaches to complete and return to your league commissioner during the 7th week of the season.
6. The league commissioners will forward the nomination forms to awards chairperson.
7. Team award winners will be recognized at their league banquet.
Awards Winners
Ø Award Winners receive a plaque.
Sportsmanship Checklist for Kids
1. I abide by the rules of the game. Part of good sportsmanship is knowing the rules of the game and playing by them. If a player decides to play a given sport, it is the responsibility of that player to learn not only how to play but how to play according to the rules which have been established and standardized to allow competitive games to be played in an orderly fashion. The more a player knows the rules the more that player can enjoy the sport.
2. I always play fair. Honesty and integrity should be an integral part of sports. A player with good sportsmanship does not want a hollow victory, which comes as a result of cheating ("dirty" fouls, ineligible players, performance enhancing drugs, etc.)
3. I follow the directions of the coach. A player with good sportsmanship listens to and follows the directions of the coach, realizing that each player's decisions affect the rest of the team. If a player has disagreements with the coach, the player discusses the disagreements privately in a civil manner, away from the public eye.
4. I respect the other team's effort. Whether the other team plays better or whether they play worse, the player with good sportsmanship does not use the occasion to put the other team down. In the field of competition respect for opponents is central to good sportsmanship. If an opponent out-performs a player, that player accepts it, learns from it, offers no excuses and moves on. If a player out-performs an opponent, that player enjoys the victory, but does not gloat, does not belittle, and does not minimize the opponent's effort.
5. I offer encouragement to teammates. A sign of good sportsmanship is a player who praises teammates when they do well and who comforts and encourages them when they make mistakes. Criticizing teammates in the heat of battle simply distracts from the focus of working together and gives the advantage to the opponent who develops a sense of confidence when seeing signs of weakness or a lack of unity in the midst of the competition. Further, good sportsmanship implies that the player on a team is a team player and that his or her behavior reflects on the team in general. A team player does not condone unsportsmanlike conduct from teammates, but instead promotes good sportsmanship among teammates.
6. I accept the judgment calls of the game officials. Part of the human condition is making mistakes. Arguing with an official over a judgment call simply wastes energy. The player with good sportsmanship knows that errors may be made, but the player also knows that a game is made up of all the plays and calls from the beginning to the end of the game, not just the call in dispute. The player with good sportsmanship may be upset, but that player also has learned to focus his/her energies back on the game and on doing the best he/she can do for the rest of the game.
7. I end the game smoothly. When the game is over, pouting, threatening, cajoling have no place in the life of the players with good sportsmanship, who emphasize the joy of participating, regardless of outcome. They're not devoid of emotions but they know that their efforts to end the competition smoothly, without antagonistic emotional display, will help ensure that the games will continue in the future.
"Sports do not build character. They reveal it." - Heywood Hale Broun
Al Czech, President, & Director Junior House League
Garry Abezetian, Vice-President
Dan Metz, Secretary, Pictures, & Handbook
Jim Sparks, Treasurer, & Director Intermediate House League
Brian Burke, Director Senior House League
Marti Latimer, Co-Director Cheerleading
Jennifer Urias, Co-Director Cheerleading
Jim Toulon, Sportsmanship Award
Larry Siewert, Referees
John Landreth, Director Flag Football
Tony Seng
Eric Schmeisser