Mission:
To provide the children of Baker County a safe, fun, learning environment to develop their skills for football and cheerleading. To teach good sportsmanship in all we do. REMEMBER: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN!!
Age Requirements:
Our program is for youths male/female in the community ages 6 to 13. Our program is divided into 4 divisions according to age. The divisions are as follows:
PEE WEE - any youth 7 years old on or before September 1st and cannot exceed 8 years of age on or before September 1st.
MIDDLE - any youth 9 years old on or before September 1st and cannot exceed 10 years of age on or before September 1st.
SENIOR - any youth 11 years old on or before September 1st and cannot exceed 13 years of age on or before September 1st.
**Disclaimer – Age groups and/or team availability may change due to the volume of participants
NOTE: Any youth who is participating in any other football program will not be allowed to participate in the Youth Program. Any youth who goes out for the Baker County school systems football program and quits once the season has started, will NOT be allowed to participate in the Youth Football Program. Spring Practice at the BCMS does not include the upcoming Youth Football Season. If a child attends Spring Practice and makes the BCMS team and decides to participate in the BCTC Youth Football program in the Fall, instead, is allowable as long as they signed up prior to the draft.
Registration Requirements:
1. There is a fee that is set by the Board of Directors annually assessed to each player/cheerleader joining the program.
2. Parent or Legal Guardian must sign permission form for youth to participate.
3. Copy of Birth Certificate that the B.C.T.C. may keep for their records
4. Proof of Insurance – The cost of Insurance is not included in the registration fee.
5. Physicals will be required of all football players. Cheerleaders are exempt. Coaches it is your responsibility to make sure that all your players have had a physical prior to starting practice.
6. Signature form for compliance with Guidelines
NOTE: Any participant found to be not properly registered at any time during the season will be declared ineligible to play by the B.C.T.C.
Drafting Procedure:
All participants will return to the team in which they were on the previous year unless AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION, the parent or legal guardian who is signing the child up states in writing on the registration form that they want their child to go back into the draft. Then the child’s name will be entered into the appropriate age group and his/her name will be redrawn. All draftees’ names will be placed in an individual envelope by age and will be randomly drawn by each age group.
The last place team from the previous year will pick first and progress until the first place team from the previous year picks last. Then we will start over and re pick in order. If there is a team who lost an unusual amount of returning players there will be supplemental rounds used in the 3rd and 4th round to make the teams even.
If a participant’s brother/sister enters into the same division, as a first time participant to that division, then the siblings will be placed on the same team automatically, unless the parents request them to be on separate teams AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION.
If for any reason there are late sign-ups these names shall be put in an envelope and redrawn at a supplemental draft starting with the next team to pick at the end of the regular draft. The supplemental draft shall be held 7 days after the regular draft. Late sign ups include returning players to the same division who would have gone to the same team. The decision to allow late sign ups shall be the responsibility of the President, determined by the number of participants signed up in the program. Once a final date has been set by the President there will be no more sign ups accepted.
At the end of the draft there will be a period of time that the coaches will be allowed to make THREE trades only. After this time the coaches will have to turn in a final roster which will stand for the season. After this list is submitted there will be no trading allowed except by the approval of the President, based on the merits of each individual situation. If a supplemental draft is required for late sign-ups there will be no trading. These participants must remain on the team where they were picked to.
Only the children/grandchildren of the HEAD COACH shall be protected. If there is no assistant coach from the previous year then the head coach must wait until after the draft and utilize one of the parents of the participants that were drafted to their team. If no one is available then the coach may get someone outside the program to be an assistant pending approval of the Cabinet of Officers and a background check.
Parents cannot arrange to be an assistant coach prior to the draft to protect a player.
WE DO NOT ALLOW REQUESTS FOR A CHILD TO BE ON ANY CERTAIN TEAM BASED ON PARENTS PREFERENCE. THIS INCLUDES RIDE PROBLEMS. This is to protect the fairness of our draft system.
NOTE: In the event a new coach is selected to replace an outgoing coach, the coach will take over the existing roster. This means that all returning players for that team are to remain on that team. Unless the parents request their child be put back into the draft because there is a new coach. The coach will pick the remaining players for his new team from the draft as any other coach.
Team Practices:
The coach of each team will be responsible for scheduling the team’s practices. The B.C.T.C. will not intervene unless there is a justifiable complaint of unusual incidents occurring. NO TEAM WILL BE ALLOWED TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE LAST DATE OF THE PHYSICALS IS DUE.
Coaches are encouraged not to hold practices on Wednesdays out of respect to those families who attend church services on that night. No child will be penalized for missing/leaving early from a practice on Wednesday’s to attend church services.
Coaches Meetings:
The officers will schedule at least one coaches meeting per month during the season. This meeting will be conducted to keep all parties up to date on current activities. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you must notify an officer and advise who will be attending in your place.
Jamboree:
The Jamboree does not count as a scheduled game, therefore not counting towards the end of the year championship. In the event there is a tie in a division, then the overall record would then determine the division champions. If this also results in a tie, then a tie breaker will be scheduled between the two teams to determine the division champions.
Playing Time:
It is the policy of the B.C.T.C. that each child shall participate in 8 plays a half for a total of 16 plays per game. Each child should play, unless the child has broken a team rule that was publicized in the beginning or if the coach feels there is a safety concern.
Player Discipline:
It will be the coach’s responsibility to set the rules for his/her team. The B.C.T.C. will not intervene unless there is a justifiable complaint of unusual incidents occurring. Put your rules in writing and give them to the parents on the first day of practice!! It will resolve 90% of your issues later on. Coaches will discipline their players according to their team rules.
Coaches Discipline:
Coaches are required to maintain self control at all times. The Use of Profanity or Tobacco Products by any Coach at Practice or at Memorial Stadium during a game or practice is STRICTLY PROHIBITTED. Any Coach violating this statement will be suspended by the President for one game on the first offense and dismissed from Coaching on the second offence. Coaches should always be positive and uplifting to their players. Coaches are required to display good sportsmanship at all times. Coaches should always meet at midfield after their games and have their teams shake hands to promote good sportsmanship. If a coach or assistant coach is dismissed from the game by the President/Sgt. at Arms, or the referee he/she must leave the field and sit on the opposite sideline. If the coach refuses to leave, his team will forfeit the game and the coach will be brought before the Grievance Committee for dismissal. The BCTC would hope that all coaches would lead by example before, during, and after the game. The kids need to see positive encouraging behavior from the coaches at all times. Any coach displaying any other kind of emotional outburst at midfield or during the game, at halftime, or after the game, will be subject to dismissal. If there is a problem between coaches on the field the two coaches need to come to the concession stand and present their situation before an officer of the BCTC. COACHES ARE AN EXTENSION OF THE OFFICERS OF THE BCTC AND SHOULD PROMOTE ORGANIZATIONAL UNIFICATION AT ALL TIMES. Any coach trying to insight discord among their team’s parents or players will be subject to dismissal.
Parent Behavior:
Any parent displaying inappropriate behavior at practices or at the field (before, during, or after games) will be removed from the field and/or practice area. This behavior includes cussing, yelling, going on the field, and any other behavior deemed inappropriate by B.C.T.C officers. The parent will not be able to return to any B.C.T.C games or functions if they were removed for inappropriate behavior.
Team Names/Logos:
Any changes to team names and logos will be decided by the officers.
Grievances Committee:
The grievance committee is made up of coaches and/or parents that are selected by the President and/or Sgt. at Arms of the B.C.T.C. The grievance committee is responsible for settling any dispute/infraction of the rules. Parents, coaches, sponsors, and players/cheerleaders all have the right to file a grievance if they feel something is not right. A grievance is to be filed within 24 hours (IN WRITING), after the incident has occurred. The grievance committee will act and render a decision within 48 hours after receiving a grievance form. Grievance forms must be picked up and turned in to an officer at the Concession Stand.
THE DECISION OF THE GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE IS FINAL!!
Number of Coaches:
There can be a maximum of FOUR coaches on the field during any given game. There must be a coach’s application turned into the secretary prior to the coach being allowed on the field. This does not limit the number of assistants a head coach can have but it does limit the number of coaches that are on the sideline. This will help cut down on confusion for the kids during games. It is the coaches’ responsibility to police their own sideline. For the safety of the players and cheerleaders there is to be no more than two water boys on each sideline, these must be children. No PARENTS!! There shall be no HORSE playing on the sideline, including playing catch, except to warm up a new quarterback. Anyone not on your team needs to be asked to leave the sideline immediately. COACHES, we need your help to insure a safe playing environment for everyone!
Cheerleading Coaches:
We do not sanction or allow aerial stunts, pyramid building or stunting without the approval of the BCTC. Any coaches found violating these rules will be removed from their position as coach. We do not have an appropriate number of approved and certified coaches to perform this type of activity. The coach must also remain with their squad at all times, at practices and at the games. Under NO circumstances should a child ever be left without releasing them to their parent.
The cheerleading coaches will meet and review the options for uniforms. The uniforms will be purchased from the same company, allowing for a greater discount. The style and type of uniform will be determined by the cheerleading coordinator. It is the responsibility of each parent to buy their child’s uniform.
Coaches Corner:
We now have an area that is accessible to all parents and coaches who wish to speak to the officers that are available that day. Any concerns, complaints, or suggestions to better our program, will gladly be heard at this area. This area is located at the Concession Stand. Our door is always open!!
Gate Admission:
Gate admission is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for school age children. Only players, cheerleaders in uniform and coaches will be allowed free gate admission.
Concessions:
We need all coaches and parents to help in the concession stand. There is a schedule provided to each coach for his/her team. Two parents are needed from each team to volunteer before their game. NO ONE under the age of 15 is permitted to work in the concession area. All coaches are encouraged to volunteer to help out during the school systems games. The B.C.T.C. is responsible for staffing the concession stands during these times. Tuesday night Middle School games, Thursday night J.V. games, and Friday night Varsity games.
Guidelines for the field
Our program operates at these facilities under the rules and guidelines of the Baker County School Board. There is to be NO smoking or tobacco products in the grandstands. Smoking is only permitted behind the stands. There is to be NO alcohol, No gambling, and No use of profanity at these facilities. All coaches are bound by the Florida High School Athletic Association rules of play. All coaches male or female will dress in a manner that the School Boards dress code permits. If any coach is found to violate this dress code they will be asked to leave the facility and change their clothes. Remember we are out here for the kids and should never lose track of that thought.
Sponsors and Fund Raisers:
The BCTC will purchase the Jerseys from the proceeds of registration. We will be asking each coach to solicit one sponsor in the amount of $500.00 to help offset these costs. The Sponsor will be receiving recognition by way of a banner to be displayed at the Stadium during Youth League games. They will also be receiving a thank you plaque from the league in recognition of their support. It is important to let the sponsor know that they WILL NOT BE SPONSORING an INDIVIDUAL TEAM, but rather the entire league. The B.C.T.C. will issue a letter of acknowledgment and mail it to the sponsor. NO FUND-RAISERS will be sanctioned by the Baker County Touchdown Club without prior approval of the Board of Directors.
Photos:
Photos are taken for the parent’s convenience on a regular scheduled day. The BCTC will arrange for a photographer and Picture Packages will be available for their purchase. These photos are also given to our sponsors in appreciation for their support. Please make every effort to have your child available for these photos.
It is the Coaches responsibility to make sure their team is available for the pictures.
Jersey and Cheer Uniforms:
Jerseys: Please do not put jerseys in the dryer. This could cause the lettering to peel off of the jersey. BCTC is not responsible for the cost of repair of the jersey if this occurs.
Cheer Uniforms: Each cheerleader will be sized during sign ups. Payment for cheer uniforms will be required in full at time of sign ups. There will be no refunds for the cheer uniforms once they are ordered. Uniforms are not custom fitted; if the cheerleader’s uniform does not fit to the parent’s approval –parents may alter the uniform. PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ALTERATIONS!!
There will be no refunds for jerseys or uniforms once the items are ordered.
Trophies:
Trophies must be given to each player/cheerleader by the head coach no later than four weeks after the season has ended. Any coach that does not meet this requirement will not be allowed to coach the following year. Any other arrangements of distributing trophies must be approved by BCTC officers.
Important Dates:
Draft: The week after sign ups end
Free Physicals: TBD
Coaches Clinic: TBD (Mandatory to attend)
Concussion Training: Due before first practice, print certificate and return to leader of your division
www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/Training/index.html
Background Checks/Coaching Application: Due by July 9th
Physicals: Due by First day of practice
Cheer Uniform Payment: Will be paid in full at time of sign ups
Jamboree: TBD
Pictures: Jamboree
Officers:
Roland Gaskins – President Cell# 904-237-6642
Richie Tharpe – Vice President Cell# 843-377-5556
Heather Lewis – Secretary/Treasurer/Cheer Cell # 904-408-8259
Email us at [email protected]
Board of Directors:
Kenneth Roberts
Jared Lee
Jeremy Lee
Nathan Thrift
Chris Harvey
Coaches:
You play the most vital role in our program. I am honored that you are willing to give up your time away from your family to spend it teaching and molding the future young men and women that will be representing our fine community one day. Please remember that coaching is a privilege. The rules set forth in these guidelines are in place to protect the children in our program. All Coaches are expected to follow ALL of these guidelines at ALL TIMES. Coaches are also expected to participate in any and all sanctioned events by the BCTC. This includes pictures, homecoming activities, and closing ceremonies. Coaches have an obligation to make their team’s football experience in the BCTC Youth Football Program as positive and enjoyable as possible. If you feel any of these rules or guidelines are more than you are willing to agree too, then please reconsider coaching in our Program. If you are willing to sign up to coach and at anytime you don’t agree with the direction of the league, feel free to discuss it with me. Our goal is to make the children’s experience in our program the most positive it can be! Please work with us on our team to meet this goal. Thank you for your interest in coaching in our program. I know 2016 will be one of the best years we have ever had!
Sincerely,
Roland Gaskins
President BCTC