Horseheads Youth Football
Jersey Number Assignment Policy

Purpose :To establish a fair and transparent process for the assignment of jersey numbers across all Horseheads Youth Football teams.

1. Head Coach Priority

• The head coach’s child will receive first priority in selecting a jersey number. This policy is in recognition of the significant time and effort head coaches dedicate to the program before and during the season.

• This privilege:

  • Applies only to head coaches, not assistant coaches.

  • Applies to one child per team. If the head coach has multiple children on the same team, each of those children receives priority.

  • Does not apply to children on teams the head coach is not directly coaching. For example, if a head coach is assigned to the Tackle 3/4 team and has another child on the Tackle 5/6 team, only the child on the Tackle 3/4 team receives jersey number priority.

2. Returning Player Priority

After head coach selections, jersey numbers will be assigned to returning players in the following order of priority:

a. Grade Level

• If multiple returning players request the same jersey number, the player in the higher grade will receive priority.

b. Tenure with League

• If players are in the same grade and request the same number, the player with more seasons played in the league will be given priority.

c. Registration Date

• If grade level and league tenure are the same, the jersey number will be assigned to the player who registered first for the current season.

3. Policy Enforcement

The league recognizes that jersey numbers may hold personal significance for some players and their families. While jersey numbers are not a core priority of the program, this policy aims to handle the process consistently and fairly for all participants.

• Any disputes or repeated issues regarding jersey numbers or this policy may result in a written warning.

• Continued disregard for this policy may result in removal from the league.

Please note: Jersey sizing must take place before assigning numbers. Sizing will be determined at the coach’s discretion. If a jersey does not fit a player properly, they will be assigned a different jersey—and number—based on availability. Our jersey inventory is limited, so ensuring a proper fit for all players is the top priority.

Note: Families who disagree with this policy are free to withdraw from the league and will be issued a full refund upon request. This policy also applies to Girls Flag Football.

Horseheads Youth Football
Concussion Protocol
Revised: 4/7/25

Signs of a Concussion:
• Dazed or stunned
• Confused about position, play, etc
• Forgets instructions
• Moves clumsily or shows poor balance
• Behavior or mood changes
• Loses consciousness for any period of time

Symptoms of a Concussion (reported by player):
• Headache or pressure in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Does not “feel right” or is “feeling down”

If a Concussion is Suspected:
1. Remove the athlete from play immediately
2. Ensure the athlete is evaluated by a qualified medical professional
3. Inform the athletes parent or guardian
4. Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury or until the athlete is cleared by a
medical professional

Return to Play:
Only begin return-to-play protocol after the athlete is symptom free and has been given
permission by a qualified medical professional
Coaches should work with parents to monitor athlete
Only one step per day
Only move to the next step is the athlete remains symptom free for 24 hours following the
previous step
If Symptoms reappear, sit the athlete out and return to qualified medical professional

Return to Play Steps:
1. Back to regular non-athletic activities (school)
2. Light activity (walk, light jog, biking)
3. Moderate activity (moderate jogging, weightlifting, etc)
4. Heavy non-contact activity (sprinting/running, non contact sports drills)

This protocol was developed using USA Football Concussion Recognition and Response
Will be re-evaluated prior to the start of each football season