Tuckahoe Tomahawk Handbook

Contents

TYFA

P.O. Box 4421

Glen Allen, VA  23058

Tomahawk Hotline: 804-364-1666

www.gotomahawks.org

Welcome to the upcoming Tomahawk Football Season! The Board of Directors and staff are looking forward to another exciting, positive filled experience.

Tuckahoe Youth Football and Cheerleading Association is a member of, and with teams participating in, two Richmond area football leagues - the Metropolitan Youth Football League (Metro) and the West Richmond Gridiron Youth Football League (Gridiron). Our policy is to offer football and cheerleading to as many youths as possible. At Tuckahoe, your child will be placed on a team in either the Metro or Gridiron League depending on which team will provide him with the best opportunity for a positive experience and substantial playing time based on a number of factors such as age, weight, and prior experience. This will be determined in a combined effort by the Tuckahoe coaches and football director. The Cheerleading squads support all levels of our Metro football program. Our main focus is to be able to provide our children with a positive experience that will reinforce many of the values that they will learn throughout life: integrity, respect, sportsmanship, teamwork, and true competitiveness.

The majority of our teams play in the Metropolitan Youth Football League. We have been a member of Metro since our formation in 1973. We traditionally field six (6) teams in Metro: Flags, Pee Wee (JV/Varsity), Midgets (JV/Varsity), and Juniors. Cheerleading field squads for teams in Metro: Flags, Pee Wee, Midgets and Juniors. There are eight (8) regular season varsity games, seven (7) junior varsity games in a nine week schedule, with the possibility of an additional three playoff games. The playoffs can run through the Thanksgiving holiday if there are games postponed due to inclement weather.

As one of it's founders, The West Richmond Gridiron Youth Football League was established in 2001 initially to accommodate the tremendous number of Midget aged children (ages 10-12) from the western part of Richmond who wanted a chance to play football, but could not because of the restricted ages and weights and number of teams that Metro would allow. Now, Gridiron has added Pee Wee teams (ages 8-9) and Flags (ages 6-7) for the same reasons. The associations that have participated in the Gridiron League in past seasons are Goochland, Kanahwa, Tuckahoe, and Western. Gridiron League teams play eight (8) games, post season play and a championship game at each level. Additionally, each team will have a highlighted Monday night “game of the week” under the lights during the season

Thanks to the hard work of past board members and the County of Henrico, we have a permanent field located at Pouncey Tract Park on Pouncey Tract Road (beside Short Pump Middle School). It boasts a 100-yard lighted game field, and 80-yard and 50-yard lighted practice fields. We offer a full range of food and beverages at our concession stand. Restrooms are conveniently located behind the field house with easy access to the football fields.

Teams in both leagues will have home games at Pouncey Tract Park. Metro Varsity teams will have four (4) home games and four (4) away games. JV may have more away games than home games and they can also occur on week nights. Gridiron teams will determine the number of home games based on the number of teams participating. All teams wear the uniform of the Tuckahoe Tomahawks and all teams are led by qualified and experienced coaches whose mission is to make this a positive and fun filled experience for your child.

Today we field approximately 320 children in our various programs. We are a Virginia licensed 501-C-3 Corporation with an all-volunteer board and coaching staff.  We publish a newsletter weekly during the season called "The Tomahawk" which is available online, and as hard copy at the field house.  Our first letter will be emailed to all families in July.

Quick Look:

                                    Page 3………….. Practice and Cancellations

                                    Page 3………….. Dress Code

                                    Page 4………….. Ages & Weights

                                    Page 4………….. Game Times

                                    Page 5………….. Check-in schedule

                                    Page 5..………… Football Uniform information

                                    Page 6………….. Cheerleading Uniform information

                                    Page 7…………...Code of Conduct

                                    Page 8………….. Parent Requirements

Practices and Cancellation Information

All practices are held at Pouncey Tract Park. The Tomahawks will practice regardless of weather conditions, unless the fields are closed by Henrico County. You can call the County hotline, at 501-5132 (option 1), for cancellations. You can also check the Tomahawk hotline (364-1666) and website after 4pm for field closings during the week. If Saturday games are cancelled they may be played the following day, on Sunday, starting at noon.

NOTE: Cheerleaders and football players must remove any and all jewelry prior to arriving at practice and games. DO NOT have any piercing done that will prevent you from removing said jewelry.  This is an MYFL rule. Your child will not be allowed to participate with his or her team if jewelry cannot be removed and refunds will NOT be provided.

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Dress Code for Cheerleading

(see calendar for schedules)

·         Cotton shorts or sweatpants with elastic waistbands only! No other pants or shorts are permitted.

·         T-shirts only! No tank tops, bare mid-drift shirts, or athletic bras alone are permitted.

·         Cold weather is sweats outerwear only – no jackets, no zippers! Style and color determined by the Cheering Director. (See our Tomahawk Spirit-wear)

·         Clothing with inappropriate wording or pictures is not acceptable. Some examples of inappropriate wording or pictures are advertisements for alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

·         Tennis shoes with rubber soles are to be worn for practice. No other deep-tread shoes, flip-flops, or sandals are permitted. Cheering shoes are for games only!

·         Hair must be worn in a style determined by the Cheering Director.

·         Be sure to bring your own drink to practice each day. On game days, bring a water bottle ONLY – no colored drinks!

Dress Code for Football

(see calendar for schedules)

·         FIRST DAY - All players MUST report to the pavilion to sign in at the appropriate table and be officially weighed-in prior to joining their assigned team.

·         The first week of football practice is for conditioning purposes, players are required to wear athletic shorts (black), a T-shirt (gray), helmet and cleats only.

·         Your coach will advise you when full equipment and pads are necessary.

·         Football players are required to use an MYFL approved mouthpiece at all practices and games – No exceptions!

·         Be sure to bring your own water bottle or sports drink to practice each day.  

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Tuckahoe Team Ages and Weight

Ages of Child as of September 30th. These Metro guidelines were last revised January 2006.

Football

Cheerleading

Note: Information subject to change by TYFA and MYFL rule.

Game Times

Home games are at Pouncey Tract Park. Directions for away games can be found on our website.  Games are played on Saturdays, and on rare occasions, a make-up or playoff tie game may take place on a Sunday or a weeknight.  Approximate game times are below.  The first game of the season is the first Saturday after Labor Day.

These times are approximate and are subject to change.

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Football Check-In and Game Attire

Football check-in is held during half time of the game PRIOR to your player’s game. Your child’s coach will indicate when you are to report. If your player misses check-in, he/she will NOT be permitted to play in that day’s game. NO EXCEPTIONS – METRO RULE.

Full uniforms are required for games for all football players. Football jersey numbers are registered with Metro and cannot be changed! If your football player arrives at the game with a jersey other than the assigned one, he/she will not be permitted to play in that day’s game.

Cheerleading Check-In and Game Attire

Cheerleading check-in is one (1) hour before games.

Full uniforms are required for games for all cheerleaders. The Cheerleading Director will determine any uniform changes for cold weather

Uniform Information

Football

Equipment handouts for the season will be approximately two weeks preceding the first week of practice. The schedule will be in the July newsletter "The Tomahawk", and on this website.  You will not receive equipment if you have not paid for the mandatory fundraiser or owe any funds to the association.

Tuckahoe provides the following: 1 pair practice and 1 pair game pants, 1 practice jersey and 1 game jersey, complete set of football pant pads, helmet (except flag), and 1 mouth piece. NOTE: DO NOT place game jersey in dryer!

Additional equipment required          Estimated cost

You will have the opportunity to purchase the above items during Equipment Handout Week. You may also purchase from local retail sporting goods store.

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Cheerleading

Fittings will be scheduled for sometime in early spring. We will notify you with the fitting schedule. We cannot guarantee a perfect fit. Alterations may be made, but uniforms must not be cut.  Uniform handout will be during the first week of practice.  You will not receive a uniform if you have not paid the mandatory fundraiser.

Tuckahoe provides the following: Game skirt and vest.  There may be some differences in uniform depending on squad. Cheerleading Accessories must be purchased directly from our vendor at our early spring fitting sessions.

Additional accessories required

Plain WHITE Socks are required and will need to be purchased from a local retailer. The Cheering Director will let you know where to purchase them during uniform handout week.

For cooler temperatures, the Cheering Director will also determine the type of cold weather outerwear (pants and shirt/jacket), see our Tomahawk Spirit-wear.

Optional accessories

*All cheerleaders MUST have some sort of bag with their name on the outside to carry accessories.  All accessories must be brought to every game.

At the end of the season, all TYFA football and cheering property must be returned clean and in good condition the week following your child’s last game. If equipment is not returned promptly when notified, you will be subject to pay the approximate cost of all loaned pieces of equipment.

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Code of Conduct and Ethics

Tuckahoe Youth Football and Cheerleading Association (TYFA) abide by all policies set forth by the Metropolitan Youth Football League (Metro), the Gridiron Youth Football League (Gridiron), the Virginia (VHSL) and National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) rulebook, and by the TYFA Board of Directors. Tuckahoe Youth Football and Cheerleading Association abide by all of the Metropolitan Youth Football League’s (MYFL) Code of Ethics. 

Each participant must sign a Metro Code of Ethics form, which states they will uphold these rules and regulations. A portion of the form states:

"The Metropolitan Youth Football League exists to promote the mental and physical development of youth in such a way as to develop high character and moral standards, a sense of competitiveness and fair play, respect for authority, help of your fellow man and love of God, family and country."

"To foster these ideals, you agree to abide by this constitution, by-laws, and all other rules and regulations of the League and exhibit honesty, fair play, and respect for all participants, officials, coaches and spectators, regardless of race, sex, creed or ability."

We emphasize that football players and cheerleaders represent Tuckahoe in everything they do; be proud of your accomplishments and represent Tuckahoe well at all times.

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Spectator Code of Conduct

TYFA depends on each spectator to represent our Association in a positive manner. While we all have our child’s best interest in mind remember that we represent our league. At times we can feel the frustration of our children but it is important to remember that we ALL set an example for all the children who participate in our program.

Based on this principle we ask that all parents and spectators display total respect for officials, coaches, fellow spectators, and our visiting teams. Please do not take issues up with the officials. If you feel strongly about a situation or decision, please feel free to voice your concerns to your Metro Rep, who is available at all Metro games. Our TYFA representatives will do whatever possible to satisfy your concerns.

If a dispute should arise with a coach, please approach the coach with respect.  If at a game, please wait until the following practice before addressing the coach.  We ask that you respect the coaches practice schedule and meet either before or after practice. If you are still unable to resolve your dispute, please contact our Football Director who will seek an immediate resolution. If still no agreement, a dispute committee will be set up to make a determination to submit to the TYFA Board of Directors where a final resolution will be made.  After the process is completed, no appeals will be accepted, no refunds will be given. 

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Fundraising Requirements

Fundraising is a requirement of all TYFA families. Our fundraising enables us to keep our registration cost low and loan uniforms instead of families having to purchase them. The raffle will be our fundraiser once again.  Each family must purchase 50 $1.00 raffle tickets for $40.00. If you or, your child sell all of the tickets you will make a $10.00 profit.   The raffle is the ONLY required fundraiser.

NOTE: Your family will be required to purchase your raffle tickets during equipment handouts for football and cheering (see calendar). You will not receive equipment if you have any outstanding fees due.

Proof of Age

If you were not a member of the Tuckahoe Youth Football/Cheering Association in the past season, you will be required to hand in an ORIGINAL (raised seal) birth certificate for Metro football players and a COPY for Cheerleaders.  The birth certificate will be kept for approximately 1 month by the Metro officials for age verification.  THIS IS NOT TUCKAHOE'S RULE. 

All players representing Tuckahoe on a Gridiron team will be required to turn in a COPY of a birth certificate, AFTER your child is placed on a team.

Medical or Health Issue

It is vital you let the association & your Head Coach know of any medical or health issues with your children. Tomahawk staff must be made aware of any medical conditions (allergies, asthma, etc.) that would require your child to have any medication or paraphernalia with them at all times. 

Concession Stand Duty

All families will be required to help with the concession stand duty. You head team parent will distribute a practice schedule and a game schedule for concession duty. No parent will be asked to work during his or her child’s game.

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All preceding information is subject to change.