Lake Mills Recreation Department Youth Tackle Football 6-8th Grade

Info for the players and parents The purpose of the program is to: Teach you the basics and fundamentals of the football Teach team cooperation and team spirit Help players understand the lessons that can be learned through competition and physical sports Stress the importance of working as a team and wanting what is best for the team as a whole Most importantly HAVE FUN!!! Work hard in school, if there is something that needs to be worked on a teacher may communicate with us on any student issues. Players are expected to finish 10 hours of non padded practices before you will be able to practice in full pads. Players can expect to play a minimum of 4-6 plays each half. Each player must have a physical/Alt. year card on file prior to the start of practice. This is done for the safety of the player. Mouth guards - Players are not required to take or use the free mouth guard, or chin strap. Other options are available through your dentist or local sports store. First week of non pads practice will be just helmets. Shell practices are with helmet, shoulder pads and shorts only. Padded pants not needed.

Player Safety and in Lake Mills and the League We have been participating in USA Football Heads Up program since 2015. The League is transitioning into full compliance. All coaches receive a comprehensive training through USA Football All Communities are implementing a new generation tackling technique such as Heads Up or HAWK Tackling Football equipment has been updating over the last 4 years, starting 2019 we will be ordering all new helmets. We will be limiting the number of full contact practices league wide. Practices will be engaging with games and drills meant to teach players in a fun atmosphere. We may schedule non traditional team building practices. WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW, to prep for the first practice? Go for a jog, swim or bike ride. Play some pickup games with your friends. Start getting active so that you have more endurance by the first practice!

Concussion information More information can be found at: CDC http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html Youth Sports Spicific http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/index.html Act 172- Youth Sports http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/acts/172 If a player gets a concussion they will need to be seen by a physician ASAP, they will need to follow the return to play protocol before they can continue to practice. Our school trainer will be able to help with the return to play guidelines. Contact the School nurse first thing Monday morning if you receive a concussion.

Dane and Jefferson County Youth Football League (D&JC YFL ) Recreational League consisting of the following communities: Lake Mills, Marshall, Jefferson, Cambridge, Columbus, Lakeside, Whitewater, McFarland Overseen by a Board of Directors, which consists of volunteer representatives from each community. Season runs 8 calendar weeks but 7 Saturdays of games Games will not count towards any championship game. Instructional league ONLY Games are played at 3 different time slots on Saturday mornings or night Morning games 6th -9am, 7th -10:30am, and 8th -12pm Night games 6th - 4:30pm, 7th -6pm, 8th -7:30pm No games on Saturday September 1st

Lake Mills Updates This year we will be playing 3 home games on: August 25, September 29, and October 13 Soda Donations: We are asking that you donate 1 case of soda or G2 to help with concessions costs. Donations will be given to the Lake Mills Booster Club. For each game they will donate $200 to the Football Program to help offset the cost of officials. Be sure to thank the LM Booster Club for their support! New shoulder pad equipment and practice tackle wheels were purchased last year. Practice Days: Weeks 1 and 2 Monday – Friday, Week 3 Monday – Thursday, Week 4 and for the rest of the season practices will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday only. 2018 Season Snapshot: Teams will be working together to make sure games are played. Our youth coaches will be creating groups of 8th graders that will help by playing down each week. We will do our best to incorporate as many kids form the 8th as we can. It is recommended that we have all players attend the games to show their support for the whole team. We want all 7th graders to have an opportunity to play as well as give all our 8th graders adequate playing time. It is our desire to have a 1 program 2 games concept. As a program we have worked hard to have all grades practice and feel that they are all on the same team.

Important Dates Equipment Pick up day Wednesday August 1st at 5:30pm LMMS Equipment resize day is Monday August 6th at 4:30pm-5:30pm LMMS In 2018, Labor Day is Monday, Sep. 3rd Weigh in date – Wednesday, August 15th 5pm Bring Game Jersey and pads Pictures after! First Practice – August 6th First game - August 25th Youth Night at Campus Field game night – September 14th - Players and coaches get in free. Flag Football teams will play an exhibition game. MS Teams will be recognized at half time Last game of season - October 13th Team Tailgate Party: October 12th before the LMHS Football game Equipment Turn in date – Tuesday, October 16th ALL equipment must be clean and ready to be put in storage.

Expectations From players Parents Volunteer Coaches and Rec Department Show up on time and ready to play Treat teammates, coaches, fans, refs, administrators and self with respect. Keep up with their grades Work hard on and off the field HAVE FUN Parents Transport players to and from games Volunteer on home game days Communicate with players Enjoy the game, and encourage all players on the field Treat players, coaches, fans, refs, administrators from our community and others with respect. Volunteer Coaches and Rec Department Clear communication Work hard to give a quality experience Instruct players Strive to improve program Make program decisions based on the program today and for years to come

Thank you and have a great season!!!!! Questions? Thank you and have a great season!!!!!