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

2. 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.

3. Player Safety and in Lake Mills and the League
We have been participating in USA Football Heads Up program since 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!

4. Concussion information
More information can be found at:
CDC
Youth Sports Spicific
Act 172- Youth Sports
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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

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