The mission of the Longmeadow Youth Football Association (LYFA) is to provide an organized football program that fosters the players’ appreciation of the game in a competitive team environment.  Players develop their mental and physical abilities through a commitment to daily structured practices.  The LYFA philosophy stresses physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship.

TACKLE SEASON STARTS AUGUST 1st!!!

The Tackle Football season begins August 1st every year.  There is an occasional variation of a day or two when August 1 falls on a weekend, but August 1 is always the official start of the season.  

We generally hand out equipment (helmet and shoulder pads) on the weekend before, or evening before the start of the season.  Jerseys are handed out typically between the first practice and the weigh in.

The first 3 days of practice are helmets only.  This is a league requirement and allows the players to acclimate to wearing the helmet, which is essential for their safety.  Under league rules, no player is permitted to fully participate in practices, scrimmages or games until they have completed the mandatory 3 days of helmet-only practice.  

The first two weeks of practice is generally when Coaches do player skill evaluations and assign the players' roles for the scrimmages and ultimately the games. 

We strongly recommend that players DO NOT miss practice the first week or show up late for the season if at all possible.  Part of playing football is being ready to go August 1st.

How to address your concerns:

There may be occasions when a parent and/or player has a concern about some aspect of their football experience. This is normal in a sport with so many facets of play and therefore, it is imperative to have open lines of communications between coaches, parents and players. Here are some suggestions as to how we can effectively work together:

We will have a Parents Meeting prior to the season’s first game, generally at the first practice at the beginning of August. Please arrange your schedule to attend this important meeting.

Please remember that coaches are unpaid volunteers. They are on the field with the sole desire to help teach your child the game of football. We require that coaches become certified through the USAFootball certification program, to teach youth sports. Most coaches will devote an average of 15 hours per week for 12 weeks to help your kids. Some will spend 25 hours or more, seven days a week each week on the football program. They deserve your respect and can always use some encouragement! Volunteering is the most sincere form of involvement.

If you want to speak to a coach, please consider the following:

Did you discuss the issue with your player first? Players often understand why coaches have taken a certain position, or course of action, which may not be obvious to you.  Discussing the issue with your player first, may address your concerns, provide you with a different perspective, or information that you may not have considered, without needing to raise the matter with a coach.

Did your player discuss the issue with the coach first?  Issues regarding position(s), playing time and interactions with other players, should first be raised by the player, to a coach directly, rather than by a parent on a player's behalf.  This helps ensure that the coach can differentiate between an issue that the player is actually having, versus a parent's perception/interpretation of the issue.

Please avoid approaching Coaches with your issues right before practice.  It is tempting to try and get the coach's attention right as they, or you arrive at practice, to attempt to discuss your issue(s).  Please resist this temptation.  Instead, contact the coach via email, or at a minimum, after practice has concluded. 

It is important not to discuss your issue before practice, as this is generally a very busy time for the coach. After practice is preferable when players are off the field. We encourage you to email coaches to discuss your concern.  Also, please avoid talking to coaches in front of other players.  Additionally, before and after games is usually not a good time to express your issues, as emotions are generally high.

Each team should have an assigned Manager AKA "Team Mom/Dad" and/or parents association to facilitate communication with parents and coaches, and organize volunteers.  If you have tried speaking with a coach, or are uncomfortable doing so please contact the assigned Manager AKA "Team Mom/Dad" or parent’s association leader.

Coaches need to know what is happening with every player. Events in a young player’s life will often manifest themselves on the field. Problems at home or school can impact play and sometimes your child’s ability to effectively interact with his teammates and coaches. Often times we as coaches can help. Through the years we have worked with parents to assist in making sure that proper emphasis is placed on academics and that their child is fully aware that scholarly pursuits come before athletics. 

Coaches care about your children! This is an education-based athletic program. It is not a win at all costs program. Our emphasis is on safety, fitness, skill development and team-building. We sincerely belie ve that youth football is a tremendous outlet for building self-esteem and learning valuable life skills. The precepts learned in this program can assist your child in being successful in whatever endeavors they choose.

Code of Ethics:

Parents will be required to read, sign, return, and abide by a parental code of ethics.  Abusive conduct towards game officials, coaches or players, including opposing team coaches or players, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Attendance

Coaches take a great deal of time to organize practices. Each minute of practice is planned so that every player has a maximum amount of participation. A coach must know how many players will attend to plan the best drills, exercises, instruction, and scrimmage. It is inconsiderate to the coaches to neglect to tell them in advance about the limitations in a player’s practice schedule.

When a player knows that they are going to be absent, he/she has the responsibility to notify their coach in advance.  Players with absences, regardless of reason, may experience reduced playing time at the sole discretion of the coaches.

Equipment:

Each player wears a significant amount of valuable team equipment every time they take the field.  Each player must provide their own colored mouthpiece (not clear or beige), a cup for male players, black integrated football pants (NOT gray or white) and appropriate footwear. 

Proper care of your equipment is important for both safety and to assure that your equipment is ready every time you play.  It is your responsibility to periodically inspect all of your equipment before you put it on and tell your coach if it is not in perfect working order.  Please inspect your helmet for missing or loose pieces and screws, and your shoulder pads for loose straps and clips.

Players should wear a T-shirt under their shoulder pads and players must wear a practice jersey over their shoulder pads.  This is an integral part of their protection and keeps shoulder pads in place.  Practice jerseys should be plain black and/or white nylon mesh, however, an appropriately sized T-shirt will suffice.  

Game jerseys will be distributed before the first game and must be returned clean at equipment return night.  Players not returning game jerseys or other equipment may be assessed a replacement fee.  Game Uniforms are NOT to be worn in practice unless you are instructed to do so by a coach.

Weather:

FOOTBALL IS AN ALL-WEATHER SPORT.  Practices and games will be held in rainy, wet, windy conditions, as well as in hot and cold weather.  Players should assume practice will be held regardless of the weather conditions unless a coach contacts them or posts a notice on a predetermined web site.  It is the parents and players responsibility to ensure that players are dressed appropriately for weather conditions.

Lightning – Longmeadow High School is equipped with a lightning detection system.

If the LHS lightning alarm is sounded during practice coaches will immediately remove all players from the practice or game field.  If the Williams School is open players will be moved to the gym area.  If the school is not open coaches will do their best to move players into door alcoves for protection.  Each team head coach will decide if the practice is over, or if the team will wait for lightning to pass.