GYFCA: FAQ
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Gilberts Grizzlies?
The Gilberts Youth Football and Cheer Association is a non for profit organization founded in 2008 for the purpose of developing a youth sports program for the village of Gilberts and surrounding communites to promote improved community relations by demonstrating an interest in the youth of our community and to promote good sportsmanship, scholastic achievement and a sense of fair play.
Who is Pop Warner?
Pop Warner football has been around since the inception of the league in 1929 by founder Joseph J. Tomlin as a four-team conference in Northeast Philadelphia. Since then, participation has steadily increased to today's record numbers. Over 240,000 youths participated in Pop Warner-sanctioned football programs in 2004, and those numbers are continuing to grow.
Pop Warner exists to use football, cheerleading, dance and a respect for education to develop strong, smart, responsible, healthy young men and women. We give them experiences that build their appreciation for and understanding of leadership, teamwork, and discipline.
While individual statistics may be more common, particularly among older football players, Pop Warner only recognizes the athletic accomplishments of the team, not the individual. We don't track personal tallies of touchdowns or yards rushing per game. We don't count sacks or blocked kicks. We applaud the athletic efforts of the team to reinforce the importance of teamwork, with each member.
We don't try to build stars. We don't want to over-inflate a young ego, nor do we want to risk injuring the self-esteem of a young person. Whether our kids have good days or bad, they are still an integral part of our team…and always will be.
What are some advantages that the Grizzlies offer over other local programs?
The opportunity to play in a well respected league (Pop Warner) that promotes safe and fun football and cheer programs. All of our equipment is new and the highest standards of equipment are used for the safety and well being of the children. Unlike most programs in the area, all of our coaches are certified to coach through ASEP or USA Coaching.
Where do the Gilberts Grizzlies practice and play in 2009?
Practice Facilities are as follows:
The Eagles Club or the new Town Center Park
PRACTICE FIELD
The Eagle Club
325 Raymond Drive
Gilberts, Il 60136
OFFICIAL GAME FIELD and PRACTICE FIELDS
Town Center Park
Tyrrell and Columbia
Gilberts, IL 6136
Gilberts Elementary School
PRACTICE FIELD (cheer only)
729 Paperback Lane
Gilberts, IL 60136
Where individual teams will practice has not been determined yet. Check the web site for specific informations as details are still being worked out with the village and Gilberts Elementary.
Home Facility
Our home games will be played at Town Center Park or The Eagles Club, for the 2009 season. Details are still being worked out.
When does football registration start and end?
The GYFCA registration for the Fall 2009 season begins on January 1st. Parents will be able to register on line for next season. A small service fee will apply Our last in person registration will be on June 13th. After June 13th, a 5.00 late fee will be added on to the registration fee of 175.0.
What is the registration cost?
For the 2009 season, the fees are 175.00 per football player, 125.00 poer cheerleader, and a refundable equipment deposit fee of 230.00 and a volunteer deposit fee of 100.00. Once the equipment is turned in, the deposit check is returned. Once the one hour volunteer commitment is met for the season and the season ends, deposit fees are returned.
What does the registration fee cover?
The registration fee covers the rental of new equipment including a helmet, pads, game pants & practice jersey. Players will also receive a personalized game jersey with their name on it that they can keep after the season. Football players will be required to purchase white practice pants, orange mouth piece, orange game socks, chinstrap, Pop Warner patch and a 7 piece pad set. We will be selling this as a package through GYFCA or you can purchase most items at Dick's or Sports Authority. GYFCA gets a discount for the package deals and we pass that on to the parents, but you are NOT required to purchase from us. It is convenient to get everything in one location versus trying to get it at different stores. Other items that parents will need to provide are football spikes and an athletic supporter/cup. We will also have rib pads available for purchase. These are not required, but they are a good idea for ruuning backs and quarterbacks. Registration fees also cover administration, insurance, processing fees, and other equipment (tackle pads, first aid kits, etc…) and rental costs (lights, practice fields).
Where are the practices going to be held?
Practices will be held at The Eagles Club in Gilberts, Gilberts Elementary School or the Town Center Park.
When are football practices scheduled and how many times a week are they held?
Football practices are scheduled during the week. Prior to the start of school, practices are 5 nights a week and a Saturday practice once in a while before the season begins. When school begins, practices will be 3 times a week. Scrimmages against local teams are scheduled once a week during the practice week throughout the season.
When does the season start and finish?
The official season starts on August 3rd this year. The GYFCA may have some conditioning sessions during the months of June and July. The season ends in mid October and is longer, if we make the playoffs.
Coaching
GYFCA is always looking for qualified coaches that not only know the game, but can teach it effectively in a fast paced and competitive environment.
Are the coaches trained or certified?
All volunteer coaches are required by Pop Warner to attend mandatory coaching clinics and to be certified by USA coaching. GYFCA requires all assistant coaches to be ASEP certified and interviewed by the GYFCA board.
Are background checks conducted?
Pop Warner and GYFCA both require an annual background check of coaches, all board members and any other volunteer that has access to or contact with players and or cheer participants by a Pop Warner endorsed company and not just someone in our organization that is in law enforcement.
What Age/Weight divisions are being offered by GYFCA this season?
We will offer all levels of instruction this season according to the Pop Warner Age matrix found under the Forms link on our web site.
Is there a cheerleading program?
We will be fielding competitive cheer teams this season. Please contact laurenmarievalentino@yahoo.com for more information.
Zero Tolerance Policy
As per the GYFCA Parents Code of Conduct, we will not tolerate negative behavior toward coaches, players, other parents, board members, or officials at any time. Immediate expulsion from the program by the offender and your child will occur without refund of registration fees.
