Orland Knights: General Information
OUR TEAM GOAL - We play in a very competitive league. There are teams in our league that play solely to win, and do not guarantee anyone playing time. We will try to make sure every player gets into each game; however, our goal is to win games. Football is a fun sport, and the coaches will do everything in their power to keep it fun. But, we cannot lose sight of its competitive nature.
ATTENDANCE - It is very important to attend practices. We know there are vacations planned and other obligations to attend to, but these practices are critical to a successful season. We want players who want to play. If you are playing another sport between mid-July and mid-November, you need to decide which one is more important. Absences will be taken into consideration when starting positions and playing time are determined.
ATTITUDE - The coaches will be looking for players with good "football attitudes". This attitude includes a willingness to listen, the desire to play good, hard-nosed football, and good sportsmanship. This is a complex game that involves a lot of players, and it will take a lot of hard work to be successful as a team.
PLAYING TIME - The amount of playing time for each player will be determined by taking into consideration several things. Attendance at practice is a major factor. Attitude displayed at practice is another. The number of players we have will also be considered.
POSITION TRYOUTS - If you would like to try out for a specific position, please tell a coach during the first week of practice. Please talk to the coaches about desired positions before or after, but never during practice, or at anytime on game days!
PRACTICES – After Labor Day, we will only practice 3 evenings a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). If you do not attend Thursday practice, you will not start on Sunday. Also, if the player taking your spot is doing particularly well, it could affect your playing time for the remainder of that game, as well as starting positions for future games.
EQUIPMENT – Practices are run in full equipment. If you forget any one piece of equipment, you will not be allowed to practice. On equipment handout day, take time to try it all on, making sure it fits and that every piece is where it should be. Only molded cleats are allowed - no screw-in spikes. You will be given one mouth guard at equipment handout. Do not chew on it! You will have to purchase subsequent mouth guards on your own. Per IHSA rules, mouthguards must be a solid color except clear or white, and must attach to the helmet.
WATER - Remember to bring water (or Gatorade) to each practice and game. Each player is responsible for bringing his own. We will take plenty of water breaks. Players should also be careful of what they eat before practice. It is best to fast for 2 hours before practice.
Please feel free to approach your squad's Commissioner or Coaches before or after practice with any questions or concerns.
Age & Weight Limits
The Metro Youth League imposes age and weight limits on all players in the League. The League does not make exceptions to age and weight limits.
The Orland Knights Football and Cheerleading organization is required to abide by those regulations and does not have the authority to override League rules.
Weight limits apply to players only (not cheerleaders). If your player is over the League weight limit, we will work with him during pre-season to healthfully bring his weight into compliance with League regulations.
Age limits apply in all cases. Players who weigh less than the maximum weight limit are not permitted to play on squads with younger children. Every effort is made to ensure the safety of all players, and low weight will not prohibit a player from actively participating on a squad.
Jr Pee Wee
Born between November 15, 2000 and November 14, 2002
Maximum weight 85 pounds
Pee Wee
Born between November 15, 1998 and November 14, 2000
Maximum weight 100 pounds
Widget
Born between November 15, 1996 and November 14, 1998
Maximum weight 120 pounds
Junior
Born between November 15, 1994 and November 14, 1996
and not playing on a high school team.
Maximum weight 150 pounds
Game Times
Unless otherwise specified, games are scheduled to start at the following times:
Jr Pee Wee - 10:15 AM
Pee Wee - 12:00 PM
Widget - 1:30 PM
Junior - 3:00 PM
Players and Cheerleaders are required to arrive
before each game
at the time specified by their coach.
Practice Schedule for 2009
First Practice starts Monday, July 27th
Time: 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
Days: Monday through Friday
Place: Centennial Park (West Ave) Fields 2 & 3
PLEASE NOTE:
Practices after Labor Day will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
Place: Centennial Park (West Ave) Fields 1 & 2
Time: 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
Football Players should come to practice ready to play. They should wear shorts, T-Shirt, athletic supporter, football rubber spikes, and most importantly do not forget to bring a large bottle of water for breaks - VERY IMPORTANT! The coaches will let you know when to start wearing the rest of your equipment.
Cheerleaders should come to practice ready to learn the cheers. They should wear gym shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather conditions. Most importantly, do not forget to bring a large bottle of water for breaks - VERY IMPORTANT!
Refund Policy:
All refund requests must be submitted in writing to the Orland Kids Athletic Association Commissioner or Treasurer (www.orlandknights@gmail.org). Refunds will be accepted from the beginning of registration until August 1, 2009. No requests for a refund will be accepted after August 1, 2009. Refunds will apply as follows: Football Refund $105.00 Cheerleading Refund $85. No refund for convenience fees, fund raisers, equipment purchases, or non-resident fees. All refunds will be processed after September 1, 2009. The Board of Directors will accept a ‘hardship refund’ petition as long as the petition is received in writing prior to September 1, 2009. The Board of Directors reserves the right to grant or deny hardship refund requests on a case by case basis.