The Constitution of the South Chesapeake Football Association



Greenbrier Wolfpack Pop Warner Football and Cheer

Parent’s Handbook

2013

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Welcome to the Wolfpack Family!!

The formal (legal) name of our organization is Greenbrier Pop Warner Football and Cheer and is aligned under the larger East Georgia Pop Warner organization. The informal name and the name used for team play is the ‘Wolfpack'. Our intent is to field multiple Pop Warner affiliated tackle football teams and associated cheer squads. We ask that you read this parent handbook and become familiar with our policies and procedures. A copy of this document and our bylaws can be obtained from our website at

We may from time to time mail you information regarding our programs but our main means of communications is e-mail and telephone. Most questions or concerns can be addressed simply by contacting a Coach or a Board Member. Any major concerns that can’t be resolved at the team level should be addressed to our Vice President or President for consideration and resolution.

Official Wolfpack Contact Info:

Website:

Email: gpwwolfpack@

Phone number is 706 829-3818.

Greenbrier Pop Warner Football and Cheer

Evans, GA 30809

Home Field: Greenbrier High School Stadium, Evans, GA "The Wolf Den"

History:

In 2012, Bobby and Andrea Smock stepped up and agreed to stand up the first ever Greenbrier Pop Warner and Cheer organization. Through hard work and dedication, they were able to field two football and two cheer teams (Mitey Mite and Pee Wee). Now in our second year, we have 5 football teams (Tiny Mite, Mitey Mitey Mite, Junior Pee Wee, and two Pee Wee teams). We also have 4 Cheer Squads in 2013.

Vision:

To implant firmly in the youth of the community the ideas of academic excellence, good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, and courage. This shall promote a well-adjusted, strong and happy lifestyle, enabling them to grow to be good, responsible, healthy, and trustworthy citizens. The Wolfpack shall encourage youth to higher scholastic standards, acquaint the youth with the fundamentals of the game rules, tackling, passing, running, kicking and cheerleading fundamentals and continue to teach throughout the season; sportsmanship, knowledge of the game and the meaning of cooperation. The Wolfpack shall provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations various governing bodies/rules. All Board Members, General Members and participants shall bear in mind that the attainment of athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary; and the molding of future citizens is of prime importance.

Wolfpack Mission Statement:

Enable each participant to:

-Develop into a successful student and respected citizen of Evans, GA.

-Learn the importance of teamwork.

-Learn the basics of football and cheerleading.

-Learn the importance of hard work and dedication to accomplish your goals.

-Have Fun!

Expectations of Parents:

1. Volunteering: The Wolfpack is a non-profit organization that relies strictly on volunteers. All registered members in good standing must be willing volunteers within the organization. We feel that like every strong family, everyone has something they can contribute to the organization that can further advance the Wolfpack as one of the most respected in the CSRA. Some historic examples of possible volunteer requirements include:

- serving on committees (game day setup/cleanup, banquet, concession etc.)

- helping with concession sales during home games (4-6 home games per year)

-working on the chain crew for home games

-working as a mandatory play person (counting plays for each player to ensure minimum play requirements are met)

-helping with field maintenance

-raising funds

-serving as a Head Coach or Assistant Coach, Team Parent or Board Member

-sponsorship (either with services or funding)

Filling these and other volunteer positions / duties is vital to success of the Wolfpack organization. We would also ask that if anyone in your family wins the lottery or makes it big in the Pro’s, that you don’t forget your roots!!

2. Fundraising/Concessions: Other than registration fees, our primary source of fundraising varies from year to year. For 2013, we are planning to use the BRAX spirit cups and gear program as well as discount cards to help raise funds for our organization. We hope you can help promote this important aspect of our annual budget.

3. Safety: We ask that all parents join us in our endeavor to keep Safety as our top priority. Whether it’s on the football field, cheer squad practice area or anywhere else, if you see an unsafe act, please help us to stop it and contact a coach and/or board member immediately so that we can keep it from occurring again. While most of our coaches have some level of basic medical training, we ask that if you have any specialized medical training, please let your coaches know so that if required, we can ask your assistance if a medical emergency occurs. A particular safety concern is the parking lot at our home field (Greenbrier High School) and our practice field at Greenbrier Middle School. We ask that you proceed very slowly through the parking lot and be ever mindful of children who are sometimes excited about getting to (or leaving) practice and may be running through the lot without looking. We’ve been very lucky so far but have had a few close calls. Please be safe in our parking lot!

4. Equipment: We ask that you take the time to become familiar with your child’s football equipment and inspect it from time to time for any broken snaps, buckles, chinstraps, etc.. While coaches do spot-check equipment, we look at parents as being the first line of defense for keeping the equipment in good shape so it can do its job and protect your child! Tightening screws on helmets and periodically inspecting shoulder pads and other gear is good practice. Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you. If you feel that something doesn’t fit right, please see one of your coaches. Please also keep in mind that most football gear is somewhat uncomfortable- at least until your child gets used to wearing it.

Equipment that Wolfpack provides to your child: Game Jersey's (Home and Away), Game Pants (with pads), game socks and helmet decals.

Equipment parents will need to provide: Practice pants w/pads, practice Jersey (one of Dad's old White T-shirts works great), shoulder pads, helmet, cleats, practice socks, athletic supporter/cup and mouthpiece (that attaches to the facemask).

5. Travel: During the regular season, games are conducted at either our home field or at other teams home fields which are generally all in Columbia County. If a team participates in an invitational bowl game or post season playoffs (Junior Pee Wee, Pee Wee, and Cheer) then some travel outside of the area may be required. If funds are available at the end of the season, then the organization will try to offset the cost of hotel rooms and/or travel if possible.

6. Academics: Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS) is the only national youth sports organization in America that requires its participants to perform adequately in the classroom before permitting them to play. We believe that the set standards give our children a sense of responsibility and an appreciation for academics and athletics that will help them develop later on in life. PWLS has academic guidelines and criteria that need to be met in order for a child to participate. Proof of satisfactory progress in school is required. A 2.0/70% or the equivalent shall be the minimum grade point average acceptable to participate. Each year, the most academically accomplished Pop Warner kids compete for Academic All-American status. This process begins at the association level and up through each of the eight Pop Warner regions to the national level. Bottom-line: We take Academics seriously!

The PWLS All-American Program requires a minimum 96% grade point average to apply for All-American status. After the applications have been processed, Pop Warner determines National First Team All-Americans, National Second Team All-Americans and National Honorable Mention Scholars. Our Scholastics coordinator will work closely with each Team Parent to ensure information about this program is shared across the organization.

7. Sideline Behavior: We ask that all parents set the example for good sportsmanship and behavior. This organization exists to develop great citizens, not to create professional football player or cheerleaders. We are a fundamentals-based organization that desires a positive environment for all participants and parents. Please see code of conduct below for specific detail. Parents are responsible for their children before and after practices or games. Players should arrive shortly before practice begins and be picked up immediately at the end of practice. Parents are to refrain from interfering with coaches during practice and address issues privately outside of practice in a positive manner. Sportsmanlike conduct should be shown towards all players, coaches and officials at all times.

8. Athlete Participation: Participants are required to attend all practices and games. Missed practices may result in less game time. Beginning in the month of August, practices will be held at Greenbrier Middle School. After Labor Day Weekend, practices will not exceed 6 hours per week. Each team coach will determine which nights the team will practice. Some levels will have more or fewer practices at the discretion of the Head Coach. Coaches or team administrators will email or call to cancel practice. Do not assume practice is cancelled if you do not hear from anyone. Practices may still be held even if it is raining. A game schedule will be provided shortly after the beginning of the season. Remember dates and times are subject to change. Always contact your parent or Head Coach with any questions. It is your responsibility as a parent to get your child where they have to be on time, at all times. Check w/ your team parent for updates. Football and cheerleading are team sports! Absences are difficult for coaches to plan for their team. Please be at the field on time. Special commitments are understood but must be brought to the attention of the Head Coach.

CODE OF CONDUCT:

The Wolfpack has NO TOLERANCE for any rude or violent behavior from members, players, coaches, administration or spectators. Any person(s) displaying unacceptable behavior towards a Coach or Official will result in the release of all related children from Wolfpack programs with no refund. At a minimum, unacceptable behavior includes profanity, obscene gestures, verbal threats and physically threatening action. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, intoxicating substances or illegal drugs at any practice or game field, park, playground, athletic facility or association function is prohibited. The result may be reprimand, probation, or suspension from the Wolfpack and all related functions. Use of any tobacco product within 100 yards of our practice field or game fields is highly discouraged (and prohibited on school grounds).

Disciplinary Procedures:

1. At any event, practice or competition, any adult who: 1) verbally abuses; 2)attempts to intimidate; 3)is flagrantly rude or; 4)cannot control their language or actions with an Official, Coach, Wolfpack volunteer or spectator will be asked to leave the event. He or She will receive a written warning regarding their actions. His or her child(ren) will be immediately removed from the event.

2. Any adult that commits a second similar offense will be banned from all Wolfpack events for the remainder of the season and their child or children removed the remainder of the season and no refund will be issued. Controlling emotions at Wolfpack events personal responsibility.

3. Any Adult who physically assaults an Official, Coach, Wolfpack volunteer or spectator will be banned from Wolfpack and their child(ren) will be removed from the Wolfpack program for one (1) year from the date of the offense. The child(ren) may not participate in another Wolfpack program during the sanction period. After one (1) year, the parent may apply for re-instatement of his / her child(ren). If the adult commits a second offense, he or she will be permanently banned and their child(ren) permanently removed from the Wolfpack organization.

The term physical assault includes, but is not limited to: hitting, slapping, pushing, spitting, kicking or striking in any way with all practices, games and events.

Coaches, Managers and Players:

-Coaches, Board members, managers and players shall not:

1. At any time lay a hand upon, push, shove or be guilty of physical contact as an aggressor upon any official, player, another coach or spectator.

2. Verbally abuse any official, player, another coach or spectator.

3. Bait or be guilty of objectionable demonstration or dissent at any official’s decision.

4. Refuse to abide by an official’s decision.

5. Disobey or attempt to circumvent rules and regulations or the intent thereof.

6. Use tobacco, alcohol or illegal narcotics in front of players during practices or games or be present during practices or games under the influence of alcohol. This rule applies any time a coach is representing the Wolfpack.

-Improper conduct by Coaches, managers, players or others should be reported to the Vice-President or President for immediate action. Any coach, manager, or player who is ejected (removed) from a game shall be automatically suspended from participation in the following game, unless the offense was physical abuse (fighting) which shall result in immediate suspension from the team until reviewed by the Board. This rule is not subject to protest or review. (Removal from a game shall be interpreted to include the playing field and the spectator area). A second offense of all the above, by the same person, shall be handled by the Wolfpack Board. While on suspension, a coach may not attend any practice or game. A suspended person(s) must take the initiative to contact the Board to apply for reinstatement. Discipline as described in this section may be appealed to the Disciplinary Committee as described in Article V Part II Section A of the Wolfpack Bylaws.

Spectators

Spectators shall not:

1. At any time lay a hand upon, push, shove, or be guilty of physical contact as an aggressor upon any official, player, coach, volunteer or other spectator.

2. Verbally abuse upon any official, player, coach, volunteer or other spectator.

3. Ride or bait any official, player, coach, volunteer or other spectator.

4. Be under the influence of illegal narcotic substances during practices or games.

5. Use tobacco, alcohol or illegal narcotics in front of players during practices or games or be present during practices or games under the influence of alcohol.

6. The Wolfpack will not tolerate any action that may be detrimental to a child. Spectators may not ridicule a child, in any way, by using a name, position, jersey number or parent’s position as a coach or official.

Spectators or others who do not abide by the above guidelines shall be asked to immediately leave the event and may be legally barred from attending any other Wolfpack sponsored event depending on the offense. If the person(s) refuse to leave upon request, the local authorities shall be contacted for assistance.

MEMBERSHIP FEES:

The Wolfpack shall collect a registration fee. This fee shall be set annually by action of the Wolfpack Board. Registration fees shall cover a part of the operating costs of Wolfpack (uniform purchase and repair, concessions, insurance, field maintenance, referees, etc.), as well as other higher organization participation fees. No additional association fees shall be required of participants. There are no organizational dues required of members of Wolfpack- only the registration fee. There may be occasional fundraising activities that occur.

REGISTRATION:

A. For the purpose of team selection, the Wolfpack provides each participant with an official registration form to be competed and submitted prior to participating in workouts or team practices.

B. All players are required to provide a copy of their birth certificate.

C. All players are required to submit a physical on the designated Pop Warner physical form signed by a doctor or licensed medical practitioner, prior to the first practice, certifying that they are physically able to play football. Such statement must be dated in the current calendar year. Any visit to a physician during the season due to injury requires a release signed by a doctor or licensed medical practitioner prior to being reinstated to participate.

D. All players and parents must sign and return the Player Rules and Regulations Form prior to the first practice.

E. A player’s weight shall be recorded at registration. All players will be weighed with the minimum requirements of shorts and T-Shirts. Player’s weight has to be established by stepping on to the scales and the weight calculated by an association official. If a player is not recorded at registration, he may not participate in practice until weighed.

MEETINGS: Coaches may conduct periodic parent’s meetings. These are usually conducted just before or after practice and are a great venue for putting out information. The Wolfpack Board will also conduct monthly meetings throughout the year to ensure continuity of operations.

Board of Directors: The direction and supervision of the Wolfpack shall be vested in the Board of Directors. For purposes of this document, it shall be referred to as the Board. The Board shall consist of fifteen (13) positions, all of which have one equal vote on all board decisions. The President doesn’t ordinarily vote on regular board business- unless in the event of a tie vote. The President will deliver the tie-breaking vote when required. The 2013 Board positions are:

-President (Bobby Smock)

-Vice-President (Rob Casper)

-Football Commissioner (Jason Beall)

-Compliance Officer (Kerry Cartledge)

-Cheer Commissioner (Bridgette Miano)

-Secretary (Andrea Smock)

-Treasurer (Paul Crunk)

-Director of Registration (Beth Thomas)

-Director of Communications and Webmaster (Rob Casper)

-Director of Fundraising (Beth Thomas)

-Director of Concessions (Rob Casper)

-Scholastics Coordinator (Lakisha Kirkendohl)

-Team Parent Coordinator (Andrea Smock)

Board Positions:

A. PRESIDENT – The President shall have administrative supervision of the affairs of the Wolfpack. The President shall preside as chairperson at all meetings. The President, at the discretion of the Board, shall countersign with the Secretary (non-financial) or with the Treasurer (financial) all contracts and other legal instruments of the Wolfpack. The President will be responsible for appointing and overseeing all committees. The President shall make reports to the Directors and the membership of all actions taken on behalf of the Wolfpack. The President shall also be responsible for enforcing conduct and responsibilities of the Board and establishing a schedule, which provides for at least one representative of the Board to be in attendance at each game in which the Wolfpack is a participant. The President will vote on Wolfpack business and the vote counted only if needed to break a tie. The President will perform other duties as are required by the Board or the membership.

B. VICE-PRESIDENT - The Vice-President shall, in the absence of the President, exercise and enact all duties and/or responsibilities, and generally supervise association affairs. The Vice-President will have the right to vote on matters concerning the Wolfpack. The Vice-President will perform other duties as are required by the Board or the membership. The Vice-President shall serve as the contact point for all conduct complaints.

C. FOOTBALL COMMISSIONER - The Football Commissioner shall act as the coordinator for the Wolfpack football coaches and players. The Football Commissioner shall be responsible for holding coaches’ meetings and scheduling and / or holding clinics (with proper certification). The Football Commissioner shall be knowledgeable of the rules governing the Wolfpack and of the proper techniques implemented in coaching. The Football Commissioner shall regularly attend the practices and games of the Wolfpack. The Football Commissioner shall settle disputes concerning interpretations of the rules and player eligibility. The Football Commissioner shall work closely with the Vice-President involving disciplinary matters.

D. COMPLIANCE OFFICER – Responsible for ensuring the Wolfpack organization is in compliance with all Pop Warner rules and regulations and will always have a copy of the Pop Warner Official Rule Book at all practices and games to reference should there be a rules dispute. Also responsible for ensuring teams are maintaining their official Team Books in accordance with all Pop Warner guidelines.

E. CHEER COMMISSIONER – The Cheer Commissioner shall act as the coordinator for the Wolfpack Cheerleader coaches and cheerleaders. The Cheer Commissioner shall be responsible for holding coaches’ meetings and scheduling / holding clinics (with proper qualification). The Cheer Commissioner shall be knowledgeable of the rules governing the Wolfpack and of the proper techniques implemented in coaching. The Cheer Commissioner shall be knowledgeable of the rules governing the Wolfpack and of the proper techniques implemented in coaching. The Cheer Commissioner shall regularly attend the practices and games of the Wolfpack. The Cheer Commissioner shall settle disputes concerning interpretations of the rules and cheerleader eligibility. The Cheer Commissioner shall work closely with the Vice-President involving disciplinary matters.

SECRETARY - The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings and transactions of the association and report the same to the membership at the Annual Meeting. The Secretary will countersign with the President all legal instruments of non-financial matters concerning the Wolfpack. The Secretary will maintain a current list of all Board Members and General Membership and will be responsible for all Wolfpack correspondence. The Secretary will perform other duties as are incident to the office or as are required by the Board or membership.

TREASURER - The Treasurer shall have the custody of all funds and will countersign with the President all financial instruments governing and concerning the Wolfpack. The Treasurer shall also be responsible for maintaining records of corporation, non-profit status and federal and state taxes. The Treasurer will provide all request documentation to the Audit Committee (Article V, Part II, Section A).

F. DIRECTOR OF REGISTRATION - The Director of Registration shall be responsible for keeping and maintaining all records related to registration, including registration forms, birth certificates and physicals. The Director of Registration shall be responsible for the collection of all required forms and fees. The Director of Registration will perform other duties as are required by the Board or the membership.

G. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND WEBMASTER – The Director of Communications shall be responsible for all public communications related to Wolfpack. This may include; press releases promoting registration, fundraising and other Wolfpack events, email distribution lists, calling lists for organization notification as well as solicitations for coaches and players. The Webmaster shall work toward the creation and maintenance of an association web site and shall be responsible for keeping it updated. The Director of Public communications shall perform other duties that are required by the Board or the membership.

H. DIRECTOR OF EQUIPMENT - The Director of Equipment shall be the custodian of all equipment for the Wolfpack. The Director of Equipment shall order new equipment as directed by the Board and shall have equipment repaired when necessary. The Director of Equipment shall provide each team within the Wolfpack with equipment for its players and shall collect the same at the conclusion of the season. The Director of Equipment shall take a complete inventory of all equipment at the end of each season. A copy of this report shall be provided to the Board for review at the Annual Meeting. The Director of Equipment shall perform other duties as are required by the Board or the membership

I. DIRECTOR OF FIELD OPERATIONS AND SAFETY - The Director of Field Operations and Safety shall be responsible for the preparation of the ball fields and field related activities before and after all games. This responsibility will include obtaining practice and game fields, the set-up and clean up (including trash removal) of the field and ensuring the positions of scorekeeper, timer and chain crew are filled at each game. As the lead Safety Coordinator for the organization, this board member shall implement a process to ensure incidents are recorded, information sent to the appropriate agency, and follow-up information on medical and other data is forwarded as available. Additional duties relating to safety shall be assigned as determined. The Director of Safety shall also be responsible for all accident reports, insurance forms, acting as weigh master and ensuring all coaches have completed CPR training. The Director of Field Operations will perform other duties as are required by the Board or the membership.

J. DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING – The Director of Fundraising shall be responsible for all fundraising associated with Wolfpack. These activities / events are at the discretion of the Director of Fundraising with prior Board approval. The Director of Fundraising shall work closely with other Board members to coordinate fundraising efforts and develop plans. The Director of Fundraising shall perform other duties as are required by the Board or the membership.

K. DIRECTOR OF CONCESSIONS- The Director of Concessions shall be responsible for the coordination of all concession support to games, camps and other Wolfpack events. This director shall ensure that the proper health standards are met for safe preparation, distribution and sale of all concessions. The Concession Director shall work closely with the Team Parent Coordinator for manpower support to setup and run the concession stand as well as with the Treasurer for purchase of supplies and revenue earned at the concession stand. This director shall also work closely with outside vendors to ensure a good variety of goods are available. The Director of Concessions shall perform other duties as are required by the Board or the membership.

L. SCHOLASTIC COORDINATOR – The Scholastic Coordinator shall be responsible for certifying all players and cheerleaders scholastic eligibility and maintain an accurate record and up-to-date record thereof. The Scholastic Coordinator shall be the principle point of contact with the local schools administration, HLA and other scholastics governing organizations to synchronize all scholastic issues.

M. TEAM PARENT COORDINATOR – The Team Parent Coordinator shall maintain an accurate list of all team parents with current contact information. The Team Parent Coordinator shall be responsible for disseminating all Wolfpack-related information to the individual team parents. The Team Parent Coordinator shall prepare a list of Team Parent responsibilities.

Board Elections:

A. Elections and terms shall be as follows: All Board members shall serve for two years. Starting with the 2012 season, all positions will be re-voted at the end of each odd-numbered season (next board vote will be conducted at the end of the 2013 season).

B. In the event an office becomes vacant, the Board, by majority vote, shall appoint a replacement for the balance of the term. Should this come to pass, the office will be voted upon during the next election.

C. Election to office will be by a majority vote of those registered members, in good standing, present at the December General Membership Meeting. In the event of a tie the run-off election of the two top candidates will be held immediately.

Awards and Recognition

A. Appropriate Awards to signify participation on the teams of the Wolfpack will be determined by the Board on an annual basis. These awards will be presented to all teams and squad members, including coaches, squad coaches and cheerleaders. No awards will be presented or authorized that signify or recognize individual accomplishments (other than academic) or status unless approved and endorsed by the Board. The presentation of any awards not described herein is prohibited unless approved by the Board.

B. The Wolfpack shall strive to host an end of season Banquet each year.

Football Rules: The Georgia High School Federation and Pop Warner rulebooks will govern all playing rules, except as modified herein.

A. During the point after touchdown play, two (2) points are allowed for kicking or a forward pass; and one (1) point for a running.

B. Players exceeding the maximum weight cannot play.

Minimum Player Participation Rule (Pop Warner Rules)

Every player present and equipped to play must participate in a minimum number of scrimmage plays as set forth in the National Pop Warner Rulebook. The Head Coach will be held accountable for this requirement (Usually between 8-10 plays from scrimmage depending on size of team). Each head coach will submit a mandatory player participation report to the Football Commissioner upon completion of each game. The first infraction of this rule, the coach is reprimanded; the player will start the next game. Second infraction, the coach is suspended for one game; the player starts the next game. Third infraction, the coach is removed from the team; the player starts the next game.

We hope that this Parent Handbook serves as a useful reference document to help guide you through the 2013 Season. Thanks again for joining the Wolfpack Family!

Very Sincerely,

The 2013 Wolfpack Board of Directors

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