Where Players Play, Coaches Coach and Families Volunteer
This Handbook provides and overview of pertinent information regarding the Burlington Rams Youth Football Program. The Handbook is subject to change during the course of the season and the latest version, as well as related material referenced in this Handbook, is on our website (www.burlingtonrams.com). Please contact the Burlington Rams Board at info@burlingtonrams.com with questions or concerns.
The Burlington Rams must receive a completed and signed Required Releases and Acknowledgment Form for every player each year. Please print and complete the Form and bring to equipment distribution along with any additional required paperwork (see form for details).
Introduction
The Burlington Rams serve youth within the city of Burlington. Our mission is to offer each child the opportunity to enjoy the sport of football in a positive and safe environment. We strive to provide an instructive and competitive environment for each participant to learn the fundamentals of football as well as the importance of, and pride in, sportsmanship, teamwork, self-discipline, physical fitness, camaraderie, leadership, and other beneficial life-long skills. Above all, the safety and well-being of each player is our number one priority. The Burlington Rams are part of the Northern Vermont Youth Football League (NVYFL), which is comprised of approximately 17 teams from Northern Vermont.
Teams
The Burlington Rams are comprised of three teams which play against other NVYFL teams at the same age and level: 7/8 Team (7th and 8th graders); 5/6 Team (5th and 6th graders) and Flag (1st thru 4th graders). Depending on the number of players registered, the 5/6 and 7/8 teams may be divided into Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. This allows all players to have more game time and the opportunity to play against players with similar levels of experience and ability.
Flag Team
This is an introduction to flag football with an emphasis on safety, fitness, fair and hard play.
5/6 Team
This is an introduction to full contact, tackle football with an emphasis on safety, fitness, fair and hard play.
7/8 Team
This is introduction to healthy competition. It is the regular season record of the 7/8 Team that determines seeding in the NVYFL Tournament.
While there are no cuts from any of the Burlington Rams teams, the Burlington Rams Board may limit the number of players eligible for registration based on equipment availability and how many players (per team) coaches can safely support and control. In the event the Burlington Rams have met its maximum number of players for a team, every effort is made to introduce prospective players to other NVYFL programs in surrounding areas.
Player Eligibility
Under NVYFL rules and regulations, any player from the City of Burlington are allowed to play. A prospective player residing in a town served by another NVYFL team must have a written release from the head coach of the other team to play for the Burlington Rams prior to registration.
The minimum age for the 5/6 Team is 8 years old by November 1 of the season year. For the 7/8 Team, the player must be in sixth grade or 11 years old by November 1 of the season year. Players on the 7/8 Team must not be above eight grade or more than 14 years old by the end of the season. Any player attaining the age of 15 prior to April 1 of the following season year must play as a down lineman. 5/6 Team players cannot be older than 12 years by the end of the season. All new players must submit copies of their birth certificate before they are allowed to play.
A player must be at or under 135 pounds to play as an offensive back or ball handling position on the 7/8 Team. Tight ends may weigh 145 pounds, but if over 145 pounds they cannot take a handoff or receive a forward pass. On the 5-6 Team, a player must be at or below 105 pounds to play offensive back or ball handling position. Tight ends may weigh up to 115 pounds, but if they are over 115 pounds they cannot take a handoff or forward pass. All players that may potentially be ball carriers are weighed in at the season start Jamboree.
Please note that NVYFL rules and regulations are subject to change and this Handbook includes the rules and regulations that were in place at the date of last revision.
Equipment
Program-Issued Equipment
The Burlington Rams issues the following NVYFL approved safety equipment to all players to borrow and use during the season:
Helmet with chin-strap
Shoulder pads
Pads: hip, thigh, tailbone, knee
Practice jersey
Uniform (jersey and game pants with belt)
All equipment issued to players is Burlington Rams property and cannot be altered in any way. Players and their families are responsible for the care and maintenance of equipment issued to them and any abuse or damage that may occur while in their custody. The total replacement cost for program-issued equipment is $500. If equipment is not returned in the same condition as received by the designated date and time for equipment return, an invoice will be issued to the adult listed on the registration form and payment, in full, is expected to be made to the Burlington Rams within 30 days from the date of the invoice. No exceptions will be made.
Additional Required Equipment
The following equipment is not provided by the Burlington Rams but is required to participate in practices and games. All players must have:
Athletic support/cup
Mouth guard
Football cleats (metal cleats are NOT allowed)
Practice Pants
Appropriate long socks, preferably football socks in the color of Kelly Green
Water bottle
OPTIONAL: Arm Pads, Rib Pads, Hand Pads, Gloves and girdle (to hold in tailbone pad and hip pads) are optional.
Field
Landers Field, Rice Memorial High School, 99 Proctor Ave. South Burlington VT.
Practices
Under NVYFL rules, all players must complete ten (10) practices in order to play in the Jamboree and/or their first game of the season. There are no exceptions to this requirement. For this reason, the Burlington Rams will have daily practices (Monday – Friday) the two weeks prior to the date of the Jamboree. During this time, coaches may offer double sessions at their convenience.
After the Jamboree, teams will fall into a regular practice schedule. As soon as the practice schedule is finalized, the Burlington Rams posts this information on its website and also notifies all registered players by email. The regular practice schedule is usually as follows:
TEAM SCHEDULE
Flag Team TBA
5/6 Team 5:30 until 7:30: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
7/8 Team 5:15 until 7:30: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Games
As soon as the game schedule is finalized, the Burlington Rams posts this information on its website and also notifies all registered players by email. The regular game schedule is usually as follows:
TEAM SCHEDULE
Flag Team: Games typically played in the middle of week.
5/6 Team: Varsity games are Saturday mornings at 8 am.
7/8 Team: Varsity games are Saturday mornings at 9:30 am
Responsibilities and Expectations
Players, families and coaches should expect to commit a great deal of time during the football season. It takes an incredible amount of effort to have a successful youth football program. Therefore all players, parents/guardians and coaches are expected to accept and agree to the following responsibilities.
Players
All PLAYERS must agree to the following responsibilities:
Keep family and school as their number one priority
Respect for the team, their fellow players – including opponents – and the coaching staff at all times
No bullying, hitting, abusive language or abusing fellow players. Poor sportsmanship, swearing, and inappropriate behavior is not acceptable and may result is dismissal.
Listen to direction of coaches Follow all rules and regulations of the coaches and the program
Submit to disciplinary action (e.g. running extra laps) for disciplinary infractions
Treat all equipment, including uniforms, with respect and diligence
Attend all practices unless excused by a coach ahead of time
Arrive to all practices and games on time
Learn the game of football to the best of their ability
Families
All FAMILIES must agree to the following responsibilities:
Read and understand the safety requirements associated with playing football
Fulfill all registration requirements including providing insurance information and birth certificate for new players.
Acknowledge receipt of and financial responsibility for all equipment issued to their player
Participate in the fundraising activities of the program
Volunteer their time as asked and when needed
Transport or otherwise arrange transport of their child to all scheduled games and practices, including on time drop off and pick up
Return all program-issued equipment, including uniforms, as required
Support the teams, the coaches and the Burlington Rams Board
Raise questions, suggestions and/or concerns to the coach and/or Burlington Rams Board.
Families should not communicate with the Northern Vermont Youth Football League directly.
Abide by the Adult Behavior and Code of Conduct in this Handbook
Coaches
All COACHES must agree to the following responsibilities:
Successfully apply and be approved by the NVYFL as a coach before the start of the season (includes background check)
Successfully complete and be certified by HeadsUp Football and USA Football as a coach before the start of the season.
Set an example of good sportsmanship on and off the playing field
Treat players with respect and expect the same from players
Show a positive attitude towards the team, the game and individual players
Offer assistance to players that may be new to the game or who need more instruction
Maintain an open line of communication between players, families and the Burlington Rams Board
Communicate weekly, by email, with families about practice and game schedules as well as other notes of interest and copy the Board on all team communications (Head and/or Assistant Coaches Only)
Abide by the Adult Behavior and Code of Conduct in this Handbook
Adult Behavior and Code of Conduct
Any adult who does one or more of the following during a Burlington Rams Football Program practice, game or event will be asked to leave the practice, game or event and his or her child will also be removed from the practice, game or event at the same time:
1. Verbally abuses a coach, player, official, volunteer, or spectator; 2. Attempts to or does intimidate a coach, player, official, volunteer, or spectator; 3. Physically assaults a coach, player, official, volunteer, or spectator; 4. Is flagrantly rude to a coach, player, official, volunteer, or spectator; and/or 5. Smokes, uses drugs and/or consumes alcohol at a practice, game or event.
Any adult who commits a second similar offense will be banned from Burlington Rams Football Program practices, games and events for the remainder of the season and his or her child will be removed from the team for the remainder of the season. No refunds.
Any adult who physically assaults coach, player, official, volunteer, or spectator will be banned from the Burlington Rams Football Program for one year from the date of the offense and his or her child will be removed from the program for the same period of time. After the one (1) year sanction time, the adult may apply for re-instatement of his or her children. If the adult commits a second similar offense, he or she will be permanently banned from the Burlington Rams Youth Football Program and the Northern Vermont Youth Football League.
The term physical assault includes, but is not limited to: hitting, slapping, pushing, spitting, kicking or striking in any way with any part of the body or physical implement.
Volunteers
The Burlington Rams is a wholly volunteer organization. Everyone from the Burlington Rams Board to the coaches to the “chain gang” is a volunteer. The Burlington Rams posts volunteer information on its website and also notifies all registered players by email when volunteers are needed. Each family is expected to donate some time to help maintain, operate and manage the program.
The Burlington Rams Youth Football Program is directed and managed by a Board comprised of six or more volunteers who offer to fulfil the following roles on an annual basis starting in early spring (March or April): President; Vice-President; Treasurer; Secretary; and Member-at-Large. In addition to Board positions, the Burlington Rams rely on core volunteer managers each season. Managers include, but are limited to:
Communications Manager (usually Board Secretary but not always). The communications manager is responsible for the following tasks:
1. Monitoring and managing the Rams email account, contact list and Facebook account throughout the year.
2. Sending out Board announcements, news and updates to current and prospective Buccaneers families through the Rams email account.
3. Responding to emails from current or prospective families, coaches, volunteers, etc. or, if the message is directed to a specific coach, Board member, or another volunteer, forwarding the email as appropriate.
4. Assist other managers with communications related to the securing and recruiting of volunteers throughout the season.
5. Administering the Rams Facebook account by posting Board announcements, news and updates and by managing contributor access to the Rams Facebook account (e.g. parent volunteers for team news).
6. Coordinating with the Registration Managers for scholarship requests (approval process is managed by Board Secretary).
7. Coordinating with the Registration Manager for the receipt of player contact information from the registration forms and preparing distribution lists and contact information for each head coach.
8. Updating contact and distribution lists throughout the year as needed.
Head of All Head Coaches (usually a Board member but not always).
The head of all head coaches is responsible for the following tasks:
1. Recruiting head coaches for each team (5/6 and 7/8) and assisting them with their recruitment of assistant coaches.
2. Providing the Board Secretary with the coaches’ names, contact information and team assignments.
3. Serving as chief communicator for coaching staff (head and assistant coaches) and providing direct support to head coaches throughout the season.
4. Assuring all coaches have the required background checks, are certified in both U.S.A. Football and Heads Up Football and have completed and signed NVYFL Coach Application and Code of Conduct forms on file with the Board Secretary before the start of the season.
5. Helping 5/6 and 7/8 coaches schedule their JV games.
6. Facilitating coaching clinics (when offered) and meetings with
7. Reinforces, as needed, Burlington Rams and/or NVYFL rules and requirements, including providing support to head coaches in regards to any disagreements that may occur between teams, coaches and/or parents.
Field Manager (usually a Board member but not always).
The field manager is responsible for the following tasks:
Equipment Manager (usually a Board member but not always).
The equipment manager is responsible for the following tasks:
1. Inventorying both player and coach equipment and coordinating with the Board and, where applicable, coaches, for replacing equipment when needed.
2. Managing equipment pickup, jersey distribution and equipment return on their respective days as designated by the Rams board with input from head coaches relative to the jersey distribution date(s).
3. Recruiting and securing volunteers to staff equipment pickup, jersey distribution and equipment return.
4. Coordinating with NVYFL final team rosters.
Apparel Manager (usually a Board member but not always).
The apparel manager is responsible for the following tasks:
1. Coordinating with the Rams designated supplier for the season’s selection of apparel items including the team’s annual t-shirt.
2. Determining what apparel items the Rams will pre-purchase and stock for the sale during the season and what items will only be available through custom orders.
3. Securing and distributing all practice pants ordered during registration.
4. Managing an apparel sales booth during equipment pick-up, the first two weeks of practice and all home games.
5. Recruiting and securing volunteers to staff the apparel sales booth using the online sign-up tool designated by the board.
6. Assuring that all ordered apparel items, once received, are available for pickup at the field in a timely manner.
7. Tracking sales and profit and reporting accordingly to both the Treasurer and the Board.
8. Handling all monies received for apparel sales and promptly depositing all checks and cash into the Rams bank account (with approval from Treasurer).
Awards Ceremony Manager.
The awards manager is responsible for the following tasks:
1. Coordinating with the Board for the day and time of the Awards Ceremony as well as the agenda for the evening.
2. Completing the necessary paperwork with RMHS to secure their auditorium for the day and time of the event.
3. Coordinating with the Registration Manager to receive the NVYFL final team rosters and coach information.
4. Ordering trophies for all 2nd-7th graders, football bags for all 8th graders based on the rosters and awards for the coaches and coordinate with the Apparel Manager if coaches will be receiving shirts or other apparel at the ceremony.
5. Recruiting and securing volunteers to help prepare trophies, bags, the printed program and a slideshow using the online sign-up tool designated by the board.
6. Recruiting and securing volunteers for the day of the ceremony to set up the awards table, greet attendees, distribute printed flyers, assist on stage, and clean-up after the event.
Hosting Home Games
The Burlington Rams Board, all applicable managers and coaches are responsible for ensuring that all games hosted by the Rams comply with NVYFL rules, regulations and expectations. This means that the field must be prepped to League standards and that volunteers are secured in advance. The Burlington Rams also operate a concession stand at all home games as a fundraiser.
In preparing for a home game, the following steps must be taken and volunteers must be secured for each:
Line field (one week prior to game)
Operate scoreboard
Set up orange cones, yard markers and down markers
Operate the three-person “chain gang” (down marker)
Serve as the field medical doctor
Coordinate parking, including marking the parking lot
Coordinate concession stand and sales Coordinate apparel stand and sales
Clean up (post-game) and secure storage pod
Frequently Asked Questions:
When does registration open?
Registration will open in May and can be done at burlingtonrams.com parents can register their player using the registration form with the two necessary documents and submit them in person with the registration fee.
What is the Burlington Rams Refund Policy?
Should a player decide to withdraw from the program before the completion of the first two weeks of practice, he or she is eligible to receive a refund for the full registration minus a $25 administrative fee. Requests for refunds, along with all borrowed equipment, must be received no later than 5:00 pm on the last Friday of the first two weeks of practice. Players who decide to withdraw from the program after this time are not eligible for refunds.
When is equipment distributed and returned?
Equipment is usually distributed on the week prior to the start of practices.
All equipment is required to be returned to the Burlington Rams in the same condition as received at a designated date and time, usually the first Sunday after the last regular season game. (Teams that make the Playoffs will return equipment on the Saturday after the final Playoff day.) As soon as the day and time for equipment return are finalized, the Burlington Rams posts this information on its website and also notifies all registered players by email.
THERE ARE NO OTHER SCHEDULED DATES FOR EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION OR RETURN. Players who miss equipment distribution and/or return need to make arrangements through their coach. In addition:
ALL PLAYERS must be present to ensure that their equipment is properly fitted for safety reasons. Failure to pick up equipment may result in a delay of starting practice and the season.
Failure to return equipment will result in a $500 charge to cover the cost of purchasing new equipment. The invoice will be issued to the adult listed on the registration form and payment, in full, is expected to be made to the Burlington Rams within 30 days from the date of the invoice.
Failure to pay an invoice within 30 days will result in $50 late fee and a claim will be filed with the Vermont Superior Court against the adult listed on the registration form.
Does equipment, including uniforms, need to be clean before returning?
Yes, all equipment, including uniforms, must be clean prior to returning. Equipment and uniforms must also be in the same condition as received. Dirty or damaged equipment and uniforms will NOT be accepted for return.
Can uniforms be machine washed and dried?
Uniforms, which consist of game jerseys and game pants, must be cleaned weekly and can be machine washed. However, they should not be placed in the dryer after cleaning. The heat of the dryer will cause the numbers and letters to peel off of the jerseys. The heat of the dryer will also cause the elastic material of the game pants to deteriorate more quickly and lose their shape. Please hang game jerseys and game pants up to dry in the air. Never use bleach on uniforms.
What is the best way to take care of a football helmet?
Scrub helmets with mild detergent to remove scuffs after games or as necessary. Never soak or submerge a helmet in water, place a helmet near heat or open flame, or use a hand or mechanical pump to inflate the air liner in a helmet. Sitting, throwing and leaning on helmets will result in damage.
How do coaches manage playing time?
The Burlington Rams place emphasis on instruction and participation over competition and coaches make every effort to allow every player to play in every game; fair playing time is a priority. Playing time, position determination and team placement will vary based on the coaching staff’s assessment of what is sometimes called a “The Three A’s”: Attendance, Attitude and Ability.
Attendance: Players must be present to learn the skills
Attitude: Players must be respectful to all teammates, coaches, officials and volunteers at all times; behavior and effort must be positive
Ability: Players must build strength in practice, demonstrate durability, and play with spirit (Endurance). Players must learn the fundamentals, study the playbook and give extra effort (Skill).
As players advance, the impact of “Ability” in this evaluation has a greater impact on playing time. Due to the physical nature of the game, however, there are instances where the size of the player determines his/her position; some positions get more playing time than others.
How do coaches decide teams?
The 5/6 and 7/8 Varsity teams are generally comprised of the oldest players on each of the teams (e.g. 6th and 8th graders Final placement, however, is largely based on experience and skill with an emphasis on safety first.
What happens if it rains during practice or a game?
All practices and games are held rain or shine. We also follow the Northeast Regional Little League’s policy for storms, which is as follows:
Weather safety experts recommend waiting 30 minutes after a storm passes before resuming play. Lightning strikes occur in all directions around storms, even behind them. Do not rush to resume play even if skies begin to clear. Wait until thunder is no longer audible or about 30 minutes after a storm passes. Neither the suspension of play or the safety of our families is taken lightly; the safety of our children is paramount at all times.”
What does this mean?
At the FIRST sight of lightning or sound of thunder, all players need to clear the field immediately. The safest place for players is inside a vehicle with the windows rolled up. Parents and coaches are expected to do the same.
Thirty (30) minutes after the last sign of thunder or lightning, play may resume. A coach will be assigned as the official timekeeper and will reset the clock as needed.
Until a coach announces “all clear” and practice is safe to resume, all players must remain inside a vehicle. Coaches will monitor players during this delay to insure compliance.
Last Name, First Name (please print)
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Grade in the Fall
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