GENERAL INFORMATION

How much are the registration fees?
Registration fee for the 2011 season is $125.  The registration deadline for the 2011 season is July 22, 2010 (ORYF may assess a late fee after the deadline; late fee is $150). The registration fee is non-refundable.  There is also a $20 volunteer fee.  How the volunteer fee works:  For the 2011 season each family is required to provide a $20 volunteer fee, once a family member has volunteered for the organization the $20 fee is returned.  If a family member does not volunteer during the season, the $20 fee is kept as a league donation to off-set operational costs.
 
For football players registration covers:
- required equipment and uniforms
- league fees
- referee fees
- insurance
 
For cheerleaders registration covers:
- required uniforms
- league fees
- competition fees
- insurance
 
If you know of someone who wants to play, but may have trouble meeting the registration fee requirements, please call us; we want every child to have the opportunity to participate. A limited number of full and partial scholarships, through the support of generous donors, are available.

Will I have to buy any of the equipment?
ORYF will provide all necessary equipment for play except footwear.  Equipment and uniforms are issued at the start of the season for use during the season, AND all equipment and uniforms are returned at the end of the season unless otherwise noted.  You are responsible for the individual (not bulk) replacement cost of any item not returned.

What we supply to football players:

Helmet, facemask, chin guard, mouthpiece, shoulder pads, 7 piece pad set (lower torso pads), practice pants, practice jersey, game pants, game jersey, belt, game socks

What we supply for cheerleaders:

Shell (top), skirt, lollipop pants, socks, pom-poms (if used by team), team hair accessories

Cheerleaders may also purchase at an additional cost the following items (may be required for certain competitions):

Long sleeve undershirt (bodysuit), competition sneakers

Parents will be expected to provide cleats for football players and sneakers for cheerleaders. (cheerleading sneakers will be available for purchase at a meeting prior to the start of the season). 

Who will be coaching my child?
All coaches are unpaid volunteers with prior experience playing/coaching football or cheer (respectively). All coaches will be adults and are required to be cleared through a criminal background check as well as meet league requirements. If you are interested in coaching football please contact Tom Flynn (tom@oryf.com). If you are interested in coaching cheerleading please contact Patricia Akins (trish@oryf.com)

Who is eligible to play or cheer for ORYF?
Any resident of Mattapoisett, Marion, Rochester, or any other town not currently affiliated with another team may play. ORYF does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin.  If you live in a town assigned to another pop warner team but want to play/cheer for ORYF, waivers are available, contact us for detials.

How old must my child be to play?
Currently we are fielding tackle football teams and cheer squads for ages 5 to 15. Age determination is based on your child's age as of the league "cut-off date." The league cut-off date is determined each season by the league and usually coincides with the start to the season (July 31st).
 
Football teams are grouped by both age and weight; cheerleading squads are grouped by age. Age and Weight charts are available on the Pop Warner website at www.popwarner.com. 

Are there any other requirements?
Children must want to play or cheer (forced participation is not allowed). You must provide proof of age (original birth certificate is required for new players). You must provide medical clearance for your child dated on or after January 1 of the current season year.

Team placement is based on age and weight and on a first come/first served basis. Children are expected to maintain good academic standing. A final report card must be provided for league review.

Will my child play?
Absolutely. The league sets minimum play requirements for every squad member. However, ORYF tries to exceed those requirements every game when possible. ORYF is about kids having fun in a positive social setting. 
 
The purpose of ORYF is to learn basic football and cheer skills and develop good team skills. Winning is secondary to building a child's confidence and improving his or her physical fitness.

What is the time Commitment?
Family and academic commitments always take the front seat. Prior to the start of school in August practice will run approximately 2 hours (exclusive of breaks, plan on about 2 1/2 hours) a day (four to five days per week, slightly less time for the youngest teams). 

Once school starts, practices are reduced to three times per week. The majority of games are on Sunday, with some Saturday games. For the instructional Tiny Mite Division (5,6 and 7 year olds) a reduced practice schedule is in place.

Who do we compete against?
ORYF is part of the Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts Football and Spirit Conference. For a list of current associations in the conference visit www.risma.org.