MONDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH @ OUR FIELD (FLAG PROGRAM PICTURES TBA)

TIME        TEAM
5:45        VARSITY MIDGET FOOTBALL
5:45        JV MIDGET FOOTBALL
6:00        VARSITY PEE WEE FOOTBALL
6:00        JV PEE WEE FOOTBALL       
6:15        VARSITY MIGHTY MITE FOOTBALL
6:15        JV MIGHTY MITE # 1 FOOTBALL
6:30        JV MIGHTY MITE # 2 FOOTBALL                            
6:30        VARSITY FLY WEIGHT FOOTBALL                     
6:45        JV FLY WEIGHT FOOTBALL
6:45        VARSITY MIDGET CHEER       
7:00        VARSITY PEE WEE CHEER
7:00        JV PEE WEE CHEER
7:15        VARSITY MIGHTY MITE CHEER
7:15        VARSITY FLY WEIGHT CHEER

*** PLEASE REPORT 10 MINUTES PRIOR TO YOUR START TIME

What's up with the weather? Visit http://weather.msn.com/

Because games are usually played rain or shine, it is helpful that the players become accustomed to all types of field conditions. Therefore, practice will not normally be called off due to rain UNLESS severe and potentially damaging to the fields. (Please do not call the CJC Office, Just show up) 

Practice and games are cancelled by a duly authorized Countryside Jr. Cougar official due to lighting determined by the SYFC approved lightning meter. Parents/Guardians are required to pick up their children early in the event practices/games are cancelled due to an electrical storm.  Children are required to remain in the designated area during an electrical storm and Parents/Guardians must come to this designated area and escort the child to the vehicle.  Children are not permitted to “run to the vehicle” during these occasions.  CJC recognizes the challenges of escorting the child from the area, but insists on child safety first and will not waiver on this policy. If it is raining upon the start of practice parents are required to stay with their child/children to see if a CJC official will be canceling practice.

CJC head coaches are required to stay with the children until they are picked up by the Parent/Guardian.  If a coach consistently is staying with any particular players/cheerleaders, appropriate disciplinary action can be taken similar to late or absentee issues.

** Please check website for any any practice cancellations**

All registrations, practices and home games are at the Countryside Sportsplex.  We are located at 3060 McMullen Booth Road (next to Chi-Chi's golf course) just North of Countryside High School.

** Please note the parking lot is ONE WAY ONLY!  For the protection of our children, please enter to the North by the blinking light and exit to the South by the golf course.  

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO SURVIVE A SEASON OF JR. COUGAR FOOTBALL. . . BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

Okay, so why is my child, a football player, wearing a “Girdle”?
A girdle in football refers to a pocketed undergarment that holds several of the pads required to protect your player.  Usually the hip pads and tail-bone pad are put into this garment. (The thigh pads and knee pads fit into the game and practice pants)  The knee pads go in the pockets of the practice or game pants.

Is a jock strap needed?
This is good protection for your player.  Some players and coaches may have differing opinions. The first time he gets hit or knocked hard in the groin area he may wish he was wearing one.  Please be aware if you haven’t purchased one of these before they come in regular, medium and large—no smalls.

When are the games played?
The official season usually starts the 2nd or 3rd week in August.  Games are scheduled every Saturday from then through the end of October, even on Labor Day weekend.  Your team may be scheduled for a “by” week depending on the number of teams in the schedule.  Varsity teams play their games in the afternoons and evenings.  Junior varsity teams play in the mornings and early afternoons.

Is the drive area go in more then one direction?
No.  The drive area is only one direction.

When will I get a schedule?
The SunCoast Youth Football Conference (SYFC) is responsible for developing the schedule.  This cannot be done until the actual number of teams is determined for each football league.  The number of teams is dependent upon the number of players registered.  Due to Homecoming weekends and various other special events, the schedule is sometimes “tweaked” late in August.  Sometimes we are on a week to week schedule until the official schedule is issued by SYFC.

What is Jamboree?
Jamboree is a preseason game (opening day) that does not count towards a teams overall season record.

Who is in the SunCoast Youth Football Conference?
Our conference is made up of teams from Tarpon Springs, Dixie, Azalea, Seminole, Northeast St. Pete, Pinellas Park, Clearwater for Youth, Dunedin, Lakewood and of course, the Jr. Cougars.  Your team may not play all the other teams and your team may end up playing another Jr. Cougar team.  Remember good sportsmanship.  You are setting an example for the players.

Can I watch my child’s practice?
Of course!  We strongly recommend that you stay and watch.  However, remember that the coach is THE COACH.  Please do not coach your child from the sidelines.  It is also very important that you stay off the field during practice.  This is for your safety as well as that of the players.  Children are easily distracted and this could lead to an injury if they are watching you and not what is happening on the field.  You’ll make lots of new friends by staying and watching.  Football parents are a lot of fun!

What does my player need for practice?
Your player will normally need to wear “full gear” --all pads, practice pants, helmet, cleats, etc.  Water!!  Jr. Cougars does not provide water during practice.  It is your responsibility to send fluids for your child during practice.  Bottled water is available at the concession stand during practice.  One bottle is not usually enough for practice on a hot muggy Florida evening.  It is better, and more economical, to purchase a 2-quart jug and fill it with ice and water from home.

How do I know there is practice if it is raining?
Football goes on in almost any weather so we practice football and cheerleading in the rain.  You need to always bring your player to the field.  The weather is so variable that the teams may be able to play within 20 minutes after the storm passes.  Do not call the office.  We have over 500 players and cheerleaders.  There is no way to answer the calls.  Just come to the field, if practice is canceled, a Jr. Cougar rep will be in the parking lot to send you home.  Otherwise, assume there is practice.

The only time practice is called is when lightening is present or the City of Clearwater closes the field due to excessive water on the fields.  The players and cheerleaders are pulled off the field and under cover or sent to their cars.  There may be a decision to wait to see if the storm passes.  Normally if it is still lightening after 20 minutes practice is called. 

Should my player eat before practice?
You’ll get different answers from many parents, coaches and players on this.  A light meal is recommended.  If a player eats a large meal too close to practice he/she will more than likely get ill during practice.  Coming with nothing in their stomachs can make for a dull practice since the player has nothing to draw on for energy.

Cheerleaders get a breaks but these are organized by each team's coach.  Please make sure to send water with your cheerleaders as it will not be provided by the organization.  

What do I need to know for game day?

Your football player is required to be at the game field 1 ½ hour prior to game time.  “Why?” you ask.   Well the players must all be available for weigh in and certified to the opposing team prior to the game.  The coaches need to get the players warmed up and stretched out prior to the game.  There is always one player on every team that always shows up late.  This way there may still be time to get that player certified and weighed in.  And lastly, have you ever tried to get adolescent and teenage players focused?  This is a magic act that you as a parent will appreciate once the season has started.  These coaches are magicians, but they need time to work their magic.

Cheerleaders are usually asked to report one hour prior to game time.

During home games, while you are at the field a 1 ½ hour early, your team parent has the responsibility of organizing volunteers in the concession stand.  However, this is not required while your child is playing or cheerleading.

Your child needs to bring all of his/her equipment.  It is easier if he/she comes to the game in his/her game pants, socks and cleats, unless the coach has asked him/her not to dress until after weigh-in.  He/She can put the shoulder pads on later.

You may also want to keep a chair in the trunk of your car.  Some of the fields don’t have bleachers and some have very limited seating in bleachers.  This way you will always be prepared.

The cost to enter the game is $3 per adult.  Kids under 15 and players / cheerleaders get in free.  The coaches provide water for the games.  Do not bring jugs to the field on game day. 

What about eating on game day?
All of the fields we play on have concession stands.  Again, something light for the player before the game so he/she has some energy but nothing heavy to make him/her sick. Avoid dairy products on hot days.

You may not bring anything to eat or drink into any field during games.  This is an SYFC rule which is strictly follwed.  Only players and cheerleaders may bring water / drinks. 

What if my player is sick or hurt?
Unlike many other youth sports, football depends on every player on the team.  Your child is an integral part of the plays on the field, so it is important that players attend every practice and every game.

If you player is hurt, and you feel he/she cannot play or practice, bring the child to practice so he/she can watch and listen to the workout.  Be sure to talk with your head coach so he can plan accordingly if the player will miss a game.  Most of our head coaches have been coaching for many years and may be able to recommend something to help that pulled muscle or bruise.

If your child is sick, please don’t contaminate the rest of the team!  Call the coach and let him know the child is sick.

Remember that most kids will have a day or so when they are just tired of practice and the heat.  That’s when YOU become the coach and encourage your child to come and do his best as part of the team.  Don’t let them miss practice “just because”.

What about the homework?
Of course schoolwork is a top priority with the Jr. Cougars.  It is very important that your child do well in school.  Help your child set up an after school or before school schedule so that homework is completed in time for practice.  A lot of football and cheerleading is about personal discipline.  Homework is an area that can be positively influenced by helping your child to discipline him or herself and get the work done.

If you child is not doing well in school, talk with your coach.  The coaches will encourage your child and let them know how important it is to do well in school as well as football/cheerleading.  The Parent/Coach “team” approach has been known to work well. 

Baptism by Mud
Here’s a helpful hint.  Always keep an old shower curtain or large plastic trash bags, an old towel and a change of clothes in your car.  That way if your player looks like a walking “TIDE” commercial, you can have him/her strip down in the car and change or at least the plastic will protect your car.

Also always keep an umbrella handy for yourself if you plan to watch practices.

Are those a new species of Florida birds?
No, those are mosquitoes.  The mosquitoes are bad at the field.  Be sure to put some sort of repellent on your player/cheerleader prior to starting practice.  Be sure to have something for yourself as well if you are going to watch practice.

The wasps can be bad too, especially around the trash bins.  They also like to build nests under the benches that line the fields.  Watch small kids.  If you notice a nest, please notify some one at the concession stand so we can spray.


How will I know what is going on with the Jr. Cougars?
Most team moms will send out emails or newsletters.  Be sure to ask for it.  They will give you information about upcoming games, standings, directions to fields, upcoming events and how you can help. There is also a bulletin board to the left of the concession stand that will have useful information on it.  You can also check out our web site at www.cjcougars.com.

Who’s in charge of this whole thing?
Please remember that our organization is run by volunteers.  While you may not always agree with the way things are done, we do the best we can with the people we have to help.  Hundreds of hours have been put in by volunteers just to get your child and his or her teammates registered and certified with the conference. Here’s some people who can help answer your questions or address problems, but go to your coach first:

Football Coaching:  Mike Carroll or Ray Schroeder
Cheerleading Coaching:  Demi Insco or Jennifer Vellucci
Concessions:  Blaine Parker
Team Mom Coordinators & Informations Officer:  Donna Reyolds (football), Kris Rawson (cheer), & Johnny Stevenson (communications)
Parent Concerns:  Football – Brad Adams   Cheer – Polly Shefman
Jr. Cougars administrative questions:  Kelly Stevenson
Office phone:  727-216-6578, leave a detailed message
Website:  www.cjcougars.com

And remember. . .

Let the children play,
Let the referees, referee
Let the coaches coach,
And let the parents cheer!

                            Rev 7/10