Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) Regarding SSYS Football & Cheerleading

  

1. Why should I allow my son/daughter to play youth football/cheerleading at SSYS? 

There are THREE compelling reasons why you should allow your son or daughter to participate in SSYS youth football and cheerleading. It is SAFE; it is CONVENIENT; and it is FUN for the entire family.

 SSYS Youth Football & Cheerleading is SAFE.

Since 1966, thousands of parents have entrusted their children to SSYS youth football and cheerleading at Morgan Falls Park. 

The following articles (available on the Internet) are particularly instructive on this topic:  Is Football Safe for Kids? By Kent Hannon of Parenting Magazine.  According to that article, experts believe that as many as one million kids play age group football in the United States. The article points out that most youth football programs are relatively safe.  In a recent study, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission examined athletic injuries on a sport by sport basis.  It found that organized football among the 5 to 15 year olds had 12 percent FEWER injuries per capita than organized soccer for the same age group.  Football also had 50% fewer injuries than bike riding, and 74% fewer injuries than skateboarding.  Also, please feel free to read the article dated 3-19-03 and found at ProHealthNetwork.com entitled, Mayo Clinic Study Reports Injuries Uncommon in Youth Football.  Dr. Michael J. Stuart, a Mayo orthopedic surgeon and the principal author of the study concluded that, “Our analysis showed that youth football injuries are uncommon.”  In that study, Dr. Stuart and his colleagues studied 915 players aged 9 to 13 who participated on 42 different football teams in the Fall of 1997.  The study took into account injury incidence, prevalence, severity for each grade level and position.  The incidence of injury expressed per player-plays was lowest for the 4^th graders (the youngest) and highest for the 8^th graders (the oldest). Even though the risk of injury for an 8th grade player was 4 times the risk for a 4^th grade player, the risk for an 8th grader was still a meager – 1/3 of one percent.  None of the injuries required hospitalization or surgery.  Also, the Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma at Lennox Hill Hospital published an article in Pediatrics magazine entitled, “Injuries in Youth Football”.  They concluded that, “In Pop Warner football, there is an absence of head and neck injuries and disruptive joint injuries found at higher levels [of football].”  Finally, if you are truly concerned about the risk of injury, you may want to consider the comments of Dr. Lyle Miceli, doctor of sports medicine and the past president of the American College of Sports Medicine.  In his book entitled, Sportswise: An Essential Guide for Young Athletes, Parents and Coaches, Dr. Miceli writes, “In Pop Warner football, which is for children below the age of fourteen, injuries are very rare because the quality of supervision is very high.”  Dr. Micheli goes on to say, “On the other hand, soccer, which has a reputation for being a safe sport for both sexes, has been shown to have a high injury rate, particularly among the younger children.”

 

SSYS youth football and cheerleading is CONVENIENT.  

All of our practices take place on week nights at 6:00 pm at Morgan Falls Park.  The park is conveniently located in a safe, suburban north Atlanta setting just outside I-285 West of Roswell Road between Abernathy and Northridge roads. The park is easily accessible from Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the Perimeter Center business districts.  All of our Recreational league games (where the majority of our children participate) are played at Morgan Falls park.  Half of our competitive, Division I travel games are played on Saturdays in Sandy Springs.  The other half are played on Saturdays at convenient, easy access sites in Dunwoody, Roswell, Alpharetta and Forsyth County.  Once the regular season games begin, the Recreational League commitment for football is limited to 3 events (games/practices) per week, with the exception of our Pee Wee league (1^st and 2^nd graders), which is limited to 2 events per week.  SSYS youth football and cheerleading is CONVENIENT.  

 

SSYS youth football and cheerleading is FUN for the entire family.

Football is the ultimate team sport, and it holds a special appeal for boys.  In his recent book, Bringing Up Boys, noted child psychologist Dr. James Dobson talks about boys’ unique need for physical play.  Many boys have a natural affinity for roughhousing and physical play but are unable or discouraged from expressing it at school, with friends, or in other social settings because it is inappropriate.  Youth football provides a structured, supervised setting that allows boys to be boys.  Football is a demanding sport.  Because a lot is asked of the boys, a lot is gained in return.  Unlike many other sports, football calls for heightened levels of discipline, tenacity, hard work, conditioning, leadership and intelligence in order to achieve success.  There are many compelling reasons to allow your son to play youth football at SSYS. 

 

All of the players in our Recreational program are assured of starting and playing the entire game on at least one side of the ball.  All of our youngest players (in our Pee Wee league) are assured of carrying the ball at least one time each.  Our better players – those 4^th, 5^th, 6^th and 7^th graders who are selected to participate in our Division I travel league, the North Metro Football League, will have the opportunity to play on artificial turf this season.  Because our program offers something for boys and girls alike, it is appropriate for the entire family.  The fun is not limited to the boys and girls.  As spectators, the parents are riveted by the fast paced, action filled games and spirited cheerleader routines.  At the end of the season, ask your child what his/her favorite sport is.  The chances are, you will hear “football” or “cheerleading”.  SSYS youth football and cheerleading is FUN for the entire family.

 

2. Why should my son play at SSYS as opposed to other nearby parks?  SSYS is the fastest growing youth football and cheerleading program in the area. Unlike other area programs, participation in tackle football at SSYS begins in the 1^st grade. All of our players play every game on our brand new stadium field “under the lights”. It features a regulation size (50 yards x 100 yards) Bermuda sod field with referees, a PA announcer calling the game, and parents and cheerleaders in the stands cheering them on.  If you haven’t watched an SSYS youth football game, they are extremely entertaining.  The games last approximately 1 ½ hours and consist of non-stop action and excitement.  The boys wouldn’t want it any other way!
3. Shouldn’t my son wait until he is older to play?  In many respects ages 6-7 are the optimal time for your son to try football for the first time.  After all, physics is on their side.  Even at the youngest ages, football is a contact sport.  FORCE (impact) equals MASS (weight) times ACCELERATION (speed).  1^st and 2^nd graders lack the coordination or combination of mass and acceleration required to generate significant impact.  Moreover, they are covered from head to toe with equipment designed to protect them.  Although they are generating very little impact, they are, nevertheless, gaining from learning the proper technique at an early age. They learn how to give and receive blows so that when they are older and capable of generating meaningful impact, they will do so in a safe, responsible manner.
4. When and how do I sign up?  SSYS offers a rolling registration period.  We begin accepting applications for the Fall season the second week in March and close our registration period around the time that the students report back for public school in the Fall.  Please register on-line at www.sandyspringsfootball.com or in-person at Morgan Falls park at SSYS Family Day on March 27th, at the end of the Dunwoody 4^th of July Parade or on the equipment pick-up days scheduled for each Sunday afternoon from 2-5 pm in July.   Our mailing address is: Sandy Springs Football & Cheerleading, P.O. Box 500203, Atlanta, Georgia 31150.
5. What is the deadline for registration?  SSYS begins accepting registrations on March 15 of each year, and continues to accept registrations through July.
6. When does the season begin/end?  The season typically begins around the first week in August, and it typically ends in early to mid November.
7. Is there a calendar that I can refer to reference key dates?  Yes.  Please refer to the link entitled CALENDAR, which is updated from time to time, on our web site.
8. How much does it cost to participate? 

 

Football (flag league):

$75.00; through April 30th

$100.00; May 1st through June 15^th;

$125.00; after June 15^th

 

Football (tackle league):

$255.00; through April 30th

$295.00; May 1st through June 15^th;

$335.00; after June 15^th

 

Note:  SSYS provides use of a helmet and shoulder pads.  Each player is responsible for providing his own mouthpiece, practice jersey, practice/game pants (black), practice pant pads and cleats.

 

Cheerleading (flag league): 

$75.00; through April 30th

$100.00; May 1st through June 15^th;

$125.00; after June 15^th

 

Cheerleading (tackle league): 

$175.00; through April 30th

$200.00; May 1st through June 15^th;

$225.00; after June 15^th

 

Note:  Cheerleaders will be required to purchase white sneakers, white socks, and black leggings (for colder weather). 

9. Is financial assistance available?  SSYS strives to make financial aid available on an “as needed” basis.  In addition to a volunteer commitment, we do ask that the player’s parent(s) contribute something toward the cost, however.
10. What am I responsible for purchasing in terms of equipment?  What does the league provide?  SSYS provides the helmets, team decals, chin straps, and shoulder pads for each player.  It is the player’s responsibility to purchase a mouthpiece, practice jersey, pants with thigh and knee pads, socks and cleats. Each player should wear an athletic protector / jock strap and/or a protective cup.  Also, each player should drink plenty of fluids before practice and bring his own water bottle or Gatorade to each practice.
11. Where do I purchase the mouthpiece, practice jersey, pants with thigh and knee pads, socks and cleats?  Most metro area sporting goods stores such as The Sports Authority or Dick’s sell the above items.  If you have trouble finding the right equipment at the national chains, you may want to try Jonquil Sporting Goods, Inc. on Atlanta Road in Smyrna.
12. How often and when do they practice/play?  Practice for grade 3-7 typically begins the first week in August.  Practice for grades K-2^nd begins two to three weeks later, to coincide with the start of school in Fulton County. In the few weeks preceding the first game of the season, all teams will practice three nights per week. Beginning with the first week of games, the PEE WEE (1^st/2^nd graders) League will practice one night per week (Tuesday), and play games on Thursday or Friday nights.  The 3^rd/4^th grade league will practice two nights per week, typically Tuesdays and Thursdays, and play games on Saturdays. The 5^th/6^th grade league will practice two nights per week, typically Tuesdays and Thursdays, and play games on Saturdays.  For those with players in the PEE WEE (1^st/2^nd graders) league, your weekends are free. The games last approximately 1 hr. and 30 minutes from start to finish.  For those with players on the Division I travel team (the Gold Saints), practice is typically three nights per week from 6-8pm – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and games are on Saturdays at 12:00 NOON (4^th grade), 2:00 pm (5^th grade), 4:00 pm (6^th grade) or 6:00 pm (7^th grade).
13. How do you determine who plays in which League?  To promote competitive balance and to ensure a safe experience for the boys, players are grouped by grade and ability.  League officials reserve the right to assign exceptionally large/small, fast/slow, or aggressive/timid players to a league more befitting their size, speed or ability.  Generally, the PEE WEE league will be comprised of boys who are entering the 1^st and 2^nd grades (typically, ages 6-7).  The 3^rd/4^th grade league will be comprised of those recreational players who are entering the 3^rd and 4^th grades in the Fall, less the more accomplished 4^th graders who will be selected to play for the Division I Gold Saints. The 5^th/6^th grade league will be comprised of those recreational players who will be entering the 5^th and 6^th grades in the Fall, less the more accomplished 5^th and 6^th graders who will be selected to play for the Division I Gold 5^th or 6^th grade Saints.  These three recreational leagues are referred to as the In Park, Division 2 League, meaning all of their games are at Home and are against other recreational teams at Morgan Falls Park.   The Division I / travel teams are comprised of the finest 4^th, 5^th 6^th and 7^th grade players that our program has to offer. These boys will compete against teams from other parks (Alpharetta, Atlanta Colts, Creekview, Roswell, South Forsyth, West Forsyth) throughout the north metro Atlanta area.  The four travel teams, known as the Sandy Springs Saints (Gold), are divided by grade.  The typical recreational team roster will have between 14 and 16 players.  The typical Division I, travel ball roster will be comprised of between 16 and 22 players.
14. I would like for my son to play Fall baseball at SSYS.  Can he do both?  Generally, yes, as there are no SSYS games or practices on Sundays. 
15. I’m interested in coaching.  Who should I contact?  Please contact either of our co-Presidents, Chuck Trense (chuck@trense.com) or Cory Van Gundy (cory@vangundy.net) , regarding your interest in coaching. SSYS is committed to attracting and retaining coaches that will model behavior reflective of high moral character, ethics and sportsmanship. To that end, we exercise the right to choose carefully the persons who will lead and influence our youth.  SSYS has mandatory coaching evaluation and training to ensure that your coaches are equipped to succeed.
16. I’m interested in volunteering my time, talents or services.  Who should I contact? Please contact either of our co-Presidents, Chuck Trense (chuck@trense.com) or Cory Van Gundy (cory@vangundy.net) .  Some of the ways that individuals can make a meaningful contribution include, but are not limited to:  Team parent, team reporter, video parent, women’s auxiliary, concessions duty, chain gang, game announcer / scoreboard, equipment manager, field maintenance, head coach, assistant coach, league director, board member, fund raising, publicity, sponsor, etc.  In an effort to encourage and reward volunteerism, SSYS has adopted a policy whereby the children of those parents who have volunteered will be the first to receive their uniforms. 
17. I’m interested in sponsoring or making a donation to the program.  To whom should I make the check payable, and where should I send it?  Please feel free to contact Tim Miller at tmillertime@bellsouth.net to discuss becoming a sponsor.  Please make your check payable to “Sandy Springs Youth Sports - Football” or “SSYS”, and mail it to us at: Sandy Springs Football & Cheerleading, P.O. Box 500203, Atlanta, Georgia 31150. Sandy Springs Youth Sports is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation registered in the State of Georgia. Our tax ID is 58-6076168.
18. What sort of time commitment is expected of me as a parent?  The success of our program is predicated on adult supervision and parental involvement.  Generally, each team will have the following positions or duties that need to be filled: Team parent, team reporter, video parent, women’s auxiliary, concessions duty, chain gang, game announcer / scoreboard, equipment manager, field maintenance, head coach, assistant coach.  Also, we welcome parental involvement with fund raising, publicity, and sponsors. Because there is ample opportunity and a compelling need for parental volunteers, SSYS reserves the right to withhold the issuance of uniforms from teams until all needed team volunteer positions have been filled.  The children of those parents who have volunteered will be the first to receive their uniforms.  Generally speaking, if you have a 1^st or 2^nd grade son in the PEE WEE league, your commitment will be 2 week nights per week – one practice, one game.  If you have a son in the 3^rd through 6^th grades, your commitment will be two practices and one game per week.  The games are typically Friday nights or Saturday mornings.  If you have a 4^th-7^th grade son who is playing Division I, travel ball, the commitment is 3 practices per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday) with games on Saturdays.
19. How are the “In Park”, recreational teams selected?  Following one week of tryouts in early August, the Head Coaches for your son’s grade will convene to conduct a draft to ensure the equitable distribution of talent league wide.  This is also the time that the Division I, travel football players will be evaluated and selected.
20. I have a daughter and a son.  Can we coordinate schedules (practice and game) such that my daughter can cheer for my son’s team?  Much depends on the age differential between the two siblings.  Ideally, we like to have 1^st and 2^nd grade girls cheer for 1^st and 2^nd grade boys, etc.  Wherever practical, appropriate steps will be taken to keep siblings together, however.
21. Are there minimum play rules?  There are minimum play rules governing the In Park, Recreational League.  They call for each player to play at least one half of every game.  This is typically done by starting each player on offense or defense and allowing him to play, at a minimum, the entire game on that side of the ball.  The minimum play rules for the more competitive Division I players are different.  The best players on the Division I travel teams should expect to play the majority of the game, while lesser players may experience limited playing time.