2019 Rocklin Jr. Thunder Football Parent Handbook - Rocklin Junior ...
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2019 Rocklin Jr. Thunder Football
Parent Handbook
Welcome to Rocklin Jr. Thunder Football!
We are looking forward to an exciting and successful 2019 season for all our players, coaches
and parents. Rocklin Jr. Thunder is celebrating another year serving the youth of our community
and is a program that remains dedicated to the continued physical and emotional growth of our
members.
The Sierra Athletic Conference this season consists of the Lincoln Jr. Zebras, Capital Christian Jr.
Cougars, Consumes Oaks Jr. Wolfpack, Del Oro Jr. Golden Eagles, Folsom Jr. Bulldogs, Granite
Bay Jr. Grizzlies, Oak Ridge Jr. Trojans, Rocklin Jr. Thunder, Roseville Jr. Tigers, and Whitney Jr.
Wildcats giving us 8 teams total. We will again have only one bye week this season (Labor
Day Weekend) and we will be hosting the 2nd round of the playoffs. Our continued
participation in this organization will allow us to continue to provide a positive and enriching
environment for the children our organization serves. Rocklin Jr. Thunder emphasizes the
development of well rounded, independent and conscientious young adults.
Sportsmanship, respect for self and others and dedication to academics are all values Rocklin Jr.
Thunder strives to impart in our youth. Many important life lessons can and will be learned on
the football field and it is our goal to provide a safe, respectful and positive environment for
that to take place.
Along with the Sierra Athletic Conference Charter & Rulebook the information contained in this
handbook will help answer questions you may have about the program, and it provides an
outline of the rules and expectations of Rocklin Jr. Thunder participants. If you have any
additional questions, please contact a board member at www.jrthunder.com and we will do our
best to assist you.
2019 RJT Parent Handbook - Page
1 1111 11 1The Mission of Rocklin Jr. Thunder
The goal of the Rocklin Jr. Thunder (RJT) program is to develop and promote the ideals of responsibility,
hard work, sportsmanship, teamwork and fellowship within a safe and positive environment. These
goals will be accomplished by providing a structured program designed to educate both participants and
parents on all aspects of the sport of football and cheer. The individual growth of our community's
children is enhanced through the spirit of competition, discipline and fair play. As an organization, we
are committed to providing a program that maintains the highest standards and guarantees a fun,
positive experience for everyone involved.
Academic Goals
The RJT program is dedicated to developing well-rounded individuals and maintains an academic policy
requiring our student athletes to perform in the classroom as well as on the field. All players must
maintain an acceptable grade point average (passing status) throughout the season and remain free of
any behavioral problems at school.
In order to maintain academic accountability, the Head Coaches may, at their discretion, require grade
checks at any time during the season. If at any point a player does not maintain passing status they may
not be allowed to play in the next regularly scheduled game. Additionally, if a child is suspended from
school for any reason, they will not be allowed to play at the upcoming game. Players not participating
in a game for these reasons are still required to attend the game.
Player and Parent Responsibilities
Practice Fields - The practice field is reserved for coaches, players and instructors only. Parents, siblings,
and other visitors must always remain outside of the designated practice field areas. Practice time
is limited, so it is important that coaches have the opportunity to make the best use of the time allotted.
If you must speak to a coach, please contact them by email before or after practice. Non-player children,
including player siblings, are not to be left at the field without adult supervision. RJT will not assume
responsibility for the safety of any child left unattended.
Player Responsibilities– Players in the RJT program are expected to abide by a code of conduct which
includes, but is not limited to the following:
¨ Players must be respectful of their coaches, teammates, opponents, officials and all other
representatives involved with the Rocklin Jr. Thunder Football and Cheer program.
¨ Players must take proper care of the equipment that is issued to them and immediately notify a
coach if the equipment is damaged, lost or stolen.
¨ Players must notify their head coach, in advance, if a practice is going to be missed. No exceptions!
¨ Good sportsmanship is mandatory. No vulgar language, tantrums, displays of anger or fighting will
be tolerated. Any such actions will result in disciplinary measures which may include suspension for
the day, week, or remainder of the season depending on the circumstances and severity of the
incident.
¨ As members of the RJT program players represent themselves and their teammates on and off the
field at all times. Whether in victory or defeat, all players must always conduct themselves with
pride and poise.
¨ Always be willing to help a coach or a teammate when needed.
2019 RJT Parent Handbook - Page
2 2122 12 2Parent Responsibilities - The level of support a player receives from their parents has a direct impact on
the success of that child. To better understand the parental role and involvement in the RJT program we
have developed the following guidelines and recommendations:
¨ Parents should always maintain a cooperative attitude towards coaches, participants, officials and
board members. Remember – they are all volunteers.
¨ It is the parent’s responsibility to provide transportation to and from practice, games and all other
RJT functions.
¨ Parents and visitors at practices or games must stay in the designated areas reserved for spectators.
The sideline areas, playing field, warning track, practice fields and locker rooms are off limits.
¨ Parents are encouraged to cheer with enthusiasm and to support their players and teams from the
stands. Parents must never yell obscene, profane or derogatory remarks at an opponent or game
official. Parents must never conduct themselves in an offensive manner at any RJT related function.
Displays of such conduct can result in a team penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, the parent may
be removed from the grounds, and could be suspended from practice fields or future games based
on the severity of the incident.
¨ Loud noise makers, which include but are not limited to airhorns, are not allowed at a game at
any time.
¨ If a player’s grades fall below passing level or if homework starts to become a problem, the parent
should notify the Head Coach and together they can determine the best course of action to be
taken.
¨ A large number of people are needed to help the RJT program run smoothly. Parents are required
to fill 10 hours of volunteer duties during the season per child in the program. If a parent does not
report for assigned duty, or arrange for other coverage, a fee will be assessed.
¨ For all players a check for $300.00 will be collected and held on to until the volunteer hours have
been completed. At completion of the 15 volunteer hours per child the check will be destroyed. If a
scheduled volunteer shift is missed or a family has not completed hours by September 28,
2019 the check will be cashed. An option to buy-out of volunteer hours is being offered and
will be $300.00 per participant.
Football Information and Guidelines
Division Guidelines - Effective 2019 all players will be assigned to a division based on their
2019-2020 school grade. Assignments are as follows:
Second through Fourth – Jr. Pee Wee
Fifth and Sixth grade - Pee Wee
Seventh grade – Jr. Midget
Eight grade - Midget (must not be older than 14 as of 08/01/2005)
Practices – All practices will be held at Twin Oaks Park, unless otherwise communicated by head coach
or team mom. If for some reason practice needs to be held at an alternative location, you will be
notified promptly. During the season participants should arrive (15) minutes prior to each practice.
Players should bring adequate water to each practice and game.
In order to participate the first day of practice, each child must have all required items and forms listed
on the RJT website checklist completed and turned in to the Registrar NO LATER THAN JULY 22, 2019.
Additionally, registration fees must be paid in full or other arrangements with the RJT President must be
made prior to the first day of practice. If these things are not done the child may NOT begin practicing.
Players in the Junior Pee Wee and Pee Wee divisions shall enter and exit the practice field from the
sidewalk by Twin Oaks Elementary School, not the area between the Pee Wee and Junior Midget
practice areas.
2019 RJT Parent Handbook - Page
3 3133 13 3Players in the Junior Midget and Midget divisions shall enter and exit the practice field from the
sidewalk between the practice field and the Twin Oaks Snack Bar, not the area between the Pee Wee
and Junior Midget practice areas.
Players and parents shall not walk through soccer practice areas at any time. The field is a shared
facility, and you must remain respectful of other sports organizations with whom we share the fields.
2019 RJT Parent Handbook - Page
4 4144 14 4Conditioning – The first week of practice will include five (5) hours of conditioning. Conditioning
consists of non-contact exercise and drills, done without shoulder pads, girdle or leg pads. Players will
continue to participate in conditioning exercises and drills in pads after the first week of practice. The
first ten minutes of each practice, at a minimum, should be dedicated to conditioning. Any requests for
exceptions to participation in conditioning must be submitted to the Vice President of Football and
association President in writing prior to the beginning of season.
Football Dress Code - During the first week of conditioning, players should dress in spirit pack gear,
which includes RJT shorts and T-shirts, and football cleats. Hard plastic molded cleats with “blade
shaped” cleats are not permitted. A player can and will be removed from playing any game if found
using those or similar type cleats. Once the five hours of conditioning is complete, players will wear the
RJT equipment and practice jersey issued to them. Mouthguards are required at all times.
Missed Practices - In the event a child cannot attend practice, the head coach must be notified of the
absence prior to the start of that practice.
The following actions will be taken for missed practices:
Unexcused absence (no call/no show):
One missed practice in a week – player may play but will not start in that week’s game.
Two missed practices in a week – player is disqualified from playing in that week’s game.
Five or more unexcused absences over the course of the season may result in removal from the team.
The Board of Directors and Head Coach will review and decide on such matters as necessary.
Excused absence for illness or injury:
The safety of our players must come first! Therefore, for contagious illnesses, we request the player stay
home to prevent other teammates from getting sick. For injuries, we encourage players to still attend.
However, any head concussions or other serious injuries, a player will not be able to practice and it is
still considered a missed practice.
One missed practice in a week– player may start and play in that week’s game.
Two missed practices in a week – player may play but will not start in that week’s game.
Entire week of missed practice – player is disqualified from playing in that week’s
game.
Any player that is injured and requires medical attention from a physician MUST have clearance from a
medical physician in order to return to practice.
Excused absence for school sanctioned activities:
One or two missed practices – player may start and play in that week’s game.
Three or more missed practices – player may play but will not start in that week’s game.
Players who have been disqualified from participation are still required to attend the game. Failure to
attend the game without notifying the Head Coach will result in suspension from the next regularly
scheduled game.
2019 RJT Parent Handbook - Page
5 5155 15 5Equipment - All necessary football equipment, with the exception of shoes and any preferred under
gear or personal pads, will be provided by RJT. If a player chooses to use their own shoulder pads,
helmet or other gear, these items must be approved by the VP of Football.
Upon issuance of the equipment, each parent and player are required to sign an equipment contract
which outlines the cost of each item. All players must submit a $250 check for equipment which
will be returned once all equipment is returned. The cost of the equipment provided by RJT is
valued at approximately $500 per child. Participants must take proper care of the equipment that is
issued to them. In the event equipment is damaged due to normal use, a coach should be notified
immediately so that the damaged equipment can be exchanged. In the event any equipment is lost,
stolen or damaged due to improper use, care or neglect, that equipment must be replaced by the
parent or guardian of the player, at the cost as stated in the equipment contract.
Equipment Return - If a player is cut from a roster for any reason (injury, safety reasons, roster
downsizing (35), or a decision not to participate) the player must turn in all equipment to an active Board
Memberwithin 72 hours.
When the season is complete the Head Coach or Team Mom will notify you of when and where
equipment turn in will take place. If you are not able to meet at that time, you must arrange with the
Head Coach a time to drop off the equipment prior to the assigned equipment turn-in time. All
equipment must be clean and washed prior to turn in. Please follow washing instructions carefully. A
surcharge of $50 will be charged for a uniform that is turned in unclean.
Upon return of the equipment at the end of the season an inventory will be taken. Missing or damaged
equipment will result in equipment check being cashed. Equipment can be purchased after the season at our
cost. If you wish to purchase the equipment please contact the VP of Football directly.
A player who fails to turn in equipment will not be considered “in good standing” and will not be
permitted to register for the 2019 season.
Refunds - Refunds for players that have been cut or voluntarily quit prior to August 9, 2019 will be issued a
refund for all but $75 once all equipment has been returned. Any player that chooses to quit, absent good
cause, after the final cuts (August 9, 2019) have been made will not be entitled to a refund. A request
for a refund must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors for action. All actions and
decisions of the Board are final.
Try-Outs - Each football team is limited to (35) players. Cuts are made at the end of the first, second
and third weeks of practice. All teams will finalize their rosters by the end of the third week of
practice. The decision to remove any player from a roster below the 35 player limit will be made jointly
by the Head Coach, the Vice President of Football, and the association President, two days prior to the
end of the third week. If a safety cut must take place that would bring the squad below 35 players, a
previously cut player may be called back to rejoin the team. RJT will make every effort to place each
child on a team to allow them to participate. Placement on a specific squad is the sole discretion of the
Vice President of Football.
Recruiting - Our primary focus is to be a feeder program to Rocklin High School. RJT does not recruit
outside of the Rocklin High School boundaries out of consideration for other youth football
organizations. However, RJT will not turn away a child that would like to play football for our program
because they live outside of the Rocklin High School area. Any player that has played for RJT during the
previous season will be allowed to participate regardless of their residence.
2019 RJT Parent Handbook - Page
6 6166 16 6Player Allotment Rule (PAR) - The league rules require that each certified player play a minimum
number of plays per game based on the number of players on the team. A player on a team consisting
of 29-35 players must play a minimum of 8 plays per game, 10 plays per player for teams with 22-28
players, and 12 plays per player if there are less than 22 players on a team. An official par play can
include offensive plays, defensive plays or special team plays such as punts and kick-offs. RJT does not
consider a kneel downs a live play, and therefore it will not be counted as a par play.
Each coaching staff will have one assistant coach specifically assigned to coordinate the compliance of
this rule. This coaching assignment is in addition to the PAR monitors required pursuant to the SFC
rules. It is the intent of RJT to provide as much playing time as possible for each participant. Playing
time is generally based on the players ability to make a positive contribution to the efforts of their team.
Game Day - This is what we have all worked for! Weigh-ins start exactly one (1) hour prior to the start
of the game. Each child needs to arrive at the game site no later than one and a half (1 1/2) hours prior
to their scheduled game time. Players who arrive after their team has weighed in will be allowed to
weigh-in at half time and participate in the second half of the game, and subject to a PAR requirement
of only (5) plays.
Miscellaneous Rules & Procedures
Health Insurance - Your family health insurance will serve as primary coverage for the RJT participant.
Family Pets – For safety reasons, family pets, leashed or unleashed, are not allowed at and should not
be brought to the practice fields or to games.
Smoking – The Rocklin High School campus and all other campuses where we will be playing throughout
the season have been designated “Tobacco Free Environments.” Therefore, smoking and/or chewing
tobacco is not permitted on or around any school campus we visit. It would also be appreciated if people
refrained from smoking at or around the practice fields as well.
Drug & Alcohol Use – Use of drugs or alcohol is strictly forbidden at practices and games. Use of drugs
or alcohol at these events will not be tolerated, and anyone involved in those activities will be asked to
leave.
Food & Drink - The snack bar is a crucial source of program revenue, so for that reason, it is asked that
no outside food or drink is brought into games or competitions. Coolers will not be allowed into the
Rocklin High School stadium on game day. If you must bring your own food and/or drinks, please enjoy
them outside the gated area of any game or competition. Players are allowed to bring water.
Admission Fees - Admission will be charged at all home and away games. Everyone attending the
games, with the exception of coaches, players, Board Members and Sierra Athletic Conference certified
personnel are required to pay an admission fee. This requirement also applies to all game day
volunteers.
Adults: $5.00
Children and Senior Citizens: $3.00
Children 5 and Under: Free
Booster - Watch for the booster table to be set up every Thursday during practice and at every home
game. We have some new gear in this year, so check it out and show your Rocklin Junior Thunder pride!
2019 RJT Parent Handbook - Page
7 7177 17 7Complaints – Any complaints must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors (see Section 11.03
of the Rocklin Youth Football Association Bylaws.) Complaints may be submitted via the internet at
www.jrthunder.com. A written response to a properly submitted complaint will be provided to the
complaining party as soon as possible after the next regularly scheduled board meeting. The
complainant may appear at the next regularly scheduled board meeting if he/she wishes to do so.
Communications – Communication is extremely important to the success of any organization. If you
have any questions, comments or suggestions, please submit them to the appropriate member of the
Board of Directors. You may do so via the internet at www.jrthunder.com.
Thank you for participating in Rocklin Jr. Thunder!
2019 RJT Parent Handbook - Page
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