Clarence Youth Football & Cheer Association - (Clarence Center, NY)

CYFCA Info & Facts

Please contact a Board Member if you need additional Info.

How long is the season?

The football season is approximately 13 weeks long. Practice typically starts the last week in July. There are 9 league games played on consecutive weekends beginning the weekend before Labor Day. There are NO playoffs this year.

When are the games played?

All home games are played on Friday night and Saturday. Friday night home games are played at 6:30 or 8:00 P.M. Most home games are Saturdays with Mini's beginning at 9:30 am. Freshman game begins at 11:00 am. JV game follows at approximately 1:00 pm and Varsity game follows at approximately 3:00 pm. Away game days & times are coordinated by the host team and the league. Most of these games are on Saturdays or Sundays depending on field availability.

Where are the games played?

Home games are played at our home field at Sunset Park in Clarence at the corner of Harris Hill and Wehrle or the Clarence HS new turf stadium 9625 Main St. Clarence, NY 14031. Away games are played at the home field of the opposing team. Transportation to and from games is the responsibility of the parent or guardian of the player. Field Directions.

What teams are in the NEW NEYSA?

1. Clarence

2. Williamsville

3. Tonawanda -TTFA

4. Lockport

5. Cheektowaga

6. Buffalo Vets

7. Wilson

8. Riverside

9. Grand Island

10. KAT (Kenmore Amherst Tonawanda)

11. Lew Port

12. Niagara Falls Jr's

13. TFC (City of Tonawanda)

14. Niagara Wheatfield

15. Pendleton

16. North Tonawanda

17. Lancaster

Registration

How are teams determined?

Squads are determined by age and is based on what age the child will be on July 31st of the year playing except for the Mini's. The Mini Division is for children ages 6-7. The child must be six by Oct 31st of the year playing. Freshman is for children ages 8-9. JV is for children 10-11 years old and Varsity is for children who are 12-13 years old. Please keep in mind that there are maximum weights at each level as determined by the league. (see below for more information regarding weight limits) There is a 35 player cap per team. If registration is filled there is a waitlist. You will be notified of your options if your child is on a waitlist or if an opening becomes available as some football players may move up a division based on weight or choose not to continue to participate.

Cheer Squads are divided by grades. The Mini squad will be K-1, Freshman 2-3, JV 4-5 and Varsity 6, 7 and 8th.

What are the costs for the football or cheerleading program?

Registration cost is $200 for Freshmen, JV, or Varsity football player. Mini football players are $150. These costs include equipment use for the season: helmet, shoulder pads and a Game Jersey with name that the player keeps, year-end trophy, year-end banquet, and a few surprises in between.
Cheerleading registration costs $150 for Freshmen, JV or Varsity cheerleader. Mini cheerleaders are $100. Cheerleaders will have additional uniform costs that will be detailed at registration.
Football and Cheerleading programs require a big commitment. If you or someone you know is dedicated and wants to participate, but registration costs are difficult, you may contact our President or Commissioner about scholarship options.

** Sibling discount is $50.00 per child after you pay the initial Cheer or Football fee!

When can I register?

We have ONLINE registration that opens on April 1st for all players and cheerleaders. ONLINE registration will be to collect basic contact and administrative information and for payment.
Jersey/uniform fitting day is also required for all participants to measure for jerseys and weigh-ins. Cheerleaders need to be present at jersey/uniform fitting day to pick out their cheer apparel.
Jersey number requests are also collected. This in-person registration will be held on Thursday April 20th& Friday the 21st from 6:00-8:00pm. Jersey/uniform fitting day will be held at the Church of Christ 5375 Old Goodrich Rd. Rosters are limited to 35 players per team. They will be filled on a first come (and paid) first serve basis. Additional players will be wait-listed.

What if I registered and now my child does not want to play? Can I get a refund?

If your child decides they do not want to play after registration, please notify your head coach immediately. Refund requests received before May 31 will be refunded the entire amount of registration. Refund requests received from June 1st on will be offset by any costs incurred (if a jersey is ordered and cannot be reused the refund amount will be offset by that cost). No refunds will be accepted after the 1st game is played.

How many children are there per squad?

There is a cap on the number of children per squad (35) on a first come, first served basis. Returning players are offered a chance to register before general registration. There is one mini squad, two freshman squads (one maroon and one silver), two JV squads (one maroon and one silver) and one varsity squad (maroon only). There could be a second varsity team if there are enough players to field two squads.

Equipment

What is an equipment deposit?

We require a $200 equipment deposit check when your child is fitted for their uniform/equipment at the beginning of the season. You are responsible for the equipment during the season. This check will not be cashed and will be returned to you when the equipment is returned undamaged and clean when requested at the end of the season. There are multiple equipment hand in dates. If the equipment is not returned before November 20, your equipment deposit will be cashed on December 1. If you fail to return the equipment or it is damaged you will be responsible for the cost to replace or fix the equipment. Several organizations require players to purchase their own helmet, shoulder pads, etc. We simply ask that you care for (check straps periodically and clean as necessary) and return the equipment provided.

What equipment do I need to obtain for my football player before the first day of practice?

Non-detachable cleats, cup and supporter, long RED game socks, mouthpieces, game and/or practice pants (black with the necessary leg pads already in them). We will have a Dick’s Discount Day in which our members will be entitled to extra discounts.Please do not wear game pants or game jersey during practice. These are for the games only.

Football Players

How much playing time do football players receive?

All players will play a minimum of six plays per game and often receive additional playing time depending on the game situation. Players are coached equally and fully participate in all practices, as well as receiving relatively equal playing time extra scrimmages that we schedule. Youth football is often described as a "two-year sport" because it takes much of the first year for many beginners to pick up enough before they can safely and dependably contribute on the field.

What are the weight limits for the football squads?

Mini's: Maximum weight of 90 pounds. Unlimited Stripers, in between the tackles 3 per team allowed on the field at once.

Freshman: Maximum weight of 110 pounds. Unlimited Stripers, in between the tackles 3 per team allowed on the field at once.

JV: Maximum weight of 135 pounds. Unlimited Stripers, in between the tackles, cannot play special teams and 3 allowed per team on the field at once.

Varsity: Maximum weight of 160 pounds. Unlimited Stripers, in between the tackles, cannot play special teams and 3 allowed per team on the field at once.

What is a Striper? A player that is over the maximum weight limit. There can only be 3 stripers on the field at one time and they have to play the interior line and can not play special teams.

You, as the parent, know your child and his/her abilities. Football is a demanding sport both physically and mentally. We suggest you talk with your child about playing football and their expectations and yours.

Mayo Clinic Study on Youth Football Safety

What if my child wants to play football, but weighs more than his age group weight limits?

If your child is over the weight limit for their age group, they have a couple choices. If your child is close to the weight limit, they might lose some weight with the football practices. A player must be within 15 lbs of the limit in order to practice with their teammates. Each football player will be weighed only one time before the season. They must be below the maximum weight limit for their squad to stay at that level or they must move up to the next division where their weight is within the limits. See the weight/age limit chart below:

AGE/LEVEL BRACKET:

Clarence Bulldogs Football NEYSA Age Chart - Level 2018
Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Division
											2004	Varsity
2004	2004	2004	2004	2004	2005	2005	2005	2005	2005	2005	2005	Varsity
2005	2005	2005	2005	2005	2006	2006	2006	2006	2006	2006	2006	Varsity
2006	2006	2006	2006	2006	2007	2007	2007	2007	2007	2007	2007	JV
2007	2007	2007	2007	2007	2008	2008	2008	2008	2008	2008	2008	JV
2008	2008	2008	2008	2008	2009	2009	2009	2009	2009	2009	2009	Freshman
2009	2009	2009	2009	2010	2010	2010	2010	2010	2010	2010	2010	Freshman
2010	2010	2010	2010	2010	2011	2011	2011	2011	2011	2011	2011	Mini's
2011	2011	2011	2011	2011	2012	2012	2012	2012	2012	2012	2012	Mini's
2012	2012	2012										Mini's

When do football players practice?

Football squads practice 3 days for week (Monday through Friday) typically around 6-8pm and then we usually have a scrimmage or game on Saturdays. Practice nights and dates are determined by the volunteer coach of each squad, but must follow the USA Football Guidelines for practice time.

Where do football squads practice?

Teams all practice at Sunset Park at the Corner of Harris Hill and Wehrle.

Cheerleading:

What equipment do I need to obtain for my cheerleader before the first day of practice?

Once your cheerleader is registered, we will have an in person fitting day where you will need to order and pay for sneakers, bow(s), crop top, boy shorts, socks, and warm up's. There are additional items we recommend for purchase that is not required and includes clear rain jacket, bag, black gloves, and a black ear warmer. The cost for the extra cheerleading apparel is around $50-$220 , depending on what you need. Cheerleading fitting dates and places for the actual uniform vest and skirt are TBA. A deposit check of $175 will be taken when the girls receive their vest and skirt. This check is NOT cashed. It is held so long as at the end of the season the uniform is returned cleaned and in the condition it was issued (uniform return date is TBD). For practice, your cheerleader is required to wear a shirt free of hoods/zippers/buttons, shorts or pants free of zippers/buttons, socks and their cheer shoes. NO JEWELRY, NAIL POLISH, RHINESTONES, HOODS, ZIPPERS OR BUTTONS. These are all for the safety of your child. Hair also needs to be pulled back in cheer clips and a ponytail.

Age for cheerleader and can cheerleaders be less than 6 years old?

Cheer Squads are divided by grades. The Mini squad will be K-1, Freshman 2-3, JV 4-5 and Varsity 6, 7 and 8th. Cheerleaders less than 6 years old are allowed, as long as they are entering Kindergarten in September of the current year. They will be on the peewee squad, along with first graders.

When do cheerleaders practice?

Practice schedules in the month of August will be determined by the Coach(s), Junior Coaches, and Manager. Practices will be scheduled a minimum of 3 days and are typical held Monday through Wednesday and are approximately 90 minutes in length. Practice Schedules for the Month of September/October/November will be at the determination of CCSD schools based on the permits that are granted. The CCSD offers their facilities at no charge allowing us to keep costs low. We do NOT have a say in dates, times, or locations. This is all determined by the availability of the Gym’s at each school. Schedules will vary on days, times and from week to week/month to month. Additional information can be found in CYFCA Cheer Rules and Regulations fond under handouts/forms tab.

Where do cheerleaders practice?

Cheerleaders practice at Sunset Park by the Pavilion through the summer and early fall and then move to various indoor facilities when it gets dark earlier. Sunset Park is at the Corner of Harris Hill and Wehrle (Football Practice Field).

Do cheerleaders have competitions?

Yes. Our Freshman, JV and Varsity squads participate in two to threes competitions, usually in October/November. The competition fees are included and paid by Clarence Bulldogs.

Volunteering

The Clarence Youth Football & Cheerleading Association is a non-profit, fully volunteer organization that is "dedicated to the development of the hearts and minds of the youth in our community.” There are many opportunities to volunteer from coaching to being a board member, to team parent volunteers. To find out more, contact one of our board members.

Concessions/Volunteer

We require at registration a $200 volunteer deposit. This is fully refunded upon completion of a one 2-hour concession stand slot per player. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) sign up for a concession slot at the beginning of the season after the schedule is finalized. We hope to have practice time sign up availability on the website by July, and game day availability as soon as the game schedule is finalized by the league.. You can choose to opt-out of concession duty at registration and pay the $200 immediately. General Fundraiser: Each year the organization does a general fundraiser to help keep costs down and replace and buy new equipment as needed. We are also working towards field, storage, restroom and concession improvements. We will likely do another Chiavetta’s Chicken BBQ in August. We are always looking for help in raising funds to keep costs down for our families, so any help or suggestions are appreciated. Sponsorship/Advertising opportunities are also available.