Questions to consider before choosing a local youth football program:
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- Is the club a member of the Bert Bell Memorial Football Conference, the area's Premier youth football league? Visit www.bertbell.org for more information.
Ridley Raiders Youth Football and Cheer has been a member of the Bert Bell Memorial Football Conference since 2009. There are 10 member clubs in the Bert Bell Memorial Football Conference.
- Are all their coach's background checks done at the league level?
Do they even complete background checks?
Most coaches in other leagues do not get background checks completed, jeopardizing the safety of your children. It is mandatory in the Bert Bell Memorial Football Conference that ALL football and cheer coaches complete and show proof of their background checks before they are allowed to step on the field. A photo ID is then issued by the league, which must be worn at all games.
- Are all their player's original birth certificates and age eligibility verified at the league level? Do they even check original birth certificates or do they use unsecure photo copies?
In other leagues the individual clubs are responsible for checking their own birth certificates, which can lead to dishonesty. The Bert Bell Memorial Football Conference Board of Directors personally review ALL football players and cheerleaders’ original, state sealed birth certificates before they are allowed to compete in any games. A photo ID is then issued by the league and must be presented at all games.
- Are their coaches USA Football Certified for "Heads Up Football"? (www.usafootball.com/headsup)
The Bert Bell Memorial Football Conference is the ONLY league in the area where it is mandatory that ALL football coaches complete the USA Football “Heads Up Football” certification program before they are allowed to step on the field. “Heads Up Football” is USA Football’s national initiative to help make the sport of football better and safer.
Beginning at the end of July, Bert Bell Memorial Football Conference clubs host free camps for all coaches, players and parents, informing them of the latest tackling and blocking techniques, proper equipment fitting and player safety, allowing them to participate in their child’s football development and well-being.
- Does their league/club allow “Dual Rostering” for both youth and school teams?
The Bert Bell Memorial Football Conference and Ridley Raiders Youth Football allow players to participate in both youth and school programs with the cooperation of Ridley School District coaches, providing players with an opportunity to grow together and continue the winning tradition of Ridley High School Football.
- Does their league host their own annual cheerleading competition?
The Bert Bell Memorial Football Conference hosts its own cheerleading competition in November, where all member clubs compete at various skill levels and group sizes.
If you answered No to any or all of these questions, then don’t hesitate, contact:
Ridley Raiders Youth Football and Cheerleading
“Green Raider Pride and Tradition Starts Here”