FAQ

NSCA Sports Nutrition

Who may participate in Hampshire Youth Football & Cheerleading Association?
Our goal is children that will be attending Hampshire High School, Gilberts Elementary, Hampshire Elementary, Gary D. Wright Elementary, Charter School in Pingree Grove, St. Charles Borromeo. (Weight restrictions apply) Residents of any town where there is not a chartered IYFL program may also participate.

Are there tryouts to make a team?
No, there are no tryouts to make a team. There are however limits to the number of players allowed on the roster. Positions will be assigned at the discretion of the coaches players will be assigned to a position that best suits their ability and the needs of the team.

How many players are allowed on a team?
Our goal is to have between 18-22 kids per team. This may vary depending on number of children at each level.

Does everyone play?
Yes, everyone plays. Each child will receive ample playing time.

Where will our home field be?
Home games will be played at Hampshire Middle School.

If all the paperwork is not turned in by the first practice, can the player still participate?
A player will not be allowed to start practice until all paperwork is handed in. The player may sit on the sidelines and watch practice until the required paperwork is turned in.

Where, When and How often is practice?
Practices will be held at Hampshire Middle School

Practice begins TBA(End of July) and runs 5 nights a week until the first game.

Normal practice times will be from 6:00-7:30.

After the first game practices will be 3 days a week, with an occasional Saturday practice.

How many practices must my child attend to play in a game?

Vacations should be scheduled prior to the first practice (if at all possible). Taking a week from practice, not only puts your player at a disadvantage, but also hurts the entire team. Attendance is crucial to a successful and FUN season. Before playing a game, each player must participate in 12 practices.

What equipment is needed?
HYF&C provides most equipment needed to participate. Football Cleats need to be purchased by each participant. Mouthguards, custom Chin Straps, Water Bottle (2 qt).

How do the players get to the away games?
HYF&C does not supply transportation to the games. It is up to the parents to get the players there or arrange transportation.

How can I help?
HYF&C is run entirely by volunteers and your help is greatly appreciated. A volunteer form will be included in your registration packet, and will describe the specific areas where you can help out.

When will I know what team my Child will be on?

During the end of the first week, beginning of the second week the coaching staff will determine the placement of your child.

When will pictures be taken?

Usually a week before the first game, this gives us an opportunity to make sure uniforms fit and they are clean.

How do I get directions to away games?

Maps can be found on our website, Illini Youth Football (IYFL) Teams/Locations or the team mom will have them prior to the game.

Do I need to remain at the practice field with my child?

No. You must have your child at practice 5 minutes before your scheduled practice time and you MUST arrive 15 minutes before the end of practice. By arriving 15 minutes before the end of practice, coaches will have ample time to discuss with you any concerns regarding your child.

Think Safety!  - Be there on-time or contact your coach when needed to advise them of a delay. Especially the younger children in our program. We're sure any coach would take a few extra minutes to stay with your child in the event of a delay in arrival.

It is also mandatory to have an emergency contact during practice hours in the event of illness or injury.

Do not leave siblings at the field unattended. Coaches are responsible for the supervision of players only.

How will we know when football practices or games are cancelled due to weather conditions?

 HYF&C will only cancel league wide functions when the weather poses a danger to the children, lightning or extreme heat. It leaves other cancellations up to the head coach of the team. We will do out utmost to post any cancellations or changes on the website 1 hour prior to practice.

How do you select coaches?

Coaches are selected each year after an interview process and board approval.

Do you perform background checks on the coaches?

Yes, we go through the Illinois State Police to perform our background checks.

Do your coaches have any training?

All of our coaches are volunteers, but we do ask them to have training classes. This includes national coaching clinics, ASEP classes, Hampshire High School coaching clinics. We also have an extensive Coaching DVD library available to our coaches.

What if my child is injured during a game or practice?

We are having all of our coaches and team moms attend a CPR and First Aid certification class. 

When are the games?

They usually start the 3^rd weekend of August and are over before Halloween. Our season starts earlier than most, but is over before the time change and basketball and wrestling seasons.  Games will be on Saturday and Sunday, usually during the day. We may have a night game or 2.  Game schedules are determined sometime in July.

What teams do we play?

We participate in the Illini Youth Football League. Teams and locations are located in the league website, www.illiniyouthfootball.com. Several of the teams are also in the same conference( Big Northern) as Hampshire High School is a member of.

Free download: SportParent Survival Guide: How to excel at being a youth sport parent

Lightning Guidelines

Extreme Heat Guidelines

2005-2006 Rules Changes(long version)

06 rule changes (short version)

Chain Gang

Referee Signals

Steroids and Students

Steroids and Parents

Everyone is welcome to the Hampshire Youth Football & Cheerleading monthly board meeting. Second Thursday of the month, 7:00 PM at Hampshire Park District in Hampshire IL.

We are a youth football & cheerleading feeder program for Hampshire High School, 3 time State Champion. These include the communities of Hampshire, Gilberts and Pingree Grove.

This program is dedicated to promoting youth football & cheerleading and good sportsmanship to youth ages 6 to 14.

We are members of the IYFL, and play teams from Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. All our home games are played at the Hampshire High School football field on Sundays.