We are happy to welcome all children and parents to the Stembridge Colts Youth Football and Cheerleading program. We are hopeful that this will be the most exciting and rewarding football and cheerleading season you've ever experienced. Our goal is to develop well-rounded young men and women who learn not only the fundamentals of football and cheerleading, but also the importance of education and teamwork, in an atmosphere conductive to developing sound mind, body and character - and having a good time along the way. We practice the ideals of sportsmanship, scholarship and physical fitness. Our program stresses learning lessons of value far beyond the playing days, such as self-discipline, teamwork, concentration, friendship, leadership, and, good sportsmanship.

We, as an organization, will do our very best to ensure that each player and cheerleader is utilized to his/her utmost potential and their talents are used for the team's best advantage. The team comes before individuals. Safety is our top concern. Many of the exercises, drills, and team rules are there to ensure your child is physically and mentally fit for football and cheerleading. Each child is unique and will develop at his/her own pace. We will exercise their bodies and minds in an effort to develop the skills needed to execute the game of football and the sport of cheerleading.

WINNING

Nothing in life, including football and cheerleading, is worthwhile unless you enjoy it and gain something from the experience. Sure, we're trying to win football games and cheerleading competitions, and we are going to set our goals high, but it shouldn't ruin our lives if we lose. Our football and cheerleading teams should not believe that a loss is a tragedy. All you can ask of our kids is to do their best. If we win, Great! If we lose, it's not the end of the world. There will be another game or competition in a few days. Coaches that think only of winning don't belong in youth athletics.

Try this: Ask your child if he/she had a good time instead of whether he/she won or lost.

By the same token, we feel that we owe it to the athletes to do everything we can to make them winners. We plan to win every game, because if you don't, then you need to ask yourself which game you plan to lose, and if you're planning to lose, why show up, or practice the week before?

PARENTS

Parents are as important to the success of the team as the players. Coaches and parents must work together. Please keep the coaches informed about problems that may be going on with your child. If the child has been sick, taking medication, or going through some emotional trauma please make sure the coaches are made aware of the problem as soon as possible. Parents and coaches must communicate with mutual respect. Parents and coaches reserve the right to postpone conversations that are getting out of hand. Heated discussions have no place in front of the children. (There are children on the field that may not belong to the program but are listening).

Although many parents have coaching experience, and may have played on a higher level then the current coaches of this team, the coaches must ask that you refrain from coaching your kids at home. These children are being taught to play as a team, each child performing a set function that his/her teammates can rely on. A child who abandons their teammates to do something his/her parents coached them to do, is letting down their team, their coaches, and themselves. At best he/she may open up the door for the opponent to win the game, at worst he/she may cause themselves or a teammate to be injured.

• As a Parent, I acknowledge the importance of being involved in my child's recreational activities.



• I will introduce myself to my child's volunteer coach/leader and will exchange pertinent contact information with them.



• I will know who is transporting my child to and from any recreational activity.



• I will know my child's schedule-practice days, dates and schedules.



• I will help ensure a drug, alcohol and tobacco-free environment for my child.



• I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of any personal desire to succeed.



• I will provide support for coaches and leaders working with my child to provide a positive, enjoyable experience for all.



• My child and I will treat other participants, spectators and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.



• I am aware of the fact that Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks does not provide background checks on volunteers, because experts, including the Baltimore County Police Department, agree that parental involvement is a more effective means of protecting children.