YOUTH SPORTS ORGANIZATION. FOOTBALL and CHEERLEADING
La Plata Youth Football Association, Inc.
“La Plata Blue Knights Football and Cheer”
Operating Code
Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Board of Directors
1.3 League Information
1.4 Registration
1.5 Late Registration
1.6 Refund Policy
1.7 Football Equipment and Cheerleading Uniform
Disbursement
1.8 Coach Selection
1.9 Team Managers
1.10 Practices
1.11 Games
1.12 Publicity
1.13 Fundraising
1.14 Concessions/Merchandise Sales
1.15 Grievances
1.16 Special Events
1.17 Equipment/Uniform Turn In
1.18 End of Season Recognition Banquet
1.19 Elections
1.1 Introduction
The purpose of this Operating Code is to set a uniform standard by which the La Plata Youth Football and Cheerleading Association, Inc. (La Plata Blue Knights or LPBK) conducts its policies and business. The standards set in the following manual are intended to maintain a level of excellence and integrity in the organization, which all members are expected to up hold.
1.2 Board of Directors
The Board of Directors (BOD) shall govern all policies and procedures outlined in this document and in the league by-laws. Detailed job descriptions of each Board position are outlined in the league by-laws. Each BOD shall maintain an officer’s notebook that includes all past league meeting minutes, newsletters, notes from previous meeting and any other guidelines or contact information that will enable their successors to fulfill their BOD obligations. These notebooks will be passed on to new officers after an election.
1.3 League Information
All information pertaining to LPBK activities will be approved by the BOD and distributed by the league website, mailed newsletters, newspaper advertisement, local radio, publicly displayed signs, or flyers to county schools.
1.4 Registration
Registration for football and cheerleading may be held in the months of June, July, and August. If necessary, late registrations may take place at the discretion of the BOD and in this case a late registration fee will apply. Pre-registration may be held for returning players if deemed beneficial to the league.
Charles County Yyouth Football League (CCYFL) registration forms, along with CCYFL Parent Code of Conduct forms, will be provided to all applicants. The league President will hold these forms until the first registration date. Under no circumstances will any registration forms be given out prior to the first registration date.
Children are to be present at the time of registration. Football players are required to be weighed to ensure proper team placement. The player’s weight at the time of registration will dictate their team placement. Due to the potential danger in rapid weight loss with children, any player 7 pounds above the weight limit of a particular team will automatically be moved to the next weight division. Football and Cheerleading participants will also be fit for their equipment or uniforms at registration.
Payment of registration fees are due at the time of registration unless prior arrangements have been made with the LPBK President and Treasurer. Any registration balances owed will be due prior to the first practice in August. NO UNIFORMS OR EQUIPMENT WILL BE ISSUED TO ANY PARTICIPANT UNTIL REGISTRATION FEES ARE PAID IN FULL. In the event a family cannot afford registration fees, a Hardship Form (form #101) will be provided to the parent for completion. That form will be presented to the BOD for approval. If approved, that child (or children) will be granted a confidential scholarship for that particular season. A maximum of 10 scholarships will be granted each season, being awarded to either football or cheerleading participants. Any participant that has not turned in equipment/uniform from a previous season will be denied registration until the items have been returned to the equipment manager. If these items have been lost, altered or damaged, the replacement fees (as listed in the Equipment Release Form #102C or #102F) for these items will be added to the participant’s registration fee and will be due in full before the child’s name is placed on a league roster. A late fee of $10 will be charged for any equipment/uniform turned in late at registration. If that equipment/uniform is in need of cleaning, an additional $20 cleaning fee will be charged for a total of $30. In addition to the official CCYFL forms, an Emergency Contact Form (form #103) will be filled out by all participants for the sole use of the LPBK organization in the event of an emergency. No child will be permitted to practice until all forms are completed by their parent or guardian.
An Equipment Release Form (#102C or #102F) will be required upon the issue of football or cheerleading uniforms. This form will detail the cost of replacement equipment should it be lost, altered or destroyed. The parent or guardian signing this document will be held responsible for all costs. No equipment will be issued until this form is reviewed and signed by a parent or guardian.
At the time of registration, rosters will be open for squads in both football and cheerleading ranging from Ankle Biter Division to the Middle School Unlimited Division. All CCYFL rules and guidelines for team placement will be strictly enforced according to the County age/weight matrix. Copies of birth certificates will be required for all new participants, and for participants who have missed one year or more of registration. This applies to players who are transferring from another league as well.
In order to maintain a manageable number of participants on each team, the following guidelines will be followed:
FOOTBALL:
A maximum of 27 players will be registered per team. Minimum numbers will be at the discretion of the league President and the CCYFL Football Director.
At the time of registration 24 players will be placed on the roster in the order in which their registration is received. A waiting list will be started at this point and continued until registrations are complete. Once all registrations are completed the Head Coach of each team will be permitted to choose any three players from the waiting list to complete the team roster to the number of 27.
Once a team roster reaches 27 players, a waiting list will continue for that team. The parents of the children placed on a waiting list will fill out a Waiting List Form (#104A), but will not be charged a registration fee until they are notified of available space on that particular team. They will also be given a Waiting List Policy Form (#104B) explaining the waiting list procedure along with league contact information.
Space may become available on a team in two ways, by a registered player quitting a team within the first two weeks of practices, or if a team registers enough players to be “split” to form a second team. In either instance, the parent of the waiting list player will be notified by the end of the second week of practice in August. In the event that a player quits a team, the Head Coach will notify a child on the waiting list as space becomes available. Upon notification, payment of all fees will be due and arrangements will be made to obtain equipment.
Once a football roster, waiting list included, reaches the number of 36, the BOD will vote on whether a team “split” is warranted. The decision to split a team to form two in the same weight division will be based on the availability of funds to outfit a second team and the availability of an adequate coaching staff. In the event that a split is approved, the children on the waiting list will be notified to report to practice and to pay all registration fees due. Upon notification, arrangements will be made to obtain equipment. The decision to split a team will be made prior to the first day of practice.
At the end of the first week of practice, a draft will be held to divide the two teams according to the Draft Policy (form #105). The league President and Football Coordinator will preside at this meeting, and only the Head Coach’s of each team involved will be present. The rules in the Draft Policy will govern the proceedings. The players will be notified of their new team assignment prior to the start of the second week of practice.
CHEERLEADING:
At the time of registration 26 cheerleaders will be placed on the roster in the order in which their registration is received. A waiting list will be started at this point and continued until registrations are complete. Once all registrations are completed, the Head Coach of each squad will be permitted to choose any four cheerleaders from the waiting list to complete the squad roster to the number of 30.
Once the roster reaches 30 cheerleaders, a waiting list will continue for that team. The parents of the children placed on the waiting list will fill out a Waiting List form (#104A), but will not be charged a registration fee until they are notified of available space on that particular team. They will also be given a Waiting List Policy Form (#104B) explaining the waiting list procedure along with league contact information.
In the event that a player quits a squad, a child on the waiting list will be notified as space becomes available. Upon notification, payment of all fees will be due and arrangements will be made to obtain a uniform.
The registration number maximums and the waiting list policy will be subject to uniform availability, as sizing for each cheerleader varies.
A cheerleading squad will only be split if its accompanying football team is split. In the event a split is necessary, the splitting of the squad would go as follows: First, preference would be given to keep siblings on the same squad together or siblings on the same football pound team as the cheerleading squad together. Next, preference would be given to all carpool situations to keep those cheerleaders on the same squad. Finally, all other would be split evenly by going through the roster trying to keep it fairly matched so that each squad would be able to stunt. The two teams would come together for all competitions.
All CCYFL rules and regulations for squad placement will be strictly enforced and overseen by the LPBK Cheerleading Coordinator.
1.5 Late Registration
Any late registration dates prior to the start of league practices in August will be scheduled as necessary by the LPBK BOD.
A fee of $20 will apply to all late registrations.
Late registrations will be accepted at the practice field during the first week of practice in August for football teams who have less than 27 players on their roster.
Registration will be extended for those teams who are severely under registered and are in danger of not having enough players to meet the CCYFL guideline minimum.
In the event that a team is close to having the 36 players (roster and waiting list combined) needed to “split,” late registrations will be accepted to make this possible if the split has been approved by the BOD.
Late registration for cheerleading will be accepted if the squad maximum stated in section 1.4 has not been met. Again, this is subject to uniform availability as sizing for each cheerleader varies.
1.6 Refund Policy
Refunds will only be given during the first two weeks of practice in August, ending the second Friday, regardless of whether the children registered late or not. To receive a refund, the parent of the participant must contact their child’s coach to notify him or her of their decision. The parent must then return all issued equipment to the equipment manager. After doing so, the league Treasurer, after verifying the return of equipment, will mail a refund check to the address listed on the child’s registration form. Checks will not be written to anyone other that the parent/guardian who signed the registration forms for that child. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
1.7 Football Equipment and Cheerleading Uniform Disbursement
Football players will be provided with the following equipment by the league:
- shoulder pads
- helmet with chin strap and ear pad
- game pants (blue) and practice pants (white)
- 4 piece pad set for pants
- 3 piece hip pad set with girdle (if necessary)
These items are property of LPBK and are to be returned to the league at the end of the season.
A game jersey with the player’s last name will be provided for that player. This belongs to the player and the cost is covered in the registration fee.
The following items are to be provided by the parent:
- cleats (plastic or rubber only
- athletic supporter and cup
Parents are required to purchase a football necessity package at back to practice night, which includes: Craig Stewart, President Tina Pipes, Vice President
- LPBK mesh equipment bag
- LPBK practice jersey
- mouthpiece
- 1 pair of game socks
Cheerleaders will be provided with the following uniform from the league:
- LPBK uniform shell
- LPBK uniform skirt
These items are property of LPBK and are to be returned to the league at the end of the season.
Each cheerleader will be provided with a set of bloomers, socks, and a long sleeve half top to wear under the uniform shell. These items belong to the cheerleader and their cost is covered in the registration fee.
The following items are to be provided by the parent:
- Any hair accessory used by the squad for cheering and/or competitions.
- Cheerleading shoes (these may or may not be required depending on the squad’s participation in cheerleading competitions)
The items listed above are to be distributed at the discretion of the Football and Cheerleading Equipment Managers. Participants will be notified of the disbursement arrangements at the time of registration.
An Equipment Release Form (#102C or #102F) will be reviewed and signed by the parent/guardian upon the issue of football equipment and cheerleading uniforms. This form will detail the cost of replacement items should they be lost, altered or damaged. The parent or guardian signing this document will be held legally responsible for all costs. No equipment will be issued until this form is reviewed and signed by a parent or guardian.
1.8 Coach Selection
Prior to the end of the season, notice will be given as to the date when Letters of Intent are due to be received by the BOD. These letters are to notify the BOD of those interested individuals who wish to be considered for a Football or Cheerleading coaching position for the upcoming season. Letters should include their number of years of experience and the applicants coaching philosophy.
If necessary, the Football Coordinator and Cheerleading Coordinator may conduct interviews with applicants and make recommendations to the BOD based on that interview.
Any applicant may be considered for any team or squad. There will be no preference given to returning coaches based on seniority. Selection will be based on experience, philosophy, past coaching performance, and level of commitment. Valid complaints received from the end of season Coaches Evaluations Forms (#106) will weigh heavily in the decision making process.
In the event that no suitable applicants apply for the position, the BOD may solicit additional applicants after the date Letters of Intent are due.
After reviewing the end of season Coaches Evaluation Forms, and receiving any relevant recommendations from the Football and Cheerleading Coordinators, the BOD will vote on the applicants at the next scheduled BOD meeting held after the Letters of Intent are due. Selected coaches will be notified by the Football and Cheerleading Coordinator. Upon approval, all Coaches will be required to submit to a background clearance. Forms will be provided by the league President.
Assistant Coaches are selected by the Head Coach for that team/squad and are subject to the approval of the BOD. All criteria stated in the selection of the Head Coaches applies to Assistant Coaches as well, including the background clearance form.
All Coaches (Head and Assistants) must purchase an LPBK coaches shirt through the leagues merchandise coordinator.
Head Coaches are to report their selections for Assistant Coaches to the BOD by the end of the first week in July. This deadline is necessary to enable the BOD to approve the selections in adequate time to have all background clearance forms returned into the CCYFL Director.
All Head and Assistant Coaches will be required to review and sign the LPBK Coaches Code of Conduct Form (#107).
LPBK welcomes the participation of Junior Coaches (ages 15-17) to assist with our teams. The junior coaches must be accepted by the existing coaching staff and approved as all other coaches are. County background checks do not apply since they are under the age of 18.
1.9 Team Managers
Each team or squad will select a Team Manager. It is very important that the person selected by the coach be dedicated and able to devote time to the team responsibilities. This parent will attend weekly meetings at the practice field, their attendance is mandatory. At these meetings, information will be distributed to them from the BOD to pass onto the parents on their team or squad. They are responsible for creating a snack/concession stand volunteer/merchandise sales volunteer schedule to be turned into the Concession Stand Coordinator. They will be the liaison between the families and the BOD. Parents should become familiar with their Team Manager to ensure they are up to date with league activities.
All Team Managers are subject to a background clearance required by the CCYFL Football Director.
1.10 Practices
Practices will begin on the first Monday in August. Players will be notified of the time and place by their Head Coach once the coach receives his or her roster from the BOD. During the month of August, practices will be held Monday through Friday for football and three times a week for cheerleading. Once school starts, practices will be reduced to no more than 3 practices per week for football and cheerleading. Once school begins, practices shall not exceed the scheduled end time. When a team has a game on a weeknight it shall be considered one of their weekly practices. Additional practices may be called by the Head Coach for special circumstances (such as cheerleading competitions) after receiving permission from their Coordinator. Cheerleaders cannot miss scheduled football games to practice for competition.
At Back to Practice Night, the coaches will review and require the players to sign the Players Code of Conduct Form (#108). Coaches will also explain the Three Strikes Policy contained in that form to all players and parents. These policies will be strictly enforced. LPBK will represent the best in sportsmanship, ethics, honor, and integrity. Nothing less from players, parents, and volunteers will be tolerated. Players and coaches will receive a letter for every strike given.
The Football and Cheerleading Coordinator will determine what spot on the practice field the teams/squads will practice. Once the football teams move to
RAIN POLICY
In the event of rain, coaches will normally have practice. Thunderstorms and lightening will cancel practices. In the event practice is cancelled league wide, every attempt will be made to contact parents by the Head Coach or Team Manager, and if possible, a post on the league website. All CCYFL policies regarding weather delays/cancellations will apply.
MISSED PRACTICES
Practice during the month of August is critical for the development of a successful program. The instruction of fundamental skills and safety are taught at this time to prepare for the upcoming season. No more than one week of practice (five days) may be missed by any player due to scheduled vacations, etc.
If a player is going to be late or absent from practice it is the parent’s responsibility to notify their coach prior to practice.
ABSENCES
If the player misses two or more practices, or is late for practice on several occasions, the coach may elect to have the player sit out for the next game. If the player is not permitted to play in the next game, he or she will be required to be on the sidelines, out of uniform, to support their team (except in the case of illness).
If a player has an unexcused absence for missing a game, that player may be suspended pending a meeting between the parent, Head Coach and Coordinator.
Once cheerleading competition practices begin, a participant missing 3 practices, excused or unexcused, will be automatically dismissed from the competition squad.
A player arriving late for their practice time prior to their game will not be permitted to play in that game, and a cheerleader will sit out of the halftime routine. The Three Strikes Policy (Players Code of Conduct Form #108 for description) will apply in all league activity.
1.11 Games
Season games begin the week of Labor Day weekend. The CCYFL Football Director creates all schedules and distributes them to the league in August. Coaches will distribute schedules as soon as they are available. Games are generally played in the rain, and are usually only cancelled in extreme weather. The CCYFL Football Director will notify the President of any schedule changes, who in turn will disseminate that information to the coaches. If time permits, this information will be posted to the league website.
All CCYFL mandatory play rules will apply in the regular season game situations. Players are not guaranteed equal playing time. According to county rules, a player may not miss more than 2 consecutive plays on his side of the ball for the first three quarters of play. These rules do not apply to Special Teams. There is no mandatory play rule for the fourth quarter. The coaching staff reserves the right to make changes in a player’s position and playing time from week to week as needed. Playing time will be based on athletic ability, attendance, and attitude.
Before and after all home games held at Milton Somers, the field will need to be set up and broken down. Set up consists of placing all yard markers, goal post covers, sideline ropes and any other equipment that needs to be set up for the games on the field. Each Football Team and Cheerleading Squad will be required to pick up trash under and around the bleachers on each side of the field (cheer does the home side and football does the visitors side) and empty trash cans after their scheduled game. This will help manage the field clean up so it is easier for everyone at the end of the day.
At the end of the day, the equipment will need to be taken down, all trashcans emptied and the trash picked up from the field. This includes areas outside of the fence at Milton Somers. We are required to clean up any mess left on the Milton Somers school property that is a result of our game, including any warm up area used by visiting teams and the parking lot. Children are to be supervised by either their coach or parent while doing this to ensure their safety. A schedule will be made and distributed to all football and cheerleading coaches to notify them of the date they are scheduled to fulfill this duty.
1.12 Publicity
Individual teams are encouraged to report their wins to the local paper along with a brief summary of their accomplishment. It is strongly suggested that the coaching staff make every effort to make the mention of individual participant’s names in a fair manner by attempting to mention each player once throughout the season. If this cannot be done due to size of team or squad, it is recommended that recognition be given to the team or part of team as a whole (i.e., outstanding defensive line, great blocking by the offensive line, etc.).
1.13 Fundraising
In addition to registration fees, various fundraising activities will be held throughout the season. These activities are necessary to maintain the quality of equipment provided to the children. It is strongly recommended that each family participate in these activities. The coaching staff, along with the Team Manager of each team or squad is encouraged to promote league fundraisers.
1.14 Concessions/Merchandise Sales
Concession and Merchandise sales are a major source of funds for the organization. They will be sold at every home game held at
In order to maintain a steady number of volunteers to work in the concession/merchandise stand, each football team and each cheerleading squad will be required to provide 3 parents each to work a one hour shift prior to their child’s scheduled game (2 volunteers will report to the concession stand and one will report to merchandise sales). The BOD feels this is a fair compromise as all participants, football and cheerleading, are required to be at the field one hour prior to games to practice. This schedule enables the parent to exit the concession/merchandise stand to watch their child’s game, which is why we are all here to begin with.
Once game schedules have been released each Team Manager will be required to create a schedule for the entire season scheduling these 3 volunteers for each home game. This can easily be incorporated into a snack schedule. The Team Manager may elect to solicit volunteers for these dates, but if volunteers are not found they will assign the duty randomly through a drawing system to fill their schedule. Volunteers must be adults 18 years of age or over. Copies of this schedule will be turned into the Concession Stand and Merchandise Coordinators no later than the last Team Manager meeting held before the first game of the season. In the event the league hosts a pre-season or post-season game, volunteers will be required for it also. The Team Manager should remind the volunteers of their scheduled duty. This duty is mandatory and the parent scheduled MUST find a replacement if they are unable to fulfill their duty! They are to notify the Concession Stand or Merchandise Coordinator of any changes.
In the event a parent or guardian does not fulfill their concession stand/merchandise sales duty, and does not supply a replacement, the child will miss the first half of their next football game and a cheerleader will not be permitted to participate in the halftime routine of their next game.
While the Board does not want a child to suffer the consequences of a parent’s actions, this policy is necessary to emphasize the importance of volunteering. Too many parents disregard their responsibilities assuming “someone else will cover,” and unfortunately it’s the Board Members and the other reliable regular volunteers that are forced to miss their own son or daughter’s game to cover for the no-show. This policy is not unreasonable, as it provides the opportunity for individuals to volunteer and to find replacements if their schedule does not permit the time on that given day.
The Blue Knights demand excellence from their coaches and players and will expect if from the parents as well.
1.15 Grievances
In the event a parent has a grievance for any reason, that person should first approach their coach. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, a grievance form should be filled out and given to the Football or Cheerleading Coordinator. The Grievance Form (#109) is available on the league website. The appropriate coordinator will attempt to intervene to improve the situation if possible. He or She will also notify the BOD of the grievance, where the form will be given to the league Secretary. Every attempt will be made to rectify the problem if at all possible. The outcome of the grievance will be documented on the Grievance Form. The form may be used, if found to be valid, in the decision making process for future coaching selection.
It is imperative that parents become part of the solution; unreported problems will keep the league from reaching its full potential.
1.16 Special Events
The following is a list of events that may take place during the season:
Pre-Season/Post-Season Games – A pre-season/post-season scrimmage/game may be hosted by the league or the league may be invited to attend another organization’s scrimmage/game, timely notice will be given to parents regarding location and time.
Back to Practice Night – This event is to be held on the Saturday evening before the first night of practice for players to meet their coaching staff, review and sign conduct forms, receive uniforms, etc. If weather permits it will be held at the Milton Somers field. There will be no organized practice this evening as it is mainly an informational and social gathering. Notice of this event will be listed on the league website, and Head Coaches will call all players on their roster to inform them of this mandatory attendance event.
Pep Rally and Homecoming – The league will hold a pep really to celebrate the night before Homecoming. Teams will create banners to represent their team or squad. A Prince and Princess will be chosen from each team/squad. A tiara, sash, and flowers will be presented to the chosen Princess and a crown and sash will be presented to the chosen Prince. A King and Queen will be chosen from the non-returning football players and cheerleaders. The Queen will receive a crown, sash, and flowers. The King will receive a crown and sash.
As has been LPBK tradition, the Princess and Prince will be selected by placing all names of that team/squad roster in a hat. The winner will be drawn randomly by the Team Manager in front of the team, without revealing the winner. The Team Manager will reveal the name only to the BOD. The King and Queen will be drawn somewhat differently, being that the only names included in that drawing are to be non-returning participants regardless of which team/squad they are on. This drawing will be done by the league President.
In the event that the chosen child cannot attend the pep rally, a replacement will be chosen.
Homecoming day will be celebrated with special decorations at the Somers field. Various special activities may be held, such as a bake sale, silent auction, face painting, etc. The various special activities will be coordinated by the Homecoming Committee with the supervision of the Vice President.
A commemorative booklet will also be printed listing team roster and advertisements of sponsors.
Annual Coat and Food Drive – The Blue Knights will hold this annual event to collect new and gently used coats, along with non-perishable items, to be donated to local families. Collection will be scheduled on a home game date and donations will be accepted at the Concession Stand.
Cheerleading Competitions* - Throughout the season the Cheerleading Coordinator will advise the coaching staff of available competitions. The decision to participate will be made by that particular coaching staff. However, if any competitions are to be attended, the county competition is mandatory. The entry fee for the county competition will be paid by the league, and the decision to pay for additional competitions will be made by the BOD.
If a squad wins First Place in the County Cheerleading Competition, the cheerleaders will receive a custom t-shirt as recognition from the league. The
Championship Football Games * - If a team wins the County President’s Cup Championship the players on that team will receive a custom jersey or trophy (decision made by Head Coach) as recognition from the league. This will now become the league standard for recognition for all future winners.
*Coaches and/or Team Managers will be responsible for submitting a write-up and photo(s) to the league Secretary which will be submitted on behalf of the organization for print in the local newspaper. This is a mandatory responsibility; our participants deserve recognition for their hard work!
1.17 Equipment/Uniform Turn In
At the end of each season all equipment and uniforms belonging to the league must be turned into the Equipment Managers. Notice of time and place, including instructions as to how the equipment should be cleaned, will be given to all participants (see Equipment Turn in Instruction form #110) prior to the end of the season. Any lost, altered or damaged equipment will be subject to the fees disclosed in the Equipment Release Form signed at the beginning of the season. The following fees will apply:
- Equipment/uniform being turned in late at registrations: $10 fee added to registration cost.
- Equipment/uniform being turned in late at registration and needing cleaning: $20 fee added at registration.
- Equipment turned in on time, but in need of cleaning: $20 fee billed or added at registration.
Every three seasons, the league is required to re-certify every helmet to ensure they meet safety standards. To do this the helmets are sent away to a licensed reconditioned where they are inspected according to NOCSAE standards. In the event of a Helmet Recertification Year, any helmet not turned in prior to the shipment date will be unsafe to use the following season. The person who signed the Equipment Release Form will be legally responsible for the replacement cost of that identical style and size of helmet. The old uncertified helmet will be returned to the Equipment Manager and the new helmet will become the property of the league as well.
After the scheduled turn in date, it is the responsibility of the parent to deliver the equipment to the Equipment Manager. Every effort will be made to collect the equipment before the above listed fees are imposed. If a participant misses the scheduled turn in date, the Equipment Manager will attempt to contact the family once by phone. If at that point there is no response, a reminder letter will be mailed to the residence listed on the registration form.
1.18 End of Season Recognition Banquet
At the conclusion of each season, the league will host an Awards Banquet at the
At the Banquet, participation trophies will be given to all children. Patches embroidered with LPBK and the year will be given to all participants also. The cost of these trophies are covered in the registration fees.
The league also awards two different special awards to non-returning players. The first award, The Blue Knight of the Year, will be awarded to one football player and one cheerleader. All non-returning players will receive an application to apply for the award. There are specific criteria that must be met in order to submit that application (see Blue Knight of the Year Form #112). Once all applications are received, the BOD will review and vote on the most qualified candidate. The winners of the awards will be kept secret until the night of the banquet. The winners of this award will be required to attend the second banquet with the younger teams so that the entire league gets to meet the recipients. It is important that the younger children see what hard work and dedication can achieve in the future.
The second special achievement award is the Knighthood Award. It is awarded to any non-returning football player or cheerleader that has participated with the Blue Knights for a minimum of seven consecutive seasons. The BOD will carefully review all non-returning players through registration documents and their league ID cards.
As is tradition with the Blue Knights, the league will continue to support the Greater Waldorf Jaycees in their annual toy drive in return for their generous support of our organization. Families will be asked to bring an unwrapped new toy to the Banquet to be donated and distributed to local needy children. At this time of celebration and reflection on our season, it is important to teach our children to remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves. While athleticism and sportsmanship are a large part of our league’s mission, teaching compassion and generosity is just as important.
1.19 Elections
Elections will generally be held in the month of January each year. The President, Secretary, Merchandise Coordinator, Football Equipment Manager, and Cheerleading Equipment Manager will be elected in odd years. The Vice President, Treasurer, Football Coordinator, Cheerleading Coordinator, Fundraising Coordinator, and Concession Stand Coordinator will be elected in even years.
Members of LPBK in good standing (with no outstanding debt) will be able to submit a letter of intent to run for a particular office. Letters of intent will be due by the end of November. Notice of this process will be posted on the league website.
The BOD will review all letters and will narrow the applicants down to two (2) candidates per office. The narrowing process will be based on the reputation, experience, and level of commitment of the applicants. The names of the selected candidates will be announced at the End of Season Banquet, along with the election date. A sample ballot and the date/location of the election will also be posted on the league website.
The election will serve as the Annual General Membership meeting as stated in the LPBK By-Laws. All election rules and regulations pertaining to elections and membership will apply. After the conclusion of the election, the winners will be posted on the website. They will serve a two-year term.
This Operating Code has been reviewed and approved by the LPBK BOD as signed and dated below. Amendments and additions may be made by a vote of the BOD when changes are necessary.
Jackie Cooksey, Cheer Secretary
Mary Blocker, Football Secretary
Terri Pesante-Close, Treasurer
Mike Mona, Football Coordinator
Sonya Moore, Cheer Coordinator
Greg Ward, Football Equipment Manager
Shannon Stewart, Cheer Equipment Manager
Tracey Baierlein, Merchandise Coordinator
Lisa Nelson, Concession Stand Coordinator
Staci Childers, Historian
VACANT, Fundraising Coordinator
