Orioles Rules & Guidelines
The Livonia Orioles Football and Cheer is totally run by directors, coaches and family volunteers. In order for the organization to even exist everyone needs to volunteer. Each family is required to volunteer a minimum 3 times to continue to hold veteran status and attend the banquet.
Players are required to have three practices of conditioning before being allowed to participate in full contact practices. During the 1st three days of practice scheduled. Players who miss any portion of these three days will be required to make them up during subsequent practices. Three days are required by the league to acclimate the players to this level of excursion and prepare them for contact drills.
Players are expected to attend all practices and games as scheduled. It is very important that if a player is going to miss a practice that coaches be notified as soon as possible. For players planning on missing a game it is even more important that coaches know as soon as possible and definitely by the 1st practice of game week so that coaches can prepare for the absence. League rules allow for reduction of game time for missed practices.
Below is the rule:
Any otherwise eligible player having two (2) unexcused absences from practices during a game week shall be held out for 1st half of that week’s game. Any otherwise eligible player having three (3) or more unexcused absences from practice during a game week shall not participate in that week’s game. Each Unit shall have the right to grant the Head Coach for any Team in a Unit the discretion to limit the playing time of any player who has missed more than two (2) or more practices in any given week, based on considerations for player(s) safety.
Game playing time is at the coach’s discretion (within the minimum play rules, provided below) and any absences may directly affect playing time. Please keep in mind the commitment to play football is not about one player but as a team and time missed effects everyone on the team.
Each player who is completely uniformed for a game must play the minimum number of plays. Kick-offs, receiving of the same, and extra point attempts on defense or offense is considered a play. The following circumstances do not constitute a play and will not count towards a player’s minimum allowable plays for the half or game: any repeated down due to penalty; a play in which the offense spikes or “clocks” the ball; and a play in which the offense takes a knee. In the event that a Team has completely uniformed thirty-five (35) or more players, each player must receive a minimum of four (4) plays per half. In the event that a Team has completely uniformed thirty (27) to thirty-four (34) players, each player must receive a minimum of five (5) plays per half. In the event that a Team has completely uniformed twenty-six (26) or less players, the minimum amount of plays is seven (7) per half
We understand families may have other commitments and/or needs to attend during the season and will try hard to accommodate, but please make sure you notify the coaches during the season so your players game play time doesn't get adjusted due to unexcused absences and poor communication.
If for some reason you cannot reach a coach you can find a full list of contacts on our website:
http://www.livoniaorioles.com/
If for any reason a player is removed from the game or practice due to signs of a concussion or a note was provided from a doctor stating a player may not participate, in order for them to return we must receive a release signed by the doctor stating the date the player may return before the player can participate.
Equipment/Clothing Needed
The Orioles provide most of the equipment your player will need. However there are a few things your going to need to pick up on you're own. Cleats, athletic supporter (cup, boys and girls), long sleeve shirt [(Under Armor or other type) for colder weather please buy black] and mouth piece. Gloves or other hand warmers are nice but not required.
Boot Camp
Remember it is at the Orioles Practice Facility which is located at Buchanan which is located on the east side of Hubbard Road, north of 5 mile. The camp is not required but recommended. Players should wear shorts and cleats if possible. Practice jerseys should be ready and handed out on the 1st day of camp.
Practice Schedule
Practices starts on time as scheduled. Players are to be in line ready to start. If your player has to miss practice please let the coaches know ASAP. Practice is Monday through Friday from 6:00 until 8:30 pm until games start. Once the games start we will be adjusting the schedule and each unit will let everyone know of any changes.
Hydration - Conditioning
The subject of hydration is very important for the players. Players need to be drinking water all day - NOT JUST WHEN THEY ARRIVE AT PRACTICE/CAMP. A rule of thumb is that the kids should be drinking at least 8 - 8 oz. glasses of water throughout the day up until about 1 hour before practice. Players will also need to bring lots of cold water to practice/camp. Please have your son drink plenty of water during the day throughout the season.
This first three days of practice will be some of the toughest your player has participated in. Players are to wear their practice jersey, helmets and shorts (NOT PADS). Many first year and many of the veteran players have issues during these three days. It's hot, they're tired and several adults they just met are barking commands at them. It can be quite overwhelming. If your player is having a tough time with these days let them know that the harder they work the quicker it gets easier. They will be amazed at what they can accomplish by just working hard and keeping a positive attitude.
The #1 complaint is with their helmets. We size each player's helmet during equipment pick up. So when your player says that their helmet hurts it is most likely just fine as it just takes time for them to get used to it. Please feel free to bring your player over to a coach so they can check it out and make any adjustments needed. Another issue with helmets is getting them on and off. It's not as easy for the new kids as it looks when the veterans do it. One way to make it easier for the new boys is to put a little petroleum jelly on the tips of their ears. It helps the helmet slide over the ears easier.
Positive Thinking, Positive Reinforcement
The coaching staff will spend a considerable amount of time discussing with the players the power of positive thinking and the down falls associated with negative thinking. We will use positive reinforcement as the major motivator as much as possible. One can will themselves to do things they never thought possible by just maintaining a positive attitude and thinking. One of the quickest ways for a player to go from positive to negative in attitude and thinking while participating in any sport is negativity from coaches and/or parents. So please attempt to always remain positive while discussing issues with your player. Encourage them to discuss issues they may be having with the game to a coach.
Team Issues - Team concept
The coaches are all volunteers and put every player into a position they feel will allow them to succeed at the game of football and to ultimately win football games. Our concept of the team is based on every player matters to the team regardless of what position they play or how much "playing time" on game day they get. The amount of time spent practicing, well eclipses the amount of time actually spend playing a game. This practice time is way more important to growth and ultimate success in the game of football. With that said if you ever have an issue with playing time, positions, coaches, or other player based issues I request that you please allow coaches to address your issue. As a staff, we have assigned team functions to various coaches and as the head coach it is to be the first point of contact for player issues. As it is the head coaches ultimate decision as to player positioning and playing time, coaches wish to be able to address these issues directly. If you are not satisfied with the head coach's response please feel free to contact any of the football directors about the issue but please allow the head coaches the opportunity to address the team issues first.
We all (parents/guardian and coaches) use so much of our free time to allow our kids to play the great game of football. We hope to be able to allow you as a parent to sit back and enjoy watching your son participate in the sport. One of the easiest ways to derail this enjoyment is buying into rumors. Rumors can kill the moral of a group of parents very fast. So if you ever have a question pertaining to why we as a staff are doing things the way we are doing them or questions pertaining to the way the Unit as a whole is conducting itself please, please, please allow coaches or the directors to address your question directly.
24-hour rule
The Livonia Junior Athletic League has a standing rule in all sports; that all coaches, parents, players and others associated with the league observe the 24-hour rule. This rule is simple, please wait 24-hours after an issues arises before contacting coaches, directors, and/or other league officials. In the heat of the moment things can be raw and words and/or actions can so quickly get out of control. However, if the issue is of a player safety nature, then please contact a director ASAP.
HUDL.com
The Orioles use a web site www.hudl.com for game film. After each game we upload the game film to the web site. It is not mandatory for any of the kids to watch the films. Many like to, but it is not mandatory. If you are not already registered with Hudl, you will get an email soon with registration instructions.
Thank you for your support and diligence in keeping everyone informed so players and coaches can concentrate on the game of football.
Please remember this is all about the children and families. Let's keep it safe and fun for everyone.
SMYFA_Tackle_Football_Rules_8-15-2018.pdf
SMYFA_Flag_Football_Rules_2018.pdf
SMYFA_Waiver_Release_of_Liability_and_Hold_Harmless_Aggreement_3-2-2018.pdf
SMYFA_CHEER_Competition_Rules.pdf
