Football

CYO football is open to all boys of the parish in 4th through 8th grades. There are no tryouts. All boys who pay the fee are allowed to play and each boy will play a minimum of 1 quarter per game as mandated by CYO and are strictly enforced at Nativity. Our goal is to provide the boys with football fundamentals in a fun, Christian environment and a chance to learn some powerful life lessons through football. If you are interested in helping achieve these goals, consider being a coach.

Contact: Rob Haake
816.200.6764
robhaake@ajmfg.us

Registration and Deadlines
An announcement is usually placed in the church bulletin and school newsletter beginning in July through early August. There will be an opportunity for the players to attend a camp prior to the season start. A CYO Parent Release Form and a Nativity football registration form must be submitted with the fee at the time equipment is picked up. Families need to register their son on both the CYO website and on the Nativity website prior to the start of the season. Register here and on the CYO site at www.cyojwa.org

Participation
Football is open to all Nativity parishioners in 4th through 8th grades. There are no tryouts. Depending on the number of players we may have more then one team per grade, or combine teams with other parishes. By rule a team must have at least 16 players. There are specific CYO rules for playing time and the coaches adhere to those requirements.

Fee
The Athletic Committee determines participation fees each year.

Required Uniforms and Equipment
Each player is equipped with a certified helmet, shoulder pads, pants and pads. Game uniforms are also provided. Each player is required to purchase: socks, molded cleats, mouthpiece and athletic cup. Equipment is distributed and returned at the Nativity gym. Each coach will schedule specific times by grade, where they will be available to properly fit the players for helmets and shoulder pad, as well as, distribute uniforms.
 
Practice
Football is one of those sports where teams practice a lot more then they play games.  By rule teams are not allowed to practice more then 6 hours a week. Depending on schedules it may be four  ½ hour practices or three 2 hour practices. Practices for 4th grade is limited to three 1 ½ hour practices.  Practices are sometime held at the Nativity play ground or a field where Nativity has obtained a permit. Specific practice schedules and locations will be distributed by the coaches. The official beginning date for conditioning and practice is sent to Parish Athletic Directors prior to the beginning of the season. Typically, practices start in July/August.

Games
Games are usually played on weekends; however, 7th and 8th grade teams may have Thursday or Friday night games.  Games typically start the first week of September and last in to November. The schedule and standings can be found on the CYO website at www.cyojwa.org.

Coaching
Parent volunteers are needed and each coach must be VIRTUS-trained prior to having any contact with the team. In addition, on game day, if you would like one of the best seats in the stadium you can volunteer to count plays or be a member of the lines crew and operate the first down markers. Nativity is responsible for these positions for each game Nativity is listed first on the schedule.

CYO Links:
Football Rules
About CYO