Kearsley Youth Football & Cheer
Welcome to Kearsley Youth Football and Cheer Season 2025!
We are happy to welcome you and your child to KYFC Season 25. We are excited to have you join us for what is sure to be an exciting and memorable season!
At Kearsley Youth Football and Cheer, our mission is to organize and maintain recreational athletics (youth football and cheer) in an instructional nature. We aim to provide adequate supervision and guidance, fostering a positive and enriching experience for all participants. We promote the development of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, and team play, which we believe are the basic essentials of good sportsmanship, both on and off the field. We strive to provide all Kearsley area children with the opportunity to participate in Youth Football and Cheer in a safe and supportive environment, regardless of their skill level or experience.We firmly believe that participation in youth sports can instill lifelong values and contribute to the overall development of our young athletes.
This information packet is designed to provide you with all the key information you need for a successful season. Inside, you'll find important details such as schedules, contact information, guidelines for athletes and spectators regarding conduct and expectations, and concussion information, and more.
We encourage you to carefully review all the information in this packet. If you ever have any questions or concerns, or if there's anything we can do to improve your experience with KYFC, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you again for choosing Kearsley Youth Football and Cheer. We value your commitment to our program and the positive impact it has on our community's youth. Let's all work together to make this the best season yet! We're looking forward to a fantastic year filled with fun, growth, and unforgettable memories!
Contact Information
Season Information
Registration
Electronic registration will be taken 3/1/25-5/31/25. If you have a problem with the website, please email the program.
Due to the long lead times and league regulations we may be unable to accommodate last minute registrations, but we do our best.
Full refunds will be offered until the end of registration (May 31st). No exceptions.
If an athlete chooses not to participate after the refund window has closed, the athlete will still receive any items ordered on their behalf.
Required Paperwork- being collected at sizing dates. May not participate without all turned in
Player Card with Photograph (not applicable for in house flag)- Each player must complete an official player card that is to be signed by either their parent or legal guardian authorizing their participation in the Metro Youth Football League. .
Proof of Age- The only acceptable form of proof is a COPY of a government issued birth certificate.
Physicals- dated on or after 4/15/2025. Each player must have proof of a current sports physical by a licensed physician, physician assistants, or nurse practitioner (NP), authorizing the players’ participation for the current season. Any player without a current physical is not allowed to practice, play a scrimmage game, or participate in any event until a current physical is obtained. We recommend turning in a COPY and not the original.
Proof of Grade (not applicable for in house flag)- Each athlete shall furnish proof of their grade. To be an acceptable form of proof it must show the player’s name, grade and school year. If the previous year (2024-2025) report card/progress note it must have a notation about it being a previous year.
This documentation is only retained during the current season. In order to keep information private, they will be shredded as soon as the season is completed. This is very important to only give COPIES and not the original.
Required Equipment-
Splitting of teams- KYFC prioritizes matching siblings across the JR Hornets and Tackle divisions. Please make sure all sibling sets are noted on all registration paperwork. MYFL does its best to match sibling teams at the same location for games. Occasionally, there is a discrepancy if the hosting school does not have a JR program. Teams are split via a draft process with the board and coaches.
Communication-
General Communication: To stay informed, parents/guardians should maintain open communication with coaches. Coaches will specify their preferred method and frequency of updates, whether through Facebook, TeamReach, or other channels. We aim to regularly share news and announcements across multiple platforms. We ask all communication be done between 8AM-8PM.
Addressing conflict: In the event of a conflict, parents are expected to follow the KYFC conflict resolution process.
The KYFC Board requires that any issues follow the 24-7 rule, meaning they must wait 24 hours but not more than 7 days before addressing it. After 24 hours, address the issue directly with the person involved, then escalate the issue to the appropriate personnel if necessary using the KYFC chain of command as shown in the flow chart above.
If needed:
Initial Reporting to Program Directors
Conflicts should be reported in writing to the Program Director
Report may be on Kearsley Conflict Report Form or Code of Conduct Violation Form whichever is applicable.
Program Director will review the report within 48 hours to determine if “minor” or “serious” conflict resolution is needed
Determine appropriate resolution pathway. If resolution is not found it may continue up the chain of command.
Minor Conflict Resolution
Mediation meeting scheduled within 5 business days
Next level of command may be involved.
Written resolution agreement developed
Serious Conflict Protocol
Immediate investigation initiated
Potential temporary suspension of involved parties
Special Board meeting will be called.
Decision communicated in writing within 10 business days
Volunteer Opportunities– per KYFC, MYFL, and Kearsley Schools; all volunteers must pass a background check.-- This program relies on the generous support of volunteers to operate smoothly and provide a valuable experience for our athletes. To ensure the program's continued success, we kindly request that each athlete's family provide at least one adult volunteer to contribute a minimum of 2 hours of their time per season. Please see our Volunteer Coordinator to get signed up.
Gut week-
MYFL game schedule: JR Hornet and tackle division schedule will be established by the MYFL leadership panel and will be distributed no later than 2 weeks before the first game.
In season practices
Practice schedules are set by the coaches. Regular attendance to practices is expected. If your athlete will not be attending, please let your coach know. If missing or being late becomes habitual, playing time may be affected.
For practices- Weather related cancellations may be voted on by the Board. All cancellations will be posted on Facebook and Team Reach.
To minimize disruptions, please have your athlete use the restroom before practice starts. We know that younger kids may still need bathroom breaks during practice, which coaches are happy to accommodate.
Athletes should bring their own water bottle, filled before practice or games, since water is not always readily available.
Coaches will at their discretion if they have a closed practice. It can be a distraction if parents stay. Please be respectful of that. You do not have to leave the premises but sitting away from practice along the fence or in your vehicle is fine.
Game Day procedures
Games are scheduled on Saturdays. A schedule will be passed out when available
Athletes will need to provide their own water as it is not always available on site.
In house flag games are free to attend and are currently scheduled to be at Armstrong Middle School field at 9AM. Tackle and JR Hornets divisions are $5 per person/$15 per family entering together. Once the fee is paid they will have an option to stamp the hand for reentry. Children 5 years of age or younger and adults 55 years or older do not pay an entrance fee. Coaches and board members will receive a pass (only to be used by the appropriate person) for free admission to home and away games. Current football players and cheerleaders will also get free admission in uniform.
Weather related cancellations-In the event a game is stopped due to weather, the MYFL Leadership Panel shall determine if the game should be rescheduled or if the score at the time the game was stopped shall stand as the final score for the game. On threatening days, game management should consult with contest officials about steps to be followed if conditions worsen. When suspending an outdoor contest, officials and game management shall follow these policies. When lightning is observed or thunder is heard, the contest must be suspended. The occurrence of lightning or thunder is not subject to interpretation or discussion —lightning is lightning; thunder is thunder. When a contest is suspended, the home school administration shall attempt to arrange for the security of all participants. Contestants and support personnel shall be moved to appropriate indoor facilities. When lightning is observed or thunder is heard and the contest is suspended, contestants shall not return to the playing field until lightning has been absent from the local sky and thunder has not been heard for 30 minutes.
Spectators shall be advised of the action being taken to seek shelter. A decision to resume the contest within the time frame must be made by the officials who shall consult the home team administration and visiting school administration present at the contest. The home school is responsible for facilities and will be given priority consideration in the final decision if there is no consensus among the three parties. The final decision shall consider liability and conditions of facilities as well as future schedules, need to play the contest and finally the quality of all other options. A postponed contest shall be rescheduled to the following Sunday.
The MYFL season will consist of 7 to 8 games depending on standings after the 6 regular season games. 6 regular season games, top four teams of each division move to playoff week 7 game, bottom teams move to week 7 end all (fun games), outcome of winners from playoff games move to week 8 League Championship Game. In the event of an odd number of teams, the lowest ranking team will not play a bowl game.
In the event a regular season or playoff season game must be rescheduled due to unplayable field conditions; the reschedule date will be for the same Saturday or the Sunday following the cancelled game. If the area's home field is not playable on the following Sunday the game must take place on a turf field. In the event of a reschedule to a turf location they must be notified immediately to make preparations for the following day. The make up game time is at the discretion of the hosting location.
Football players are expected to arrive dressed and ready 1.5 hours prior to game time. Each team is required to check in no later than (1) hour prior to the start of their game.The purpose of the pre-game player check-in process is to ensure the accuracy of the team’s roster books and player weights. Any player that does not COMPLETE or pass the pre-game check in process will be ineligible to play in the first half and must remove their shoulder pads and helmet. Any player that does not pass the pre-game check in process will have a chance to pass again at halftime, however if the player does not meet the requirements at halftime the player will remove their helmet and shoulder pads for the remainder of the game.
Cheerleaders are expected to arrive dressed and ready to warm up 1 hour prior to all games. Coaches will post what uniform will be for each game.They must also always have clean all white shoes for all games. They will have a bag for the season and they must keep ALL of their items in this bag, no matter what the weather is.
Do not come to the fence from the stands and have a conversation with your child. If there is an issue let the coach know and they will try to handle it.
Athletes must arrive 30 minutes prior or when requested from their coach.
All games are at the Armstrong Middle School field at 9AM. Athletes should arrive by 8:30 AM Games are on Saturdays with a possibility of one Sunday. Each week a football team will be assigned field set up and take down while a cheer team will be assigned to provide a volunteer for our Snack Table.
ALL athletes are invited to walk in the Homecoming Parade on Friday October 3rd, 2025. The parade route is from Paro south on Genesee Rd and then east on Daly Blvd. Roads close around 4:45 PM.
Please have them wear the uniform instructed by their particular coach. Kids walking must be dropped off at Armstrong at 4pm to ride the bus over to the parade staging area. The bus will not wait and parents are not allowed to go to Paro to drop off. This may mean your child will need to be a parent pick up from school. Please feed them prior to drop off as they tend to get hungry. Wagons are allowed, no trailers. Kids who want to throw candy will need to supply their own. We recommend a backpack or canvas bag, plastic grocery bags tend to rip. We ask you to speak to your child about consuming too much candy on the walk. (We had complaints in years past) Parents are not permitted to take their child mid-parade. A designated pick up spot is in the front of the high school right after the parade ends.
We allow a max number of extra helpers per team. Anyone wishing to request to walk must have passed a background check. Final call for background checks will be WEDNESDAY September 24th. Only those who have passed a background check and approved thru the Board may walk with the team. Coaches will get an approval/denial by Tuesday September 30th for any requests. Anyone leaving a parked car at Armstrong must secure their own transportation back.
All KYFC athletes will be announced prior to kick off at the Varsity Football Game. This includes the flag, jr hornets, and tackle divisions. Coaches will be passing out 1 adult free admission ticket during the week of. All other guests may purchase a ticket at the gate for $5. Athletes in our program will get in free. If your athlete is absent the day tickets are passed out, you can meet with the coach before lining up at the parking lot. We will meet at the north side parking lot at 5:45. Once you find your child’s coach, please proceed to the bleachers.The order of teams will be posted on Facebook Thursday evening. When your child’s group you may come to the fence and then return to your seat. Pick up is AFTER the national anthem on the South side of the bleacher. Parents are not allowed to come down to the track. Athletes will not be released without an adult. Athletes must sit with parents or assigned adults during the game. Unsupervised athletes will be asked to leave.
Freshman cheer will join varsity for the last 7 minutes of the 1st quarter. Athletes will meet between the side of the bleachers and the fence.
Jv cheer will join the varsity for the last 7 minutes of the 3rd quarter. Athletes will meet between the bleachers and the fence.
EXPECTATION | Athlete | Parent | Coach | KYFC |
Athlete | -Sportsmanship -Friendship -Commitment | -Fun -Friends -Respect -Appreciation | -Attitude -Coachable -Effort | -Ready -Respect -Responsible “B Code”
|
Parent | -Support -Encouragement
| -Respect -Support -Encourages -Community | -Support -Communicate -Do not undermine -Respect | -Support -Volunteer -Respect -Follow rules |
Coach | -Feedback -Education -Chance to play | -Positive -Knowledge -Commitment -Punctual -Communication | -Share knowledge -Respect -Communication | -Follow rules -Pass a background check -Respect -Volunteer |
KYFC | -Safe environment -Community -Engagement -Encouragement | -Support -Communication -Community -Respect | -Rules and regulations -Support | -Safe and secure environment
|
Code of Conduct-Zero Tolerance
It is the mission of the Kearsley Youth Football and Cheerleading (KYFC) to organize and maintain recreational athletics (youth football and cheer) in an instructional nature while providing guidance and supervision to promote the development of honesty, good fellowship, unity, self-discipline and team play, which are the basic essentials for good sportsmanship. We strive to provide all local area children the opportunity to participate in Youth Football and Cheer in a safe and supportive environment while providing the opportunity for them to make new friends!
This mission cannot be attained without the active participation and cooperation of parents/guardians and other adult volunteers. Due to the increasing violence and rising numbers of abuse incidents in our youth football programs during and after games, the KYFC Board of Directors have unanimously approved a "ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY"
I hereby agree to commit to the guidelines, rules and regulations stated below.
Attendance
KYFC understands that Family comes first and an athlete may have to miss practices/games due to important family functions.
KYFC understands and supports that athletes may be involved in other sports or activities that may create conflicts with practices or games. In the event that this occurs, it is essential that the player and/or parent discusses these conflicts with the head coach prior to the occurrence.
If an athlete misses practices or games it not only hurts the development of the athlete, but the whole team. Therefore, if an athlete misses practices or games for unexcused reasons, it might limit their playing time.
Playing Time
KYFC strives to offer adequate playing time to all athletes to the best of the coach’s ability but there are no guarantees. As a parent, you must understand that participation and playing time are two different things. Participation in practices are guaranteed to all players(at various levels depending on position) but playing time in games for any athlete is not guaranteed and will not be equally divided among athletes on any team. There is no minimum play requirement.
Offense, Defense and Special Teams: While an offensive player may get equal time on the field as other offensive players, if the offense is not on the field as long as the defense or vice versa, the playing time may differ greatly between offensive and defensive players.
Playing “Both Ways”: Coaches may have the same players on the starting lineup for both the Offense and Defense (i.e., playing “both ways”). While coaches would ideally like to have the best offensive players and the best defensive players (not playing both ways), this is very seldom the case.
Flag Football: For our Flag Football teams, coaches are instructed to do their best to ensure that every player takes the field for every game and distribute playing time as equal as possible.
Flag Cheer: All cheerleaders will have the opportunity to cheer the entire game. Stunting positions and jumps will be decided by the coach based upon strength and athleticism. Coaches are responsible for the safety of the athletes therefore, stunting and jumps may be changed based upon player attendance and participation.
Coaches
Coaches are selected by the KYFC Board based upon coaching criteria set forth in the Coaches Code of Conduct.
Coaches are to follow the guidelines as specified in the Coaches Contract.
Behavior Policy
The goal of this policy is to not only promote sportsmanship but to also encourage positive communication and experiences between KYFC, coaches, athletes, referees, parents and spectators.
Any board member, coach, athlete, referee, parent or spectator that demonstrates behavior that is detrimental to this program may be removed from the KYFC program.
Detrimental behavior is defined as physical and/or verbal abuse towards any participant, board member, coach, athlete, referee or spectator at any time. Other actions or behaviors towards any coach, official, or board member that are deemed inappropriate will not be tolerated.
Violators of this policy will be ejected from the event (game/practice) and may be expelled from the program (nonrefundable).
If the violator is a board member, coach or athlete then the KYFC Board will meet to discuss the violator’s possible disciplinary action.
If the violator is a parent or spectator, and if the violator has been ejected from the event, they could potentially be expelled from the program and all future events at the sole discretion of the KYFC Board.
If issues arise between the parent and coach, The 24 hour rule is in effect. KYFC Board requires all issues go thru the proper chain of command of KYFC. Gossip and rumor mills amongst parents will not be tolerated.
All tobacco products (chew, snuff, cigars and cigarettes), electronic cigarettes and alcohol usage is strictly prohibited for all parents and coaches during team activities.
Spectators are not allowed on the field without permission.
Spectators and athletes are responsible for cleaning up their area. Trash is not to be left on the field, sidelines, or bleachers.
The KYFC board hopes these policies will ensure a safe, tolerable environment for your family to be around and your children to play in. Thank you for doing your part to help.
I agree that by signing the yellow signature card, I accept its rules as guidelines for my behavior as well as that of my family and guests. I understand this applies to all parents/guardians/step- parents/grandparents/etc. of participants. I also understand that it is my responsibility to convey this information to them. I agree that if I or members of my family/friends/etc. fail to abide by Code of Conduct, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to, the following: If I violate any of the Code of Ethics it may result in the expulsion of my child’s and/or my/our expulsion from any KYFC activity for not less that the balance of the current season, or as determined by the KYFC Executive Board.
Grievance Policy
1. A grievance may be lodged by any person for any violation of the Metro Youth Football League’s (MYFL) Code of Conduct or for any violation of local, state, or federal law. For a copy of the MYFL Code of Conduct, see your local area representative.
2. No grievance will be accepted from any person who: (i) fails to observe the MYFL's mandatory 24 hour cooling off period prior to speaking to a coach, MYFL or league official about a grievance, (ii) is acting in violation of the MYFL Code of Conduct , (iii) has engaged in any threatening, abusive or harassing conduct, including verbal abuse, (iv) has failed to seek to bring the matter to the attention of the team coach, or appropriate Field Commissioner after the expiration of the mandatory cooling off period, (v) fails to file the written notice of protest within two weeks of the incident in question.
3. No grievance will be accepted that seeks to challenge coaching decisions. For this purpose a coaching decision includes, but is not limited to playing time, position assignments, starting assignments and football strategy.
4. A valid grievance must be in writing, explain the nature of the grievance, the circumstances, and indicate the specific provision of the MYFL Code of Conduct that was violated using the MYFL Notice of Conduct Violated form (attached). A person who files a grievance must identify all witnesses. The person accused will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations and should use the MYFL Notice of Protest form to present their view of events. Witnesses may also be asked to complete the form.
5. A valid grievance must be signed by a parent, coach, or player and submitted to the appropriate Board member.
6. The applicable Field Commissioner will oversee the initial grievance review process. He or she will receive and review any grievance filed, notify the other party involved, provide the other party with an opportunity to respond to the allegations, contact any witness(s) for input, ensure the entire MYFL Panel of Representatives are promptly informed, communicate any update on the status of the grievance under review to the relevant parties(i.e. the entire MYFL Panel, the person filing the notice of protest and the person alleged to have violated the MYFL Code of Conduct) and report to such parties any resolution or outcome of the investigation as determined in accordance with the provisions of this policy that follow. The expected time to review a grievance is 1-2 weeks, assuming all parties are prompt and forthcoming. In the event of concern for physical safety, a more expedient process will be necessitated, which may include, without limitation, a special meeting of the MYFL Panel of Representatives to address the matter.
7. If the applicable Field Commissioner is a party to the grievance, then the President or Vice-President will substitute for the Field Commissioner.
8. The person filing the notice of protest will be notified regularly of progress of the investigation.
9. Details of the grievance are not to be discussed with anyone other than members of the MYFL Panel of Representatives and the party(s) directly involved in resolving the grievance.
10. The applicable Field Commissioner and the Area President, acting together, will attempt to resolve the grievance amicably, to the mutual satisfaction of all interested/affected parties and in the best interests of the MYFL. All decisions of the applicable Field Commissioner and the Area President are subject to the review and approval of the MYFL Panel of Representatives. The MYFL Panel of Representatives in its discretion may intervene to review and decide any matter. Any interested/affected party may request the matter be reviewed and decided by the MYFL Panel of Representatives.
11. Upon the request of any interested/affected party or the Area Board, or if the matter is not otherwise resolved, the applicable Field Commissioner and the Area President will present the findings and their recommendation for resolving the matter to the Area Board.
12. The Area Board may accept the recommendation of the applicable Field Commissioner and/or the Area President or may decide that it is in the best interests of the MYFL to resolve the matter in any other manner.
13. Decisions of the Board are final and will be communicated in writing to the party(s).
14. Failure to conform to the MYFL Code of Conduct while attending, coaching, officiating, participating in or watching an MYFL event (game, practice etc.) as a parent, coach, sibling, friend, relative or any member of the community will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to the following in any order or combination:
Verbal warning issued by an official, head coach, MYFL official, or authorized league representative
Written warning
Game suspension or immediate ejection from game or other event
Suspension from multiple games or other events
Game forfeit determined by official, coach or MYFL official
Season suspension or multiple season suspension issued by an MYFL official or authorized league representative
Warning or suspension issued by an authorized representative of MYFL or any other league organization of which the Area is a member and who’s Code of Conduct governs the MYFL
Expulsion from the MYFL program.
Code of Conduct Violation Form
On _______________________, I ____________________________________, witnessed,
Date Your Name
________________________________________________ violated the MYFL Code of Ethics:
Offense | Parent, Spectator, Coach, or Official Behavior | Explanation of Offense |
|---|
| Parents and fans on the field without permission |
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| Inappropriate verbal or non-verbal disrespectful behavior |
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| Open disputing or arguing with the decision of an official, coach, administrator, spectator, or players |
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| Obscene or vulgar language or the use of a physical act which is vulgar or obscene, or swearing |
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| Visual or verbal sign(s) of dissatisfaction with any official, coach or administrator’s decision |
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| Encouraging disrespectful or unsportsmanlike behavior in any player, coach, official, administrator or spectator |
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| Taunting or ridiculing of officials, coaches, players, administrators, or spectators |
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| Throwing of any object directed at a person, in the playing area (including the sideline bench area) |
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| Not stopping Zero Tolerance conduct once advised to do so |
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| Not voluntarily leaving a field/park once advised to do so by any official or League personnel |
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| Physical violence, fighting, or physical contact while the person is upset or angry |
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| Threats of any nature |
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| Intimidation |
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| Returning to field/park after being ejected |
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| Any other loss of self-control |
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Received by: ___________________________________________________________________________
Board Member Name, Signature, and Date