Lincoln Youth Football & Cheer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)
Our mission and vision statement- Mission: To impact and improve the youth, community, and region through football and cheer on a daily basis. Vision: To be the premier youth football and cheer organization in the region.
Our goals are to provide a structured program to educate participants in all aspects of our youth football and cheer program. The success of our program will not be measured by our win-loss record or a competition placement, but by the sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect we show others and ourselves on and off the field.
Our program will always be aimed at creating responsible and respectful youths that will work together as one family. In doing this, we will always provide a positive learning environment that will maintain the highest standards in athletics and academic achievement and will be a positive experience for all of our participants and parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If the season is cancelled, will I receive a refund for registration?
A: Yes, you will receive a refund on registration if the season is cancelled.
Q: Do I have to live within the Lincoln High School boundaries to play for the Lincoln Jr. Zebras?
A: No, you do not have to live within the Lincoln High School boundaries. It is beneficial as we run the same play book as the high school.
Q: How old does my son or daughter have to be to participate?
A: Cheer is ages 5 -14 and football is ages 7 - 14 (Grades 2nd-8th). Athletes that will be 5 years old on or before August 1st of any given cheer season are eligible to tryout. Athletes that will be 7 years old on or before August 1st of any given football season are eligible to tryout. Please note that team assignments are now
by grade instead of age for football. Final report card will need to be turned in
with registration paperwork for football.
Q: When do I turn in my medical release, birth certificate (new players only) and pay the balance on my account?
A: The medical release has to be dated on or after April 15, 2023. All required documents and holding checks are due on or prior to July 3, 2023. Football and cheer registration fees are due by July 3, 2023.
Q: When does football practice start?
A: . Mandatory football practices begin July 17, 2023.
Q: When does Cheer practice start?
A: . Mandatory Cheer practices begin July 24, 2023.
The 2023 Cheer Assessments will be announced soon. Please watch for e-mails or check our website for more information.
Q: Is it ok if my child misses the first week of practice?
A: No. The first two weeks of football and cheer practice are the most critical. The first week completes the mandatory conditioning required by SAC. Until the 10 hours of conditioning are completed, a child cannot participate in any contact drills or wear pads. The second week of practice is when the football players begin full contact practice. Cheer begins stunting during the second week of practice. This is when coaches begin to get a feel of where each child fits within the team. Missing the first week hurts the cheerleader and squad because they cannot be placed in a stunting group.
Q: Can I choose which team my child plays on?
A: Athletes are placed in age specific divisions. If an athlete is eligible to play in multiple divisions the LYFC board of directors retains the sole discretion concerning all player placement decisions.
Q: What if my child doesn't like it or is released from the football team, do I get a refund?
A: Prior to equipment hand out on July 15, 2023, you will get 100% refund.
After Equipment hand out once all equipment is returned you can get up to $250.00 refund.
If your athlete quits after week 3 of practice no refund will be given
Q: Do you need coaches, team parents, or other volunteers?
A: Lincoln Jr. Zebras Youth Football & Cheer is a completely volunteer program. We are always looking for enthusiastic people to help support the league in any capacity that they can. We need every family to participate in some manner. Each family is required to volunteer a minimum of ten (10) hours per athlete during the season (max hours are 20 hours for multiple children in the program. For example, 1-2 athletes 10 hours required for each athlete, 3 plus athletes, max allowed is 20 hours). If a parent signs up for volunteer hours and is charged with a “no show” two times, their volunteer check will be cashed immediately and they will not be permitted to sign up for additional hours for the remainder of the season. Some of the available volunteer positions are PAR monitor (home/away games), chain gang (away games), spotter, BBQ, trash, field water, snack bar, spirit wear booth, front gate, back gate, set up and take down.
Q: When will I know about schedules for practice and games?
A: The first day of mandatory football tryouts is July 17th 2023 and cheer practice will be July 24, 2023. Practices go 5 days a week, no more than 2 hours long, M-F, typically from 6-8 pm for football, cheer practice will be determined by Coach and Cheer Director. Football will go down to 3 days a week after the 1st game of the season. Coaches do have the right to change their schedule if needed and parents will be informed by coaches or team mom of any changes. We try to schedule all our games on Saturdays. However, because our game schedule is based upon the availability of the high school field, there have been occasions where we have had to play a Sunday game.
Q: What if my child misses a practice?
A: Because football is a full contact sport and cheer incorporates stunts into their routines, it is a safety issue for both the player and the team when a child misses practice. In the event a participant cannot be at a practice, it is mandatory that one of the coaches be notified prior to practice. The following penalties apply to absences(please also see full attendance policy in your registration for football or cheer):
- Missing one practice may prohibit the participant from starting the next game.
- A second missed practice the same week may disqualify that child from playing in that week's game.
- Children not participating in a game for these reasons are required to attend the game but will not dress.
- If any injury occurs, a doctor’s release is required prior to returning to practice.
Q: Can I watch my child practice?
A: Yes, for football. The practice fields are reserved for coaches, athletes, and instructors only. It is asked that parents, friends, and siblings remain off the practice fields at all times and 50 feet back. Practice time is limited, so it is important that coaches have the opportunity to make the best use of the time allotted. If you must speak to a coach, please contact them before or after practice. Siblings should not be left at the field without adult supervision and Lincoln Youth Football and Cheer will not assume responsibility for their safety. Also, words of encouragement during practice by parents are always welcome, words of criticism are strictly forbidden and disruptive. Lincoln Youth Football and Cheer retains the exclusive right to request the removal of disruptive parents or visitors. Please see Parent Code of Conduct in your registration.
Q: How Is Playing Time Calculated?
A: SAC requires that all players receive eight (8) plays per game minimum depending on the team size. For each game, two parents will be responsible to document a team's PAR requirement. If a team fails to meet their PAR requirement, they forfeit the game. Beyond the PAR requirement, playing time is at the sole discretion of the coaching staff, who will determine a player's playing time based on, but not limited to, the following multiple factors: safety, skill, discipline, practice drills, leadership, conditioning, and practice attendance.
Q: Does the League Provide Football Equipment?
A: Yes, your child will receive the following: certified helmets, shoulder pads, practice jersey, practice pants, game socks, game jerseys (2), game pants, chin strap, and mouth piece. You will need to purchase cleats and highly encouraged to purchase a chin strap with removable liner for sanitary purposes.
Q: Can I utilize a popup or umbrella on game days in the stands?
A: Yes, popups and umbrellas can be utilized in the top rows of the stands only. Any that are blocking the view of the announcer booth or others are not allowed and will be asked to be taken down.
Q: What if I have a suggestion or complaint?
A: If you would like the LYFC board of directors to officially address a suggestion or complaint it needs to be in writing. The address for submission is:
P.O. Box 802
Lincoln, CA 95648
Or you can send an email to: president@jrzebras.com