Thank you for your interest in the Berlin Bulldogs. Please check out the information below:
Mission Statement
The mission of Berlin Youth Football and Cheerleading Inc. shall be to provide a football and cheerleading program for the youth of Berlin and the surrounding communities for the purposes of fun, education, and charity.
The mission will be achieved by providing supervised competitive football games and cheerleading competitions under the rules and regulations of the Mid State Youth Football and Cheerleading Conference. The emphasis is on academics, participation, sportsmanship, and the physical and mental development of each participant. Winning shall not be the primary focus.
Conference
The Bulldogs are part of the Mid State Youth Football & Cheerleading Conference. The other teams in the conference are Adams Friendship, Almond, Amherst, Iola-Scandinavia, Manawa, Omro, Plainfield, Quad Cities (Westfield area), Rosholt, Wautoma, Weyauwega, Wild Rose, Winneconne, and Wittenberg.
Eligibility
Football players must be at least in 3rd grade by September 1st and no older than 12 years old (12 year olds need to be in sixth grade or less) in order to participate. Seventh graders are not eligible to participate in football in this conference; they must participate in the public school program.
Cheerleaders must be at least in 3rd grade by September 1st and no older than 8th Grade in order to participate. Because our public school system does not have a cheerleading program for 7th and 8th graders they can participate through our organization.
Registration
Registration will be held in March and April each year. These will be advertised with flyers and posters through the area schools, in the Berlin Journal, and on the website. Multiple events will be held to accommodate most schedules.
Items Needed for Registration
Completed Registration form
Registration Fee (Football and Cheerleading $100.00)
Make Check Payable to “Berlin Youth Football”
Proof of age (New Participants Only)
Completed Emergency Contact form
Completed and signed Sportsmanship Agreement form
Copies of all forms will be at registration or can be found located on the website.
Financial Aid
Financial aid will be available for those who qualify.
Fundraiser for Registration Fee
In the spring of each year we offer a fundraising opportunity to each family to help alleviate the cost of registration. This fundraiser is optional.
See “Pizza Fundraiser” located under the Forms tab on the website for more information.
Items needed prior to start of Practice
Physical Form (Need to update every two years)
Copy of final report card from previous year
Players will not be allowed to practice without having all the above information completed and submitted.
Requirements/Expectations/Commitment to Program Player Expectations
Be Responsible
On-Field: Learn your position, be on-time, and be prepared
Off-Field: Go to school, complete your homework, and finish your chores
Set Goals
Set individual and team goals, prepare and practice, and do NOT give up
Persevere
Have courage, determination, and positive thinking
Be a Good Sport
Play fair, be honest, and respect all opponents, team members, coaches, and officials
Have Self-Control
Keep a clear head, control your emotions, and think before you act
Make Smart Moves
Review your options, then make your decision, and finally accept the outcome
Eat Right
Before practices or games eat a light meal with fruits, proteins, carbs, and water - stay away from fried foods and dairy
Sleep Right
Get to bed at a reasonable time each night.
Have fun!
Parent Expectations
Commitment to the Bulldogs Organization – we cannot help your kids without your help first
Commitment to Bulldogs Fundraisers
Commitment to working a minimum of one time in the concession stand
Attendance at registration – at least one parent and participant (participant will need to get fitted for equipment)
All documentation requirements completed on a timely basis
Attendance at Parent Meeting
Provide moral support regardless of what is happening on the field
Remember the kids are participating to develop character and have fun
Communications Shipping Address
Berlin Youth Football & Cheerleading Inc. – N8814 Cty Rd F, Berlin, WI 54923
Internet
www.berlinbulldogs.org
Website will be updated throughout the year including the roster, any new updates and pictures, check back periodically
Handouts
Team Members may receive handouts from time to time during practice, make sure they are held responsible for bringing those home.
Team Moms
Main duty is to assist Coaches with some non-coaching duties
Should be available at practices and games
Fundraisers
It takes a lot of money to run a quality organization so we do have a Fundraising Committee who schedules fundraising opportunities. Please participate in these fundraisers so we may keep the registration fee low.
Donations
Our goal as a league is to keep the cost to the participants to a minimum. Donations of any amount are welcome at any time and are greatly appreciated.
Donations may be sent to the Bulldogs shipping address at any time
Make checks payable to Berlin Youth Football
A Sponsor’s Form can be printed from the Forms tab on the website and should accompany any donations
Football Equipment
The league will be providing the following equipment: helmets, shoulder pads, pants and girdle pads, girdle, practice pants (white), game pants (red), belt, practice jersey, game jersey, and mouth guard.
ALL EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE TRIED ON VERY SOON AFTER RECEIVING IT TO BE SURE IT FITS. PLEASE BRING BACK ANY PIECES THAT DO NOT FIT TO YOUR COACHES TO EXCHANGE FOR A DIFFERENT SIZE. (Practice pants and game pants fit differently; please try both on right away).
After the third day of practice the players should come to practice in full pads, which means: shoulder pads, practice jersey, athletic supporter or compression shorts (not provided, but boys are encouraged to wear them), girdle (which has 3 pads in it – 1 on each hip and 1 covering the butt), practice pants (which have 4 pads in them – 1 on each thigh and 1 on each knee [there are pockets inside the pants to hold these]), the white belt (which is worn in both the white and red pants), helmet and mouthguard.
If you have any questions about how the equipment goes together (the pads can be very confusing and difficult to get in) please let the coach know, and they can help.
Equipment Care
Please take good care of the equipment, as it is the most expensive cost we incur. All gear can be machine washed with the exception of the helmet, shoulder pads, and mouthguard. Pads do not always need to be washed, but if you do, please take them out of the pants/girdle before washing. Helmets should always be placed on any surface right side up to avoid any scratches.
Equipment Handout
Equipment will be handed out at M&M Warehouse, located on the corner of Quarry Street and Industrial Park Road.
Game Jersey
Each player will be receiving a game jersey - that jersey they will be allowed to keep, and there will be washing directions on it. The player’s last name will be on the back of the game jersey. We ask that the players do not wear the game jersey during the season except to the games and on Fridays at school before the games. We change the design of the jerseys slightly each year to give the players something special for each year.
Wash and Care Instructions for Football Uniforms
The following care instructions will prolong the life of your Ripon uniforms while retaining color and minimize shrinkage. It is recommended that new uniforms (jersey and pant) be laundered before wearing, in lukecool (55F - 78F) water using a mild detergent.
Uniforms should be laundered immediately after they have been worn!!! Color transfer (bleeding) may occur when perspiration soaked garments are left in a pile or folded one on top of another for any period of time. Garments that cannot be laundered at once should be hung individually on rust-proof hangers (plastic or wooden). All items not a part of the garment; i.e. belts, pads, etc., should be removed and laundered separately. Wash uniforms inside out.
Garments made of Antron Nylon or Spandex unusually soiled or stained can be pre-soaked in lukewarm (100F) water with a pre-soak agent for no longer than 4 hours. Hot water can cause color transfer. Garments should be laundered immediately after pre-soaking!! Pre-soak agents such as Biz or Wisk are not endorsed by Ripon Athletic, but work.
Most garments can be laundered and/or rinsed in lukewarm water (100F) however, garments that contain Antron Nylon and/or Spandex and have a hi-luster finish must be washed separately in lukecool water or bleeding will result. Metallic #54, Metallic Plus #57, Pro Brite #58, Lycratalic #60 contain Antron Nylon.
Rinse washing machine before laundering garments.
White and colored garments cannot be washed together, wash separately by color.
Use a mild detergent (PH under 10) such as Tide, Ultra-Tide, Cheer, and Wisk are recommended. Ripon Athletic does not endorse these brands, but when used following these instructions, produce best results.
Water level in machine should be higher than garment level which will reduce mechanical action.
Remove garments immediately after wash cycle is finished to avoid color transfer.
Bleaching is NOT recommended. DO NOT USE CHOLORINE BLEACH!! As it will fade colors, weaken fabrics, and cause color transfer/bleeding.
A light application of a granular oxygen-base bleach is recommended on any white garment requiring bleaching. Do not use de-stainers or softners.
Garments should be air dried on rust-proof hangers (plastic or wooden). If machine drying is necessary, dryer should be at lowest temperature or “air-only” setting. Uncontrolled heat will result in uncontrolled shrinkage of garments. Remove garments from dryer at completion of drying cycle.
DO NOT DRY CLEAN GARMETS!! Dry cleaning may discolor garments and ruin imprint names and numbers. DO NOT IRON OR PRESS GARMENTS!! Especially those with imprinting.
Dry garments completely before storing. Storing garments in a cool, dry area protected from sunlight and fluorescent light will prevent mildew or yellowing.
Mouthguards
This diagram illustrates proper positioning of the upper teeth in the trough during fitting.
- Bring a pan of water to a full boil. Have a bowl of cold water nearby.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, completely immerse the mouthpiece into the boiling water for 30 seconds.
- Remove mouthpiece and dip in cold water for 1 second – no more. Quickly and carefully insert the mouthpiece into the mouth. Make sure front and back teeth are in the tooth trough. WORK FAST.
- Mold mouthpiece around upper teeth with fingers. Use thumbs to push onto back teeth.
- Close back teeth lightly on mouthpiece to form lower teeth impression. Be careful not to bite all the way through material.
- Insert mouthpiece back into boiling water for 2 seconds – no more. Shake and carefully insert back into mouth where the teeth indentations are already made.
- Close teeth together. Quickly use fingers to mold under lips and cheeks.
- Place mouthpiece under cold tap water to set.
- With mouthpiece not in mouth, use a razor blade or sharp scissors to carefully trim excess material.
- To clean mouthpiece, use a regular tooth brush and cold tap water. Brush all surfaces of mouthpiece. Do not use hot water in cleaning.
- Those affected with any type of disease of inflammation of teeth, gums or surrounding tissues or those with mouth prostheses, should consult their dentist before molding mouthpiece for custom fit.
Eyeglasses
If eyeglasses are worn they must be of athletically-approved construction with non-shattering glass. Contact lenses are acceptable.
Football Cleats
Players are recommended to purchase cleats but do not need to be football specific cleats, they can be soccer or baseball cleats as long as the cleats are not metal.
Jewelry
No jewelry of any type can be worn except for religious or medical medallions, which must be covered by the player’s uniform.
End of year equipment collection
All equipment, with the exception of the mouthguard and game jersey, will be collected at the end of the year by the coaching staff.
Please bring the following items washed and cleaned: helmet, shoulder pads, 7 piece pad set (please put in a separate bag), girdle, practice pants, game pants, belt, and practice jersey.
We are very fortunate to have quality equipment and we wish to maintain this equipment for years to come. Please treat our equipment with care.
Cheerleading Equipment
The league will ..provide the following: shell (top), skirt, warm-up jacket & pants, socks, t-shirt, bloomers, pom poms and a bag.
Cheerleaders are expected to buy the hair ribbon(s) for approximately $5.50 and shoes for approximately $30.00.
Please make out your checks to Berlin Bulldogs or put cash in an envelope with your cheerleader’s name on it.
Shoes will be fitted by Rogan’s on the first practice at 5:30. Please ensure that you are there the first night.
At the end of the season, cheerleaders will keep their t-shirts, bloomers, socks and bags.
Football Rules
All games are played under the same rules set for High School football set forth by the WIAA with some additions or exceptions. A few of the differences are highlighted below, if you want a more detailed list see a Board member or Coach.
Restricted Players: All players under the age requirement are eligible to play in our conference but, due to safety, larger players are restricted to playing certain positions only.
Mandatory Play: All players that are eligible to play are required to participate in a minimum of 14 plays each game.
Scoring: All scoring is the same as normal football except for Point After Touchdowns (PATs) – a PAT that is kicked is worth 2 points while all other PATs are worth 1 point.
Lopsided Score: When a team is ahead of the other team by 24 points or more there are no more kickoffs and the clock will not stop for normal reasons throughout the second half. This will continue unless the score differentiation becomes less than 24 points.
Punting and Field Goals/PATs: These plays are “dead ball” plays until the ball is kicked. The defense cannot rush the punter or kicker.
Understanding the Football Positions Offense
Offensive Line
Center: Middle of the line - hikes the ball to the Quarterback, blocks for the run or pass
Guards: Two of them, one on each side of the Center, blocks for the run or pass
Tackles: Two of them, one on each side of the Guards, blocks for the run or pass
Tight End: Can be up to two of them outside the Tackles, blocks for the run or pass or can receive a pass
Backs
Quarterback: runs the offense
Running Backs: Can be called Fullback, Tailback, Halfback, Powerback – responsible for running the ball or blocking for the runner, can also catch a pass
Receivers
Catches passes, runs the ball, or blocks
Defense
Defensive Line
Noseguard: Lines up over the Center, stops the run and rushes the passer
Tackle: Lines up over the Offensive Tackle, stops the run and rushes the passer
End: Lines up outside the Offensive Tight End, stops the run and rushes the passer
Linebackers
Up to three and lines up at least three yards off the ball behind the Defensive Line, stops the run and defends the pass
Defensive Backs
Cornerback: Protects the outsides of the formation from run and pass
Safety: Protects the back of the defense from run or pass
Coaches
Many of our coaches are parents of participants, but we are always interested in getting coaches that do not have children in the program also. Our coaches are responsible for all operations of their respective teams ensuring that our mission is being met. They must follow all the rules set forth by the conference and make sure that all players and coaches do the same.
Background Checks
This organization will perform an annual background check on all Coaches and any other persons or volunteer workers who have repetitive access to or contact with players and/or cheerleaders. This check must be completed and approved prior to the applicant assuming his/her duties for the current season.
Rosters
Rosters will be set up after the first week of practice. The rosters will be posted on the website. We will make every effort to have each team be equally competitive.
Siblings will be on the same team if they are playing on the same level of competition.
Football Practices
All Practices will be held on the Berlin High School practice field located on the corner of Center and Cumberland Streets. If we have too many teams for this location we might have to move some teams to another area.
For the first three weeks of the season the practices will be held from 5:30-8:00 pm. Monday through Thursday.
After that the practices will normally be held from 5:30-8:00 pm or until dark, whichever comes first, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Each Head Coach will attempt to bring a water jug to practice but players can bring water bottles if they wish.
The conference requires 3 days of no contact practice and 3 days of contact practice prior to participation in a game.
Games
This is a traveling league and each participant is required to secure their own transportation to events. Directions to the games can be found on the website and their Head Coach will inform the participants when to arrive and be ready.
All participants must be involved in at least one practice the week prior to an event or they may not participate in that event, unless a written excuse is approved by the Head coach prior to the absence.
Weather Conditions
We will practice and play games in all weather with the exception of thunder and lightening. This means we will play in rain, heat, cold, and snow. If you are not sure call the head coach.
Insurance
Medical and Liability insurance is provided to each participant and volunteer through the conference. The cost of this insurance is included in the membership fee.
Apparel
The league will be selling apparel sporting the Berlin Bulldogs logo. Please watch for forms handed out at practices or contact a board member.
Team/Individual Pictures
All Players will have their picture taken with their team, and individually if they want. If you want individual pictures, you must turn in the envelope with the appropriate money at the time of pictures being taken. Please have the participants wear their game uniforms for pictures. Watch the website site for more information.
Awards Ceremony
We will be having an awards ceremony at the conclusion of the year – each participant will get an invitation. Each participant will be recognized individually both for their play on the field as well as their academics (if they meet the “A” or “B” qualifications).
Parents Meeting
We hold a meeting each year to communicate all necessary information to parents. Each participant will receive an invite and the date will be posted on the website. This is a very informative meeting and is recommended that all families attend. It is a perfect place to get all your questions answered.
Scholarships
Since part of this organization’s emphasis is on academics at least one scholarship will be awarded each year to a former participant that is furthering their education after High School. These scholarships will be based on academic standing, community involvement, need, and the desire by the student to continue his or her education.
Contact
Mike Schrader – President – 920- 361-1207
SUPPORT YOUR BERLIN BULLDOGS - GET INVOLVED!
Jun 21, 2012 7:57 AM
