Frequently Asked Questions

The mission of Norristown Youth Athletic Association is to empower young people to reach their full potential through education, leadership development, and community service.

 Student-athletes are students who fulfill the responsibilities of both a student and an athlete, while maintaining a certain academic standard to remain eligible and adhere to a code of conduct and ethics to engage in NYAA and school programs. NYAA believes that the responsibilities and commitments of student-athletes, are beneficial and serve youth long after they stop playing. Some benefits include: better academic outcomes, developing interpersonal skills, increased exposure and experiences, mentorship, learning time management, increased critical and strategic thinking, and the real-world application of healthy coping skills.    

Student-athletes are taught to be balanced, focused, organized, and goal-oriented individuals. These qualities help them to excel at sports and academically. Sometimes, the pressures of being a student-athlete increase the possibility for increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. For some, the stigma associated with mental health deters student-athletes from asking for help. Seeing the warning signs and supporting student-athletes is incredibly important and supports their overall well-being. NYAA provides connections to support services and resources, in addition to promoting mental health awareness that will help young people cope with stress and build resilience.

PARENT/CAREGIVER CODE OF CONDUCT

We, the NYAA Board of Directors, have implemented the following Parent Code of Conduct for the important message that it holds about the proper role of parents in supporting the youth of our community and their child in sports.

The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are the foundations of sportsmanship and are demonstrated by the core principles of respect, responsibility, fairness, and good citizenship.

As an NYAA Parent/Caregiver, I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for each child participating in by adhering to the following code of conduct:

·       I will encourage good sportsmanship by always demonstrating positive support.

·       I will remember that children participate to have fun, and that the game is for youth, not adults.

·       I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language.

·       I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning.

·       I will respect the officials and their authority during games.

·       I will not confront coaches or managers at any time during games.

·       I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games.

·  There is no smoking allowed on the team fields or facilities.

·       Alcoholic beverages and drugs are prohibited.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action levied by the NYAA Board of Directors that could include, but is not limited to the following:

·       Verbal Warning

·       Written Warning

·       Parent/Caregiver suspension for games

·       Parent/Caregiver season suspension

·       Parent/Caregiver removal from all NYAA activities

The NYAA Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct infraction.

  STUDENT-ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT

 Player's responsibilities are simple; be respectful of others, be responsible, play fair, always do your best, and always exhibit good sportsmanship.

As a NYAA participant I hereby pledge that I will:  

·       Encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials, and parents.

·       Be a team player and support my teammates.

·       Be on time and attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coaches if I cannot.

·       Work hard to improve my skills.

·       Do my best to listen and learn from my coaches.

·       Encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity.

·       Congratulate the other team after each game as a demonstration of sportsmanship.

·       Refrain from using violence, unfriendly language, or insults to others.

·       Be generous when I win and gracious when I lose.

·       Follow the rules of the game and always work for the good of the team.

·       Accept the decisions of the officials with grace and never challenge or question calls.  Refrain from challenging or questioning on-field calls by officials and/or managers and coaches.

·       Conduct myself with honor and dignity.

·       Applaud the efforts of my teammates and opponents.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action levied by the NYAA Board of Directors that could include but is not limited to the following:  

·       Verbal warning

·       Written warning

·       Player suspension for games

·       Player suspension for season including postseason 

·       Player being expelled from NYAA

The NYAA Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct infraction.

  VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

 Youth sports programs play an important role in promoting the physical, social, and emotional development of children.  As managers and coaches with NYAA you should be models of good sportsmanship and behavior for your child and all children in the community including participants and spectators alike.

The NYAA Board of Directors ask that you pledge to be responsible for your words and actions while coaching, officiating, and participating in NYAA events, and that you conform your behavior to the following Code Of Conduct:

- Remember that I am a youth sports coach/volunteer and that the game is for children, not adults.

- Place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of my own desire to win.

- Understand that the objective of NYAA is to promote the ideals of good sportsmanship, respect for authority and team building.

- Strive to help my players become happy, well-adjusted children who will evolve into good citizens.

- Treat each player as an individual, realizing the large range of development for the same age group.

- Realize that statistics and win/loss percentages are minor in comparison to whether a player has a positive, enriching experience.

- Lead by example in demonstrating fair play and good sportsmanship.

- Notify the spectators that they are responsible for abiding by the Code of Conduct, an integral part of NYAA and a player registration requirement.

- With the assistance of a team parent, handle all administrative requirements of the team.

- Spend the time necessary with my team at practices and games, and do my best to organize play that is fun and challenging for all players.

- Do my best to provide a safe playing environment, free of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

- Review and practice the basic first aid principles needed to treat injured players.

- Learn the official NYAA mandates and regulations. Teach these rules to the players, and enforce them with the parents.

- Be responsible for the proper use of all assigned equipment, facilities and uniforms. Return all equipment on the date specified by the Equipment Manager at the end of the season.

- Understand that the Board of Directors is committed to assisting coaches/volunteers while running a program based on what is best for all participants.

- Understand that any of the following actions, while in the presence of players, will result in disciplinary action by the Board of Directors up to and including removal as Coach (or Assistant Coach)/volunteer of your team:

1) Display of poor sportsmanship or disrespectful behavior, including arguing or baiting officials

2) Loss of temper and/or self-control

3) Demonstrating an obvious lack of integrity by intentional manipulation of the rules

4) Playing children less than the minimum play requirements

5) Use of bad language, including derogatory remarks made toward players, umpires, or other adults

6) Allowing players to trash talk opponents, umpires, or spectators

- Use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco while around the team

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subjected to disciplinary action levied by the NYAA Board of Directors that could include, but is not limited to the following:

·       Verbal warning

·       Written warning

·       Manager/coach/volunteer suspension for games

·       Manager/coach/volunteer season suspension

·       Manager/coach/volunteer removal from all league activities

The NYAA Board of Directors retains the sole authority to determine what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate for any conduct infraction.

Check out available positions in the "About" section. NYAA requires all volunteers to have the proper clearances to engage in our programs. Below is the link to obtain the:  

• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
  
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance
  
• Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal History Clearance
  (required for all employees and some volunteers)
  

https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/default.aspx

In addition, all volunteers are required to provide valid photo identification and complete the Volunteer Application (found in the Forms section on the Home page). You can email these documents to nyaaeagles1@gmail.com

-Click on the "Register Now" button at the top of the Home Page.

-No participant will be allowed to start without all paperwork completed and fees paid. 

-7v7 football registration fee is $100.00 per child.

-Flag football registration fee is $100.00 per child.

-Tackle football registration is $275 (one child), discount for additional children.
-Cheer registration fee is $225 (one child), discount for additional children.

-All registered participants will receive raffle tickets to keep or sell; a total of $120 for each participant. The due date for raffle tickets will be set and communicated at the start of the season. 

-A parent/guardian for each participant must signup to volunteer at 3 games or practices via Google Forms or opt-out by paying a $75 Participation Fee. First-come-first-served.

-Football players may rent equipment for a refundable fee of $150 at the start of the season; this includes the use of a practice jersey, pants with pads, helmet, and shoulder pads; all to be returned at the end of the season. Installment payments are available.

-Cheer registration includes use of a cheer uniform and a pair of pom-poms; all to be returned at the end of the season. Cheerleaders will also need bloomers, socks, and sneakers. 

-Flag registration includes a team uniform, socks, and a mouth guard. 

**Payment plans are available during registration but must be paid in full by the announced date.

-Click the "Register Now" button at the top of the Home Page.

-No participant will be allowed to start without all paperwork completed and fees paid.

-The registration fee is $160 (one child).

-Track and Field registration includes a uniform, team shirt, and meet entry fees for season meets, unless otherwise noted.

- Advancement to more competitive meets in based on your child's qualifying times.  

-Participants will also need running sneakers and black running shorts. Spikes are optional.

-All registered participants will receive raffle tickets to keep or sell; a total of $100 for each participant. The due date for raffle tickets will be set and communicated at the start of the season. 

**Payment plans are available during registration but must be paid in full by March 31st. Indoor Track timelines are different.

-Be sure to look at the details of the free clinic that is being offered. (ages, times, location, equipment needed, associated fees, etc.)

-Click the "Register Now" button at the top of the Home Page.

-No participant will be allowed to start without all paperwork completed and any associated fees paid.

-A parent/guardian (18yo+) must remain onsite during the clinic.

 Refund Policy
-Fully registered participants are eligible for a full refund if the registration is cancelled before July 29th for Football and Cheer.

-Fully registered participants are eligible for a full refund if the registration is cancelled before March 1st for Outdoor Track and Field. 

- Fully registered participants are eligible for a full refund if the registration is cancelled before November 1st for Indoor Track and Field. 

-No refunds for any program will be given after the start of each season. No exceptions will be made due to operational preparation for equipment, memberships, and fees to outside organizations. All registration cancellations must be received in writing before the listed dates to nyaaeagles1@gmail.com. A confirmation email will be sent once received and approved, then a refund check will be issued within 7-10 business days.

At NYAA, we value each and every donation we receive from our supporters. NYAA provides student-athletes with safe opportunities to stay physically active, make healthy connections with their peers, and develop lifelong skills. Please email us at nyaaeagles1@gmail to discuss your ideas and support. You can also make an online donation on our homepage, by clicking the donate button.