What to Expect as a North Rockland Youth Football Player
Practice
Season Begins - August 1st
Season Ends - Mid-November
Location - Haverstraw Sports Complex 70 Chapel St Garnerville, NY (there may be times where practice may take place at one of our North Rockland School fields)
Practice schedules are at the discretion of your teams coaching staff. You can expect to practice anywhere from 3-5 days a week. Practice schedules will be issued in August.
Each player must complete 10 hours of conditioning during the first week of practice before physical contact is permitted, as per USA Football and Taconic League Rules. https://www.taconicyfc.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1498805
Football Uniforms
NRAYF provides all players with a helmet, shoulder pads and jersey. Parents are responsible for supplying mouth guards, chin guards, practice jersey, cleats, etc. Players can use old uniforms as practice attire.
Games
Players are expected to attend ALL GAMES! Game schedules are expected to be posted the last week of August. Most games will be played on Sundays, with occasional exceptions. Our season opener is always the first Sunday in September. Players are to arrive on time and in full uniform. Arrival times will be posted on the Game Changer App.
Game Changer
All team communication including practice and game schedules will be done through the Game Changer app.
Parents
Parents are expected to ensure their child arrives on time for all practices and games. Consistent attendance is required — practices are mandatory and help your child learn plays, build skills, and stay ready to compete. Parents should also make sure their player comes prepared with all required practice gear and brings enough water to stay hydrated throughout every practice or game. Showing up ready and on time supports your child’s development and helps the entire team succeed
Communication
North Rockland AYF has a 24-hour grace period policy in place for all parents and guardians. If a concern arises regarding a coach, playing time, a game situation, or anything involving your child at a practice or game, parents must wait 24 hours before contacting a coach or board member to discuss the issue.
This policy allows time for emotions to settle and ensures that all conversations remain respectful, productive, and focused on what is best for the athletes and the program. We ask that parents do not approach coaches during or immediately after games or practices. After the 24-hour period, parents may reach out to schedule a private discussion. Our goal is to maintain a positive, supportive environment for all players, coaches, and families.
Code of Conduct
All players, parents, and spectators are expected to demonstrate respect, sportsmanship, and positive behavior at all practices and games. We ask that everyone support our athletes and coaches with encouragement only — no negative comments toward players, coaches, officials, or opposing teams will be tolerated. Disruptive behavior, foul language, or unsportsmanlike conduct may result in removal from the field or event.
Our goal is to create a safe, positive, and supportive environment where our athletes can learn, grow, and enjoy the game of football.
Fundraising
All players in the North Rockland Youth Football League are required to participate in our mandatory league-wide fundraiser through Snap Raise. This fundraising effort plays a vital role in supporting the special experiences and programs that make our season memorable for every athlete.
The funds raised help cover important league activities and enhancements such as our Pep Rally, concessions, league merchandise, end-of-season celebrations, player gifts, and other team-building events throughout the year. These events build pride, unity, and lasting memories for our Red Raider family.
As our fundraising efforts continue to grow, the long-term goal is to reinvest back into our program in even bigger ways — including the potential purchase of new field equipment, upgraded player gear, free skills clinics, and scholarship opportunities for families in need. Every dollar raised helps strengthen the future of North Rockland Youth Football.
Snap Raise is a safe and easy online platform that allows families to reach out to friends and family electronically to support our league. Every player’s participation helps ensure we can continue to provide a fun, organized, and spirited season for all.
Thank you for your commitment to supporting North Rockland Youth Football and helping us make this season a success!