REGISTRATION

The dates for registration can be found on the "FOOTBALL" and "CHEERLEADERS" page.  All sign-ups will be at the Concession Stand at Cowboy Complex.  We will continue with sign-ups through the first week of practice, however you will be charged a $ 25.00 late registration fee after the last Saturday of scheduled sign-ups.

To be eligible for play/cheer with the Cowboys, the child must be at least 5 years old, and no older that 14, as of July 31 of the current season.

If the child has never played/cheered for the Cowboys, we must have a legible copy of their birth certification, or a government issued proof of birth document, presented at registration.  We will keep it on file so that age can be verified, if necessary

We will not register a player/cheerleader unless a parent or legal guardian accompanied them to registration and we strongly encourage that the player/cheerleader accompanied the parent to registration, so they can be sized and fitter with their equipment/uniform.

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CONDUCT

This is a very important issues and one the Franklin Cowboys organization takes very seriously.  As a result, we have established a "Zero Tolerance" policy.

The Franklin Cowboys WILL NOT tolerate any form of unsportsmanlike conduct, from

any player, cheerleader, coach, official, referee, parent and/or fan.

This conducts includes, but not limited to, negativity, disrespectful behavior,

offensive language, spitting, throwing of objects, hitting, fighting,

and/or threats of violence, toward

any player, cheerleader, coach, official, referee, parent and/or fan.

Any violations will result in immediate suspension from the team/squad, and banned, for a specified period of time, from further participation and/or attendance in any Cowboys activities.  This ban will also be effective for any parent and/or fan found in violation.

Also, per TYFA rules, you may be assessed a monetary fine for each offense.

These do not include any criminal charges which may also be served on you.

The Franklin Cowboys want to make the child's experience as fun and enjoyable as possible, but we must be concerned for the safety and well-being of all.

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FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT and UNIFORMS

CHEERLEADER UNIFORMS and EQUIPMENT

The Franklin Cowboys provides (for the current season use), the player with the necessary "hard" equipment;

     helmet and pads

     shoulder pads

     7 piece pants pad set

These items must be returned at the end of the last games of the season. If not returned, you will be assessed a replacement fee for each missing item.

The Cowboys also provide the player with their game jersey and game pants.  These will be distributed the week before Jamboree or Opening Day. At no time, during the current play season, should the game jersey and pants be worn for practice.

The player will be responsible for providing their own practice jersey, practice pants, shoes/cleats, arm protectors, etc.  These items can be purchased at any of the retail sports stores (i.e. Academy Sports) in the area.

     - make sure you get the "football" pants as they have the pockets

       and snaps on the inside for the pads.

     - arm pads must be the soft, pliable type, no hard plastic.

     - the shoes should fit the player comfortably, keeping in mind the

       socks that will be worn as the weather gets colder.  The shoes

       should be football cleats and should have molded, not screw-in,

       and no metal cleats.

The player will be given one mouth protector at the beginning of the season, however you may want to purchase some extra ones when buying the other equipment.

     - mouth pieces must be worn at all times during practice and

       games and they do get lost and damaged.

If the player has their own equipment, it must be NOCSAE certified and in good condition.

     - the Cowboys will provide the decals and stripes to be placed on

       the helmet for the season.

The helmet and shoulder pads will be fitted to the player at the time of registration.  The player will be given a receipt and they will then proceed to the the fitting area.  NO equipment will be given without the receipt! 

The Franklin Cowboys organizations provides (for the current season use), the cheerleader with the necessary uniforms;

     cheer jumper

     warm-up jacket and pants

These items must be returned at the end of the last game of the season.  If not returned, you will be assessed a replacement fee for each missing item.

The Cowboys also provide the cheerleader with the opportunity to purchase the shoes, socks, pom-poms, bloomers, and cheer bag.  If your child has previously cheered for the Cowboys and has some of these items, then you will not need to purchase new ones.

 Warm-Up suits will be distributed after the season starts as the

 weather gets cooler.

The jumper and shoes (if necessary) will be fitted to the cheerleader at the time of registration.  The cheerleader will be given a receipt and they will then proceed to the fitting area.  NO uniforms will be given without this receipt!

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ISSUES and CONCERNS

If you have a concern or an issue, you must first address it with the Head Coach independently of a game or practice

     - if your concern remains unanswered, you may request a joint conference with the Division Athletic Director and the Head Coach

       or between the Vice President-Cheer and the Head Coach

     - if no solution is reached after this conference, a meeting will be scheduled with you, the Division Athletic Director and the Cowboy's Executive

       Board.

We want to know your concerns and opinions in order to provide a better program and environment for your child.  Please do not wait until the end of the season to report a problem or concern, let us know immediately so we can try to resolve the issues and make the season more enjoyable for everyone.

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PRACTICES and GAMES

FOOTBALL:  the first week of practice is for evaluation of each player to the best fit  for the player's level of participation.  The coaches will spend the first full week observing the basic skills of each player.  Decisions as to what team the player will be assigned to in their age group is based on athletic ability, size, experience and desire to play.  This process allows for them to play against others with the same ability, size and experience level.  It may take up to 2 weeks for your child to be assigned to a permanent team.

CHEERLEADING:  the placement of squads begins with the placement of the coaches, coaches children, siblings, then remaining cheerleaders

During the first two weeks, practices usually run every evening.  After the teams have been assigned, and school begins, practices are limited to no more than 3 nights a week.

Coaches are responsible for practice times and locations.  Being at all practices and games on time is mandatory.  Notify the coach prior to practice or game is your child will not be able to attend.  Unexcused absences may result in the player/cheerleader not being able to participate in the next game.

Make sure the player/cheerleader has plenty of water, especially during the hot weather.  The concessions stand will not be open for practices.  Sports drinks are OK, but water is best!  NO carbonated beverages.

We strongly discourage dropping off the player/cheerleader and leaving the premises.  If you have to leave, you MUST notify one of the coaches and make sure they have a way to contact you in the event of an emergency.  Return to the practice area or game site before the finish to pick up the child.  The coaches have families to get home to also.

Schedules are distributed at the beginning of the season as soon as they are available from TYFA.  Dates, times and locations are subject to change and coaches will have the updated changes.  Schedules, and any changes, will be posted on this website.

Games are usually played on Saturday, however it may be necessary to have a game on Sunday.  This doesn't happen very often and only occurs after all other play options have been exhausted.

There are usually 2-3 pre-season bowl games and 8 regular season games (4 homes and 4 away).  Play-Off's begin at the end of the regular season.

          TYFA charges a $ 3.00 per person entry fee for all Bowl Games, Jamborees, Play-Off's and $ 5.00 per person entry fee for Championship

          Games.  Players, cheerleaders and children under 12 yrs. old do not pay this entrance fee.

We do "travel" to other TYFA communities for games and the locations and directions can be found on the "LOCATIONS" page.  Plan your travel time accordingly, taking into account traffic delays and highway construction.

Our cheerleaders participate in the TYFCA Cheerleading Competition, which is usually scheduled in October.  We strongly encourage each football team to attend, and support, their cheer squad.

The most asked question - DO WE PRACTICE and/or PLAY IN THE RAIN?  The answer is.....

              if it's sprinkling or raining  -  we practice

              if it's pouring and/or lightning  -  we usually will not practice

      It is a good idea to show up even if it's raining, because most of the time, it blows over and in most cases, the coaches will not know until field

      conditions are assessed at practice time.

      These guidelines are the same for game day, however the Field Director and Head Referee makes the decision to delay the game.  If a rain

      delay occurs during a game,  DO NOT leave the play site until directed by your coach.  If the game is restarted and players and cheerleaders

      have left, it will mean a forfeit for the team.

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FUNDRAISERS

Each year, the Cowboys organizations sponsors  fundraisers for the football teams and the cheerleading squads.  These fundraisers are necessary to help with equipment replacement, year-end trophies and other expenses.  We ask that you support these fundraisers by purchasing the product and helping your child with the selling and delivery of them. 

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WEBSITE

With the amount of players, cheerleaders, officials, family and friends involved in the Cowboys, we have found the website to be the most efficient way to communicate all the necessary information.  During the season, we ask that you check it often.  It will have up-to-date information regarding weather cancellations, schedules changes, locations, information and news.

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VOLUNTEERS

Our organization relies on volunteers to be successful and we ask parents to volunteer some of their time to help out.  There are several different areas that you help would be invaluable.

     Team Equipment Manager - this positions come with a lot of responsibility and you must be available for all practices and games.

     Chain Crews - there needs to be a 3-person chain crew for each home game.

                                If you are comfortable with this position, please let your coach know.

     Team/Squad Moms/Dads - this position is very important to the organization and communications within the individual teams.

                                                       Again, please let your coach know if you are interested in this position.

     Homecoming Coordinators - you will be assisting and coordinating all the details involving the Homecoming celebration

The Game Day Clean-Up Crew is provided to our organization through an agreement with the County, however we ask that you help by picking up and putting the litter in the trash receptacles that are placed around the park. 

This is especially true during practice times.  Please make sure the practice area has been picked up and all litter has been placed in the trash receptacles

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HOMECOMING

The cheerleaders are in charge of all the Homecoming activities, however any help would be appreciated.

There is usually a parade through the streets of downtown Franklin which ends at the football fields.  Each team is encouraged to have a decorated float in the parade.  The trailer needs to be big enough to accommodate the football players and cheerleaders.  Candy throwing is NOT permitted for safety reasons.

There is a short presentation ceremony after all the teams arrive back at the fields and the games are then played.

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SPONSORS

The Franklin Cowboys is a 501(C)3 tax-exempt organization and we welcome help financing our activities.  The fundraisers and registrations fees only provide a portion of those needs.

We ask that each team and squad secure at least one (1) sponsor for the association's current season. In order to be fair to all participants, sponsorships and donations do not go to individual teams or squads, but are used to support the overall program.

It is important to mention that all Board members, administrative personnel and coaches are volunteers.  None of these people receive any compensation for their services and the expenses for the website hosting and design have been donated to our Association.

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REFUNDS

If, after registration, your child is unable to play, a partial refund may be available.  This refund is only available during the first 2 weeks of practice.  All requests for refunds must be done in writing to the Vice President-Finance for football or the Vice President-Cheer for cheerleading and will only be considered after ALL equipment and uniforms have been returned.

Refunds will not be issued until after TYFA Fee Night when the final rosters are set.

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A "print" copy of this information is available for download and printing.  Go to "HANDOUTS" page.