General Information

The State College Lions Youth Football League was created by a group of individuals interested in establishing a youth football organization geographically within the immediate State College community. This program will fill the needs of those in the State College Area School district who wish to have their children participate in and learn the skills of football and cheerleading as a recreation, not as a lifestyle. The program will foster and develop the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity, leadership, self-discipline, and respect for others in a positive, safe, and encouraging environment.

A primary objective of the program is to limit the time commitment of the kids and family so that participation is not perceived to be life-encompassing. The program is structured to allow balance. It balances the time commitment necessary to adequately prepare the kids to participate safely and competitively in a game situation with the needs of kids to be kids. The kid's development is as athletes, not just football players.

State College Lions makes Football and Cheerleading FUN! We promise to coach with encouragement and to develop the fundamentals of sports.

Program Highlights

• Practices and home games located in State College
• Voluntary Fundraising
• No conflicts with PSU home football games
• Member of the Juniata Valley Football League with a total of 10 Teams
• All League tackle teams make playoffs culminating in a Super Bowl for each the Pee Wee and Midget division
• Senior Bowl game at the end of the playoff season for all participating 12-year old Midgets
• Flag Football and Cheerleading Teams

• Ages 5-6

• Pee-Wee Tackle Football and Cheerleading Teams

• Ages 7-8-9

• Midget Tackle Football and Cheerleading Teams

• Ages 10-11-12

• Reasonable Practice Expectations
• Certified Coaches
• Everyone Participates
• Practice begins August

Practice Schedules

Each team practice schedule is subject to change or adjustment to ensure compliance with all current or new JVFL rules.

Flag Football - Flag Football players are tentatively scheduled to begin practices in the beginning of August are generally committed to practicing two evenings a week scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. This schedule may be modified by the Head Coach, at their discretion, but will not exceed 1.5 hours for each practice.

After games and school begin, practices may be reduced with the likelihood of shortened practice times as the season progresses and days grow shorter.

Tackle Football - Tackle Football players are tentatively scheduled to begin practices the first day in August and are generally committed to practicing three (3) to four (4) evenings a week from 6 pm to 8:00 pm. This schedule may be modified by the Head Coach, at their discretion, but will not exceed 2.5 hours for each practice. It is anticipated that there may be some Saturday practices/scrimmages during mid-late August. The Head Coach will announce these activities once they are confirmed.

After games and school begin, practices may be reduced with the likelihood of shortened practice times as the season progresses and days grow shorter.

Cheerleading for Flag and Tackle -Cheerleaders are tentatively scheduled to begin practices in the beginning of August and are generally committed to practicing two (Flag) to three (Tackle) evenings a week scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. This schedule may be modified by the Head Coach, at their discretion, but will not exceed 1.5 hours for each practice.

After games and school begin, practices may be reduced with the likelihood of shortened practice times as the season progresses and days grow shorter.

Practice Locations

Practices for the season will be held at New Haymarket field, located adjacent to Blue Course Drive. On occasion some teams may practice at our Raytheon Field along Science Park Road.

Team Placement

Teams are selected based on the registration numbers and other guidelines as established by the State College Lions and the Juniata Valley Football League (JVFL). The JVFL establishes a maximum and minimum number of players for all teams.

Playing Time

The State College Lions will ensure adequate playing time for all of our players. In addition to the eight (8) regular season games, the JVFL encourages larger numbered teams within the league to schedule additional games for the younger, less experienced participants within their respective division. The league generally refers to these games as "B" games. These games are scheduled by the head coaches and provide a safe learning opportunity for the younger participants to experience game time with players at their same ability.

Football and Cheerleading Eligibility

Football players are assigned to teams based on age and weight. Cheerleaders are assigned based on age. Final decisions on team placement are the decision of the State College Lions in accordance with JVFL policies and procedures.

Team Divisions

Medical Readiness

All football and cheerleading participants must have a completed Medical Readiness form. Blank forms are provided and must be signed by the child's Doctor or Physician's Assistant. A child may not begin to practice until a signed form is received. Note: It is often difficult to get an appointment for a check up at this time of year. Schedule your appointment early. Some Physician's offices will sign a form without an official visit provided your child has visited in the last year. They may charge a small "form fee" for a signature. Check with your Primary Care Physician for this information.

Coaches Qualifications

The State College Lions require Act 34 Criminal Record Check and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance for all coaches.

Uniforms

Cheerleading Uniform Fitting and Distribution

All cheerleaders will need to be fitted for uniforms. All issued items will be collected at the end of the season.

Football Uniform Fitting and Distribution

All tackle football players will need to be fitted for uniforms. All issued items will be collected at the end of the season with the exception of the mouth guard.

Equipment Information

Tackle Football

Each player will be issued the following:

Each player is expected to purchase the following:

Flag Football

Each player will be issued the following:

Each player is expected to purchase the following:

Cheerleading

Each participant will be issued the following:

Each participant is expected to purchase the following:

Game Day Information

The tackle teams usually play four (4) home and four (4) away regular season games for a total of eight (8) games starting at the end of August. The Pee Wee tackle teams will play games on both Tuesday and Sunday. The Midget tackle teams will play games on both Wednesday and Sunday. Times and locations (home/away) are to be determined by the JVFL and will be published in a schedule on our website.

At the end of the regular season each team enters into a single elimination playoff season. All teams within the league make playoffs with placement seeds determined by regular season play. Each division, Pee Wee and Midget, culminates in a Super Bowl game in which the winner is crowned the JVFL Super Bowl Champions for the year.

The Flag teams play home and away games starting at the end of August on Sundays. The flag teams generally play between six (6) to eight (8) games. Times and locations (home/away) are to be determined by the JVFL and will be published in a schedule on our website.

The cheerleaders will cheer for their respective teams at the time and locations published as noted above.

No games are scheduled for PSU home-game Saturdays. The location of home games is being reviewed and discussed with both Centre Region Parks and Recreation and the School District. We will announce the location of home games once they are confirmed. The two fields used for home games are Raytheon Field and Memorial Field (The State College Area High School Field).

Fundraising and Volunteer Expectations

Fundraising is not mandatory, however, fundraising and volunteerism are an essential part of the organization. This volunteer effort allows the State College Lions to give more children the opportunity to participate. When everyone participates in fundraising and volunteering it spreads the responsibility. There is truly an opportunity for everyone to get involved and have fun.

You will be asked to volunteer or participate in fundraising activities such as selling products or team merchandise. As a volunteer we may need your help working at the concession stand, helping run the chains, or selling programs on game day. It takes a large number of volunteers to make practices and games run smoothly. Anytime you can help you are providing support for your child and his/her organization.

Sponsorship Opportunities

State College Lions Youth Football League is a non-profit organization committed to providing a valuable recreational opportunity to all youth in the State College Area. Costs associated with providing this experience are substantial, and SCLYFL has many opportunities for those who want to help. Please keep in mind that we have no mandatory fundraising, and the registration fee is among the lowest for youth activities in the area. We must rely on the generosity and commitment of the community. Here are just a few of the ways that you can get involved to help SCLYFL get off the ground and provide a quality product for our children:

Corporate Sponsorships

SCLYFL understands that there are many business and organizations in our area that are highly committed to helping to financially support youth activities. We are also sensitive to the sheer number of requests these businesses are faced with in an area like State College. We are anxious and committed to developing sponsorship relationships with local businesses, and need the help of our members. If you know of opportunities with local businesses, perhaps even your own business or your employer, please relay that information to our Corporate Sponsorship Committee. We can help by providing the details of the sponsorship opportunities, coordinating the efforts our members, and by communicating the associated benefits to our potential sponsors. You can email the Sponsorship Committee at Sponsorships@scLions.com, call Mark Suchanec at 235-1597.

Player Sponsorships

SCLYFL enables you to sponsor the player of your choice! You can provide the means to equip your player for action by donating the $200 equipment cost. You can then have your personalized message appear in the Season Game Program! For more details, email the Sponsorship Committee at Sponsorships@scLions.com, call Mark Suchanec at 235-1597.