Parents Information Packet
PARENTS INFORMATION PACKET
Thank you for registering your child with Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation (FCPR).The following packet has been prepared for you to provide basic information about FCPR programs. The packet contains items such as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S), important dates to remember, registration districts and procedures, coach recruitment, player draft procedures, sports information sheet, etc.
It is our sincere desire to serve you and your child with the best athletic program possible. We hope that you will take a few moments and read through this information. Hopefully, any question you have will be answered within this packet.
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COACH RECRUITMENT PROCEDURES
1. Center staff will have the primary responsibility to recruit and select coaches.
2. During registration, center staff should ask all parents if they are willing to coach:
a. If a parent is interested in coaching, they must fill out a volunteer (coaching) application
b. If willing (but only if needed) they should be added to a "potential coaches" list, maintained at each center
3. Prospective coaches must be at least 18 years of age.
4. Prospective coaches must pass a criminal background check before they will be assigned a team.
5. All adults who pass the criminal background check will be placed in a pool for prospective coaching vacancies.
6. Coaches will not be allowed to begin practice until they have passed the criminal background check.
7. Tenured coaches must notify center staff, in writing, via the volunteer (coaching) application, if they desire to return.
8. Coaches in "good standing" will maintain current team assignments within a league if requested via the volunteer (coaching) application within the first two weeks of the open registration period.
9. Youth associations will be allowed to review the pool of approved coaching applicants upon request.
10. If the youth association has reservations about a prospective coach, immediate documented justification must be provided to support the concerns.
11. If the youth association does not recommend/endorse/approve a prospective coach, that individual may appeal the youth association's decision, in writing, to the Recreation Director within five (5) working days of notification.
12. FCPR will have the final approval of all coaches.
13. Center staff should determine how many head coaches will be needed by dividing the number of players registered in an age group by the minimum number of players required to form a team.
14. Head coaches will be assigned prior to the draft.
15. Team assignments will be at the discretion of center staff.
16. If a team does not have a head coach returning, all assistant coaches will be offered the head coaching position. If all assistant coaches request the team, see next item.
17. For multiple requests of the same team, assignments will be at the discretion of center staff, based upon factors such as, but not limited to: good standing, experience and parental involvement.
18. When there are more coaches than teams available, assignments will be at the discretion of center staff, based upon factors such as, but not limited to: good standing, experience and parental involvement.
19. In an effort to allow all to participate, center staff will select for teams without a head coach during the draft.
20. Center staff will then make every effort to acquire a head coach for the newly drafted team by meeting with parents, polling the "potential coaches" list and exploring any other available options.
21. Center staff will document all attempted contacts to potential coaches, with a minimum of 3 attempted contacts required.
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Draft Procedures
• Center staff with the assistance of athletics will administer the draft
• Center staff will determine the number of teams that will be in the draft by dividing the total number of players registered (new and returning) by the minimum # of players required to have a team.
• When the draft has ended, all teams must have at least the minimum # of players on their roster as required by FCPR rules.
• Center staff will send a list of their teams (per age group) to Athletics on the day immediately following the draft.
• A skills assessment will be conducted prior to each draft. All players must participate. All players not attending the skills assessment will have their names placed in a hat and a blind draw will be taken after all players at the assessment have been chosen
• Coaches will attend the assessment and draft and will select players.
• If a coach does not attend the draft, center staff will select players for that team.
• If a team does not have a coach prior to the draft, center staff will select players for that team and try to find a coach by calling the parents of each player selected. If no one volunteers to coach, the team will be dropped and their registration fee refunded
• Each coach will receive a database of all eligible players in their age group. Coaches will pick players from this database. As a player is selected, center staff will denote their team name on the database sheet.
• Local changes cannot be made to these procedures
• Recommended changes must be approved by the Athletic Director and will apply to all centers.
1. All new players must go through the draft.
2. Returning players will be placed on their previous team roster.
3. Teams will draft in the reverse order the their finish from the preceding season. This will continue with teams picking in this order each round. Example:
Order of Finish Order of Draft
Team A 1st Team D 1st
Team B 2nd Team C 2nd
Team C 3rd Team B 3rd
Team D 4th Team A 4th
4. When there are enough players to form a new team or teams, the new team or teams will pick first and have an extra pick at the end of the 1st and 3rd rounds and all following odd numbered rounds.
Order of Finish Draft Order-Rd. 1 Draft Order-Rd. 2 Draft Order-Rd. 3
Team A 1st New team 1 New team 1 New team 1
Team B 2nd New team 2 New team 2 New team 2
Team C 3rd Team D Team D Team D
Team D 4th Team C Team C Team C
Team B Team B Team B
Team A Team A Team A
New team 1 New team 1
New team 2 New team 2
5. No team can pass on their time to pick. All players must be drafted.
6. When a team reaches the minimum amount of players required on a roster, it will suspend drafting players until all other teams reach the required minimum amount of players. When all teams have reached the minimum roster limit, they will all resume-drafting players.
7. A team stops picking when they reach the maximum roster limit.
8. All team rosters must be full before a center will start a waiting list.
9. A new head coach gets his child, but has to take him as his 1st round pick. All head coaches will be assigned before the draft. A new head coach cannot be assigned to a team that has a head coach or assistant coaches' child returning in an attempt to avoid the draft.
10. All players that have a brother or sister already on a team will count as that teams 3rd round pick. Siblings in the same draft will count as 1 pick.
11. If a new player registers after the draft, all the teams with remaining slots will be put in a hat and the team that is drawn will get the player.
12. Returning players that register after the draft will be placed on their previous team if a slot remains available. If a slot is not available, then all the teams with remaining slots will be put in a hat and the team that is drawn will get the player.
13. Under extreme circumstances, if a returning player is allowed to reenter the draft, his former team will be allowed an extra draft pick after he is chosen. Example: Art Smith reenters the draft and is chosen as the 4th pick in the 1st round. His former team would get the 5th pick in the 1st round. The team scheduled to pick 5th would pick 6th, and so on.
14. Players may be traded after the draft has concluded. All trades must be done in the presence of staff within 1 hour of the conclusion of the draft.
15. Staff will have the authority to rule on any point not specifically covered by these guidelines.
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FAQ'S (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. When is registration?
Varies according to the sport. A two-month open registration period is held for team sports. Baseball, Softball, and Indoor Soccer registration is January 1 to March 1. Football, Soccer, Cheer, Fall Baseball/Softball registration is June 1 to August 1. Basketball registration is October 1 to December 1. Beginning and ending dates are adjusted if they fall on Sundays or holidays. Also, refer to the Dates to Remember and Sport Information sheets included in your packet.
2. Where can I register?
Participants can register at any center but will be assigned to play in the center determined by the address. Some districts have several recreation centers that will conduct 1 draft. It is possible for a child to register at 1 center, but then be drafted onto a team at another, nearby center. The following centers will conduct a single draft - Lake Rim, EE Miller, Cliffdale and Westover are in 1 district; Kiwanis, Myers, Massey Hill, Douglas Byrd, and Spivey are in 1 district; Pine Forest, Smith, and College Lakes are in 1 district. Example - a child may be registered at EE Miller, but could be draft onto a team at either Lake Rim, Cliffdale, or Westover.
3. How much does it cost to register?
$20 per sport, except football, which is $25
4. Is a birth certificate required?
Yes. A copy is kept on file in the recreation center.
5. May I bring a copy of the birth certificate back if I do not have it when I come to register? Registration forms and payment will not be accepted without a birth certificate.
6. Are any other documents acceptable to verify my child's age?
Yes. A passport or military ID will be accepted. A copy will be kept on file in the recreation center.
7. How are children assigned to teams?
All new players are assigned to teams using the FCPR drafting procedures, which involves a skill assessment. Drafting guidelines are included in your packet. In programs where no score is kept, players are assigned randomly to the teams
8. My child is a returning player. Does he/she go back to the same team?
Yes, if they are in the same age group as last year. If they are aging up, they will be assigned to a team using the FCPR draft
9. Can I request a specific team?
No. In the interest of fair play and even competition, players are assigned using the draft.
10. If I am a head coach, will my child play on my team?
Yes, if you coach a team in his/her age group and proper district.
11. When will the draft be held?
Varies according the sport and the recreation center. Refer to the Dates to Remember sheet included in your packet, which lists the time period for all drafts to be conducted. Your recreation center will notify you with the specific date/time.
12. Who will supervise the draft?
Center staff with the assistance of athletics will supervise the draft.
13. How do I find out what team my child is on?
After the draft is conducted, your child's coach will call you. You may also call your recreation center.
14. If I do not like the team that my child is drafted onto, can I switch him/her to another team?
No. In the interest of fair play and to insure balanced rosters, players will not be moved.
15. Are teams allowed to trade players?
Yes. Coaches have 1 hour after the conclusion of the draft to trade players, as long as it is done in the presence of staff. Refer to draft guidelines for details.
16. My child is very talented. Can he/she play-up into the older age group?
You can fill out a "play-up request" form. Your child will then attend an assessment/evaluation to determine if he/she meets the score necessary to play with older players. If approved, players can play-up 1 year in age.
17. Where will practices and games be played?
FCPR uses the local parks and school sites in your community. Recreation center staff will coordinate practice times and sites with the coaches.
18. Will my team travel to other sites for practices or games?
It is possible. Every effort is made to keep practices and games at central locations to reduce travel and expense. However, the number of teams a community has will determine if travel is necessary.
19. Am I required to stay at the practices and games?
It is strongly encourage that parents attend practice.
20. When will the games begin?
Varies according the sport. Refer to the Dates to Remember sheet included in your packet.
21. How many games will my team play?
Varies according to the sport. Baseball plays approximately 15 games; Basketball, Football, and Soccer usually play approximately 7 games.
22. When are the games played? Weeknights? Saturdays?
Baseball/softball games are played mainly weeknights, with some Saturdays. Weeknight games typically begin at 6pm and 7:30pm. Baseball/softball games sometimes last until 10pm. FCPR does not allow an inning to begin after 10pm. Basketball/Football/Soccer/Cheer/Volleyball are played primarily on Saturdays, with weeknight games occasionally.
23. How many games will my child play per week?
Typically, baseball/softball teams play twice per week. Most other sports play 1 game per week.
24. Is there a phone number to call if the weather is bad and I need to know if the game is cancelled? Yes, 306-7325.
25. Is a uniform provided by FCPR?
The cost of a numbered t-shirt is included in the registration fee. If a coach, team, or youth association wishes to purchase custom uniforms, which is their option at their own expense.
26. Are background checks conducted on the coaches?
Yes
27. Can I request a refund if I am unhappy with the program?
Yes, as long as the request is received prior to the first game.
28. Are games cancelled for individual school functions?
No. The only school function FCPR will schedule around will be the countywide end of grade testing.
29. My child is involved in Boy Scouts and other activities. Will his/her games be scheduled around those activities?
No. With so many options available for children today, it is not possible to honor all of those.
30. Who do I contact if I have a complaint to file against my coach?
Please put the complaint in writing and deliver it to your recreation center.
31. Are tournaments played in all age groups and programs?
No. Tournaments are conducted in programs for players ages 9 and up.
32. What equipment is provided?
Some basic equipment is provided by FCPR, depending upon the sport. While this is not the detailed list of items each team receives, the following is a basic listing of the major items: football teams receive helmets, shoulder pads, pants for each player; baseball teams receive batter helmets, catchers equipment, bats; basketball and volleyball teams receive balls; soccer teams receive balls, cones, and a goalie jersey. FCPR does not provide personal items such as baseball gloves, protective cups, shoes, socks, soccer shin guards, mouthpieces, etc.
33. Where can I buy some of the personal items needed?
Major retailers and sporting goods stores carry these items.
34. Are dogs allowed in the park during games?
No. During scheduled events, pets are not allowed.
35. Is smoking allowed during events?
Cumberland County Schools does not allow smoking on school property. Therefore, during any FCPR event on school property, smoking is not allowed.
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Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation
121 Lamon Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301-5537
(910) 433-1547 - www.fcpr.us
PLAY UP REQUEST / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Statement of Parental Responsibilities & Release
I, as the parent/guardian of the above named child, understand and acknowledge that I have requested and my child has been approved to play outside his/her age group and I do hereby agree to abide by all rules, regulations and policies as established by Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation (FCPR) and give approval for his/her participation in any and all related activities during the current season/session. I understand that injuries may occur from participation, including transportation to and from activities, that FCPR cannot guarantee injuries will not occur, and I give this consent having informed myself of the inherent risks of participation. For myself and on behalf of participant, I do hereby waive, release, absolve, indemnify and agree to hold harmless FCPR, the City of Fayetteville, its employees, officers, agents, elected officials, successors and assigns, parent or local league organization, organizers, sponsors, supervisors, participants, and persons transporting participant to and from activities against any action, claim, cost, fee or expenses any of them may incur arising out of or defending any such action or claim related to such participation. I also grant permission to managing personnel or other department representatives, to authorize and obtain medical care from any licensed physician, hospital or medical clinic should participant become ill or injured while participating in activities when neither parent/guardian is available to grant authorization for emergency treatment. I have received, understand and agree to abide by FCPR's Code of Conduct. I agree to return, upon request, any equipment issued to participant in as good as condition when received except for normal wear and tear. I agree that photographs, recordings or any other record may be used for the purpose of promoting programs operated by FCPR and the City of Fayetteville and further agree to release any and all liability associated therewith. I understand that a fee paid by me for participant is not refundable and hereby waive my rights for redemption of said fee. I hereby take responsibility for the above information and its accuracy to the best of my knowledge. I also understand that if the information provided is not correct, participant will be ineligible to participate. I have read and fully understand that these terms are not a mere recital and sign this agreement voluntarily.
Transportation is the responsibility of parent/guardian. I give permission for my child to walk to and from the program. _____ Yes _____No
Emergency Contact Name _______________________________Phone___________________________
KNOWN MEDICAL CONDITIONS (asthma, allergies, etc) ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________ ____________________________
Signature of Parent or Guardian Print Name
_________________________ _______________
Relationship Date
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REGISTRATION GUIDELINES
1. Participants must be residents of Cumberland County, Fort Bragg, or Pope Air Force Base.
2. Residents of the Town of Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Hoke County, Harnett County, Sampson County, Robeson County, Bladen County or any other county are not eligible to register.
3. The participant's physical address determines where they must play.
4. Recreation centers will be divided into 7 registration zones (see below).
5. In zones with multiple recreation centers, each center will be allowed to form their own teams if they have the minimum # of players required. If a center does not have enough players to form their own teams, their players will be placed into the draft with the other centers in their zone or placed on teams at another center in their zone. Unique circumstances will be addressed in writing through the lead athletic coordinator and athletic director.
6. If a participant is found to be out of district, they will be removed from that roster but permitted to play on a team in their home district.
7. An open registration period will be held for 2 months for each sport.
8. A late registration period will be held up until the date of the player draft.
9. After the player draft, late registration (on a space available basis) will last until the close of business on the day prior to opening day.
10. If roster spots remain after the draft, players can register. See the bullets below for details.
• New players and players aging up who register prior to the draft go into the draft pool
• Returning players to the same age group who register prior to the draft will be placed on their team roster from last season
• NO players will be allowed to register after the draft UNLESS teams have open roster spots available
• Returning players to the same age group who register after the draft will be placed on their team roster from last season IF a roster spot is available; if there team from last year is full AND IF another team or team has an available roster spot, they can be placed on another team; follow the draft guidelines for placement
11. A player draft will be held in all sports if there are enough players for more than 1 team.
12. The parent or guardian of the player must fill out registration forms. Each player must have a registration form on file.
13. Parents must submit a birth certificate for review by staff - the recreation center will then make a photocopy of the birth certificate and to keep on file in the recreation center. A military ID or passport is also accepted.
14. Staff is to make sure the form is filled out completely - no blank areas.
15. Staff will use the league age chart to determine the players correct league age.
16. Staff will collect the registration fee, provide a receipt, enter the players information into RecTrac, and deposit money according to City of Fayetteville cash handling procedures.
INSURANCE: The insurance section must be check YES or NO. Insurance is $10, payable to Standard Life. Do not receipt the insurance money - bring the check and insurance slip to administration staff for processing.
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SPORTS INFORMATION SHEET
BASKETBALL:
• Registration is held Oct 1/Dec 1
• Ages 5-17
• Instruction camp for ages 5-6
• Season begins 2nd Saturday in Jan
• Avg. 7 games per
• Age cut off date - April 1
• Min. 7, max. 10 for ages 12 under
• Min. 7, max 12 for ages 13 up
BASEBALL:
• Registration is held Jan 1/March 1
• Ages 5-18
• Season begins 3rd Saturday in April
• Avg. 12-15 games per
• Age cut off date - May 1
• Min. 12, max. 13 for ages 12 under
• Min. 12, max. 15 for ages 18 under
SOFTBALL:
• Registration is held Jan 1/March 1
• Ages 7-18
• Season begins 3rd Saturday in April
• Avg. 12-15 games per
• Age cut off date - January 1 (current yr)
• Min. 12, max 13 for ages 12 under
• Min. 12, max 15 for ages 18 under
FOOTBALL:
• Registration is held June 1/August 1
• Ages 7-14
• Season begins 2nd/3rd Saturday in Sept
• Avg. 7 games per
• Age cut off date - December 1
• Min. flag 13, tackle 20
• Max. flag 16, tackle 25
SOCCER:
• Registration is held June 1/August 1
• Ages 5 - 17
• Season begins 2nd/3rd Saturday in Sept
• Avg. 7 games per
• Age cut off date - December 1
• Min. 11, max 14 for termite
• Min. 11, max. 15 for others
CHEER:
• Registration is held June 1/August 1
• Ages 5 - 6 instructional program
• Ages 7 - 14 team cheer
• Season begins 2nd/3rd Saturday in Sept
• Avg. 7 games per
• Age cut off date - December 1
• Max. 15-20 recommended
VOLLEYBALL:
• Registration is held June 1/August 1
• Ages 9 - 17
• Season begins 3rd Saturday in Sept.
• Avg. 6-8 matches per
• Age cut off date - December 1
• Min. 8, max. 12
WRESTLING:
• Registration is held Oct/Nov
• Ages 5-12
• Program begins in Nov
• 7 instructional sessions
• Age cut off date - December 1
INDOOR SOCCER:
• Registration is held Jan 1/March 1
• Ages 5-12
• Season begins 3rd Saturday in April
• Avg. 7 games per
• Age cut off date - May 1
• Min. 8, max. 12
FALL BASEBALL:
• Registration is held June 1/August 1
• Ages 7-17
• Season begins 4th Monday in August
• Avg. 12-15 games per
• Age cut off date - May 1 of next yr
• Min. 11, max 13
