What are the age requirements?
For football – any child who is 7 years old as of 7/31/09 thru 14 years old.
For Cheer – any child 5 thru 14 years of age as of 7/31/09 can participate.

What are the weight requirements?
Weight requirements are applicable only for football and they are currently:

How many are on a team?
Each team roster is allowed a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 35 players. In the event that more than 35 children are registered for a team, there will be a cut process that will take place during the first two weeks. You can learn more about this process in the Parent Handbook.

What is needed to sign up?

1. A player’s certified birth certificate. (This will be returned to you in September, after certification.) If you are a returning player from the 2008 season, we do not need your birth certificate.
2. A copy of your current medical card.
3. 3. A DVYFC physical certification card completed and signed by a licensed physician. You must obtain this from AC Patriots.
4. A copy of the player’s last report card for the 2007-2008 school year. We will collect these at Patriots Day.
5. All other paperwork will be included in the registration packets that you will receive.

What are the Registration Fees?
Football Registration Fee is $50.00.
Participation fee of $200 due prior to August 1, 2009. This includes the use of pads, helmet, practice uniform, and game uniforms. (Each player gets to keep his/her 2009 HOME jersey.)

Cheer Registration Fee is $50.00.
Participation fee of $200 due prior to August 1, 2009. This includes the use of cheer uniform and the personal package: camp shorts and shirt, shoes, socks, brief, & hairbow. Each cheerleader will get to keep the personal package.

All Registration and Participation fees are payable in cash, credit card, or money order. Checks will not be accepted for these payments.

We are excited about the new fundraising opportunities available to help defray the registration and participation fees. See the Fundraising Director and/or the website for more information.

Please note that all participant fees must be paid in full prior August 1, 2009. Your child will not be eligible to begin practice until all fees are paid in full.

Will there be any additional costs?

Football – The cost of cleats, girdle, and a jock strap (for boys). You may also wish to purchase additional safety gear for your player. Any and all personal safety gear must be approved by the Athletic Director prior to player use on the practice or game field.

Cheer – Cheer Camp $40, Cheer Competitions $30 each, USA National Competitions (optional), warm-up outfit (optional), cheer bag (optional). Please note prices are approximate and subject to change. (Fundraising opportunities will be available.)

Parent Participation Deposit - $250.00 refundable parent participation deposit per family. This check will not be cashed as long as each family fulfills an obligation of 8 hours per season prior to the end of the regular season. There are many opportunities in which to fulfill the obligation. Choose the one that works best for you. Sign up early! If you do not sign up for volunteer opportunities, you will be scheduled and notified of the date(s), times and duties. Once your family obligation has been met, you will receive your parent participation deposit check back. Failure to work scheduled volunteer shifts will result in the Parent Participation Deposit being cashed following the missed shift.

Uniform Deposit – $250 uniform deposit check. This check will be returned to you at the end of the season once all uniforms and equipment have been returned to the association in good condition, less normal wear and tear.

Returned check fees will be assessed on all checks in the amount of $25.
Please note that any returned checks not paid within 14 days will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Bad Check Program for processing and payment. Additional fees will be assessed and possible felony charges could result.

Mandatory Fundraising – Fundraising programs have not yet been decided for the 2009 season. Information will be available at a later date.

Are there refunds?

Refund policy:

• All but $50 prior to 8/1/08
• NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER 8/1/08

Are there player “cuts”?
In accordance with DVYFC rules, only 35 players per team are allowed. In the unlikely event more than 35 players sign up for a team, we must select those participants who in each Head Coach’s estimation will best fit his/her team. The decision as to who gets “cut” rests solely with that team’s Head Coach and the Athletic Director. Their decisions are only reached after serious consideration of all relevant factors and are final.

We understand the disappointment that is inevitable when a child is told that he or she can no longer participate. We encourage all parents to talk to their children about the necessity of “cuts” and prepare them for the possibility with love and support. Arrangements can often be made for those who are cut to join other area teams. Bear in mind that not all children are ready to play at the same time die to differences in physical and mental maturity. Often, players who may be “cut” one year try out again the following year and make the team.

Please note that in the unlikely event that we have to “cut” a player, a refund will be issued for all but $50 of registration fees and all “deposit” checks will be returned upon receipt of all issued equipment.

When are uniforms issued?
You will be notified when uniforms are to be issued.

How long is the season?
The Patriots season officially starts on August 1st, 2009. All participants must complete 20 hours mandatory conditioning. The first two weeks of practice are devoted to conditioning. The first game of the season is normally the first weekend in September with the final games scheduled at the end of October. Please keep in mind that we are subject to the conference schedule and changes may occur. If your child’s team makes it to play-offs, that takes place the first part of November.

What is the game schedule?
The 2009 game schedule has not yet been determined. It will be posted on our Schedule page after being issued from the Conference.

What if my child’s team makes the play-offs?
Congratulations are definitely in order! If your child’s team advances beyond the season, they will first go to the conference play-offs in early November. Please note that each family is responsible for any travel and participation costs associated with play-offs.

For cheer, the teams will be competing in regional competitions outside of DVYFC in the hopes of qualifying for Nationals that are held in DisneyLand. There are lots of opportunities to fundraise to help defray travel costs for Nationals.

When and where are the games?
Jamborees take place at the end of August. All games take place on Saturdays or Sundays. Normally, there are four home games at our home field, Community Park I, and four away games. All away games take place with teams in our conference.

What are the practice times?
Practices are allowed to be 5 days, Monday - Friday until Labor Day. After Labor Day, practice is reduced to 3 days a week, normally Tuesday – Thursday. Times may vary. Your child’s coach will keep you informed of the specific times.

What team will my child be on?
The Patriots will place your child on a team based on the age/weight matrix referenced above. We also strive to place your child on the team most appropriate for his/her age and experience. Team assignments will be announced at Patriot’s Day.

What is Patriot’s Day?
Patriot’s day is a day in July where you will have the opportunity to turn in any missing paperwork, football players will be weighed, pictures will be taken, final payments can be made, you can sign up for your volunteer jobs, meet the coaches and the Board Members. The date is: TBD

How can I help?
The Patriots are dependent on parent support. Everyone involved in the AC Patriots is a volunteer; there are no paid positions. We have lots of opportunities available, from Board Member positions to game day jobs. Just ask a board member or leave a message on the Patriots Hotline and we will be happy to help you help the kids!

How do I get in touch with the Patriots?
You can visit us on at our website, www.acpatriots.com, and send us an email from the contact page or call the Hotline at 707-334-3676 and leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

How do I get information from the Patriots?
It is very important that we have a home#, cell# and/or email address. Much of the information can be distributed via email, which will ensure that you receive it instead of relying on your child to give you any fliers that are handed out at practice.

We will be having parent meetings prior to the season starting to go over important information and make sure that all paperwork is completed for your child.

What if I don’t see the information I am looking for here?

• Ask a Board Member – we are always happy to answer your questions.
• You can also reference the 2009 Patriots Handbook.
• Please note that information contained herein is subject to change without notice. This information is not binding, nor does it constitute or imply any legal contract.