Welcome to the 2019 season of Howland little tigers. Our mission statement is to not only teach the game of football and skill of cheerleading, but to instill confidence, sportsmanship, pride, discipline, and to have fun.
Please visit our website at www.howlandlittletigers.com, like our Facebook page Howland little tigers football and cheer, and download our Team app and find Howland little tigers. We will continually update, post important information, schedules, and pictures.
This year we are a member of the Steel Valley Conference (YAC). Children that play for HLT must either go to Howland schools, including JFK, or live in Howland. If your child is open enrolled, we need a copy of their open enrollment paperwork. Children that live outside Howland and are not open enrolled in Howland schools are ineligible to play for HLT unless we are below 18 players on July 9. All players will need to show proof of residency of custodial parent and a copy of the players birth certificate is required.
Our team break downs are as follows:
100# ages 5-8 125# ages 9-10 145# ages 11-12
Child’s age is computed as of May 1, 2019
CHEERLEADERS CAN BE MOVED TO OLDER AGE GROUP.
ALL REGISTARTION MONEY MUST BE PAID BEFORE THE 1ST PRACTICE AND BEFORE DIAMOND CARDS ARE ISSUED
ALL DIAMOND CARD MONEY IS DUE BEFORE YOU RECEIVE A UNIFORM
Fundraisers
Practices will begin Monday, July 8th. First week is helmet only. Normal practices Mon-Fri at Howland Glen and will start promptly 6-8. Once school starts the schedule will be revised. If you are injured, you are still expected to attend practice. We have practice plans to ensure our players learn the game and skills safely and progress so that we can meet our potential as a team. We will spend an inordinate amount of time teaching the basics such as blocking, tackling, and the basic plays in football and jumps/arm positions and standard cheers for cheerleaders.
Our practice and game facilities are part of the Howland school system It is important to treat these facilities with respect as the Howland schools can revoke our ability to practices and scrimmages their any time. As a result, our zero tolerance policy must be adhered to at all times. All players and parents must insure that any water bottles and /or trash are disposed of properly after every practice and scrimmage.
If you stay to watch your child’s practice, please park in designated areas only, without blocking entries, exits, or fire zones. Please be courteous to the coaches, as they are donating their time. Drama and remarks during practice will not be tolerated. We are all one team. Parents will be asked to leave if they are a disruption. Siblings are not to be dropped off and left unattended during practices, scrimmages, or games.
If you choose to drop your child off, please pick them up on time and keep a phone on you at all times in case of emergencies.
There will be times where weather stops practice. If any lightning is seen from the field, practice will be over. There is not shelter at the school. As a result, it is important that you return to the field as soon as possible if bad weather is in the area. If the weather is bad, we don’t usually cancel until 5:30PM. It will be cancelled through online and text messages.
Howland schools are smoke -free areas.
The head coach is responsible for all playing time decisions. The players performing the best that comes to practice at that position will start. The kids are played in the positions best suited for them and the team based on their ability, not necessarily what they want to play. A player may play 2-3 different positions, both offense and defense and may even change positions during the game. In close games, some kids may not get a chance to play. Encourage your child no matter how much he/she plays or what position he/she plays to always give 100%.
If you are not happy with an outcome during the season, please talk with your coach. They will be accessible before, or after practices to discuss any problems or concerns. Please discuss these subjects with the coaches outside the presence of the players. Coaches are not to be disturbed during practice or a game. Posting comments and negativity on social media will also not be tolerated!
All kids involved with HLT are invited to participate in the 4th of July parade. Kids should wear orange and black or a previous jersey/uniform. Please arrive at Hunters Square Plaza, in front of Salvatore’s at 9:30AM. Parade starts at 10am. Please bring a bag of candy to throw. We will be selling spirit merchandise and diamond cards. Volunteers are needed for the parade and sales.
Please consider volunteering your time in some capacity this season. We are in need of team moms, a chain crew for each game, running the scoreboard, help with raffle tickets, helpers to pass out game day snacks, field set up and tear down and various other activities. Please see a trustee if interested. Thank you in advance for your help.
We would also like to have a volunteer: a nurse, a doctor, or paramedic, or any other medical professional that would be interested in attending to any minor injuries that occur at practices and games. If anyone is interested, please contact me to discuss this item further.
Cheer: HLT will provide a cheerleading top, skirt, midriff, briefs, and head warmers that cheerleaders will keep. Additional items that parents must purchase from HLT are:
If you purchased the below items last year, they can be reused this year if in good shape.
Football: Equipment will be distributed to the football players on July 13th at Life Storage on Elm Rd.
Football equipment provided by HLT and MUST be returned includes:
Helmet, Shoulder pads, rib protector, practice jersey. Player will keep his game jersey.
Additional items that parents must purchase:
- Plastic cleats (metal or hard screws in plastic are not permitted) -prices vary
- Integrated pants- prices vary typically $30
- Orange socks (optional)-
Please respect all HLT equipment. Our helmets are $150 each. If something does not fit or is broken, talk to a coach or equipment manager. Parents are responsible for any damage, lost or stolen equipment, beyond normal wear and tear. Every year we have a problem with players returning HLT owned equipment. All these items have a replacement cost associated with them. Any items not returned to the HLT, at the end of the season, will be charged to the parent in the amount of the cost to replace that item. Please be prompt in returning your equipment once the season is over.
If after hearing all the requirements and philosophies you decide that the HLT may not be for you, we will give you a refund. Refunds will not be issued after July 12th . We sincerely hope that you all stay and allow us to develop your children into better football players and cheerleaders. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Gail Flowers
440-537-0508 [email protected]