Parent feedback / vote please

Sorry to bury you in e-mails...  When I clicked our calendar for September on our "Rookie Green" blog... I looked at the first week and what I didn't realize is... that was actually the last week of August...
 
 The first week of September only shows practice Monday, Wednesday and Thursday... So.. looking for parent feedback... this will be a Football Democracy. Question is: are you ok with a scrimmage down in Issaquah next Tuesday night at 5pm?? If Tuesday doesn't work... or the location (Issy Middle School) makes it too difficult for you to ride/carpool... then I'll take it off the table and just hold normally scheduled practices next week on Mon, Wed and Thurs. If you're ok with the scrimmage.. then we'd do Monday, Tuesday (scrimmage) and Thursday.
 
Please send me a private e-mail only if you DO NOT want the Tuesday scrimmage... If more than a few folks can not do it... we'll scrap it and just practice. I thought playing Issaquah White might be a good tune-up for our game that week against the toughest team in our division (Mt. Si Red).... but these kids are 8 and 9 and we parents have a lot to juggle.. so just level with me and I'll let you know what the final call is.
 
Thanks again..
 
Mike

2 Volunteers Needed for Concession Stand on 9/18

Hi Team,

I wanted to say thank you to Connie Dardis & Tracy McAden, for working the concessions stands during our Jamborees!

…And thank you, Karen Mangold, for signing up for concession stand duties on 9/18!

The league is still looking for 2 more volunteers to work the concession stand during our only Home game at Skyline High School on 9/18, 1:30 – 3:00 pm.   After we fill these spots, our concession obligations are complete for the season! 

If you can help support the team, please email me and include your cell phone number.   

Thanks!

Shannon

Rookie Green Team Manager

Cell:  425.223.2769

After practice Thursday night!

Hey everyone!

Since thursday is our last practice before the "big show" on saturday night at 6, we decided to have a little fun!  The weather is suppose to be great Thursday so we are planning some festivities after practice.  Join us for after practice pizza and some fun parent / player relays and games!  I will take care of ordering the pizza, bringing drinks and a having a little treat after.  Cost is $10 per family.  Let me know how many pizza eaters to plan for in your brood!  Should be a good time.....Parents, get your running shoes on!  The kids will be fired up to beat us!

amy - will's mom

Tuesday the 31st Practice

Hi Rookie Green Parents:

  The weather is turning!! Tonight could be a bit rainy and windy. As you know.. football is like no other sport. We will play games in the rain, so we have to practice in the rain. We don't expect you parents to stay... but make sure the kids have a layer under their uniforms... like Under Armour...

  See you tonight at 4:45 or so... two more practices to get ready for Inglemoor!!

Coach Mike

Monday 4:45pm / Rookie Green Practice

Hi Rookie Green:
 
Saturday was a great learning experience. The last Eastlake team we played (Eastlake Black) is one of the best teams on the Eastside.  They have only 14 players... so their most talented 8- kids play both offense and defense. We did some things well and made a lot of mistakes too, but that's what practice games are all about. You'll see quite many of the adjustments we'll be making this week and practice.  There's also a good chance our Thursday practice will be a scrimmage vs an Issaquah teeam.
 
Reminder: practice is Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this week.. starting at 5:00pm. Please have the kids there by 4:45.
 
Have a good rest of the weekend.
 
For Coaches Eric, Bill and Rob...
 
Coach Mike

REMINDER: Skyline Family Football BBQ TOMORROW Night

• SHS Inter squad Scrimmage starts at 5:15pm
• Most of the Rookie Green Team will be there prior to the start to watch the State Champion's scrimmage
• We need to be ready at 5:50pm for SPARTAN FOOTBALL NATION PHOTO!
• Our Rookie Green team will meet at 5:40 in-front of the concessions and restrooms
• Be sure to wear your GAME JERSEY (Detailed here)
• BBQ is a potluck - each player is asked to donate:
• Rookies:  4 Dozen Cookies
• Cubs: 1 pkg hot dog buns & 1 multi-pack of individually wrapped chips
• Soph: 1 case of water & 1 multi-pack of individually wrapped chips
• JV: 1 case of soda
• Varsity: 4Dozen Cookies
• Cheer: 1 pkg hot dog buns & 1 case of water
• Please drop off all items at the Concession Booth on Arrival
• LAST CHANCE to buy SYFA Spartan Wear!!  This weekend is the last chance to place orders or pick up items.  All orders are due to Team Managers by Monday, August 30th.  Be sure to stop by our tent this weekend!

GO SPARTANS!!!

Announcer and Clock Operator(s) for Eastlake Jamboree

SYFA is seeking volunteers from the Rookie - Soph teams to run the clock and announce for this weekend's jamboree from 9:00 - 12:00 (JV & Varsity are handling 12:00 - 4:00).  This would be a great opportunity for our team's volunteer announcer and game clock operator  to gain some experience prior to the first home game.  But this is open to anyone, so please let me know if any of you can provide some help.

3 Volunteers Needed for Concession Stand on 9/18

Hi Team,

We have one regular season game scheduled to be played at Skyline High School, which means that we are being asked to work only one of the concession shifts during the regular season.   We will need 3 volunteers to work directly following our 12:00 PM game on 9/18 for the 1:30 – 3:00 PM shift.

The schedule coordinators have asked for me to get these names back to them by next Tuesday (8/31).   If you can help out on 9/18, please send me an email with your cell phone number (they like to have it on file for that day).

Thanks so much for your support!

Shannon

Rookie Green Team Manager

Cell:  425.223.2769

Skyline Family Football BBQ

Rookie Green Team, we will be doing a group "Spartan Nation" picture. Each team has been asked to dress half of their team in their green jersey's and half of the team in their white jersey's to balance out the color in the picture. I have divided our squad alphabetically and below are the names and colors of jerseys your players should wear on Friday to the Family BBQ.

Rookie Green Pictures

We are scheduled for team pictures on Saturday 8/28, prior to game time at Skyline High School. Please have your player there in their full Green uniform at 7:50 am. Order forms for pictures will be handed out to your players tomorrow.

Skyline Gridiron Drive 4 UR School Fundraiser - Friday Night at BBQ

The Skyline Gridiron Club -- http://www.skylinegridiron.com/ -- is having a fundraiser at Skyline High School this Friday night, please read the below email and register is possible!  It's an easy fundraiser to participate in!

We hope you’ll take a moment today to sign up to test drive a new FORD vehicle, and help us raise funds for Skyline Football Skyline Football-Drive One 4 Ur School. Even if you don’t know your schedule on Friday, please carve out 20 minutes from your busy day to participate. Registration is to help everyone so there won’t be long lines at one time and versus another. Early times are available for those of you who work from home or have a flexible schedule.

This Friday, August 27, from 2pm to 8pm, in-front of the new locker room area at Skyline, you will have a chance to view and drive the latest models that Ford has to offer. You must be 18 to participate, and only one licensed driver per household is eligible. The test drive takes about 20 minutes. That’s it – Ford will verify all the names of the participating drivers and send us a check for $20 for each of you, up to 300 – that’s a possible $6,000 to help support the team, without any of it coming from us!

Forward this email to your other family members who don’t live with you – tell your co-workers – tell your neighbors – and tell other Spartan sports fans to come early and drive!

For the 2nd year in a row, Ford / Evergreen is once again helping the Spartan Football programs – let’s max this out so we can beat the results of Eastlake in the spring…..And if you can help register people or help move the cars to / from the dealership, please check that box on the registration or contact Rhonda Williams --williams3911@msn.com --

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE – GO SPARTANS!

Green game jerseys and shorts for Husky trip

Hi Rookie Green:
 
  Green game jerseys and shorts for tomorrow's trip to Husky Stadium. Parents please send your kids with $10 for dinner. No pads/no helmet!!
 
We have one more "boot camp" practice on Thursday and then it's the Eastlake Jamboree this Saturday at Skyline followed by our first regular season week. Please have the kids practice their positions at home. Tonight's offensive practice was great until the last 20- minutes. The kids lost focus... (which is understandable at the ages of 8 and 9) and things did NOT look good. If your son is an offensive lineman tell him to practice the proper 3- point stance with a good wide base. And stay LOW!!!!!! Center should practice snaps.. especially shotgun snaps at 2-3 yards. Running backs and receivers play catch and walk around holding a ball. 
 
The kids have shown a lot of improvement over these 3- weeks. I know we're hard on them sometimes... but I hope it's coming across in a paternal manner!! Speaking for the coaches.. we've loved coaching your boys so far. I hope they're having fun and getting a lot out of it. 
 
Coach Mike

Wednesday Huskies Trip / Carpooling

Hi Rookie Green Spartans:

Here's the carpool information for Wednesday's trip to see the Huskies. Please contact your driver either in person or via e-mail to make arrangements. We'll meet at the Klahanie QFC parking lot at 3pm sharp Wednesday. You can either meet there with the masses or make arrangements with your driver for home pick-up... but no matter what.. all drivers will leave Klahanie QFC by 3:15 at the absolute latest.

We'll watch the last hour of Huskies practice and then get autographs signed (bring a t-shirt/ball/scrap book.. etc... but bring it in a self contained bag so nothing gets lost)... after meeting the Huskies we'll do a fun 30- minute practice at the University of Washington. Shorts and green game jerseys would be great.. so we look good for all those photos. No pads and no helmets necessary. You can make arrangements with your driver for drop-off after the trip or can schedule to meet-up again at Klahanie... totally up to you and the driver to make these arrangements. Please send your Spartan with atleast $10 for Burgermaster on the way home.. we'll stop for a burger and fries. Thanks again to Rob Rosemont for setting this up. Rob.. do I need to make any arrangements?? I've never gone to a Huskies practice so I don't know where to park... assuming the lots where we see all of that tailgating on Saturdays.. let me know..

Here's the breakdown... and again... please reach out to your driver.

Dardis- will take Dardis, Byrne, Battistoni and Turner

Steinmetzer- will take Steinmetzer, Meisenheimer and McAden

Rosemont- will take Rosemont and Simpson

Hines- will take Hines, Peters, Voigt and Willenburg

Saxe- Will take Saxe, Abrahamsen and Mangold

Monsen- Will take Monsen, Wilson, Mansour and Pugh 

Quinn-  Quinn

Skyline Family Football BBQ

Friday August 28th Update

A few things:

• THERE IS NO PRACTICE this FRIDAY, AUGUST 27th.  Our 5th practice of the week will be counted at the SYFA/Eastlake/Inglemoor Jamboree
• ALL teams are expected to be at the Friday night Skyline Family Football BBQ.
• We need to have our team assembled - by 5:50pm for the 'Spartan Nation Picture' - this picture will be published in various venues around town.
• Since this BBQ is potluck - an email will go out to the entire system describing what EACH PLAYER at EACH LEVEL is being asked to bring.
•  There were 2 shoulder pads and 1 game jersey left at SHS this past weekend.  Please let me know if your player is missing any of these items.

GO SPARTANS!

Internal Jamboree Wrap-up and 3rd Week of Boot Camp

Hello Spartan Green Families:
 
  Great way to start the season! We still have a lot to work on...  and believe me, the coaches will make sure the kids get plenty of practice in those areas. But... let the kids enjoy the rest of their weekend... they deserve it. I'm not the official scorer... but coach Eric and I counted 5 offensive TD's, 1- defensive TD.... no points allowed... and kids on the defense claim we also scored 2 safeties. That's not a bad opening effort.
 
A few things please....
 
1)  Next week we'll still practice from 6-8 pm but we decided to switch it up after that. We will update the practice schedule you got recently... beginning on Monday, August 30th (when we start the 3- day per week practices).. we will hold our practices from 5-7pm. Kids are starting school and they need to get home earlier.. I admit I need to get home earlier as well and get more sleep. So.. 5-7pm starting Monday the 30th.. a new practice sked will be e-mailed out soon. The coaches are always available to help with carpooling if you have trouble with the earlier start... don't hesitate to let us know.
 
2)  Beginning this Monday, 8/23... we'd like to be a bit stricter about being to practice on time. Many of us (myself included) have either gotten to practice very close to the top of the hour or are just flat out late. Let's build on that team discipline. I'll be there with my clip board and team roster at 5:45. At 5:55 we'll take attendance... so we're ready for a coach's chat at 5:58 and warmups at 6:00. Remember the policy that Skyline is having us follow. One unexcused absence and a player misses a quarter of the next game. 2- absences and it's an entire half. 3- missed and the Spartan misses the next game. During the season, if a child is tardy to practice 3- times, that's one absence and therefore 1- missed quarter of play.
 
3)  This Wednesday is our special practice day. Just football pants and jerseys, no helmet. The 6-8pm practice is cancelled.. instead we're doing a special field trip/practice. We'll meet at the Klahanie QFC Wednesday at 3pm in the middle of the parking lot. We'll leave by 3:15 at the latest for the University of Washington's football facility. We'll watch the last hour of Huskies practice from 4-5pm... Some of the Huskies will come over and sign autographs and say hi to our kids. Then we'll find a field at the University for a quick/fun walk-thru practice. I'm going and can take 4- players.. Alec, Sean Byrne, Jimmy Battistoni,,,, and ???????? Coach Eric is going and can take a few... coach Rob is going... at this point we probably need four (4) more drivers... please e-mail "all" and the first four who check in will be designated drivers. At 6pm we'll leave the UW for Burger Master and a very healthy meal... If you're not driving... please send your son with 10$ to cover the cost of dinner. Thanks to coach Rob for setting this up.
 
4)  The head of the Skyline program chatted with me today about rules once the season starts. Referees will be strict on a few things... coaches have to stay in the black coaching box... kids have to stay behind the coach's box on the sideline... and the only adults allowed on the field are... the coaches... team manager... field manager and chain gang for the games we need a chain gang (road games). If you're not in one of the rules... they'd like you to be in the stands... If I seem rude about this.. I apologize.. just following orders... For the Jamboree next week.. they'd like the chain gang back in the stands in between offensive series.. Thanks for your understanding.
  
Hope you all enjoyed it. It's been fun watching these kids learn the game.
  
Coach Mike D

Road Closure, Sammamish Days and Jamboree Meeting Place

Rookie Green team,

There is a road closure tomorrow from 7:00 am until 1:00 PM for the Beaver Lake Triathlon.  The Issaquah-Beaver Lake road will be closed from Duthie Hill road to East Beaver Lake Drive SE.  Please take this road closure into consideration when attempting to get to Skyline by 8:00 am tomorrow morning for the Jamboree.
http://www.beaverlake.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=67

Additionally tomorrow is Sammamish Days at the City Hall across from Skyline.  This runs from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.  This is more informational, but please be aware as you are leaving the stadium.  https://www.ci.sammamish.wa.us/events/SpecialEvents.aspx?page=days

We are the first game tomorrow.  The field will be open at 8:00.  There will be four Rookie teams there tomorrow.  I will try and be there early enough to set our equipment for stretching in the Southeast corner of the Skyline field (the corner closest to the concessions and entrance).  We will be doing a "weigh-in" (Mr. Meisenheimer please be there early for instructions from Mrs. Furphy), so please make sure that your players are in gear, equipment ready to go and ready to listen and learn on this first weekend of football.

***UPDATE** End of the 2nd week of practice

Hi Rookie Green:

Great job so far!!! Yesterday was a tough, hard hitting practice. Today we're going to take it easy on the kids and keep them fresh for the Jamboree. Please have them wear just shorts, their jerseys and helmet to practice today.  ***UPDATE - PLEASE HAVE THE BOYS BRING SHOULDER PADS THOUGH FOR JERSEY FITTINGS AFTER PRACTICE.

Parents: Eric, Rob, Bill and I have appreciated the help and communication as well. One request though... starting next week, even if you've told us face to face about a practice that'll be missed in the future.. could you also follow it up with an e-mail? There are so many kids if we don't write things down at practice, it's difficult to keep track. For example... is anybody going to miss the Jamboree??

Thanks,

Coach Mike

PS: As things move along you'll slowly start to see us adding things here and there to the offense and defense. For example... quick tight end passes... etc... but at this level... it's basic!! Kids learning their assignments and learning how to play the game. It's been fun so far.. I hope your families have enjoyed it. mdardis67@hotmail.com

Picture and Uniform Reschedule

There have been some challenges getting ALL of the team uniforms to the SYFA Director.  As such, not every team was going to receive their uniforms tonight.  So the league has decided to delay uniform distribution until TOMORROW, Friday August 20th.  Because of this and the possible size fitting adjustments that may have been needed before pictures Saturday morning, the league has also decided to RESCHEDULE pictures until Saturday, August 28th during the Eastlake Jamboree. 

Practice this evening will end at the same time with no need to stay late to try on uniforms.

2010 Game Schedules

As many of you are aware, GEJFA posted the 2010 Game Schedule last night. Please be aware that changes have ALREADY happened from last nights posting.  Below is our current schedule for the season.

GO SPARTANS!

Important Uniform Information & Other Action Items

Hello Team,
The following information just came through regarding uniforms and some reminders:

• GAME UNIFORMS will be distributed AFTER practice on THIS THURSDAY, August 19th.
  
• All players MUST go home THURSDAY night and try on COMPLETE game uniform. All 'fitting issues' need to be communicated back to Team Manager (me, Shannon Sullivan) - who will consolidate and send into SYFA by THURSDAY, August 19th at 11pm. ***this is very important, since Team pics and Jamborees are Saturday! Friday is the only day for swaps before that!***
  
• Picture Packets will be handed out with game uniforms this week.
  
• BACKGROUND CHECKS: All adults helping teams in any way MUST complete a background check (even dads helping at practice). This needs to be verified for the league.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Shannon
Rookie Green Team Manager
Cell: 425.223.2769

Seattle Seahawks GEJFA Offer

The Seahawks are proud to offer Greater Eastside Junior Football Association players and families a special discount on a limited number of single game Seattle Seahawks tickets! Tickets will be discounted from $52 to $47 and from $79 to $62, plus a break on the Ticketmaster fees (typically $8 to $10).

Discount is valid for these dates:

Seahawks vs Kansas City Chiefs - Sun 11/28/10  1:00 PM

Seahawks vs Carolina Panthers - Sun 12/05/10  1:00 PM

Seahawks vs Atlanta Falcons - Sun 12/19/10  1:00 PM

Seahawks vs St Louis Rams - Sun 01/02/11  1:00 PM

To purchase tickets, click on this link https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=seahawks&o=428&g=103

Then enter the pass code: GEJFA. Build an account and start ticket shopping! Questions? Contact Steve Lund at 425-203-8132 or stevel@seahawks.com.

Have fun!

Stephen Lund

Seattle Seahawks NFL/ Seattle Sounders FC MLS

Customer Sales and Service Representative

Direct: 425-203-8132

Fax: 425-203-8129

Email: Stevel@seahawks.com

Address: 12 Seahawks Way

                Renton, WA. 98056

"John Schneider and the boys are busting their tails to get it right, and it’s a really exciting time for us."

Pete Carroll on the feeling throughout VMAC

Rookie Green Uniform Pants & Pictures on 8/21

Hello!

Your player will receive his uniform this week in time for our first Jamboree on Saturday and for team pictures (also on Saturday).

1)      As soon as possible, please email me the size of pants that your player is wearing in the green pants that they currently have.  I will be at practice tonight if to get sizes of those who aren’t able to email me today.

2)      We are scheduled for team pictures on Saturday 8/21, prior to game time at Skyline High School.  Please have your player there in full uniform at 7:35 am.  Order forms for pictures will be handed out with uniforms this week.

Thanks! 

Shannon Sullivan

Rookie Green Team Manager

Shannon.Sullivan@us.logicalis.com

425-223-2769 (cell)

Week 2 Practices

Hi Spartan Green:
 
The first week of practice was great!! The kids learned a ton and they got their first taste of actual hitting. Busy week ahead... practice every night followed by a "Jamboree" scrimmage on Saturday morning. Tomorrow I will hold a coach's corner 1 on 1 chat with each young Spartan. During the early part of practice I'll speak with them individually off to the side about their 2 or 3 positions... why they were chosen for those spots... and discuss the importance of the role they will play. 
 
    Parents: This is where I need your help at home. Football is a "team" sport like no other. 21 kids- and only one football!! In baseball everybody bats at this age and gets rotated into different positions. In basketball... if you're one of the 5- kids on the floor you're bound to pick up a rebound, steal.. basket.. etc.. In football the team works together as a giant machine and if one part of the machine breaks down.. a busted play means a big play for the other team. All 4- coaches have been closely watching the boys.. we've had several lengthy discussions and today Coach Eric and I got together and locked in 3- positions for  each Spartan. We may mix and match here and there.. but until regular season game 2 is played.. it's likely the A- Position your child gets now will be their A- position until after game 2.  Please help the coaches out.. acting as an extension.. and discuss the "team" concept with your boys. Remember... 21 kids... 12 or 13 will have to play either offensive or defensive line. We need to do the best we can to balance the offense and defense and put kids in positions that will lead to the best chance of success for them and the team.  Any question just e-mail me at mdardis67@hotmail.com. But... I'd rather not have any discussions about player positions until the first week of September as game 2 approaches.
 
  Thanks to all the parents so far for their support and help on the field. Looking forward to a fun/great season.
 
 
Mike Dardis

SYFA / Eastlake / Ingelmoor - Jamboree - Sat. Aug. 28th

ER Rookie O = Eastlake Red Rookie Offensive

SG Rookie D = Skyline Green Rookie Defensive

....and so on

Time                Field # 1                                        Field # 2

9:00 - 9:10          ER Rookie O v. SG Rookie D           EW Rookie O v. SW Rookie D

9:15 - 9:25          SG Rookie O v. EB Rookie D           SW Rookie O v. ER Rookie D

9:30 - 9:40          EB Rookie O v. EW Rookie D           ER Rookie O v. SW Rookie D

9:45 - 9:55          EB Rookie O v. SG Rookie D           SW Rookie O v. EW Rookie D

10:00 - 10:10       SG Rookie O v. ER Rookie D           EW Rookie O v. EB Rookie D

First Practice in the Books

Rookie Green Parents:

Nice first practice.  We have a lot of great kids on the team. As the parents who stuck around saw, some are better than others when it comes to certain skills, but we really need your reinforcement at home to help us build up their confidence.  Keep in mind that everybody plays on our team.  It is our job as coaches to find what position and responsibility on the field they will be most comfortable with.  We will start deciding on offensive and defensive positions for each Rookie Green Player by week's end.   We are going to continue to run some offense and defense over the next few days so that the coaches can see a little more before we make final decisions.  One thing that would help break a few ties is if you can please e-mail head coach Mike (mdardis67@hotmail.com) your son's top 3 positions he would like to play, and if it came down to it, would he prefer offense or defense?  Some decisions will be cut and dry and we'll do what is best for the team.  If a few kids can go either way, Mike might consider the player preference as kids are often more motivated to play hard if they like the position they are in.  It does not mean your player will get one of those 3.  It will just help us figure some things out if we have a few kids who could play a few different positions.

PLEASE go over the offensive information (Click Here to download) with your kids before tomorrow night's practice. Mike stresses that they know things like who's the #1 Position - the Quarterback... who's the number #5 position - left tight end, etc., etc.  Mike would also would like them to know the 5 pass patterns contained in the document and the running holes on offense. 2, 4, 6 and 8 on the right side.... 1, 3, 5 and 7 on the left side. Tomorrow we learning tackling technique and will run some offensive sets.

Thanks to the coaches and the parents who stepped up to help out during the practice.  We are excited to see you all tomorrow.

Coach Mike

PS: we will be alternating between the lower field (the one we were on today) and the upper field (baseball field).. tomorrow we'll be on the lower field again.

Seahawks Game this Saturday

We have final count for the game this Saturday at 7:00.  The below players have confirmed (if you have a +1 then someone has volunteered to help chaperone and we have a ticket for you).  We have 17 of our 21 Skyline Rookie Green players attending with 7 Chaperones.  This means that every player and every players parent who wanted to attend can.  We have three extra tickets that I am looking for a home for.  Which one of you Mom's or Dad's wants to go to the game?  Shoot me a note and I will allocate on a first come / first serve basis.

Battistoni                 Byrne                         Dardis
Hines +1                 Mangold +1               Mansour +1
McAden                 Meisenheimer +1        Monsen
Rosemont +1          Saxe                           Simpson
Steinmetzer +2        Turner                        Voigt
Willenbert + 1         Wilson + 1          

1st practice / IMPORTANT-TRYOUTS

Hello Rookie Green Spartans:

Reminder... our first practice is tomorrow at 6pm at Pine Lake Middle School. There will be no hitting for the first few practices, however... each Spartan is expected to show up in full pads and helmet. Please have them there by 5:45pm at the latest so we can make equipment adjustments and not cut into practice. Some kids will have excess belt after tightening up the shoulder pads... you can tape the two loose ends together... buy a velcro seal or use a zip-tie of some kind.

Tomorrow's practice is important... because open tryouts will be held for each position. Every Spartan will try-out for every position. If you missed our parent meeting... just to mention again.. we'll lock in the starters for each position after open tryouts and give each kid an offensive and defensive position. It'll stay that way until after regular season game 2 (we might make a few adjustments based on feel).. after game two.. we'll hold open tryouts again.. giving kids a chance to make their case for another position.

Looking forward to the season. See you tomorrow.

Coach Mike

Looking for something to do today

If you are looking for something to do today the Seahawks are having a practice game today at Husky Stadium.  Admission and parking is free.  I will be taking my son and Coach Mike's son.  Come get some autographs and watch some football with us.

Sunday’s practice set for Husky Stadium

Along with the 15 open Bing Training Camp practices at Virginia Mason Athletic Center, the Seahawks will also host an open-to-the-public practice at UW’s Husky Stadium on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Parking and admission are free. Here are all the details on the unique event:

• Practice starts at 1:30 and should last about two hours
• Free parking
• Free admission
• Festival seating
• Limited concessions will be available

Rookie Green Team Volunteers Needed

Hello Spartan Rookie Green Supporters!  

For those of you I wasn’t able to meet at the Parents Meeting, my name is Shannon.  I’ve taken on the role of “Team Coordinator/Manager” for this season.  This means that the emails you see from me will be humble in nature…I will be begging for volunteers for the next 3 months!

At the Parents Meeting, I committed to getting you list of volunteers and a summary of their responsibilities.  Below (and CLICK HERE to view Volunteer Descriptions) is an outline of the volunteer help we will need for the 2010 season.  If you have already volunteered for a season long role (THANK YOU!!!), I have included your name below.  Please review this carefully and if you are able to help – please contact me – we have a lot to get accomplished in a very short period of time. 

ALL VOLUNTEERS THAT WILL BE INTERACTING WITH THE PLAYERS OR HAVE ACCESS TO THE FIELD ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A BACKGROUND CHECK.   THIS TAKES LESS THAN 2 MINUTES – PLEASE CLICK HERE, FILL OUT THE FORM AND SUBMIT:  https://www.gejfa.org/coachingapplication/volunteerbackgroundcheck.asp

Seasonal and Game Day Volunteer Positions:

Field Manager – Required by League to be identified by August 12^th

·         This is a season long commitment, we will need the same field manager for every game.  This is a badge position with access to the field.

·         For each home game in which the Rookie Green team plays first at Skyline Stadium, the Field Manager works with the Skyline Stadium Field Manager (Dan Smith) to ensure the stadium is unlocked by 7:30 a.m., the press box opened and set-up, the scale and yard / down markers are out on the field and the end-zone markers and goal post pads are installed.

·         For every home game, the Field Manager oversees the weigh-ins for both teams.  Weigh-ins begin one hour before game start, the Field Manager makes sure that the scale is working properly and records the weight of each player on the roster.  For every away game, the Field Manager is present for the weigh-in but does not need to facilitate the process.

·         For every game (home and away), the Field Manager acts as a liaison between the coaches, the referee’s, the opposing team and the Spectators.  He or she will be monitoring the coaches’ exchange of rosters, checking with the game officials and assisting them as needed, and informing all spectators to stay behind the spectator boundary line (on most fields, this will be outside the fenced playing field). In the event a dispute arises, the field manager will mediate as necessary.

Scoreboard & Clock Operator – Ted Wilson

·         A scoreboard & clock operator will be needed for every home game and will have access to the press box, but not the field.

Announcer

·         A game announcer will be needed for every home game and will access to the press box, but not the field.

Chain Gang – Jim Battistoni, Deke Turner, Mike Peters (Alt), Brad Meisenheimer (Alt)

·         2 -3 Volunteers will be needed for every away game to be on the field to run the yardage marker and down marker.

Videographer - Required by League to be identified by August 12^th

·         A videographer will be needed for every game (home and away) and will have access to the press box, but not the field.  This is a badge position, but we have the option of sharing it if we have more than one volunteer.

Photographer – Shannon Sullivan, Maya Quinn (Alt)

·         A photographer will be needed for every game (home and away) and will have access to field.  This is a badge position, but we have the option of sharing it if we have more than one volunteer.

Statistician – Brian McAden

·         A team statistician will be needed for every game (home and away) and will have access to the field.

First Aide Rep – Coach Rob Rosemont

·         It’s mandatory that every team has someone certified in First Aide and in attendance at every (home and away) game.

Half Time Oranges – Colleen Hines

·         Keeping with tradition, a volunteer will be needed for every game (home and away) to bring orange slices served at halftime (off the field).

Hydration Specialist

·         The team has purchased a 5 gallon water dispenser.  It will be the responsibility of the hydration specialist to house, fill, and bring the dispenser to every game (home and away) for the players.

Ice Specialist – Anna Voigt

·         To be available for injuries or strains, the ice specialist will bring five (5) 1 quart zip-lock bags full of ice brought in a cooler to every game (home and away).

Concessions

·         For every home game, each team will be assigned shifts during for which their parents will be responsible to man the concessions stand. Three adults are needed in the booth at all times (serving coffee, donuts, hot dogs, chips, candy and drinks) and collecting money.  The shift will either be before our game or after our game, but never during our game.

·         CONCESSION SHIFTS CURRENTLY NEEDING VOLUNTEERS

o   INTERNAL JAMBOREE ON AUGUST 21^st, 10:30 – 12:00 PM (THIS IS AFTER THE ROOKIE TEAMS PLAYS)

o   EASTLAKE JAMBOREE ON AUGUST 28^th, 10 – 11 AM (THIS IS AFTER THE ROOKIE GREEN TEAM PLAYS)

Additional Volunteers Needed for Events:

 SYFA – Skyline High School Kick-Off BBQ (August 27, 2010):

·         We will Kick-Off the 2010 SYFA season and the Skyline High School Football Season with a fun filled family BBQ!  This year we are merging our two programs and having one giant BBQ.  This is a wonderful way for the SYFA players to meet the high school players and for the parents of both programs to meet.  There will be hot dogs, chips, drinks and dessert for the players and siblings, guest speakers from the high school program, SYFA merchandise sales and most exciting, a picture taken with both programs together for a promotional poster…!  We will need approx. 2 to 3 parents from each team to help at the BBQ.  The volunteers will help with the set up, food, clean-up and help with merchandise sales.

·         BBQ SHIFTS CURRENTLY NEEDING VOLUNTEERS

o   SET-UP (approx. 4:00pm)

o   SERVING (approx. 5:30pm)

o   CLEAN-UP (approx. 7:00pm)

 SYFA – Year-End Parent Dinner/Dance (November 13, 2010):

·         A year-end party is planned for the SYFA parents to celebrate the season!  For those of you that have attended this party in the past – you know how much fun it is!!  We again will have an awesome catered dinner and dancing.  What a great way to celebrate and bring closure to the 2010 season!  The party will be held on Saturday November 13^th at The Beaver Lake Lodge.  Party Coordinators: Anne and Jason Rosauer.

·         Volunteers: We will need approx. 10 people from the Skyline League to help with promotion and ticket sales, food & drink (purchase and prep), decorations/set-up, music, and facility clean-up.

We sincerely thank you for your consideration and contribution in helping make SYFA a successful organization for our players – and with your help – look forward to a fun and successful football season! 

Shannon Sullivan

Rookie Green Team Manager

Shannon.Sullivan@us.logicalis.com

425-223-2769 (cell)

Equipment Pick Up & Chin Straps

Rookie Green Parents,

Just a quick reminder that if you have yet to pick up your players football helmet, pads, practice jersey, etc., the final date for this is Monday August 9th from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Plateau Heated Self Storage (behind the McDonalds in Sammamish by Eastlake HS).

Additionally, I know that some of our players did not receive their "chin straps" for their helmets. I need to get a final count of these by tonight so that they can be allocated into the coaches equipment bags that we will be picking up from the league on Sunday. Please send me a separate note if your player is in need of a chin strap. If I do not hear from you by 5:00 tonight, I will assume that you do not need one.

Thanks and looking forward to seeing the players on Tuesday.