Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Why is the registration period so early?
Tackle football requires expensive equipment be updated each year (including helmet reconditioning) and we want to ensure that equipment ordering is done in the most efficient, cost-effective way. In addition to equipment ordering, we have added a feature to allow families to spread their registration fees over more time (monthly installments). We understand the challenges of youth sports costs and want to make sure people can budget appropriately with pool memberships, playground dues, and more coming down the pike.
Does my child need to attend a Wyomissing Area School to participate in WAYFA?
Yes. All registrants will be cross-checked with the school. Private school attendees will not be accepted.
Is there a bathroom at practice?
We encourage use of the bathroom PRIOR to practice. Access to our facilities is sometimes not a certainty. When making use of the bathroom facilities, we all need to be vigilant about keeping them clean and not allowing kids to play in them or we will lose access.
Should I stay to watch my child practice?
It is fine to drop off your child and pick them up after practice. We ask that you arrive on time for the start and conclusion of practice. It is NOT an expectation that coaches stay for parents who are late. Please communicate with your coach if you are going to be late and arrangements can be made.
Parents are also welcome to attend practice. As the kids get older, typically parents do not stay, but for younger players we understand that this is a new experience and watching your kid participate is fun. All we ask is that you are not a distraction for your player, and at practice they are with their team for water breaks, when they are waiting for a drill, etc. It is the best way for them to be part of the team.
Whether you are at practice or not, the expectation is that you are a message or phone call away. WAYFA is NOT a daycare. If a coach deems that a player is being disruptive, they will be asked to sit out, or in some cases leave practice. Our volunteers are not there to constantly monitor behavior, they are there to teach and coach football. Please ensure that you as a parent understand this expectation and discuss it with your child. If they miss practice because of behavior issues, it will be a detriment to what they can learn and apply to games.
How do I volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities will be shared within TeamSnap. We are looking for volunteers to coach, as well as gameday volunteers to work the chains, snack bar, announcements, cleanup etc. Volunteer opportunities will be shared with registrants within TeamSnap. All coaches must provide their clearances to be able to coach, and coaching staffs will be selected by the Head Coach and/or Program Commissioner at each level.
What is TeamSnap and what does it do?
TeamSnap is an app that serves as the primary communication tool for coaches/parents. It is expected that all parents/guardians have the TeamSnap app with notifications turned on.
What TeamSnap should be used for:
Communicating with coaches via PRIVATE message
Sharing player availability for practices/games
Sharing schedules and key dates
Notifications of timely weather/cancelations or schedule changes
Identification/location of fields
1 to 1 communication among parents for ride-sharing, etc
Seeing the roster and jersey numbers to identify players
What TeamSnap should NOT be used for:
Individual questions or complaints about a player should never be shared within the Team Chat. Please direct these privately to the head coach via email or private message in TeamSnap.
Using the Team Chat for anything other than positive commentary.
Please do not over-message in the Team Chat as too many messages will bury the important ones.
Failure to comply with these rules will result in removal of your account within our TeamSnap program.
Are parents (not on the coaching staff) permitted on the sidelines?
No. Only coaches and volunteer field staff may be on the sidelines for games. Parents/guardians should not be on the field at ANY point unless instructed to by the Head Coach.
If an injury requires that a parent come on the field, they will be waved on by the coaching staff. Coaches will do their best to signal to parents that players are ok. Kids are going to get shaken up, especially at the younger levels, and parents/guardians should not be running on the field if their player is down.
On-field photography or video capture will need to be cleared with the Head Coach and will only be allowed if video/photo captured is shared for the whole team to enjoy. We LOVE collecting as much content of your players as possible, so be sure to share when given the opportunity.
Parents should also NEVER be on the field to engage with an official or players/coach from the other team. There should never be any altercation with other parents, officials, or members of another team.
Anyone who does not comply with these rules will be suspended from attending games.
Where are the practice fields?
The practice fields can be accessed on TeamSnap or through the link here.
Tackle Football Questions
How do jersey numbers work for tackle football players?
If a new player, you can choose 3 options for your jersey in priority order. There is no guarantee that you will get the number you selected. If a returning player, you have the first right to retain your number. The priority will always go to whoever had the jersey number first. If for some reason the jersey number was obtained in the same year at different levels, the priority will go to the older player. If two new players register for the same number, whoever registered first will get the number - so register NOW!
How do I wash my jersey?
Jerseys should be washed in cold water and NOT dried in a dryer. Full instructions from Riddell can be found by clicking here.
Will I need to purchase a new jersey every year?
No. Jerseys can be used in subsequent years. Once your child grows out of his jersey, you will need to purchase a new one. In 2024, we are updating jerseys so all players are required to buy a new reversible jersey.
What equipment does WAYFA provide? What will I need to purchase?
WAYFA will provide:
Shoulder pads
Helmets
Practice jersey
Game pants (that have pads)
Game jersey (purchased by player)
You will need to provide your player with:
Cleats (If you have outgrown cleats, please share with other parents if you are willing to part with them)
Mouthpiece with string connector (WAYFA has moutpieces to give out too)
All in one padded WHITE practice pants (your coach can provide guidance on what to get).
OPTIONAL: Gloves, forearm pads, alternate chinstraps and other accessories are optional.
Socks for game days will not be provided, but the expectation is that the players wear WHITE, MID-CALF socks for games unless instructed otherwise by their head coach.
When are games?
Games typically are on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. Each team will have a “Saturday” and “Sunday” team. These teams are typically split up by age - where the younger kids play on Saturdays and the older kids play on Sundays. For example, the Mites team consists of 4th and 5th graders. The majority of 4th graders will play on the “Saturday” team and the majority of the 5th graders will play on the “Sunday” team. There will be exceptions and some younger players will ask to play up and vice versa. If being asked to play up, it is an honor and a great opportunity. If being asked to play down, it should not be frowned upon, but looked as a great developmental opportunity to get more playing time. Saturday games are developmental, while Sunday games are a bit more competitive, especially at the Mite and Midget levels.
Flag Football Questions
How do jersey numbers work for flag football?
Flag players will be given the number selected in registration. Duplicate numbers are not a problem at this level. If registering late, you may not be able to get the number of your choice.
What equipment does WAYFA provide? What will I need to purchase?
Flag players will get a jersey, shorts, and the team will provide flags. All that is recommended are cleats, and a mouthpiece. Soft top helmets are an option as well if you choose to have your player wear one.
When are games?
Games typically are on Saturday mornings between 8 and 10am.
