FAQ's

Some of our most Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ's) are below.  After review, if you still have a question, please do not hesitate to call or email us!

Cheer

The Marauders use a different system than most other teams.  The Marauders provide the basic cheer uniform on loan for a season deposit, and the parent is responsible for a minimum amount of equipment throughout the season.  There are also additional fees for cheer competitions, see the Cheer section for details.  In general, the Marauders have one of the most economical cheer programs in the Bay Area.  

Perhaps on some teams.  There is only one mandatory cheer competition for the Marauders.  Other competitions are available, but attendance is voted on by the squads.

Football

Statistics show that youth football is an extremely safe sport.  Unlike most other sports the participants are well-padded and compared to older levels of football the speed and pace of the game is slower and the players are matched by weight.

The Diablo Valley Youth Football and Cheer Conference has very strict guidelines regarding weight and age so that children of equal size compete against each other.  DVYFC also has rules regarding the amount of training and conditioning the athletes must receive before they can put on pads and make contact.  Safe tackling is taught with the goal of stopping the advancement of the football, not injuring another player, as the primary rule.

The practices and games are well supervised and controlled and all coaches are CPR trained.  Marauders coaches are trained to inspect all players’ equipment before every practice and game for wear or damage and carry repair kits with them at all times.  First aid kits are always nearby and a certified EMT is present at every game.  Game referees are also trained in first aid and keep control of the games to prevent any unsportsmanlike conduct or dangerous play.

Over the last three years the only broken bones suffered by Marauders players have been due to skateboard accidents or other sports!

Absolutely!  DVYFC has had girls play on their teams, and if your daughter is interested in playing we would be happy to work with her.

The Marauders provides most of the critical equipment necessary to play the game.  The minimum requirement is a pair of approved youth football cleats with plastic cleats, these can be found for about $30 at sports outlets such as Big-5, Sportsmart and Sports 4 All.  There is a deposit of $250 for the equipment loan, the checks are not cashed and are returned at the end of the season at equipment hand-in if the gear is not intentionally damaged or worn due to misuse.

The maximum team size is 35 players per league rules.  Generally more children sign-up for football than the team allows but due to a variety of reasons some will drop out before and after practices start.  It is inevitable that some children will need to be released but the Marauders would like you back next year and offers a Certificate for the next season’s try-outs and a refund on the Registration Fee.

The decision on who is released is the responsibility of the Head Coach.  The Marauders will sponsor a released player and try to find a place for him on one of the other DVYFC teams if the player desires.

You can prepare your child for success with the Marauders by having him or her attend one of the many area football camps in progress before the season starts.  Having your child in the best physical condition possible before practices start and in the mid to high weight range of their class will help ensure they make the team.

Yes!  All players at every level must play a minimum number of plays during every game.  Depending on the size of the team it could be eight to twelve plays.  An average game will have 40-50 plays, and there are four areas of play on each team – offense, defensive, kickoff team, and return team.  Often several runners and receivers are rotated in and out during a series, bringing in and executing a play.  The Marauders stress play for all players, not just a chosen few.  The Marauders is a competitive football team, however, and the players that can make a larger contribution will generally play more. 

Not on the Marauders!  All coaches sign a coach’s code of conduct before the season.  Their conduct is actively monitored by the Athletic Director throughout the season.  Marauders coaches are not allowed to smoke, use profane language, shout excessively in an uncontrolled manner or physically abuse any player.  Many of our coaches are parents.

Positions are determined by an objective process of monitoring player abilities through skill development drills during the early weeks of practice.  Basic skills such as blocking, tackling, passing, rushing and kicking as well as athletic ability such as speed, strength and endurance are evaluated and tracked.  Based on statistical analysis, players are assigned to positions based on the skills necessary for the position and the need of the team.  Players have the opportunity throughout the season to prove skill improvement and move into various positions that interest them.  

That’s both expected and understandable.  Football is a physical sport, and many youths are not used to the conditioning and drills that accompany practice.  Some children may be reluctant to attend practice or may want to quit.  You will find that as your child becomes more fit and gains confidence their attitude will improve substantially and they will be eager to get out on the field.

Throw everything in the washer and wash on a normal setting.  Remove the pads from the uniform before washing.  Please do not use bleach on the whites as bleach will rot out the stitching quickly.

General information

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