Who may participate in the Tarrallton Athletic Association Youth Football & Cheerleading Sports Program?
Any youth residing in the city of Norfolk ages 5 to 14 yrs. old (4-14 for cheer)
Where is the TAA office located?
Our office is located in the concessions building between the Tarrallton tennis courts and adult softball field. We are NOT in the community center.
What is the Cost/Fees?
Football Players $125
Sideline Cheerleaders $125
**$25 per player will be refunded upon FULL completion of our in-season fundraiser, as well as $25 refund for uniform return. Both will be given, once uniform/equipment are returned (if all of the above have been satisfied)**
What is included with my fees?
Insurance, Athletic Card, Football-(Helmet rental, Shoulder pads rental, Practice/Game Jersey/pants rental, Pants pads rental) socks,mouthpiece. Cheer-(Shell & Skirt rental) socks, hair-bow. Participation: 12/16 Weeks of skill/technique training including 8 Weeks Regular season games of play. Award Ceremony: participation trophy, individual water bottle.
Signing up for TAA Football or Cheerleading is inexpensive. A typical registration fee for each participant is $95, which includes the $25 fundraiser opt-out, for the season. Payment Plans and Financial Assistance may be available, it needed. Please see a board member for more information. Our goal is to NEVER turn a child away due to financial circumstances.
After I pay my registration fees are there any other fees involved?
Yes. Each Tarrallton Athletic member has a commitment to support fund raising activities as established by the Board. Registration fees take care of administrative costs and help in offsetting equipment costs, but they do not begin to cover some of the other expenses associated with this sport. A $25 opt-out fee is included in our registration; however, if you complete the fundraiser that $25 will be refunded to you. Some of the additional expenses fundraising pays for are:
1 Field costs - we do not get the use of the park facilities for free.
2 Insurance on each and every participant.
3 Re-certification of equipment and replacement of equipment due to loss, theft and non-return of equipment from players and parents, and normal wear and tear costs. This alone runs thousands of dollars each year.
4 Various activities and events we host for our TAA participants during the season.
**Fund raising commitments are met by Tarrallton Athletic fund raisers, company sponsorships, and/or parent and corporate donations. All families are expected to participate, or pay an opt-out fee of $25 in fundraising and finding sponsors to help donate to your team. Upon FULL completion of the fundraiser, $25 of the $95 registration will be refunded.
Is your program restricted weight or unlimited weight?
Yes The Tarrallton Athletic is under the City of Norfolk Weight regulations for football >>>>
Flag ages 5-7 No weight limit
Training ages 8-9 up to 105
Peewee ages 9-10 up to 129
Bantam Flag ages 11-14 No weight limit
Age cut off, as of August 1 (player cannot be the next age on or before Aug. 1). Players can move up any division with parents permission. (NOTE: Once a player is moved up a division, they cannot be moved back down)
Are there tryouts to make a team?
No, there are no tryouts to make a team. There is; however, a limit to the number of players allowed on the roster. Positions will be assigned at the discretion of the coaches; players will be assigned to a position that best suits their ability and the needs of the team.
How many players are allowed on a team?
Our goal is to have between 15-20 players per team for Football and 5-10 Cheerleaders. This may vary depending on number of children at each level.
Does everyone play?
Yes, everyone plays. Each child will receive ample playing time.
Where are games played?
Games are played at various parks in the City of Norfolk (Lakewood, Tarrallton, Ingleside, TAC, etc.) Each team will get a schedule with times and locations as soon as the city makes it available to us.
If all the paperwork is not turned in by the first game, can the player still participate?
NO. A player will not be allowed to play until all paperwork is handed in. The player may sit on the sidelines and watch practice and games until the required paperwork is turned in. This is mainly due to insurance reasons.
Where, When and How often is practice?
Practices will be held at Tarrallton fields, located behind the Tarrallton Recrecation Center 2100 Tarrallton Dr. Norfolk,VA 23518
Fall Practice: Conditioning begins June-July. Full practice will begin in August, and days and times depend on the coach's schedule. Monday-Friday 6:00-8:00pm is the available time frame for coaches to choose from.
What equipment is needed?
Tarrallton Athletics provides most equipment needed to participate. Football Cleats & athletic cup need to be purchased by each participant.
How do the players get to the away games?
Tarrallton Athletics does not supply transportation to the games. It is up to the parents to get the players there or arrange transportation.
How can I help?
Tarrallton Athletics is run entirely by volunteers and your help is greatly appreciated. A volunteer form will be included in your registration packet, and will describe the specific areas where you can help out.
When will I know what team my child will be on?
Tarrallton Athletic is an Age/Weight base program: Flag 5-7 no weight limit, Training 8-9 up to 105lb., Peewee 9-10 up to 129lbs, Bantam Flag 11-14 no weight limit. Age cut off, as of August 1 (cannot be the next age on or before Aug. 1). Players can move up any division with parents permission. (NOTE: Once a player is moved up a division, they cannot be moved back down)
How do I get directions to away games?
Addresses can be found on City Parks and Rec website.
Do I need to remain at the practice field with my child?
Yes. If you need to leave for any reason please make sure your coach and/or Team Parent know you are leaving and you MUST arrive back 15 minutes before the end of practice. By arriving 15 minutes before the end of practice, coaches will have ample time to discuss with you any concerns regarding your child.
Think Safety! - Be there on-time or contact your child’s coach when needed to advise them of a delay. Especially the younger children in our program. We're sure any coach would take a few extra minutes to stay with your child in the event of a delay in arrival.
It is also mandatory to have an emergency contact during practice hours in the event of illness or injury.
Do not leave siblings at the field unattended. Coaches are responsible for the supervision of players only.
How will we know when football practices or games are cancelled due to weather conditions?
Tarrallton Athletics will only cancel league wide functions when the weather poses a danger to the children, i.e. lightning or extreme heat. We will do our utmost to post any cancellations or changes on our social media sites 1 hour prior to practice. Coaches or team parents will send a text or make a call…The City of Norfolk will make the call on game cancellations city weather hotline 757-664-6814.
How do you select coaches?
Coaches are selected each year after applications have been submitted via an interview process and board approval.
Do you perform background checks on the coaches and team parents?
Yes, we go through the SSCI to perform our background checks. Coaches will have a card issued by Lakewood Parks and Recreation to show they have completed the background checks.
Do your coaches have any training?
Yes, all of our coaches are volunteers, but we do ask them to have training classes through USA Football, NAYS as well as the City of Norfolk.
What if my child is injured during a game or practice?
We are having all of our Head Coaches and team parents attend a CPR and First Aid certification class. All games played have uniformed police officers and First Responders (EMT) at the game site. This is a City of Norfolk Policy.
Why do football coaches yell so much?
Let us answer this way... Imagine if you invited 25 boys over to your home, put pads and helmets on them and told them to hit each other as hard as they can, knock each other down and then do it again, and again... and again, what do you think would happen?
It would be chaos, mayhem, arguing, eventual name calling, fist fighting and perhaps even a call from your neighbors asking you to move. I’m not sure a polite “Let’s calm down now boys” would cut it. The answer to this question is--coaches will demand complete attention and sometimes they demand it loudly. This is a contact sport and coaches are responsible for teaching the kids not only how to play football, but how to do it properly so no one gets hurt. This requires a lot of cooperation, teamwork and respect for each other and to this end; coaches will make sure they are heard.
When are the games?
First games start around the end of August. Exact dates and times will be shared as soon as the city makes them available to us.
What teams do we play?
We play other youth leagues located in the City of Norfolk
Does my child need to have a physical?
No.
Do you offer multiple child discounts?
We are offering discounted rates if you have 2 or more children in the program. The first participant must pay full price ($95). Each additional participant thereafter will pay $90.00 for registration. To be eligible for this discount, registered participants must either reside in the same household or be registered by the same parent or legal guardian. This discount does not extend to friends or relatives outside of the home who are not dependents of or who are not under the custody of the registering party (parent/guardian).
Do you offer any payment plans?
There is a payment option available to those interested. We will not issue or distribute any equipment or uniforms to participants who have outstanding balances remaining on their fees. Please contact the office for more information, or to set up payment schedules.
When are the games?
Most games are held on Saturday, occasionally weeknight games are played for the upper divisions. The first regular season game is typically at the end of August, exact dates will come from the city.
Can I get a Refund?
All costs and fees are NON REFUNDABLE. We are a non-profit program and all monies are used to maintain the up-keep and function of the program so no fees will be refunded.