FAQs Football

 

San Diego Bolts Football 2024 FAQs


General Questions

When does the season start?

  • Last full week of July, Monday

  • July 22nd, 2024

How long does the season last?

3-6 months

  • Regular season July-October

  • Post Season, Playoff/Regional/National October-December

What are the practice days/times?

  • Practice starts off 4-5 days a week conditioning

  • Typically practices are between the hours of 6-8pm, times and day changes may vary depending on team needs (head coach or team admin. staff)

  • First 2 weeks are conditioning weeks 

  • Head coaches will provide team specific practice days from week 3 on

    • Expect 3-4 days a week practices

  • Practices are mandatory- missed practices can result in dismissal or sitting out due to safety concerns

  • After Labor Day weekend 3 days a week 

    • Traditionally Tue., Wed., & Thur.

What team would my player be on if he/she is ## age?

Age Range     Weight      Age Protection Limit

7u                     N/A           Cannot turn 8 BEFORE 8/1

8u                 Unlimited     Cannot turn 9 BEFORE 8/1

9u                 Unlimited     Cannot turn 10 BEFORE 8/1

10u               Unlimited     Cannot turn 11 BEFORE 8/1

11u                Unlimited     Cannot turn 12 BEFORE 8/1

12u               Unlimited     Cannot turn 13 BEFORE 8/1

13u               Unlimited     Cannot turn 14 BEFORE 8/1

Can my player play up or down in a different division?

Depends

  • No, a player can not play DOWN.

    • They must pay within their age or 1 age group higher

  • Yes, a player can play UP.

    • Only by 1 division

How many plays is my player required to have per game?

Depends on the number of players on the roster (in-conference game)

8u and above

  • 31-36 players, 4 plays

  • 26-30 players, 6 plays

  • 16-25 players, 8 plays

Flag/7u

  • 17+ players, 4 plays

  • 16 & under players, 8 plays

How/where  do I go to volunteer to help the association or a team?

  • Please contact the person in charge of the position (a part of a team staff:assistant coach, team manager) you are interested in.

  • Email the association noting your interest (board and Head Coaching positions)

  • Complete the online application with SDYFC

    • Pass a background check through the SDYFC website

  • Complete the SD Bolts online Volunteer form

  • Complete all requirements for the specified volunteer position within the allotted time

Where do I obtain preseason workout information?

If my participant has a learning disability, custody issues, so on, who do I provide this information to?

  • Please discuss any issues that may interfere with the participant’s ability to fully participate with the Eligibility team or Eligibility Director at the time of document collection

    • Provide a copy of any documentation relevant or requested

  • Always inform the Head Coach and Team Manager

When are the football games and where are they located?

  • AYF games are held on Saturdays 

    • Additional games that are team specific with different game days may be added to the team (pre-season, season, post season) schedule. These games and all related information will be provided by the team coaching staff and/or the Team Manager

    • AYF games can be local, and may require minimal travel during the season. Postseason will require travel possibly to other states (regional games and national)

      • Additional games that are team specific (pre-season, season, post season) schedule may require travel. All related information will be provided by the team coaching staff and/or the Team Manager

How early is a player required to be at the games?

  • All participants are REQUIRED to be at the game WITH their coaches and team at least 2 hours prior to the start

    • A player can be penalized for arriving late

    • If check-in is missed the player is required to sit until they can be checked in at halftime or the player may have to sit out the game. They player may be required to be with his team on the sideline.

Registration Questions

How do I register for the SD Bolts?

We have a completely online registration portal

What is included within the registration fee?

Participation in the following

  • Practices for games

  • 8 regular season games (in and out of San Diego County/ game counts are provided by county -SDYFC)

  • Playoff & post regular season AYF game potential

Registration includes

  • Association fees

  • Permit fees

  • Insurance fees

  • Some uniform pieces

What documents are required for registration?

All documents are required to be submitted by the given association deadline

New Player

  • Completed full contract

  • 2 proofs of residency (2 copies needed) in the registering adult’s name

    • Must be a utility bill

    • Rental contract or mortgage document

  • Passport size head shot of the participant (2 are required)

    • Nothing covering the face

    • Head to shoulders

  • Current Physical

    • Original required with wet signature doctor, doctor office wet stamp

    • Must be completely filled out

    • Must be currently dated as to cover the current football/cheer season

  • Completed Code of Conduct

  • Liability and Image waivers

  • Birth Certificate (2 copies)

  • Current year End of the School Year Report Card (2 copies)

Returning Player

Must be from the current association and most current year prior only

  • Completed full contract

  • Passport size head shot of the participant (2 are required)

    • Nothing covering the face

    • Head to shoulders

  • Current Physical

    • Original required with wet signature doctor, doctor office wet stamp

    • Must be completely filled out

    • Must be currently dated as to cover the current football/cheer season

  • Completed Code of Conduct

  • Liability and Image waivers

  • Current year End of the School Year Report Card (2 copies)

Uniform Questions

Uniform Pack (included with registration)

Tackle ONLY

  • 2  Jerseys (personalized name)

  • 2 Uniform pants (pads not included)

  • Football gear bag (personalized name and number-NEW player ONLY)

    • Unless selected at the time of registration for RETURNING PLAYERS

Flag ONlY

  • 1 Flag Uniform (top & bottom) 

  • Flag soft helmet

Are there any additional required uniform items needed?

Yes

  • Tackle Football ONLY

    • Required

      • Helmet with chin strap & mouth piece (flat not 3D pieces)

        • Must have the current conditioning sticker on the helmet

      • Shoulder pads (that fit)

      • Football/soccer  cleats (NO baseball or track?No SPIKES)

      •   Compression shorts

      • Extra mouth pieces (cannot be chewed for games)

      • 7 pad girdle (2 thigh, 2 knee, 2 hip, & tail pad)

    • Optional

      • Visor (clear ONLY)

      • Back plate (must be covered by jersey)

      • Helmet (protective) cap

      • Additional gear accessories (contact the head coach or team manager)

  • Flag Football ONLY

    • Required

      • Mouth piece  (flat not 3D pieces)

      • Football/soccer  cleats (NO baseball or track?No SPIKES)

    • Optional

      • Compression gear (without padding)

      • Additional gear accessories (contact the head coach or team manager)

Can we rent the additional required gear?

Yes, parent/guardian MUST checkout the gear

  • The SD Bolts currently offer a helmet & pad rental program for the items below only.

    • Helmet (chin strap & month piece NOT included) & Shoulder Pad

    • Helmet only (chin strap & month piece NOT included)

    • Shoulder Pad only

  • There is a rental fee

    • Please see the registration portal for current fees

    • Fee/option is added at the time of online registration

Are there additional optional uniform needs?

Yes

  • Team specific additional uniforms may be needed. Please refer to the specific team staff for further details

Registration Payment Plan Questions

Do you offer a payment plan for registration and uniform?

  • Yes

  • Please see the registration portal for the current registration and uniform fee

  • Please see the registration portal for the current payment plan breakdown

    • The EARLIER you registre the more payment plan options there are

  • Payment plans are only via electronic auto pay (card on file at the time or registration)

How is the payment plan structured?

  • All payments are deducted automatically on the same time every month until the payment plan is fulfilled

What if I miss a payment?

  • Payment will be attempted 2 more times within the next 2 weeks

  • After the final attempt you will be removed from the payment plan FULL payment will need to be made (including any fees)

    • Fees may incur

  • Contact the SD Bolts Treasurer for additional information (treasurer@sdunitedaa.org)

    • Account update needs

Boundary/Waiver Questions

What are the SD Bolts boundaries?

  • If you are unsure if you live within the SD Bolts boundary lines please contact us via email info@sdunitedaa.org.

    • Provide your current address

What if I live OUTSIDE of the SD Bolts boundaries?

  • If you currently live OUTSIDE of the SD Bolts boundary lines please contact us via email info@sdunitedaa.org.

    • Provide your current address

    • A waiver can be requested

      • A very limited number of waivers can be requested per team

Fundraiser Questions

Are fundraisers mandatory?

  • The only mandatory fundraiser is the association fundraiser indicated within the registration portal

    • Participation total $100 worth of raffle tickets

      • Tickets will be provided at the beginning of the season with a deadline to turn in ticket funds

      • All tickets MUST be bought out 

    • You may opt to buyout at the time of registration within the portal

      • Currently you can opt out by selecting the ticket buyout option within the registration portal

        • Opt out via the portal prior to the start of the season  is currency $75 

      • You may opt to buyout during the fundraiser time

        • Opt out via the portal prior to the start of the season $75

        • Opt out during the season with returned full books of tickets $75

        • Opt out during the season WITHOUT returning  the full books of tickets $100

  • All fundraisers are highly recommended and put together to keep costs low as possible for parents

  • Any team additions are expected to be covered for all those participating

  • Fundraiser funds are NOT the parent or FAMILY’s funds. Once turned in, fundraiser funds will be used toward team/participant/s needs established by the head coach and cheer admin staff

Where does the association mandatory fundraiser money go?

Fundraiser money is used for the association expenses, but not limited to:

  • Organization future planning for the betterment of the program and participants 

  • Any unforeseen operation expenses

  • Offset expenses that were not charged within registration

Where does team fundraiser money go?

Fundraiser money is used for the in-season and postseason expenses, but not limited to:

  • Team specific needs, gear, tournament, travel fees

  • End of the season gathering

  • End of the season trophies/appreciation items

Who tracks and keeps the team/participant fundraiser funds?

  • Funds are required to be given to team business manager/s directly via the team specific CashApp/Venmo ONLY

    • CashApp Account

      • Please contact your team manager

    • Venmo Account

      • Please contact your team manager

    • Cash is the VERY LAST resort when turning in funds. 

      • If cash is given it is your responsibility to request a receipt at the time of the  cash exchange. We cannot request a receipt once the transaction/exchange  has been completed

  • All funds sent via the team electronic payment methods or cash are funneled into an SD Bolts bank account, specifically for team use. It is NOT housed in any staff members’ direct account (even if a name is listed on the Venmo/CashApp). 

    • SDUAA/SD Bolts, or team staff will not be held liable if any individual funds are given to any individual (staff or not) that is NOT directly indicated for the team manager/s

    • SDUAA/SD Bolts, or team staff will not be held liable if any funds are given that did not follow the above procedure

  • Funds are tracked and viewable to the coaching staff (head coach), team manager/s, and current board members (Treasurer)

    • Parents can request information on fundraising efforts via a written request to the team manager & SD Bolts Treasurer

What are the projected fundraisers?

  • Only those that participate will benefit from ANY team or individual specific fundraisers

  • Fundraisers directly benefit your participant or are split amongst the team in a team pot

    • You will be notified if it is a team, individual, or association driven fundraiser

  • Some fundraisers are player driven and/parent led fundraisers

Fundraisers may include but not limited to:

  • Association Mandatory fundraiser

  • Dinner Nights

  • Dine In fundraisers

Can I get a sponsor for my participant/team/cheer program?

  • Yes, Please contact the team manager or SD Bolts Treasurer for more information

Can we buy-out of fundraisers?

  • Please refer to the team manager

What if we don’t fundraise at all?

  • Your player will miss out on things the rest of the team will have or participate in that your registration fees do NOT cover

    • The team or staff is not obligated to back track if you initially do not purchase or fundraise for items or events during the specified timeframe given

What if my player is in the negative at the end of the season or mid-season?

  • Your player’s contract can be pulled (meaning they will not be able to participate until all owed funds are cleared)

  • Your player may lose the opportunity to participate in things such as but not limited to- end of the season gathering, team activities, items that may be provided

  • Complete removal from the team, association, and/or the ability to participate at other associations (registration and uniform funds not cleared prior to or during the current season)

Coaching/Staff/Team Questions

Who will be coaching for the 2024 season and beyond?

  • Head coaches and coaching staff will be selected by the SD Bolts Coaches Director & committee

    • Head Coaches then select their coaching staff

      • Inquire directly with the head coach 

      • Email info@sdunitedaa.org for the head coach information 

  • There are NO guaranteed coaching positions from year to year. Coaches can/may not be asked back for the following season

  • Coaching staff can include one head coach, up to 5 assistant coaches, trainers/demos, and team business manager/s. 

  • Staff can be male or female

  • Staffing will be assessed by the head coach and team manager per the needs of the team

  • Head coaches are the leader of their players and team staff

What is the chain of command for the Bolts football program or how to address issues and feedback?

  • SDUAA- President (only if issues are escalated)

    • SD Bolts- President (only if issues are escalated)

      • SD Bolts Vice President (only if issues are escalated)

        • Coach's Director

          • Assistant Coach's Director (if applicable)

            • Head coach

              • Assistant coaches

                • Team Business Manager/s

Are all staff members background checked?

All staffed adults have to complete the following

  • SDYFC application and background check

  • CPR class

  • Complete all required coaching certifications (coaches)

What are the expectations of Admin Staff, Coaches, Team Business Manager, Parents, Participants, & so on?

  • Adhere to the codes of conduct (parent, participant, and staff)

  • Be respectful of each other

  • Participate in team needs/ meetings/activities

  • Positive attitudes

  • Provide a safe and welcoming environment

  • Follow the guidelines and rules laid out by SD Bolts, SDUAA, SDYFC, & AYF/AYC

Miscellaneous Questions

What may cause dismissal from the cheer program?

The following may cause removal from the cheer program… not limited to

  • Unsafe conditions/situations (participant/parent)

  • Constant aggressive behavior (participant/parent)

  • Behavioral issues from the participate that cannot be resolved

  • Constant disruption to the cheer program and goals (participant/parent)

  • Not abiding by the established rules, regulations, code of conduct, cheer contract, so on

  • Excessive missed practices and/or games

  • Outstanding balances

Important Information

  • If you do not receive information directly from the SD Bolts Board, your Head Coach, or Team Business Manager (under the direction of the head coach) it is NOT VALID

  • If information is not placed on the writing, in text, messaging, or email it is NOT VALID

  • Seek information in regards to football general questions SD Bolts Board Members

    • Team information directly from the Team Business Manager ONLY

  • This FAQ is a document that is continuously updated every year or so

  • REMEMBER our staff are ALL unpaid volunteers and we are ALL HUMAN, mistakes can happen

  • Please keep a positive upbeat spirit