© Copyright 2008  Lathrop Titans Youth Football & Cheer -
last updated: February 15, 2010
2010
LATHROP JR. SPARTANS
Titans A to Z Information Page and Fan Guide
The following guide is meant to answer frequently asked questions. If you have a question regarding a particular topic, check below to search for the answer. Topics are listed in alphabetical order. If this guide does not answer your question, please see your childs head coach directly for additional information or try our FAQ section for additional information.


A

Academics:
The Lathrop Jr. Spartans believe that their players must be good students before they can be good athletes. Unlike other programs that preach academics, the Lathrop Jr. Spartans have become proactive in assisting its players in achieving those goals. In order to ensure that our players have every opportunity to be successful in the classroom, we have developed a tutoring program that is available to all of our current players and cheerleaders at no additional cost. The tutoring program usually starts around September. Please see your head coach for more information.

Address:
Lathrop Jr. Spartans
PO BOX 504
Lathrop, CA 95330

Age and Weight Requirements:

AGEWEIGHTDIVISION
6 - 8 50 - 90  Jr. Novice
8 - 10       60 - 110Novice
11*                 60 - 85  Novice
10 - 12     75 - 140       Jr. Varsity
13*         75 - 110Jr. Varsity
11 - 14    100 - 190       Varsity

*Specifies Older/Lighters
**Weights do not apply to cheerleaders.
***JV Older/Lighters may not be 9th graders.
****8th graders over 100 lbs. must play varsity level.
*****Varsity level is allowed only (5) 9th graders on its roster. Only 1st year freshman can be considered.
******No 10th graders are eligible for play in the DYFL.

All players will be allowed a weekly 1/2 pound increase in weight after the second game of the regular season.

Animals:

The only animals allowed in the stadium are certified service animals. Owners must have appropriate certification in their possession.

B

Boundaries::
Any player cannot just play for any team within the DYFL. They must play for the local team in their area. Any child living in the Lathrop or Weston Ranch area is eligible to play for the Lathrop Titans.

C

Calendar
Please check our franchise calendar (located at the bottom of the home page) for important dates.

Cameras & Videos:
Still pictures and video cameras are permitted in the stands. Per DYFL rules, no video can be taken at the field level or used for scouting purposes.

Coaches:
At the heart of any good organization are the volunteers who help make it a success. All coach positions are on a volunteer basis. The Lathrop Titans take great pride in their coaching staff and have a combined experience level that exceeds over 50 years of coaching! Many of our coaches have even moved on to the next level and you may see them at your local high schools as well. If you are interested in coaching or volunteering in another position, please see your head coach to ask how.

Code of Conduct:
Help us create the most fan-friendly environment in the DYFL.

Fan Code of Conduct

The following actions are prohibited:

  • Fighting, taunting, or engaging in any action that may harm, endanger, threaten, or bring discomfort to anyone in the stadium or practice field.
  • Possession or use of any illegal drugs. 
  • Smoking anywhere in the stadium or practice field, which is prohibited by the State of California. 
  • Use of foul, abusive, or obscene language or gestures. 
  • Damage, destruction, vandalism, or theft of any property. 
  • Failure to follow the directions of law enforcement, security, ushers, ticket takers, or any other stadium personnel. 
  • Engaging in any action that causes a disruption, creates an unsafe environment, or hinders the enjoyment of the game for others. 
  • Mistreatment of visiting team fans, including verbal abuse, harassment, profanity, confrontations, intimidation, or threatening behavior. 

Concessions:
Food, drinks, snacks are all offered at our snack bar. No outside food or drink is allowed into the stadium on game day. We encourage you to frequent our snack bar as funds raised from concessions directly fund our organization.

D

Divisions:
The DYFL is made up of (4) different levels of play; Jr. Novice, Novice, Jr. Varsity, Varsity. (See Age Requirements for more info)

Documentation:
All players must fill out a DYFL contract card at the start of each season. This is usually done at sign-up's. All new players or cheerleaders must have proper documentation turned in before they can participate in the upcoming season. The following documents are required for any new player:
  • Birth Certificate
  • Utility Bill
  • Most recent report card
  • Sports Physical
  • 2" x 3" Personal Photo

Veteran players are only required to turn in a updated photo and recent report card.

E

Emergencies:
In case of an emergency on game day, please seek out the Field Marshall or staff member at the concession area for assistance. During practice, please seek out your childs Head Coach for any issues. A certified EMT will be on site for all Lathrop Titan home games.

Equipment:
All football equipment will be provided for the players and will remain property of the Lathrop Jr. Spartans. Each player must purchase their own football cleats and water bottle. Equipment must be turned in by each player at the end of each season. Players wishing to add accessories to their equipment (visors, wristbands, neck rolls, etc) should check with their head coach before doing so.

Exit/Re-Entry:
Any patrons who wish to leave the stadium and re-enter later must have their hand stamped for re-entry. No hand stamp will require paying the gate fee again.

F

First Aid:
Per DYFL rules, all Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches must have current First Aid certification before they may coach. For your players safety, all Lathrop Titans coaches receive annual training to remain within compliance. On game days a certified EMT is on site for all Lathrop Jr. Spartans home games.

Fees:
Currently, the Lathrop Jr.Spartans have some of the lowest fees in the area. Player fee's are as follows;
  • Football - $
  • Cheer - $

Siblings receive a $25 discount.

G

Game Day Admission:
All DYFL games have a gate fee for admission to the games. Admission prices are as follows:

$4.00 - Adults 18 and Over
$3.00 - Children and Seniors (55+)

Any DYFL coach with proper credentials is allowed inside the stadium at no charge. Any current DYFL player or veteran with a game jersey will be allowed access at no charge.

H

Home Field:
The Lathrop Jr. Spartans will play all their home games at Lathrop High School, Lathrop, CA. Please see the maps link for locations. (Due to circumstances beyond our control, game locations and time may change)

I

Injuries
Serious injuries that occur during practice or during a game will be documented by the head coach and turned into the Athletic Director for our records. If a player or cheerleader does not report a injury to their coach but is later discovered by a parent, they must notify their head coach immediately.

J

Jr. Coaches:
A team is allowed a Jr. Coach to help assist the head coach with practices. At no time are Jr. Coaches allowed to teach or instruct the players. All Jr. Coaches must be at least 15 years old by the start of the season and be accepted by the head coach of the division they are seeking.

K

Kids Area:
Any children that are not participating in football or cheer must remain off the practice and football fields during practice and games. This includes warm-up fields during game days. A playground is located near the practice field for this purpose. Parents, please help us with managing this task.

L

League
The Lathrop Titans are part of the DYFL (Delta Youth Football League) which is the longest active youth football league in this area. The majority of our league is made up on 17 teams located in the Stockton, Modesto and Tracy areas.

Lost and Found:
A Lost and Found station is located at the equipment shed located at our practice field. During game day it is at the front admission gate. Items that are not claimed after 30 days will be donated to charity.

M

Merchandise:
Lathrop Jr. Spartans merchandise will be on sale at all home games.

Medical Issues:
Any player with a medical condition (Asthma, Allergies, injuries, etc) should notify the head coach before practice begins.

Minimum Play Rule:
The DYFL does not have a minimum play rule. However, the Lathrop Jr. Spartans do institute a 4 play minimum rule, but players often exceed that amount during games. It is the responsibility of the head coach to make sure this rule is followed. Exceptions to this rule include injuries, safety, play-off's, etc.

N

O

P

Player Registration:
All players must fill out a DYFL contract card in order to be placed on a roster. Registration for the Lathrop Jr. Spartans usually starts in February and ends in June. Please see our calendar for upcoming sign-up dates.

Physical:
All football players must have a "sports physical" before they will be allowed to practice. The Lathrop Jr. Spartans will host a special physical day for all it's players for a minimal fee. If you choose to see your own doctor, please download the form from our downloads section and make sure your doctor stamps the form with his information.

Practice Location and Times:
The Lathrop Jr. Spartans will practice at Sangalang Park (behind Joseph Widmere Elementary). Check the maps section for directions. The practice schedule is as follows:

First Day of Practice
10AM - 12PM Saturday, July 19th (This is our only Saturday practice all season)

Training Camp Schedule 7/21 - 8/29
Mon - Fri  6 - 8PM

Regular Season Schedule 9/8 - Season Ends
Tue, Wed, Thur 6 - 8PM


Q

R

Refunds:
Their are no refunds unless a player is cut due to team size or safety reasons.

Roster Size:
Per DYFL rules, teams are allowed up to 45 players. Up to this point, the Lathrop Titans have never cut a player due to roster size.

S

Safety
Safety is our # 1concern. All Lathrop Titans coaches undergo training on first Aid/CPR, as well as safe tackling techniques to ensure our players are safe while having fun.

Season Schedule
The football season usually last from July to early December (this includes playoffs and All-stars). The regular season schedule can be viewed by clicking on the Schedule link.

T

Transportation:
Transportation to and from games and practices must be provided by the parents. Carpooling is always a great way to save on gas as well as assist you with your busy schedule.

U

Uniforms:
Uniforms, like the equipment, will be loaned out to players. All uniforms must be turned in at the end of the season in good condition (normal wear and tear is expected). Failure to return any equipment or uniform will result in legal action to help recover the uniform or the cost to replace it.

V

W

Website:
Website questions or suggestions can be e-mailed to Jamie Hernandez

X

Y

Z