Here's What You Need to Know for GameDay!
Football is finally back!
TLDR: CPYFA asks all parents, players and fans to be on their best behavior; home games will look different this season; we’re all very excited to play football this season!
With our first tackle games a mere two days away, I thought it prudent to send out a few updates and reminders about what to expect on game day (this Saturday and beyond).
First, our move to Hill Country Youth Football League from AYF in no way negates our expectations of player or parent conduct during games, practices, or CPYFA sanctioned events. Many have already reviewed and signed the Parent/Guardian Permission and Waiver form that documents our parent and player Code of Conduct. For those who have not seen and signed this document, please take a moment to do so. Our Code of Conduct is a critical tenant of our organization and I’d like to take a moment to summarize a few key points that will be paramount this season more than ever:
Parents, guardians, adults and players should act in a respectful and courteous manner at all times.
Rude, indecent or threatening conduct directed toward CPYFA board members, coaches (CPYFA or Visiting), referees/game officials or other parents/fans in attendance will not be tolerated.
The use of excessive profanity or “trash talk” by players or parents while attending or participating in CPYFA games, practices or events is unacceptable and may be grounds for removal.
Fair or otherwise, it only takes one bad actor to leave a negative impression of our organization with each new team that visits our community; that’s not who we are, that’s not Cedar Park.
Here’s why it matters: as I noted earlier, this is our first season with HCYFL and as the old saying goes, “you only get one chance to make a first impression.” We’ve all encountered those teams and parents that made the game unpleasant for everyone around them because of their behavior. Fair or otherwise, it only takes one bad actor to leave a negative impression of our organization with each new team that visits our community; that’s not who we are, that’s not Cedar Park.
OK, enough of Dad wagging his finger at you...let’s talk game day.
Unfortunately, LISD facilities were not available to youth organizations this season, which in turn means that our “home” games will be played at Boles Sports Complex in Round Rock for the duration of the regular season. Full disclosure, these are not the quality fields you’re used to. We’re going back to old school grass with hand-painted lines and parents sitting in lawn chairs along the sidelines. It’s going to be a novel experience, but hey, at least we’re playing football!
We will have concessions at the games consisting of pre-packaged snacks and drinks. We’ll also have spirit wear available for purchase or pickup. For parents who have already purchased spirit wear items through our online store (thanks by the way!), your items will be waiting for you at concessions, pre-packaged and ready to go. Though cash sales will still be accepted, we are asking that all patrons try to use digital or card payments for concessions and spirit wear in keeping with best practices for COVID19 prevention. Speaking of nobody’s favorite pandemic, standing COVID19 restrictions as defined by local, state and federal guidelines will be in place during our home games. Even though we will be outside, all parents and fans are asked to practice appropriate social distancing, keep friend/family clusters to groups of less than 10 and to wear a mask or face covering while in line or making purchases at the concessions or spirit wear tables. Always remember that you can reference our COVID19 response on the CPYFA website.
I’ll close as I always do, with a reminder that if you have any questions, comments or concerns, the CPYFA Board and I are available to you. There will be a board member at every home game all season long - look for the grey shirt with the CPYFA logo and “Board Member” on the front and let us know what you think. If you’d prefer email, you can always reach us at info@cpyfa.com.
Looking forward to a great season!
Go Timberwolves!
-Brian