Thank you for being part of our SRV T-Birds community and for supporting your child’s participation in youth football and cheer. This handbook is designed to provide important information for parents and guardians to ensure a positive, safe, and enjoyable experience for all involved. We believe that the experience of youth sports extends beyond the field and cheer mats, offering life lessons in teamwork, discipline, respect, and perseverance.

T-Birds is a non-profit organization and is run by parent volunteers.  All board positions are volunteer and do not receive any compensation.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide a positive, fun, and supportive environment for youth athletes in football and cheerleading. Through sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline, we strive to foster a love for the game while promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of each participant.

Core Values

• Integrity: We promote honesty, respect, and fair play both on and off the field.
• Teamwork: We believe in the power of working together as a cohesive unit to achieve common goals.
• Commitment: We expect athletes and parents to commit to the program and support each other in maintaining a high standard of effort and attendance.
• Respect: We encourage respect for coaches, teammates, referees, and all involved in the program.
• Community: We are a community of families and volunteers working together to create a positive and inclusive environment.

Effective communication is essential for the success of our program. Here are the primary ways we communicate with families:

• Email: Will be sent first through Blue Sombrero to the email address used during the registration process. And then via our weekly Newsletter once teams are finalized. Important updates, announcements, and scheduling changes will be sent weekly through the T-Birds Newsletter. Go to srvtbirds.com to sign up for the newsletter. 
• Team App: Teams will use an App to communicate directly with each other (e.g., Game Changer). Your coach will let you know. Please make sure to upload any contact info as needed to best help communicate  with your team.
• Coaching Staff: For team-related questions, please direct inquiries to your child’s coach. If you have concerns or need assistance, feel free to reach out to the VP of Cheer or VP of Football.

Parent/Coach Communication Guidelines

• Before or after practice/games: It is best to approach coaches before or after a practice or game, not during or immediately following a session. Coaches are focused on the athletes during these times. 
• Respectful dialogue: We have a 24-hour cooling off period if any conflict should arise. You must wait 24 hrs to discuss the situation. Approach all conversations with respect. If a conflict arises, please schedule a meeting rather than addressing issues publicly.

Game Schedules

• Our cheerleading schedule will be provided as part of the league’s regular game calendar.. Games and performances are subject to change, but T-Birds will do our best to communicate any changes in advance.
• EBYFC (East Bay Youth Football Club) controls the T-Birds game schedules and is part of  a larger matrix of 18 other leagues.  
• EBYFC schedule consists of nine weeks of games in a ten week time frame allowing for Labor Day Weekend off..  
• Playoffs consist of an additional 3 more weeks to the Championship Turkey Bowl. 
• Cheer Showcase:  TBD

Arrive Early
Cheerleaders should arrive at least 1 hour before the scheduled game or performance. This allows time for warm-ups, team cheer practice, and pre-game instructions.

Uniforms
Ensure that your child’s cheer uniform is clean, complete, and in good condition. This includes cheer tops, skirts, bows, shoes, and socks. Cheerleaders should wear their full uniform at all games and events.

Hydration & Snacks
Make sure your child drinks plenty of water before, during, and after the game. Hydration begins the day before the game. Healthy snacks (such as fruits, granola bars, etc.) are also encouraged. Most stadiums will have a snack shack or food vendors on site.

Cheering and Support
Parents are encouraged to cheer for all cheerleaders. Positive, supportive behavior sets the tone for our athletes. Crowd support makes a big difference in our athletes' experience.

We prioritize the safety of all participants. We work very hard to coach players on safe tackling methods.  Here are some key safety measures:

• First Aid: Coaches are trained in basic first aid and CPR. First aid kits are available at all practices and games. 
• Injury Reporting: If your child experiences any injury, please inform the coach immediately. Do not allow your child to return to play until cleared by a healthcare professional.
• Concussions: We follow strict protocols for concussion awareness and management. If a child is suspected of having a concussion, they will be removed from play until evaluated by a medical professional and cleared to return.
• Weather Conditions: In extreme weather conditions (heat, rain, lightning, smoke), practices or games may be rescheduled or canceled. Please stay tuned for announcements.

Our league relies on the involvement of parents to create a successful experience for our athletes and fans. We require each family to complete at least 12 hours of volunteer service hours. We have over 140 hours of volunteer work for every home game day at MVHS to be filled by YOU!   

Volunteer Check Deposit: The deposit check submitted at T-Bird day will be held until the end of the year. If you do not complete your 12 hours of requirement volunteer hours your check will be cashed. The T-Birds Weekly Newsletter will provide the Sign Up link for each week’s games to sign up and volunteer for. Here are ways you can fill those hours.  

Game Day Volunteers: This is our biggest NEED! We have over 140 hours of work for every home game at MVHS that need to be filled by parents. Such as:

• Field Setup
• Merchandise Sales
• Concession Stand Sales
• Front Gate Sales
• On-Field Chain Gang
• On-Field MPR (Minimum Play Recorder)
• Field Take-Down
• Game Announcer in the Booth
• Play Spotter in the Booth
• Scoreboard Operator in the Booth
• **You must sign up and sign in on site to receive your hours.
• Event Volunteer Committees: Get involved in helping organize  our SNAP! fundraising event, Pep Rally, Picture Day, Homecoming game days, Equipment return, or End of Year Ceremony.  
• Team Parent: Assist in organizing team communications, help hand out photos, help plan an End of Season Team party and ensure your child’s team stays on track with important dates. Talk to your Head Coach about applying.

Deposit check: in lieu of volunteering - details forthcoming for 2025 season.

We work hard to keep participation fees affordable, but additional funding is often required for equipment upkeep, replenishing uniforms, additional league expenses, and special events. Your support in fundraising efforts is vital.

• Fundraising Events:  Once the season kicks off we will host a SNAP! Fundraiser.  It is an easy online fundraiser to solicit funds from family and friends in your network.
• Sponsorships: We are seeking partnerships with businesses to help us continue our mission. By sponsoring SRV T-Birds, your business will gain exposure to a large and diverse audience of parents, athletes, and community members through various channels, including: 
• Recognition on our website, social media platforms, and marketing materials
• Opportunities for onsite promotion at our events and tournaments
• Banner placement at all home games 
• Announcements over the loudspeaker promoting your business at home games 
• We offer flexible sponsorship packages tailored to suit your business objectives and budget.
• Financial Assistance: If your family requires financial assistance, please contact the league for information on scholarship programs.

Cheerleading uniforms and gear should be kept in excellent condition throughout the season. Please ensure uniforms are cleaned regularly and stored properly.

• Uniform Care: Wash uniforms according to instructions. Avoid altering the uniform, as it may be used in subsequent years.
• Equipment: Any additional cheer gear provided (such as pom-poms) must be returned at the end of the season.

We are guests at Monte Vista High School. We are grateful to have two local schools that share adjacent practice fields for all of our football teams. MVHS is our host school for both cheer & football practices and games and some of our teams will also  practice at Los Cerros Middle School. Coaches, parents and guardian must follow the following guidelines:

• MVHS Parking: Parking available at MVHS is in the athletic parking lot near the park and  tennis courts. Do not park past the swimming pool in the basketball court area. That is strictly for MVHS staff. Your car may be towed or locked in.  
• Los Cerros Parking: Parking is available at LCMS in their main parking lot.
• Pick up & Drop Off: Please drive slowly and be respectful of all of the other activities taking place at MVHS. Park in designated parking stalls and do not block traffic.
• Keep it Clean: Please pick your belongings and trash after every game, practice and event.

• Be Positive: Encourage your child regardless of their performance. Focus on effort, teamwork, and improvement rather than just winning.
• Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage a balanced lifestyle with adequate rest, good nutrition, and exercise. Proper recovery time after games and practices is essential. Most importantly is hydration.
• Be Prepared: Football & cheer season can be very hot as well as get extremely cold at the end of the season. Families should come prepared with sunscreen, sun hats, umbrellas, shade tents and or coats & blankets.  
• Bring your Team Spirit: Make sure to bring your bells, pompoms, rally towels, cheers & chants for game day. We want our fans to be loud & proud!

T-Birds has a strong tradition of fun community building events in addition to our weekly games.   We would love your participation. .Be on the lookout for the following upcoming events:   

• T-Bird Day / July: Mandatory event for both cheer and football players to complete their registration process. They will receive cheer uniforms, football helmets and pads.. Merchandise will be available for purchase. Coaches and T-Bird Board members will be on site to answer any questions.
• Snap! Fundraiser / August: Online or on the go, Snap! is a simple and easy way to reach out and raise funds to help support our program 
• Pep Rally / August: For all cheer & football players & their families. Event to kickoff the 2024 season. Held on the MVHS practice field. Presentation by special guest speakers, coaches and all division cheer performances. Volunteers needed to help plan.
• Picture Day / September: For all cheer & football teams. Photos will be taken for both cheer & football teams.
• Powder Puff Game / October: Varsity cheer and varsity football players will play in our annual T-Bird Powder Puff football game on the MVHS football field All are welcome to come watch.
• Homecoming / October: Development Homecoming date may vary from Competitive Homecoming date. Will be set later in August. T-Bird Homecoming festivities are full of spirit! Posters and decorations will adorn the stadium. Fans are super excited to show their T-Bird pride. Festivities prior to each game will include an on field presentation of all players and cheer teams, Followed by the crowning of royalty!
• Turkey Bowl / November: EBYFC Championship Games to end the Football & Cheer Season
• Year End Banquet / December: A special event for all T-Bird cheer & football families to celebrate the end of an amazing season in style. We will acknowledge and honor the hard work put in by both coaches and players, past and present. *More details will be shared via newsletter as events approach.

The weekly Newsletter will have general information about schedules and upcoming events. Please go to the website to enroll if you are not getting these newsletters. To obtain team related information please check your team’s communication App regularly, Coaches will also sometimes provide updates at practices and the “Team Parent” will help relay the message via the team App. 

Thank you again for being a vital part of the San Ramon Valley Football & Cheer community. Your involvement is what makes our league successful, and we look forward to an exciting season ahead! If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a coach or the league’s leadership team.

Let’s have a great season!

T-Birds Board