Ravens News

Hello Ravens’  Fans,

This year the Glen Allen Ravens concession stand is unique in many ways by offering a variety of foods – including healthy food options. We have also branded our concession stand with its very own name, “The Purple & Black Food Shack”. Also for 2011 we will be implementing a new concession stand volunteer program.

Do you know the importance of operating a concession stand? Concession stands are a great source of assistance when it comes to offering recreational sports at an affordable cost. Though our concession stand is not considered the main money generator for our program, it is without a doubt an important contribution to the organization. The concession stand is done as a courtesy for our members, as well as the visiting teams that may not have the time to prepare a meal or even stop for a meal before the game. This is why it is so important for us to continue with our volunteer program, as well as improve it.

In 2011 our volunteer program will be changing in order to keep our registration cost down, accommodate the volunteer needs and assist in improving our existing football program. We have decided to implement a new approach with concession scheduling and our volunteers’ valuable time. Volunteer requirements for each registered family are outlined below:

2011 Concession Volunteers Program requires that each family volunteers a recommended 4 hours/credits for the season. (Credit is for high school students who need volunteer hours)

Parents will be scheduled to work:

• 60 minutes for home games before their football player/cheerleader games begin
• 45 minutes for Flag parents home games before their football player /cheerleader games begin ( assist w/concessions morning set-up)
• Parents are required to notify the Team Mom and find coverage for scheduled slot if unable to work it.

PLEASE NOTE: 2011 Concession Volunteer Program requires the each family put in a recommended 4 hours/credits for the season. These hours/credits will be accumulated by working your scheduled times during practice nights and game days. All registered athletes names will be placed in a pool of names for their teams and randomly pulled to create a concessions schedule for 2011 season. Concessions duties are mandatory for every team/squad. If a parent/guardian does not fulfill the requirements listed above, the parent forfeits their football player’s/cheerleader’s participation to play/cheer during the next scheduled game.

Please also note that if you are unable to work your scheduled slot, finding coverage for your scheduled slot deems as fulfilling the above requirement, therefore is also credited as worked.

The 2011 Concession Volunteer schedule will begin the second week of practice (August 15^th). Shortly following this update, a contingent schedule will be issued to each registered parent outlining the concession schedule. Parents will have the opportunity to review the schedule and make adjustments as necessary.

In conclusion, together we can make this year a wonderful year! We look forward to exhibiting TEAMWORK, GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP and INTEGRITY together. We know that without our parents this would not be possible!!! So we thank you in advance for making this the start of a great volunteers program.

Sincerely,

Kevin Coley

Glen Allen Ravens Concessions Director

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Calling all 2011 Ravens football players!

Our season is right around the corner and the entire support team of the Glen Allen Football and Cheering Association (GAFCA) has and continues to be very busy preparing for opening day!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??!!

As we have advertised, there will be two weekends of equipment handouts.  They are July 30th and 31st from 9am – noon and August 6th and 7th from 9am – noon.  All equipment handouts will take place at the Ravens Field House.  In addition to the equipment handout, there are some housekeeping items that need to be addressed.

Just like last year, all football players are required to have a DMV ID. This is a Metro rule and you cannot play without it. Many of you already have it from last year.  The card is good for three years.  If you do not have one or you lost it; it must be replaced.  Do NOT wait until the last minute!  Go to DMV and take care of it.  It takes 7-10 business days for them to mail it to you.

The cards will be collected before you receive your equipment and returned after Roster Night and prior to the first game.  If you will not have the ID the weekend of the 30^th and 31^st, please do not come to equipment handout because you will not be cleared through the administrative process; instead, come the following weekend when you have all your material.  In addition to turning over your DMV ID, you need to hand in one of the attached forms.  If you are playing at the Midget level you need to print and fill out the two-sided form titled “2011 Metro Ethics & Midget School Letter.”  If you are playing at any other level, you need to print and fill out the form titled “2011 Metro Ethics Form.”  Bring your appropriate completed form along with your ID to the equipment handout session you attend.

Please keep the administrative process smooth by arriving prepared.  We are looking forward to a fun and successful year.

In conjunction with our July 30^th equipment handout our sponsor Dicks Sporting Good at VA Center Commons is hosting a Ravens Appreciation Event from 11am – 4pm. We will have Dixie Sports out at the field with shoulder pads and padded girdles for sale on Saturday only.

LET’S GO RAVENS!!!!

Form 1

Form 2

Dicks Sporting goods

Sign up’s are now open! Click here to go to the link and become a Raven!

Keep up to date with us not only on our website but on Facebook & Twitter!

Post pictures and show how much you love your Ravens!

Yes folks your Coaches have been chosen and are ready to be a team!

Division  &  Head Coach

Juniors: Chris Woody

Midget Varsity: Jim Tilley

Midget Jr. Varsity: Rob Hulings

Midget Gridiron: Luke Puccinelli

Peewee Varsity: Carl Brumfield

Peewee Jr. Varsity: Brad Morris

Peewee Gridiron: Chris Glascock

Flag Varsity: Dick Denzler

Flag Jr. Varsity: Scott Waller

The Glen Allen Ravens need your support.

Raven Aid is a fund that is set up to help children who are otherwise unable to afford to participate in Glen Allen football and chearleading. This fund helps provide scholarships to pay for registration and uniforms. It is a great way to help support our up and coming Ravens.

There are several ways you can help:

• Donate your spare change at the concession stands (there is a jar at the window)
• See any board member to make a donation
• Fill the helmet at Homecoming on October 23rd

Through your generosity we can ensure a strong Ravens program now, and in the future.

Many Thanks,

Glen Allen Ravens

2011 REGISTRATION

Q1: I want to sign my children up for football and need to know when registration ends?
A1: Regular registration will be open until June 30th. After June 30th all registrations will be considered late and have an additional $20 fee per registration. You may register online at the Ravens web site. Simply follow the link from the home page. Please note that individual age groups may close registration as we reach capacity in that particular age group.

Q2: Why does my child need a DMV ID card?

A2: In 2010 the MYFL board voted to replace the requirement of original birth certificates with a new requirement of DMV ID cards across all age groups. Since the majority of our teams participate in the MYFL all Glen Allen players are now required to have a state issued DMV ID card to play on any of our teams. The ID card will be collected at the start of practice and returned to the parents after rosters are verified. On game days all players are required to have their DMV ID cards with them for check-in.

Q3: How much does it cost?
A3: Our pricing for registration this season will be the same as it was in 2010. Our pricing is as follows:

• Flag, Peewee, & Midget Football: $140
• Juniors Football: $100
• Cheerleading: $100
• Multi-Child Discount: -$30 per child after the first child registered (siblings only)
• Late Fee: $20 per registration after June 30^th

PRACTICE, GAMES, WEATHER, EQUIPMENT

Q4: When does the first practice begin?
A4: Monday, August 8, 2011

Q5: What are the practice schedules? How often are practices held?
A5: The first three weeks of practice are Monday through Friday. Practices begin at 6:00 P.M. and end at 8:00 P.M.  The practice schedule will be fairly intense for the first few weeks with most teams practicing each week night up to labor day. After labor day most teams will go to a three nights a week practice schedule with games played on Saturdays.

Q6: What time do the games start? What day are they played?
A6: Games are played on Saturday, with Sunday used if a Saturday game gets rained out. The schedule runs Flag JV at 8AM, Juniors (12-14) at 9AM, Midgets (10-12) after the Juniors game, Peewees (8-10) after the Midgets, and then Flag Varsity (6-7) after the Midgets. Since the later games can’t start until the game before it finishes the start times of the later games can vary quite a bit. Gridiron team start times will vary from week to week.

Q7: If it rains, will there be practice and/or games?
A7: We will practice and/or play games as long as the fields are open and playable. Henrico County Parks & Rec will make decisions on field closures and will update the inclement weather hotline (804-501-5132) by 3PM on weekdays and 7:30AM on weekends. Storms that may develop during the course of a game or practice will be assessed as they happen. The Metro Youth Football League occasionally cancels games due to weather. On game days they will announce this by 7:30 AM.

Q8: What should be worn to practice?
A8: Your coaches will advise you of practice attire during the first week of practice. For the first practice, your child should wear shorts, shirt, socks, and running shoes or cleats.

Q9: What football equipment do the Ravens provide? What do we need to provide?
A9: The Ravens provide each player with a game jersey, game pants, practice jersey, practice pants, pads for pants and a helmet. You will need to provide shoulder pads and cleats along with a girdle to hold the waist pads. Cleats must be rubber – no metal is permitted. We will have a representative from one of the local sporting goods stores available at equipment handout to sell shoulder pads and other protective equipment. You can also buy these on elsewhere if you prefer.

GAME SCHEDULES

Q10: Where are the game schedules posted?
A10: The game schedules and directions to host athletic fields are posed on the Ravens web site under the “Game Day” section on the site.

Q11: Do the JV teams play the same schedules as the Varsity teams?
A11: Metro will determine the JV schedules approximately the last week of August. These schedules are dependent on the number of other Associations that will field JV teams.  In most cases, the JV teams will play at the same location as the varsity teams. However, there will most likely be differences between the Varsity and JV schedules where our JV teams will play at different locations or play different teams than our Varsity teams..

Q12: Do the Gridiron teams play the same schedules as the Metro teams?
A12: No. Gridiron is administered by the Western Youth Athletic Association and will have an all together different schedule from our Metro teams. The Gridiron schedule will be available shortly after the JV schedule is posted and like the Metro schedules will be posted on the Ravens web site under the “Game Day” section on the site.

COACHING

Q13: I am interested in being an assistant coach. Who do I need to contact?
A13: Contact our Athletic Director at athleticdirector@glenallenravens.net if you are interested in being an assistant coach this season.

Q14: How can I become a head coach?

A14: GAFCA takes head coaching applications for the following season in the December and January time frame. If you would like to be considered for a head coaching position for next year’s teams please contact that Ravens Athletic Director at athleticdirector@glenallenravens.net .

FLAG FOOTBALL
Q14: My five year old almost 6 year old son is interested in flag football. I am wondering what the schedule is like.  Are the games always on the weekend? Is there a set time they play?  What is the practice schedule like?

A14: As a six year old your son will most likely play on our flag JV team. The flag JV team is made up of 5 and 6 year olds. For the first couple of weeks the teams may practice every week night. However, once school starts the JV team practices only twice a week and will play their games on Saturday mornings. Rained out Saturday games may be played on Sundays or even during the week. The Flag JV team starts their games at 8AM and must be over by 9AM for the varsity schedule to start at 9AM. The Flag JV games are instructional in nature and therefore the score is not put on the scoreboard and the games are held on a constant running clock. There is also no official score of the games recorded and no winner and loser. The emphasis is on teaching and an introduction to the game. At 7 our flag players move up to the varsity team. There are a few six year olds who the varsity coach with choose to keep up on the varsity team but since 7 year olds cannot play on the JV team, how many 6 year olds move up to varsity is dependent on how many 7 year olds that sign up. The flag varsity team will practice three times a week and also plays their games on Saturdays but they do not have a set start time.

We were greatly saddened to learn of the recent passing of Vince Hereford, our fellow Raven and friend, father to Brittany & Brandon, and husband to Michelle . He will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew him and by our entire Ravens family. Vince offered our organization invaluable service while painstakingly working through his illness and touching the lives of our children daily. He never quit. He never made excuses. He only smiled and nodded as you would pass him on the field and offered – always – a kind word and a strong handshake.

He guided many players to the proper teams and worked diligently with ALL  coaches, board members, and families. He never left his post. I had the honor of knowing him for one year as I served with him on the board. He never complained when things were tough and I actually found out late that he was ill because he never once complained. He stayed focused when things were probably grueling. He had a quiet strength that was awesome. Based on others responses…Everyone loved him; Everyone admired him. Most importantly though, is that he made a difference.

HE MADE A DIFFERENCE.

The Ravens are a better people for having spent time with this great man.

Please continue to pray for Vince’s family during this difficult time.

In addition to being a member of our board of directors Vince was a loving father and husband who leaves behind a wife Michelle, daughter Brittainy, and son Brandon for whom we have setup the following web based donation page.

http://www.active.com/donate/hereford