How many players are on a team?
The league roster Maximum is 30 players per squad/team.

What are the age groups you offer?
Our organization offers flag football for ages 5-6 years old; tackle football for 7-11 years olds
and cheerleading for ages
4-14 years old.  Players are placed on teams according to their age
as of August 01 of that playing year

Flag Team
Our flag team is an introductory level team that we use as a learning experience for all new incoming players.
Our goal is to teach the kids the basic rules of the game of football. There are 9 players on the field for
offense and defense. A coach is also allowed on the field at the same time to help the kids along during the
game. Basic stance, blocking, and formations are some of the areas that we focus on to prepare the players
for tackle.

Midget Team
This  is a great division to introduce the players to tackle football. On this team, we will teach the players the
fundamentals of tackle football, blocking and tackling, as well as continuing to teach the rules of football.
Our main focus will be on proper tackling technique. Since the team is for one group, the players will have a
better opportunity to play and to get acclimated to full contact. There is also a coach allowed on the field for
offense and defense as in the flag team.

Rookie Team
Our rookie team is an intermediate team that will continue to develop the players in all aspects of the game.
Our main focus will continue to be on proper tackling technique, but also incorporating more complex plays
and blocking assignments. Strength and agility training of all the players will also be added at this level.

Junior Team
The junior team is an upper level team that will be in a division that is typically the most competitive. At this
level, we will continue to teach proper blocking and tackling. We will also focus on more complex offensive
and defensive assignments. Strength and agility training is also intensified to help develop the players for
the next level.

How much playing time will my child get?
Brush Country Rattlers is a competitive youth football program. Unlike soccer, baseball,
basketball, football is a full contact sport with the intent to go into to playoffs. It is our goal to
teach the players the fundamentals of football. These fundamentals are learned mostly in
practice. Therefore, it is very important for the development of the players that they attends
all practices. It is also important that parents understand that TYFA does not require us to play
your child a minimum amount of time. We do recommended to each team that they provide
the opportunity for the child to play as long as they show up to practice, are trying to learn,
and are not disciplinary problems etc. Playing time is awarded at the coach’s discretion based
on ability, performance and commitment. Some players will play more than others. Some
players will play offense and defense. However, it is our policy to make every attempt to
make sure all the players play since we believe this builds confidence and that is the key in
developing the child and team. Remember it is a progressive sport. Little Johnny may be
awesome with the flag and midget division move up to rookies not do to good the first year
return for the second year be awesome again, etc., etc,.

When are the practice days?
For the first two weeks, practice will be Monday through Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 for the
safety of all players this is a mandatory conditioning period. After that, the practice days will
be every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 locations will be given to the
player and parents at the meeting prior to August. Practices will be 2 hours in length for tackle
teams and 1 1/2 for flag team.

What does my child need to wear for practice?
For the first 10 days pf practice players are required to wear a T-shirt with their name on the
front and rear of the shirt, shorts, socks and cleats. Once we are in pads players will need to
wear their practice jersey.

What equipment is provided by the Rattlers?
Helmet
Shoulder pads
7piece pad set
Game jersey

All equipment is the property of the Brush Country Rattlers and must be returned at the end
of the year. Game jerseys may be given to the player at the end of the year.

Do the players get to keep their jerseys/equipment?
Yes, the game jersey will be given to the players at the conclusion of the season. The helmet,
shoulder pads, Game pants and 7 piece pad sets are property of the Brush Country Rattlers
and is to be returned at the conclusion of the season.


Do you have weight limits?
No, our program is “No Weight Limit League” and players are placed on teams according to
their age as of August 01 of that playing year. We have learned that placing a child in a
division based on size does not mean the player is mentally prepared to play in that division
which only hurts the child. Parents football is a learning process and has its own language
and your child will learn the lingo with the Rattlers.

What does the season consist of?
The regular season will begin the first week of August and conclude at the end of November.
It will consist of about 8 games. Teams qualify for the District Playoffs, Regional Finals, State
Quarter Finals, State Semi Finals, and  they will have the opportunity to continue to play until
December for the State Championship
so prepare for a LONG SEASON:)

When are the games?
All games will be held on Saturdays at various times in the Atascosa, Wilson, Karnes, San
Antonio and possibly Austin area. Times will vary with most games played in the morning and
mid-afternoon.

Will we have to travel for games?
Yes, there will be some traveling, but most of the games are played in Atascosa, Wilson,
Karnes, San Antonio area on Saturdays. With new teams being added to the league from the
San Antonio and Austin area, traveling may be limited to teams that make it to the State
Championship.

Are your coaches certified?
All coaches are required to go before Brush Country Rattlers Coaches Committee and are
questioned, interviewed and subjected to several scenarios by Moms, Dads, Former
Coaches, and Board Members. They are also required to submit a mandatory background
check. In addition to this, we require all our volunteer coaches to attend a training program
administered by Brush Country Rattlers. In this program, we will train our coaches as to what
we expect from them as well as the outline of our football program.

How can I become a coach?
To apply for a coaching spot, please see our Forms page for the application or contact a board
member. Coaches will be selected prior to the beginning of the season, if we have more than
one adult wanting the Head Coach position they will go before a committee which consist of
two board members, a mom, and two former coaches. All individuals on the committee will
have no affiliation to the division.

Can I drop my child off at practice and pick him/her up at the end of practice?
No. Please do not leave your child at practice unattended. A parent or guardian must be
present at all times not only to ensure the safety of your child, but also to instill confidence,
support and enthusiasm of the players and cheerleaders. If you do need to leave your child
unattended inform one of the Coaches or Team Mom. As common courtesy we allow 15
minutes of a parents tardiness more than 15 minutes contact the Head Coach immediately to
get your child's location. Please keep in mind that the Coaching Staff have other obligations
and families as well.

Do you have a Booster Club?
This year we will be forming the Rattler Booster Club for those parents that would like to
volunteer which will be a vital part of the organization. They support the team by volunteering
to perform various duties include providing water for practices, organizing parties, helping in
the ticket booth before and during home games, concession, organizing homecoming
activities, annual bon fire, and end of season banquet. Concession Stand  will be having our
own concession stands at the home games. There are 2 shifts per team per day, requiring 4-5
volunteers for each shift to work.  Shift times are before and after your child's game. If your
child plays on the Rookie team, for example, then we ask that you volunteer for a Flag, Junior
or Senior shift. You won't miss your child's game this way and your help is appreciated.
Please volunteer for one or two shifts this season.  A summary of each activity is listed below.

Parent Sponsor
Our philosophy is that it is OUR organization. Making this program work would not be possible
without all the volunteer effort of the parents who help throughout the year. There are several
ways parents can sponsor the kids of the Brush Country Rattlers:

Time
With over 150 kids in our program, there is always something to do – Annual BBQ, Annual
Cowboy Homecoming Floats, game day set up and clean up, game day banners, Annual Bon
Fire, Homecoming planning and decorations, End of Season Banquet, and Concessions. If you
are interested in volunteering your time, please contact us and we will add you to the Rattlers
Booster Club.

Money
Donating money to our organization is another way in which you can help. Money donated will
be used to support our football and cheerleading program.

Do you have mandatory fundraisers or community service?
At Brush Country Rattlers we do not subject the parents to several mandatory fundraisers.
We do have an Annual fundrasier that will help the organization raise money. Those who are
strongly opposed to participating in the fundraiser may be granted an exemption by paying
the designated fee for each registrant. In the event you feel you cannot meet this
requirement, a buy-out of $100 must be paid by Friday, August 10, 2010.  Failure to comply
will
have some results. However, effective 2008 each division will be required volunteer time
of 4 hours per registered player or cheerleader.  These hours are spent supporting the
operations of the organization during home games and special events. Once again in the
event you feel you cannot meet this requirement, a buy-out of $100 must be paid by Friday,
August 10, 2010.


What is your refund policy?
Refunds will be considered on individuals base by the current board members. After July 1,
2010, NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED FOR ANY REASON! It is very important for parents to
make sure that their child wants to play football before they sign up. There is not a “trial”
period to see if he wants to play or not. NO EXCEPTIONS!!

What is BCRattlers Check Policy?
In the unlikely event that your check is returned for insufficient or held funds, you
will be charged an additional fee of $25.00. Your check will be returned to you and
full payment including the fee will be made in cash, money order or bank draft
within 5 calendar days. If payment is not received within 5 calendar days your child
will not be allowed to participate until debt is paid in full or other arrangements
have been made with the President of the Brush Country Rattlers. This policy is to
include Registration, Fundraising, and any other fees owed to the Brush Country Rattlers.

This program is for the YOUTH and as such, BCR cannot and will not permit profanity, abusive
language, tobacco, alcohol be used or any other conduct of a manner that could be deemed
offensive. This rule shall apply at practices, games and any other BCR events.
1. How many players are on a team?
2. What are the age groups you offer?
3. How much playing time will my child get?
4. When are the practice days?
5. What does my child need to wear for practice?
6. What equipment is provided by the Rattlers?
7. Do the players/cheerleaders get to keep their jerseys/equipment?
8. Do you have weight limits?
9. What does the season consist of?
10. When are the games?
11. Will we have to travel for games?
12. Are your Coaches certified?
13. How can I become a coach?
14. Can I drop my child off at practice and pick him/her up at the end of practice?
15. Do you have a Booster Club?
16. Do you have mandatory fundraisers?
17. What is your refund policy?
18. What is your check policy?