What a great turn out we had for the Oswego East game on Friday night. We almost had our full squad there. It was a perfect night for football and Wolves got a big win. From what I saw, all of our boys had a great time. I think it's important that the boys get to know each other off the field and it seems to me that they all got along great. It was really nice to see how many parents showed up too. Nice job Steelers.
Also, we will be having a scrimmage on Thursday September 1st. We will be scrimmaging the Texans. Have the boys wear their jerseys to practice that day.
Our team pictures will be on Saturday September 10th before our first game. The time is still TBA but it's usually a couple hours before our game starts. We'll let you know the exact time when we find out.
Go Steelers
Coach Z
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Oswego East Football Game
Hey Steelers
We will be taking our annual trip to an Oswego East football game on Friday August 26th to see Oswego East play Rich South. The game starts at 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the game. All Steeler players, parents, siblings, and fans are invited to attend. This is a fun event and a great way to get the boys together off the field.
Go Steelers!
Coach Z
We will be taking our annual trip to an Oswego East football game on Friday August 26th to see Oswego East play Rich South. The game starts at 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the game. All Steeler players, parents, siblings, and fans are invited to attend. This is a fun event and a great way to get the boys together off the field.
Go Steelers!
Coach Z
Friday, August 19, 2011
Steelers Schedule
Sat 9/10 - 1:15pm - Cowboys - Comm-West
Tues 9/20 - 6:00pm - Bills - Nike Turf
Sat 9/24 - 10:25am - Rams - Comm-West
Sat 10/1 - 1:15pm - Eagles - Comm-West
Sat 10/8 - 3:50pm - Falcons - Comm-East
Sat 10/15 - 2:25pm - Cardinals - Comm-East
TBD
TBD
Sunday, August 14, 2011
First two weeks of practice
Hey Steelers
What a great couple weeks of practice. It was great to get the boys back on the field and back to playing football. We have a lot of returning players and we have some new faces as well. In the two weeks we've been practicing we've seen a lot of progress from everyone. We were all very happy with the hustle and effort the boys were giving during practice.
Unfortunately, we've had some injuries that are going to keep couple of the boys out of action. That just means that everyone else is going to have work hard and step up to fill in.
Starting next week we will be back to practicing twice a week. Our practices will be on Tuesday and Thursday. We're looking forward to having our full squad on the field next week.
Go Steelers
Coach Z
What a great couple weeks of practice. It was great to get the boys back on the field and back to playing football. We have a lot of returning players and we have some new faces as well. In the two weeks we've been practicing we've seen a lot of progress from everyone. We were all very happy with the hustle and effort the boys were giving during practice.
Unfortunately, we've had some injuries that are going to keep couple of the boys out of action. That just means that everyone else is going to have work hard and step up to fill in.
Starting next week we will be back to practicing twice a week. Our practices will be on Tuesday and Thursday. We're looking forward to having our full squad on the field next week.
Go Steelers
Coach Z
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Practice Schedule Change
Beginning next week, the week of August 15th, we will be practicing on Tuesday and Thursday. This is a change from the Monday and Wednesday schedule we had originally planned. Practice will still be from 5:30-7:30. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Rules clarification
Hey everyone
The commissioner of our league sent out some information defining what the rules are for St Raphael football. St Raphael has it's own rule book but for the rules that are not covered by the St Raphael rule book, we defer to the IHSA high school rule book, not the NFL rule book.
Here is a copy of what was sent to me........
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL RULES & THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLUS OTHER COMMON RULES MISCONCEPTIONS!
1. The pass was uncatchable so there can't be pass interference!
Uncatchable or not, if the offensive or defensive player interferes with the other player
it’s a 15-yard penalty and automatic first down (if by defense) or loss of down (if by
offense). If there is contact when both players are playing the ball, it’s probably not pass
interference, nor is contact which is obviously away from the direction of the pass.
However there does not have to be contact for pass interference to be called, e.g. face
guarding is a foul.
2. He was outside the tackle box so there can't be intentional grounding!
If the quarterback throws the ball away in an attempt to avoid a sack and there is no
receiver in the area, it's intentional grounding and loss of down, no matter where he is
on the field. Simply put, there is no tackle box in high school football.
3. The ball didn't make it back to the line of scrimmage so it's intentional grounding!
That's an NFL and College rule, not high school. See the Intentional Grounding rule
above. However, spiking the ball to stop the clock must be done from a direct snap; it is
intentional grounding if it's done from the shotgun formation.
4. He's the running back so he can't be called for a facemask!
Wrong, grasping the facemask is a foul no matter who does it. The incidental variety
carries a 5 yard penalty and the 15 yard version involves pulling or twisting of the
headgear. It should also be noted that the penalty is described in the NFHS (high
school) Rule Book as grasping the facemask or helmet opening. This means grasping
the ear hole or any of the edges of the helmet, as well as the facemask itself are
potential violations.
5. He got back before the ball was snapped!
Maybe so, but once any player penetrates the neutral zone, it's a 5 yard dead ball
penalty. You cannot "get back". Also, the first player to enter the neutral zone is
penalized.
6. They broke the huddle with 12 men!
Not a problem. The rule says a replaced player must leave the field within 3 seconds of
being notified, so as long as the 12th player is heading off the field, breaking the huddle
with 12 is not a foul.
7. We can demand a first down measurement and you have to do it!
You can request it but it is the referee's decision whether or not it will be granted.
8. We teach them to hit anyone standing around!
That will probably get you a 15-yard illegal personal contact penalty. Charging into or
throwing an opponent to the ground after he is obviously out of the play, or after the ball
is clearly dead, either in or out of bounds is illegal.
9. That's a horse collar!
Maybe but it's a horse collar tackle that's illegal. That is, grabbing the inside of the
shoulder pads or jersey is not a foul. Pulling the player to the ground is, as long as this
was the only tackle. If another player assists in the tackle it is not a foul.
10. The whistle hadn’t blown yet so it can't be a late hit!
Incorrect. The whistle is a reminder that the play has already ended or the runner is
down. If a player hits an opponent after the play has ended, it is a foul. If you instruct
your players to “hit someone on every play” or “hit to the whistle” don’t be shocked if you
are called for unnecessary roughness at some point. You told them to do it! The play is
over when the play is over, not when the whistle blows.
11. Personal fouls are automatic first downs!
Nope. Only roughing the passer, snapper, kicker or holder plus defensive pass
interference get you an automatic first down. Likewise illegal forward handing, an illegal
forward pass, offensive pass interference and illegal touching of a pass by an ineligible
receiver are loss of down penalties.
12. He returned it 101 yards!
You cannot return a kick if the ball is in the end zone. It's where the ball is, not the
player's feet that matters. The goal line is considered in the end zone.
13. A recovered kick can be advanced!
Nope – a kick that is muffed (no possession) by the return team and recovered by the
kicking team cannot be advanced. If he has possession and fumbles it then it can be
advanced.
14. Coaches have the right to question any call by the officials!
If a coach wishes to question an official's decision because he thinks a rule was
misapplied, he can request a timeout for an official's conference. The official does not
have to grant it but if the call is reversed, no timeout is charged. If the call is not
reversed the team is charged with a timeout. If no timeouts remain, the team is charged
with a 5-yard delay of game penalty. The following items are, by rule, a 15-yard
unsportsmanlike conduct penalty:
1. Attempting to influence a decision by an official.
2. Disrespectfully addressing an official.
3. Indicating objections to an official's decision.
15. An injured player can stay in the game if a timeout is called!
Incorrect. If the officials stop a game for an injured player, he must leave the field for at
least one snap. A dead ball foul does not constitute a snap. Otherwise it is a 15-yard
illegal participation penalty. He can return in the 2nd half or overtime, however, if he was
injured on the last play of the first half or the game.
16. That’s a clip!
It's probably not clipping but a block in the back. Clipping is below the waist.
Furthermore, a block in the back must be "in the back", that is below the helmet, above
the waist, and INSIDE the shoulders. It doesn't matter if his head was in front or not.
17. We can have 3 coaches "in the box"!
Correct, but no more than three, up until the ball is snapped. At that point, everyone
must be out of the restricted area. If an official makes contact with anyone in the
restricted area it is a 15-yard penalty assessed against the head coach. A second
violation results in another 15-yard penalty and the head coach being ejected.
18. My orthodontist gave me this clear mouth guard!
We understand, however it's still illegal. By rule, mouth guards can be any color except
completely clear or completely white.
19. The NFL players wear em!
No arm bands, bicep bands, silly bands, magnetic bands, or rubber bands. This is a
safety hazard and they can get caught on something and break a wrist. The only items
allowed are sweatbands and they must be no more than 3 inches above the wrist. And
while we’re at it, no jewelry of any type is allowed. Religious and medical alert medals
can be worn but must be taped down. Tinted eye shields are not allowed, even with a
doctor's note, and long belts must be tucked in. And yes it is a rule that jerseys must be
tucked in as well.
20. Chad OchoCinco doesn't have to snap his chinstrap!
Correct but in high school all four snaps must be fastened before the snap or it is a
penalty. The helmets are designed to protect the head best when all four snaps are
fastened.
21. Peyton Manning calls audibles this way!
Yep but he plays on Sundays. Once the quarterback puts his hands under center he has
to come out with the ball. Likewise, once the center puts his hand(s) on the ball he has
to snap it. Failing to do either result in a 5-yard false start penalty.
22. Come on Ref, let em play!
We do. However safety comes first and there are rules that must be enforced. Rules are
rules; we don't get to decide which ones are called and which ones aren't. We hear this
most often from the parents of the team that was just penalized. We never hear it from
the mother of the player who was just blocked illegally, etc. I wonder why?
23. All we want is a fair game, Ref!
This is an act of gross unsportsmanlike conduct because you are accusing the
referee(s) of cheating. You may not agree with the calls and are unhappy with their
decisions but questioning the integrity of an official is never appropriate.
Please understand the above information is listed to help you understand the rulings on the field during games. At no time should anyone on our sideline have any type of contact, verbal or otherwise, with the officials.
Coach Z
The commissioner of our league sent out some information defining what the rules are for St Raphael football. St Raphael has it's own rule book but for the rules that are not covered by the St Raphael rule book, we defer to the IHSA high school rule book, not the NFL rule book.
Here is a copy of what was sent to me........
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL RULES & THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLUS OTHER COMMON RULES MISCONCEPTIONS!
1. The pass was uncatchable so there can't be pass interference!
Uncatchable or not, if the offensive or defensive player interferes with the other player
it’s a 15-yard penalty and automatic first down (if by defense) or loss of down (if by
offense). If there is contact when both players are playing the ball, it’s probably not pass
interference, nor is contact which is obviously away from the direction of the pass.
However there does not have to be contact for pass interference to be called, e.g. face
guarding is a foul.
2. He was outside the tackle box so there can't be intentional grounding!
If the quarterback throws the ball away in an attempt to avoid a sack and there is no
receiver in the area, it's intentional grounding and loss of down, no matter where he is
on the field. Simply put, there is no tackle box in high school football.
3. The ball didn't make it back to the line of scrimmage so it's intentional grounding!
That's an NFL and College rule, not high school. See the Intentional Grounding rule
above. However, spiking the ball to stop the clock must be done from a direct snap; it is
intentional grounding if it's done from the shotgun formation.
4. He's the running back so he can't be called for a facemask!
Wrong, grasping the facemask is a foul no matter who does it. The incidental variety
carries a 5 yard penalty and the 15 yard version involves pulling or twisting of the
headgear. It should also be noted that the penalty is described in the NFHS (high
school) Rule Book as grasping the facemask or helmet opening. This means grasping
the ear hole or any of the edges of the helmet, as well as the facemask itself are
potential violations.
5. He got back before the ball was snapped!
Maybe so, but once any player penetrates the neutral zone, it's a 5 yard dead ball
penalty. You cannot "get back". Also, the first player to enter the neutral zone is
penalized.
6. They broke the huddle with 12 men!
Not a problem. The rule says a replaced player must leave the field within 3 seconds of
being notified, so as long as the 12th player is heading off the field, breaking the huddle
with 12 is not a foul.
7. We can demand a first down measurement and you have to do it!
You can request it but it is the referee's decision whether or not it will be granted.
8. We teach them to hit anyone standing around!
That will probably get you a 15-yard illegal personal contact penalty. Charging into or
throwing an opponent to the ground after he is obviously out of the play, or after the ball
is clearly dead, either in or out of bounds is illegal.
9. That's a horse collar!
Maybe but it's a horse collar tackle that's illegal. That is, grabbing the inside of the
shoulder pads or jersey is not a foul. Pulling the player to the ground is, as long as this
was the only tackle. If another player assists in the tackle it is not a foul.
10. The whistle hadn’t blown yet so it can't be a late hit!
Incorrect. The whistle is a reminder that the play has already ended or the runner is
down. If a player hits an opponent after the play has ended, it is a foul. If you instruct
your players to “hit someone on every play” or “hit to the whistle” don’t be shocked if you
are called for unnecessary roughness at some point. You told them to do it! The play is
over when the play is over, not when the whistle blows.
11. Personal fouls are automatic first downs!
Nope. Only roughing the passer, snapper, kicker or holder plus defensive pass
interference get you an automatic first down. Likewise illegal forward handing, an illegal
forward pass, offensive pass interference and illegal touching of a pass by an ineligible
receiver are loss of down penalties.
12. He returned it 101 yards!
You cannot return a kick if the ball is in the end zone. It's where the ball is, not the
player's feet that matters. The goal line is considered in the end zone.
13. A recovered kick can be advanced!
Nope – a kick that is muffed (no possession) by the return team and recovered by the
kicking team cannot be advanced. If he has possession and fumbles it then it can be
advanced.
14. Coaches have the right to question any call by the officials!
If a coach wishes to question an official's decision because he thinks a rule was
misapplied, he can request a timeout for an official's conference. The official does not
have to grant it but if the call is reversed, no timeout is charged. If the call is not
reversed the team is charged with a timeout. If no timeouts remain, the team is charged
with a 5-yard delay of game penalty. The following items are, by rule, a 15-yard
unsportsmanlike conduct penalty:
1. Attempting to influence a decision by an official.
2. Disrespectfully addressing an official.
3. Indicating objections to an official's decision.
15. An injured player can stay in the game if a timeout is called!
Incorrect. If the officials stop a game for an injured player, he must leave the field for at
least one snap. A dead ball foul does not constitute a snap. Otherwise it is a 15-yard
illegal participation penalty. He can return in the 2nd half or overtime, however, if he was
injured on the last play of the first half or the game.
16. That’s a clip!
It's probably not clipping but a block in the back. Clipping is below the waist.
Furthermore, a block in the back must be "in the back", that is below the helmet, above
the waist, and INSIDE the shoulders. It doesn't matter if his head was in front or not.
17. We can have 3 coaches "in the box"!
Correct, but no more than three, up until the ball is snapped. At that point, everyone
must be out of the restricted area. If an official makes contact with anyone in the
restricted area it is a 15-yard penalty assessed against the head coach. A second
violation results in another 15-yard penalty and the head coach being ejected.
18. My orthodontist gave me this clear mouth guard!
We understand, however it's still illegal. By rule, mouth guards can be any color except
completely clear or completely white.
19. The NFL players wear em!
No arm bands, bicep bands, silly bands, magnetic bands, or rubber bands. This is a
safety hazard and they can get caught on something and break a wrist. The only items
allowed are sweatbands and they must be no more than 3 inches above the wrist. And
while we’re at it, no jewelry of any type is allowed. Religious and medical alert medals
can be worn but must be taped down. Tinted eye shields are not allowed, even with a
doctor's note, and long belts must be tucked in. And yes it is a rule that jerseys must be
tucked in as well.
20. Chad OchoCinco doesn't have to snap his chinstrap!
Correct but in high school all four snaps must be fastened before the snap or it is a
penalty. The helmets are designed to protect the head best when all four snaps are
fastened.
21. Peyton Manning calls audibles this way!
Yep but he plays on Sundays. Once the quarterback puts his hands under center he has
to come out with the ball. Likewise, once the center puts his hand(s) on the ball he has
to snap it. Failing to do either result in a 5-yard false start penalty.
22. Come on Ref, let em play!
We do. However safety comes first and there are rules that must be enforced. Rules are
rules; we don't get to decide which ones are called and which ones aren't. We hear this
most often from the parents of the team that was just penalized. We never hear it from
the mother of the player who was just blocked illegally, etc. I wonder why?
23. All we want is a fair game, Ref!
This is an act of gross unsportsmanlike conduct because you are accusing the
referee(s) of cheating. You may not agree with the calls and are unhappy with their
decisions but questioning the integrity of an official is never appropriate.
Please understand the above information is listed to help you understand the rulings on the field during games. At no time should anyone on our sideline have any type of contact, verbal or otherwise, with the officials.
Coach Z
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Tips for Parents
Here are some things that parents can do to help us ensure the safety of your children during practice and games.
Helmet
Please make sure that your child's helmet is fitted properly and that if fits snuggly and comfortably on his head. If you need to have your helmet refitted, take to Play it Again Sports and they will adjust it.
Also, make sure that all the screws and snaps on your child's helmet are securely tightened. Use a Phillips head screw driver to tighten up loose screws. This should be checked periodically.
Please make sure that all mouth guards are formed to your child's mouth. Please see the instructions on the packaging for information on how to form the mouth guard. Mouth guards MUST be attached to the facemask. If your child is a chewer you'll probably need more than one mouth guard. Please inspect your child's mouth guard every so often to ensure it is still in good shape.
Shoulder Pads
The strap under the buckle on your child's shoulder pads should be taped up. If you need them taped, see one of the coaches after practice.
Cups
Every player must wear a cup during both practice and games.
Jersey
Please do not alter the jersey in any way. These jerseys belong to St. Raphael and need to be returned after the final game. Do not wear the game jerseys to practice unless otherwise specified by the coach.
Hydration
Please make sure your child is hydrated BEFORE coming to practice. Bring plenty of water to practice.
Water Breaks
During water breaks at practice we ask that the children stay together and not wander over to their parents unless absolutely necessary. This helps us to get the kids back to practice quicker and also helps promote an environment of togetherness and team.
Helmet
Please make sure that your child's helmet is fitted properly and that if fits snuggly and comfortably on his head. If you need to have your helmet refitted, take to Play it Again Sports and they will adjust it.
Also, make sure that all the screws and snaps on your child's helmet are securely tightened. Use a Phillips head screw driver to tighten up loose screws. This should be checked periodically.
Please make sure that all mouth guards are formed to your child's mouth. Please see the instructions on the packaging for information on how to form the mouth guard. Mouth guards MUST be attached to the facemask. If your child is a chewer you'll probably need more than one mouth guard. Please inspect your child's mouth guard every so often to ensure it is still in good shape.
Shoulder Pads
The strap under the buckle on your child's shoulder pads should be taped up. If you need them taped, see one of the coaches after practice.
Cups
Every player must wear a cup during both practice and games.
Jersey
Please do not alter the jersey in any way. These jerseys belong to St. Raphael and need to be returned after the final game. Do not wear the game jerseys to practice unless otherwise specified by the coach.
Hydration
Please make sure your child is hydrated BEFORE coming to practice. Bring plenty of water to practice.
Water Breaks
During water breaks at practice we ask that the children stay together and not wander over to their parents unless absolutely necessary. This helps us to get the kids back to practice quicker and also helps promote an environment of togetherness and team.
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