Q: What are the fees associated with 404 Bulls, Inc. programs?
A: 7V7/Flag Football - $125. That registration fee includes a 2 jerseys, a pair of shorts, soft shell helmet, bag, insurance, league fees, and field fees. Fall Tackle Football - $250. That registration fee DOES NOT include helmet and shoulder pads (must provide your own, but it DOES include 2 game jerseys, 1 pair of pants, compression shirt, backpack, a USA Football Player and Parent Membership, league fees, insurance, referees, and field usage fees.
Q: What is “competitive" football?
A: This term misleads and concerns the new parent. "Evaluations" or “Tryout” is a term used by the organization officials for the evaluation process of the numerous players. All of our participants have a place in our organization and there is a need for each child's physical skills to be evaluated. These skills are evaluated not to embarrass the young child but to allow 404 Bulls, Inc. to assure that teams are divided as equally as possible based on each individual child’s skill-set. Again, no child is turned away or told that he or she will not have a place in our program(s) on the basis of physical skills. All such evaluations are kept confidential between organization officials. Players are not allowed to be told their placement order. Here at 404 Bulls, Inc. we believe that all youth should have the opportunity to be successful in everything that they do, and we want to afford everyone that opportunity. Our term “competitive football” is all about putting student athletes in winning situations on and off the field.
Q: My son has never played full-contact football before. What can he expect when practicing with 404 Bulls, Inc. for the first time?
A: We take great pride in the knowledge level of our coaches, so we make sure that they all are USA Football Certified to teach “Heads Up” tackling and this wonderful game of football. So the last thing we want to do is to discourage a young player from this great sport by rushing him into contact too fast; which is one of the main reasons why we offer Flag Football, a non-contact approach to the game of football. For the first three days of practice, there is absolutely no contact. Once the first few days of contact begin in full pads, the coaching staff makes sure to ease all their players into full-contact, utilizing techniques such as performing drills at "half-speed", shortening the distance between contact and ensuring that contact "match-ups" are always with someone of their skill and size. We take pride in teaching our players the correct techniques in football, maximizing safety on the field. You can rest assure that all of our coaches will utilize the nationally recognized “Heads Up” approach when teaching our players the proper way to make contact.
Q: What are practice and game times?
A: Practices are held 3 nights a week for a maximum of 2 hours per practice for our tackle football league and 2 nights a week for a maximum of 2 hours per practice for our 7V7/Flag Football program. Practice days are to be determined by your son’s head coach. Most teams practice from 6-8pm on any given weekday. Games are played on Saturdays and the times vary per age group.
Q: Do I need to purchase any additional equipment?
A: Yes, you will be responsible for purchasing for your player: helmet, shoulder pads, cleats, a mouthpiece, chin strap, practice pants, girdle and practice jersey just to list a few. 404 Bulls, Inc. provides game uniform. These items can be purchased at any of your local sporting goods stores. See your son’s head coach for coupons discounting the needed equipment at participating sponsors stores.
Q: I am worried because my son is small for his age, should I be concerned?
A: No, we have kids of all weight and sizes. All teams are formed with kids the same age.
Q: How old does my son have to be to play?
A: In order to play on a 404 Bulls, Inc. team, the player cannot turn a certain age before July 1st. The age breakdown is listed below:
AGE BASE CONTROL DATE
5 & under may not turn 6 prior to 7/1 of year of participation
6 & under may not turn 7 prior to 7/1 of year of participation
7 & under may not turn 8 prior to 7/1 of year of participation
8 & under may not turn 9 prior to 7/1 of year of participation
9 & under may not turn 10 prior to 7/1 of year of participation
10 & under may not turn 11 prior to 7/1 of year of participation
11 & under may not turn 12 prior to 7/1 of year of participation
12 & under may not turn 13 prior to 7/1 of year of participation
Q: What can I do to get my player ready for football season?
A: A healthy diet is important. Have your player get into the habit of drinking plenty of fluids. It gets hot during the early part of the season, so the more he/she drinks the better prepared they will be. Conditioning is a big part of our program. Feel free to take advantage of our “FREE”, yes I said “FREE”, off-season conditioning program. Usually beginning the early parts of May we begin to have what we consider off-seasons workouts to get potential players into "game shape".
Q: Where are the games played?
A: In general, half of the games will be played at home. The others will be played in surrounding Dekalb County and metro Atlanta. The schedule is generated by the league, 404 Bulls, Inc. does not determine where, when or who our opponents will be.
Q: If my son doesn’t like it, can we have a refund?
A: Due to the fact that we have to pay league fees for each child registered as well as the cost of equipment including game jerseys before the season even starts, we have a NO REFUND policy.
Q: Do you have any coaching positions available?
A: All of our Head Coaches are selected at the end of the previous season. However, you can check with our President in reference to a Head Coach position or an Assistant Coach position.
Q: How long is the football season?
A: The first day of practice is usually at the beginning of July. The season usually lasts approximately 12-14 weeks roughly. Some teams will have at least one post season game. This could change if your team plays deeper into the play-offs. Our flag football season is roughly 6 weeks spanning from late March into mid May, accounting for Spring Break and any other major holidays.
Q: What other charges may I incur throughout the season?
A: The basic are funds for awards and banquet. Your team may choose to participate in purchasing extra jerseys, apparel, providing snacks on game days, etc. Most teams will have an opportunity for parents to fund raise for these extra costs.
Q: What is “Certification”?
A: Certification is the process in which the league will verify that the players on each team are, in fact, in the right age group and they certify the rosters for the entire season.
Q: Does 404 Bulls, Inc. have paid employees?
A: All of 404 Bulls, Inc. volunteers are just that, volunteers who donate their time to help our kids. This entire program, from the people who help out on game day on up to the President, is run by volunteers who put in a great deal of personal time to make these programs available to your children.
Q: Do players ever get cut?
A: NO! All players who sign up and come to practice will play on a team in one of our divisions.
Q: How much time is involved in the cheer program?
A: The season begins in late July and there are practices 3 nights per week, every week for about 2 hours each. Games begin in August. As we approach competition there will be additional practices.
Q: Can my daughter cheer for my son's team?
A: You may make this request at the time of registration. We make every effort to pair siblings together if they qualify to be in the same division. Note that cheerleaders are placed solely by age and the number of participants registered.
Q: What makes 404 Bulls, Inc. different from any other youth sports organization?
A: First and foremost, 404 Bulls, Inc. is unlike any other youth sports organization when it comes to meeting the needs of the children. We are not a youth sports organization, but a youth development organization. The founding members of 404 Bulls, Inc. have created what we believe to be an excellent set of rules. We are proud of our differences and believe participation should be for all the children, not just the best athletes. We are convinced that your child will receive more playing time, under safer conditions and with equal or better coaching than received by any other youth sports organization. It is a fundamental difference in philosophy regarding the “student athlete, minimum participation rules and size of squads. Besides, we all know that the best chance for a strong future in any endeavor lies in a strong foundation being developed today. As stated in our mission statement we want to reach and teach the "whole" child.
Q: What should I do if I experience a problem with 404 Bulls, Inc.?
A: We are all human and will all make mistakes, and any program that involves humans will have problems. Although we endeavor to provide a perfect environment for your child, this is not possible, but we will definitely try. If you should have a problem with where or how your child is playing, first address the issue with the coach. If the problem is still not resolved, please contact our President. Please remember that all of the board members and coaches are volunteers, spending their time and money for your child.
Q: What are my obligations?
A: We want quality families who happen to have quality children. 404 Bulls, Inc. is a family program, and we strive to teach good moral principles that apply to life in general. Therefore, it is necessary to have your full cooperation. Be pro-active, and volunteer to help in areas. One day you and your child may look back on the years in youth sports as the happiest days of your life. You and your child will make life-long friends and share memorable moments together. Be positive and allow the children to play the game, and above all, remember it is still just a kid's game.
Q: Why am I asked to sign a Parent Code of Conduct?
A: This is a form developed to remind parents of their commitment to 404 Bulls, Inc. Some parents and coaches can allow the "will to win" to override the best interest of the children. If this were to happen, we wish to have something to remind parents and coaches of the true purpose of the game.