General Information
Updated Wednesday June 5, 2019 by White Plains Bernies Football.
The Bernies
- Privately funded, not-for-profit youth tackle football organization started in 1958
- Philosophy grounded in respect, sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline
- Coaching emphasis on safety, instruction, full participation, and FUN
The Leagues
- Bernies Flag (1st & 2nd grade) participates in the Westchester Youth Football League
- Bernies Flag (3rd & 4th grade) participates in the Mamaroneck Youth Football League
- Bernies Tackle (5th & 6th grade and 7th & 8th grade) participates in the Westchester United Football League
- A formula of age and weight determines player / position eligibility
- A player exceeding it’s grade classification limit may play in the next higher division
- Ball carrier limits are 115 lbs and 140 lbs, respectively, for the two tackle divisions
- League weigh-ins will be held in the evening during the 1st or 2nd week of September
Scrimmage / Games
- The League will organize a scrimmage if sufficient interest, and games begin in mid September
- Games are typically played Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
- The Bernies anticipate at least 3 home games – 2 morning games and 1 evening game
- League play ends at the beginning of November, with a modified playoff thereafter
Tackle Practice
- The 1st permitted practice is the third Saturday in August
- Practices will be held at Ralph Field or Highlands Middle School and typically last 2 hours
- A player is expected to wear shorts, a light colored t-shirt, and rubber soled cleats. Once full contact begins, a player is expected to wear a t-shirt, shorts, and protective cup under the equipment and a light colored t-shirt or jersey over the shoulder pads
- Watches and jewelry must not be worn to practice or games
- The Bernies typically practice 2 or 3 days during the week with a practice or a game on Saturday morning.
- A player must be registered and participated in 3 practices PRIOR to practicing in equipment
- Players are expected to be fully dressed and ready when practice begins
- A note is required for any absence from practice
- Players must attend practice to play in the next game
Flag Practice
- Flag practices usually start the first week of school, but the team may meet earlier if everyone is interested in doing so
- Flag usually practices one day during the week, and on Saturday, with games replacing practice in mid September
- Practices are usually held at Ralph Field and typically last about 90 minutes
Cheer Practice
- Cheer typically practices 2 evenings a week at the gym at Ridgeway School
Equipment
- Equipment will be distributed after the 2nd week of practice and only once per week thereafter
- Each player is provided with a helmet, which is certified for use during the current season, mouthpiece, shoulder pads, pants, and game jersey
- Game pants and game jerseys are to be worn to games only
- Players are responsible for the cost to replace lost or damaged equipment, beyond normal wear.
Fundraising
- The registration fee covers the league fee, supplemental insurance, and awards’ night
- Donations are needed to purchase and recondition the players’ and practice equipment