Where will games be played?
There are 3 locations in Prince Albert where PAMF programs take place. In the early spring, March and April, our indoor flag football program for children in grade four and five plays in one of the gyms in Carlton High School. Later in the spring. May and June, our Little Tykes sessions and Peee Wee and Bantam 6-a-side games are held on the field between Crescent Heights Arena and Diefenbaker School on Branion Drive. We also usually participate on Jamborees (one day, mini- tournaments) held in Hafford and Melfort. In the fall, we play a six to eight game season, Half are home games, and half are away games. Home games are played at Max Clunie Field in Prime Ministers Park. Usually our games are on Sunday afternoons, but there may be some on Wednesday evenings, or other evenings. Away games against Saskatoon teams will be played at the Sasktel Sports Centre on Attridge Drive (most Pee Wee games), or Saskatoon Minor Football (SMF) Field, the former Gordie Howe Bowl (most Bantam games). Saskatoon games are usually on Sunday afternoons, but some may be on Wednesday evenings. Home games are also scheduled for the out-of-town teams in Martensville, and North Battleford, which are generally on Sunday afternoons.
Please refer to the Schedule link at the top of our webpages, or the mini-schedule at the bottom left of the main page.
Where does my team practice?
For most programs, we practise on the field between Crescent Heights Arena and John Diefenbaker School on Branion Drive. Dressing rooms are in Crescent Heights Arena. The indoor flag program takes place in Carlton High School. For our fall programs, a motion was passed that as of the 2013 season, teams can practice no more than 4 times per week up until a team's first game. After the first game, teams can practice to a maximum of 3 times/week. (This applies to both peewee and bantam.)
When does the season start?
There are in effect two football seasons, spring and fall. Various programs for various ages are offered in each season. The first program of the year is Indoor Flag for children in grade four and five, taking place once a week for 6 weeks in March and April. In May and June, we move outdoors to our practise field on Branion Drive, where our Little Tykes non-contact program, and our pee wee and bantam 6-A-Side programs are held. In the fall, our Atom, Pee Wee, and Bantam programs usually begin practising around Aug 20. Atom last until the end of September. Pee Wee and Bantam league games will begin the week after Labour Day. Both age groups will be finished, including playoffs, by the end of October.
What are my responsibilities as a parent?
Be a positive supporter of your child and the team.
Acquire an understanding and appreciation for the game of football.
The principles of Fair Play are:
· Respect for the rules
· Respect the coaches and officials and their decisions
· Respect for your opponents
· Giving every one an equal chance to play
· Maintaining your self-control at all times
By promoting these principles, by word and action, you will make football better for your child and for everyone.
At what age should my child play football?
Children at an early age are attracted to competitive sport. Competition is not generally a problem unless too much emphasis is placed on winning. As long as the players are of relatively similar skill level, strength, age and stature they can compete safely in football.
Your child should be encouraged to play football only when he/she exhibits an interest in doing so. As soon as the child can comprehend team play and wants to participate with a team, then a child is ready for football.
In order to play in the KFL Tackle Football league, children must meet the grade requirements of the division. The Peewee division is for grade 6 and 7 and the Bantam age division is for Grade 8 and 9.
For children younger than this, we offer non-contact programs. For Grades one to four, we offer Little Tykes TrainHard, a football skill development program, and Flag Football for grades four and five that are a good introduction to the game. Please look elsewhere on www.pariverriders.com for more information.
How safe is football?
Football is a contact sport and injuries do occur. However, the risk of injury is no greater than in any other contact sport, when:
· Played within the rules that are appropriate to the age and abilities of the players;
· Teams conduct business with a " child first " attitude;
· Games are well officiated;
· Proper playing techniques are taught;
· Coaches are appropriately trained; and
· Proper, well-fitting and maintained equipment is worn.
The safety and well being of all participants is the number one concern of Saskatoon KFL and its member teams, including the Prince Albert River Riders.
What psychological effect will football have on my child?
Prince Albert Minor Football will strive to provide the proper environment so your child will have a positive and rewarding experience.
Why should my child play football?
Children play football because it's fun, challenging and exciting. Most kids love being part of a team. Football teaches cooperation and team work, helps develop positive social skills and teaches respect for others. It helps build self-confidence, a positive self image and self-worth. It enables a child to improve upon and develop a broad range of motor skills like throwing, catching, running, kicking, balance, agility and coordination. Because a large variety of skills and physical abilities are required on a football team, there is a position for every child to play.
What Equipment does my child need to play football?
Prince Albert Minor Football provides all major equipment needed by players. Equipment will be issued at the beginning of the season, and the players are required to return all uniforms and equipment at the end of the season. Players not returning equipment will be charged for the cost of replacing all lost pieces.
You will need to provide appropriate footwear for your child (cleats are highly recommended). Each child needs their own water bottle as well.
