Lil’ Hearts 2017

Sibling Discount 2 Participants - $50 discount 3 or more Participants - $100 discount All participants must reside in the same household. Discount will not exceed $100 per family. Discount applies to registration fees only.

Refund Policy The Deer Park Rams/Dear Hearts/Lil Heart board must approve all requested refunds.

Request of refund must be sent to Club President, Club Treasurer and Athletic Director or Drill Director (as appropriate) via email or written request.

Refund requests received prior to Equipment Issue, August 3 - All monies paid minus items already ordered and prior paid TIFI fees.

Refund requests received on or after Equipment Issue, August 3 - refunds will not be given including any fundraising monies or buyout fees.

Return Check Policy There will be a $30 fee for any returned check. Any family that has 2 NSF checks returned will be required to pay all monies in the form of cash, money order or certified check for the remainder of the time they are affiliated with the organization. No personal check will be accepted after the second returned check. Parents will be notified of their returned check by both email and certified letter. No equipment will be issued to any player unless all fees have been paid and cleared.

This is per the By-laws and can be found on the website (www.leaguelineup.com/dearhearts.com) under the handouts tab.

Important Policies

Fundraising Chocolate Sale

You have the OPTION to sell chocolate at registration. This fundraiser is designed to raise funds for the club and to help lower your cost. If you choose to sell chocolate you will pay $150 for the chocolate and the sell it for $240. The $90 will help you recoup some of your money that you paid to be on the team. You may sell as much chocolate to recoup more money as long as supplies last. If you don't want to sell the candy, then you can buy out for $30.

Raffle

Every football player, Dear Heart, and Lil Heart will be required to buy 20 - $5 raffle tickets for $100. The raffle tickets will be distributed at Equipment Issue.When you sell these you will recoup all of your money. This fundraiser will benefit the club. You have the choice to pay for the raffle tickets now or at Equipment Issue. Funds raised will go to purchase items for the whole team.

Practice begins Monday, July 31, 2017. The first three weeks of practice will be Tuesday 6:30-7:15 & Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Practice after the Expo:

After the first game practice will be held Tuesday & Thursday 6:30 - 7:15 pm

Location: Behind Carpenter Elementary 5002 Pasadena Blvd. Deer Park, TX 77536

Some Friendly Reminders

1. Please be on the field, in full practice uniform & ready to begin at 6:30.

2. Bring a water bottle. 3. TIFI does not allow parents on the field.

Dates and times are subject to change . All practice info will be communicated

directly to parents in plenty of time.

PRACTICE

Dear Heart Field

Lil Heart Field

Girls Parking Senior

Field

Junior Field

Pee Wee Field

Sophomore Field

Freshmen Field

Boys Parking

Boys Parking

Rams/Dear Heart/Lil Heart

Practice Fields

Bonnette Jr High

Carpenter Elementary

Girls Parking

Approved FoodsDry Hot Dog

Dry Sandwich

Lunchable (crackers, meat, cheese)

Animal Crackers

Goldfish Crackers

Graham Crackers

Pretzels

Fruit Snacks

String Cheese

Unbuttered Popcorn

Sliced Apples

Green Grapes

Granola Bars (no icing or chocolate chips)

Capri suns

Clear Gatorade

WaterFoods NOT Allowed

Condiments or Sauces

Anything Greasy (French fries, butter popcorn, etc)

Anything that drips (pickles, nachos, BBQ)

Colored Foods (Cheetos, Doritos)

Colored Drinks

Sno Cones

Chewing Gum

Time to Eat

Please eat a healthy meal before arriving at the games. Girls are not allowed to eat until the third quarter break. NO outside food is allowed in the games with

the exception of the girls' snacks as listed above. ALL OTHER ITEMS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE DRILL DIRECTOR.

2017

 Deer Park 

Lil’ Hearts 

Rules 

Deer Park Lil’ Hearts Cheer Team

2017 General Rules

Qualifications:

1. Must be 5 years of age by October 1st of 2017.2. Original or certified copy of birth certificate is required at registration and must be

approved by a TIFI Conference representative.3. Must be in good standing with the Deer Park Rams/Dear Hearts/Lil Hearts Board.

Membership and Responsibility:

1. Lil’ Heart membership may be limited at the discretion of the Lil’ Heart Directorwith the approval of the Dear Heart Director.

2. All girls are expected to attend ALL practices and games. This includes all homeand away games, play-off games, and Super Bowl games in which the Deer ParkRams flag are playing.

3. Parents must be sure that their daughter arrives to practice and games on time,and are picked up promptly afterwards.

4. Lil’ Hearts are required to attend at least one practice during the week in order tocheer at Saturday’s game. If your daughter is going to be absent please contactthe Lil’ Hearts’ director.

5. Excused absences are the following:a. Lil’ Heart illnessb. participation in a mandatory school functionc. death in family

6. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide an email or a written note to the directorfor any early dismissal or absences from the games and/or practices.

7. Each Parent, Coach and Lil Heart must sign and uphold the Code of Ethicsagreement. Violations of said agreement will be handled by the Rams/DearHearts/Lil’Hearts Executive Board. Violations can and will result in removal fromthe organization.

Uniform:

1. Uniform, shoes, and socks must be clean for all practices and/or games.2. Lil’ Heart cheer uniform can only be worn during the game. If your daughter is

going to stay for additional games, she will need to change out of her cheeruniform. She is more than welcome to wear her practice uniform.

3. Uniforms are not to be worn for any occasion other than our football games, untilthe season is over.

Insurance:

1. The TIFI Conference through the Deer Park Rams/Dear Hearts/Lil’ Hearts Booster Club insures all members of the Drill/Cheer team and coaches.

2. In the event an injury does occur and the director is unable to locate any parent or relative, your child will be taken to the nearest medical facility, with the medical form you filled out at registration and have on file with the director.

Guidelines for Practice and/or games:

1. No Stunting 2. No Building 3. No Tumbling 4. Lil’ Hearts will be taught the basic fundamentals of cheer such as chants,

motions, cheers, and voice projections.

Practices:

1. Practices will be held behind Carpenter Elementary 5002 Pasadena Blvd. 2. Practices will be held onTuesdays,from 6:30 – 7:15 pm and Thursdays, from 6:30

to 8:00 pm beginning July 31. (These dates/times are subject to change.) 3. After the Mini Pom Expo, practices will be reduced to Tuesdays and Thursdays

from 6:30 to 7:15 pm. 4. In the event of a cancelled practice, the director will inform you of any make-up

practice dates and times. 5. Lil’ Hearts will be required to practice in the practice uniform provided. Cheer

shoes, and appropriate socks must be worn at all times. 6. Jewelry (necklace, rings, earrings) is NEVER to be worn during practices and/or

games. NO EXCEPTIONS!! 7. Hair must be pulled back into a high ponytail, with the practice ribbon in place. 8. During practices, girls are required to bring their own water bottle. Their water

bottle must be labeled with their name. Please make sure that your Lil’ heart drinks plenty of water (no sugary beverages) before practices and games.

9. A cold wet rag placed in a zip-loc is great for those really hot days. 10. There are no restrooms at the practice facility, so please make sure that your Lil’

Heart goes to the bathroom before coming to practice. 11. Lil’ Hearts will place their backpacks under the tree, prior to practice then

proceed to the field for stretching. 12. During water break, Lil’ Hearts will drink their water under the shade tree, they

are not allowed to sit with parents during this time.

13. Parents are not allowed onto the field at any time during practice and/or games. There is a designated area for parents during practice and/or games. If you need your child, then please contact the director or team mom.

14. Coaches are there to coach your Lil’ Heart. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns then please get with the Lil’ Heart director, or team mom.

15. Lil’ Hearts will be assigned to squads. Your Lil’ Heart will be placed in either a maroon, white, or gold squad. This will be her group for the remainder of the season.

16. During inclement weather before or during practice the director will give specific instructions for any alternate arrangements.

17. The following items will be needed at every practice: a. Water bottle b. Poms

Games:

1. All games will be played on Saturdays. Lil’ Hearts will perform for the Rams Flag Football team which is the first game of the day.

2. Home games will be played at Deer Park High School’s Abshier Stadium, on the visitor’s side.

3. Away games will be played at different locations. Your Director will provide you with the location, directions, and pertinent information regarding the field conditions.

4. Lil’ Hearts will start cheering at 8:00 am sharp. Please have Lil’ Hearts at the designated drop off by 7:45. Any Lil’ Heart who arrives after 8:05 will not be allowed to perform until after halftime.

5. Parents, relatives, friends, or siblings will not be allowed to sit with the Lil’ Hearts during any games.

6. Lil’ Hearts will not be allowed to leave before the end of the flag football game.

7. Upon completion of the game, the Lil’ Hearts will be released to parents only at the designated pick-up location. Please don’t have siblings, friends, or relatives come to pick them up.

8. Lil’ Hearts will be dismissed by squads, so please be patient as the coaches try to match-up the girl to the parent.

9. Once the girls have been dismissed by the director, neither she nor her staff is responsible for your child.

10. Water will be provided to the Lil’ Hearts during every game.

11. Some away fields do not have indoor restrooms. There are port-a-potties. So please encourage your daughter to use the restroom prior to coming to the field. We suggest that you carry a travel size container of baby wipes and hand sanitizer

12. Lil’ Hearts will not be allowed to eat anything during the game. Make sure your daughter eats a healthy breakfast before arriving to the game

13. Lil’ Hearts must arrive dressed in their game uniform, shell, skirt, briefs, sock, shoes, and hair in a high ponytail with game day ribbon.

14. Jewelry (necklace, rings, earrings) is NEVER to be worn during practices and/or games. NO EXCEPTIONS!! If your daughter is wearing them, they will be removed and placed in her backpack prior to performing or practicing.

15. Lil’ Heart award winners will be announced at home games only, prior to halftime. Team mom will hold certificates until conclusion of the game.

16. During inclementweather before or during games the director will give specific instructions for any alternate arrangements.

17. Please check the website for up to date information, www.leaguelineup.com/dearhearts

Attendance:

1. The team mom will take attendance at every practice and every game. So make sure that your daughter is dressed, and on the field ready to cheer. Attendance is turned in to TIFI every week.

2. Excused absences with a parent note are as follows: a. Lil Heart illness b. Participation in mandatory school function c. Death in family

Team Photographs:

1. We will have a day scheduled for a professional photographer to take individual pictures of your Lil’ Heart.

d. This is voluntary e. This is an additional cost to you, not covered by the club. f. Your child must be dressed in her complete cheer uniform. g. She may wear her hair any way you choose.

2. After individual photos are taken, we will take a team picture. a. All Lil’ Hearts must have their hair in a high ponytail, with game day bow. b. This is voluntary; however, we do ask that you bring your daughter so that

she is not left out of the team photo. There is no cost to be in the picture! 3. We will also be taking “head shots”.

a. These photos are for the yearbook.

b. These are at no cost to you. c. Lil’ Hearts may wear their hair anyway you choose. d. These will be taken prior to the individual photos.

Discipline:

1. Lil’ Hearts will follow a “timeout” policy. If your daughter displays poor behavior, she will be placed in timeout for 5 minutes.

2. If her poor behavior should continue, then a meeting between the director and parent will be scheduled to help rectify the situation.

Mini Poms Expo:

1. This year the Lil’ Hearts will be required to perform in a Mini Poms Expo that will include the mini poms from all the TIFI teams.

2. The purpose of this event is to give these girls a time to shine and perform. 3. Specific details regarding date and times will be provided in plenty of time to

make plans.

Banquet: held each year to honor all members of the Dear Heart and Lil’Heart drill and cheer teams.

1. Lil’ Hearts are not required to attend the banquet. 2. The cost of the banquet ticket for your Lil’ Heart was covered in her registration. 3. Parents, siblings, and grandparents are welcome to attend; however, they must

purchase an additional ticket. 4. Every girl will receive an end of year gift. 5. The attire for the evening is Sunday best to Semi-formal. 6. There will be a professional photographer on hand to take pictures.This is an

additional cost to you, not covered by the club.

Yearbooks:

1. The club creates a yearbook every year that is available to your child. 2. These books will be distributed once completed, usually at registration the next

season.

Rams Grams

1. These are pages created by you that are placed in the yearbook.

2. They can be photos or your child, letters, words of praise, anything that you would like. Examples will be available.

3. These pages are an additional cost. Size of pages determines price.

Season Completion:

1. The Lil’ Heart season does not end until flag football season ends. Our #1priority is supporting the Deer Park Rams.

2. Lil’ Heart Cheerleaders are required to cheer at all playoff games, and the Super Bowl game if the Rams flag football players areplaying.

Volunteer:

1. Lil Hearts will be participating in Terrific Team Thursdays. a. We ask that 2 families team up to provide the girls with “goodies”. The

Director will explain, and give you examples. b. A sign-up sheet will be passed around at the first practice.

2. We welcome parent volunteers. If you are interested in helping, please talk to the Lil’ Hearts director. Volunteers will be required to fill out an application, sign a Coach’s Code of Conduct, and undergo a background check.

2017 DP Rams Booster Club (DPRBC) discipline policy 

Intent: To define an accepted internal disciplinary policy that allows for corrective actions within the 

membership of the DPRBC.  DPRBC disciplinary actions cover only the voluntary membership of the 

DPRBC and set the basis for ethical behavior within the club.  These rules can only be met or exceeded 

by the corresponding policies of any organization for which the DPRBC has voted to obtain / maintain 

membership within.  

These rules and corrective actions are for violations of the parent / player code of conduct 

internally within the DPRBC and are intended to maintain good order and respect between the 

memberships of the club.  

Definition of a violation:  

Any action that directly violates the parent / participant code of conduct

Any action that violates TIFI rules

Any verbal inference or written statement that has the express intent of causing harm to

another member of DPRBC

Any physical action or threat that creates the potential for harm

Enforcement of Disciplinary Code: 

A‐ The code will be enforced with a three strikes system that is individually reviewed by a DPRBC 

board disciplinary committee within 5 days of any infraction. 

Strike 1 – Immediate removal from any DPRBC activity, Probationary time for 48 hours 

during which the member cited for the infraction will not be allowed to participate in any 

DPRBC activity nor will be allowed within the area in which this activity takes place. 

Strike 2 – Immediate removal from any DPRBC activity, Probationary time of 2 weeks during 

which the member cited for the infraction will not be allowed to participate in any DPRBC 

activity nor will be allowed within the area in which the activity takes place. 

Strike 3 – Immediate removal from any DPRBC activity, immediate revoke of membership 

with DPRBC for a period of no less than 1 calendar year. 

B‐ Strikes may only be given by the President, Athletic Director (AD) or Drill Director (DD) in person 

with no less than 1 witness.  The AD / DD will be required to submit a written account including 

witness accounts within 24 hours to the disciplinary committee chair (President/VP), disciplinary 

committee as well as a copy to the member who committed the infraction.  Failure to submit 

this written document within the 24 hour period automatically recants the strike offense at the 

24 hour point.  Strikes can only be recanted by a vote of the Disciplinary Committee. 

C‐ DPRBC Disciplinary Board Committee 

Will be a 6 person committee of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer,

Drill Club Representative, Football Club Representative.  This committee will be chaired

by the President and he will only vote in the case of a tie.

The meeting will be run according to Robert’s Rules of Order.

The AD / DD are required to present the written charges orally to the committee and

present any supporting documentation prior to the meeting.

The Football / Drill player agent is required to make a statement either in acceptance of

or in difference to the charges on behalf of the violator.  This must be presented prior to

the meeting in writing to include any supporting documentation.

Discussion will be mandatory allowing only 2 statements of no more than 5 min each for

both sides of the strike infraction.  There will only be a total of 4 five minute statements

allowed.

Voting will be an approval or disapproval of the strike infraction.  Disapproval will recant

the infraction immediately.  Votes are final and binding.

Any discussion, materials or statements made prior to, in preparation for, submitted to

or in reference of the strike review process that are proven to be intentionally false,

slanderous, or malicious in intent can be grounds for an immediate Strike 3 infraction

for the violating member.  This infraction will be proposed to the committee by the

president at a subsequent meeting and will require a 100% majority for voting approval.

In the case this infraction is made by the president or an appointed position then the VP

will nominate a replacement elected board member to replace them on the committee.

Policy Regarding Participant/Parent/Guest Behavior On the Practice and Game Fields

The Deer Park Independent School District has a “NO TOLERANCE” policy regarding the use of Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs and Weapons on school district property. Because our practice and game fields are Deer Park Independent School District facilities, this “NO TOLERANCE” policy is applicable to our practice and game fields, including the parking lot. In addition, Texas Intercity Football, Inc. (TIFI) also includes the use of profanity as part of this “NO TOLERANCE” policy as outlined in TIFI Rule 15.05 and 15.06 shown below:

15.05 Booster Club officials are responsible for the deportment of their own supporters. Alcoholic beverages and profane or abusive language in the stands or parking lot must not be tolerated.

15.06 There shall be no smoking on the playing field or in the bench area. Tobacco use policies of the State of Texas and local school districts shall be strictly enforced as well as any city and county tobacco use policies.

A. Individual Clubs will, should they see fit, be responsible for establishing and enforcing a tobacco policy for their Club for games and practices. Every TIFI Club will be responsible for compliance with our hosts’ established facility tobacco use policies.

Violators of this policy can and will be asked to leave the premises.

Violation of this “NO TOLERANCE” policy can result in the following actions:

1. Banishment from the practice field. Violator must remain in parking lotarea during practice.

2. Banishment from home game field during games.3. Dismissal of child from team and organization. Registration fees and

any other fees or charges will not be refunded.

This policy is applicable to players, parents and their guests and visiting teams. Members of the Deer Park Rams, Dear Hearts and Li'l Hearts organization are asked to inform their guests of this policy and to help enforce this policy.

Respectfully,

Deer Park Rams and Dear Hearts Board of Directors & Booster Club