Field
& Grounds
We play our games on a Varsity grade football field located in the both
scenic and easily accessible Matamoras Airport Park. Our official 120
yard (including end zones) field offers stands for comfortable seating,
food services and restrooms right at hand. The field is complete with
numbered yard lines, hash marks and marked team zones. The official sized
and professionally installed goal posts allow us to incorporate the kicking
aspects of football into our Junior and Senior level games. Last season
we saw three made field goals. What a feeling for those kickers and their
teammates. We are also very proud of our professionally installed game
lights which give us the ability to play night games. Many of the children
have said that under those lights and on that field with all of the people
cheering, they sometimes feel as if they were playing in the N.F.L. Our
concession stand and restrooms are full service and open during all league
events. The park also offers playground areas, basketball courts, baseball
fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, hockey rink and river access. We
have worked closely with the Matamoras Town Board and the Recreation Committee
and would like to thank them for all of their support and encouragement.
Officials
& Equipment
Every Junior and Senior Division game is officiated by paid, professional
PIAA game officials. We have a large electronic scoreboard
that keeps track of time, score, possession, quarter and time-outs. We
also use official down and distance markers and chains. Again we would
like to thank the Scranton Chapter of PIAA officials for their great help.
Clinics
& Inter-League Participation
P.A.Y.A.L. places high priority on the instructional aspects of the game
of football and cheerleading. Towards that goal, our practices, while
very physical, are geared toward teaching. We are also very fortunate
to have the Delaware Valley High School Football and Cheerleading Programs
offer a free clinic to every member of our league during each season.
These clinics are run by the varsity coaching staff and players and are
always incredibly educational and fun. We just can't thank the DV Football
and Cheerleading Program enough for their support, guidance and encouragement.
They are truly interested in the young people in our area and they show
it. Let's always remember to give them all of our support.
League Structure
P.A.Y.A.L. divides its cheerleading and football players into three divisions.
Cheerleading is divided according to age and skill level. Football uses
the same system but also accounts for the child's weight. All three levels
are full gear with all the necessary football and cheerleading equipment
provided by the league.
The three divisions are as follows:
1. Flag- 5,6, and 7 years of age. Cheerleaders are taught basic cheers and learn
beginner group routines. Very little or no stunting is included at this level.
Football players are taught basic blocking skills and the fundamentals for
offense and defense. However, tackling is not permitted.
2. Junior - 7,8,9, and 10 years of age(under 80 lbs.) - Cheerleaders learn even
more cheers. The group routines become more difficult and some stunting or
mounts may be included depending on the abilities. Football has a 105 lb.
weight limit. Here all play is live and has full contact with the exception of
scrimmage kicks. Kicked extra points (2 pts.) and field goals (3 pts.) are live
ball plays from a tee. Basic skills are expected to be known. More complex
offensive plays and defensive strategies are introduced at this level.
3. Senior - 10(over 80 lbs.),11 and 12 years of age. Cheerleaders have more
complex routines which includes mounts and stunting. Football has a weight
limit of 150 lbs. At this level, the intensity of play increases, requiring
more focus and dedication to practice on each participant's part. Both the
girls and boys are being prepared for their transition to the DV programs.
ALL COACHES AT ALL LEVELS
are required to undergo criminal background and child abuse checks through
our league office. Coaches and parents are also expected to adhere to
the Codes of Conduct at all times. |
