KICK OFF DINNER SLATED FOR SATURDAY AFTERNOON

The Elmore Park Cheer and Football Program will be kicking off the season with a dinner Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m. There will be door prizes and giveaways. The dinner will be held at Oak Grove MB church at 7317 Hwy 64, Memphis TN 38133.

Spaghetti, BBQ, baked beans, slaw and meatballs are on the menu.

Walk-ups are welcome. Price is $10 for adults,$5 for kids and 5 and under are free.

Uniforms will be handed out so be there!

FOOTBALL FUNDAMENTALS FOR MOMS

Football is a simple game of "turf" control. When a team gets the ball, it has 4 downs to move the ball 10 yards and get a "first down." A first down allows the offensive team (the one with the ball) yet 4 more plays. The idea is to advance the ball down the field for a score (touchdown). Most teams, under most circumstances uses the first 3 downs trying to get a new first down. If they don't, they usually punt (kick) it away to the other team on 4th down. Then the defense takes over and tries to hold the other team from getting a new first down.

A "second and three" situation would mean that it is the second down of the series and the offense needs three yards for a first down. A "third and five" would mean that during the first two plays the offense gained 5 yards. Now it is the third down in the series and the offense needs 5 more yard to get a first down. If they don't the will probably punt--UNLESS-- they are close enough to the end zone and want to gamble "go for it." If the offense does not get the 10 yards, the ball "goes over on downs"--the other team gets the ball right there! A punt gives up the ball, but hopefully much further down field. Remember this is a turf war.

Some basic Rules (1) The offensive linemen "block" the defensive linemen, trying to keep them from tackling the man with the ball. An offensive blocker can use his hands ONLY if they are OPEN. When a blocker uses closed hand he usually is "flagged" (called for a penalty) for "holding." A defensive player CAN use his hands and is only called for holding if he is keeping a receiver (a player trying to catch a pass) from going down field.

(2) A player MAY NOT block a player in the back -- this is called "blocking in the back" or "clipping." Many youth leagues prohibit ANY blocking below the waist. Ask your coach if you are not sure of the rule--that's what he's there for! There is a simple way to remember this rule. Only hit a player if you can see his eyes or the numbers on the front of his jersey.

(3) 7 players must be even with the line of scrimmage, the other 4 must be "off" back from the line of scrimmage. A violation of this rule is called an "illegal formation."

(4) A player may not hit another player with the crown (top) of his helmet. This is called "spiking." The for the safety of all players. A tackler with his head down is vulnerable to neck injury. A good tackler keeps his head up and tackles "face mask to face mask." When a player tackles another player, the tackler should "wrap up." This means the tackler should wrap his arms around the man with the ball and drive him to the ground.

(5) A player may not "trip" another player. This is not a legal tackle or block.

The player Positions

Receiver -- one who catches the pass. Quarter Back -- the thrower of the pass. Running Back -- one who carries the ball on running plays. These players may also be called Tail Backs, or full Backs. LineMen -- players who are "up on" the line of scrimmage like blockers. Defensive Backs -- Defenders "off' the line. These players defend the pass and may be called Corner Backs or Safety's. LineBackers -- These players line up behind the linemen but in front of the defensive backs--in the middle. They have the toughest job because they have to defend against both the pass and the run. But they also get the best chance to hit.

Football basics Football is a great game of strategy. Both teams want to win and practice hard so they will. But this is true in all sports. The great thing about Football is that it teaches teamwork. "There is no 'I' in Team." One player cannot "take over" a game like in basketball or baseball. 10 players can do their jobs well and everything is going perfect in a play when suddenly BLAM! -- one player fails in his block and the QB (Quarter Back) is splattered and maybe fumbles. Or after good blocking and a great throw, the receiver just drops the ball.

To win regularly, a team has to work together very well--covering each others' back and helping each other out. Every job or position is important.

STILL NO TAKERS:VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT ELMORE PARK

Elmore Park needs the support of several parent volunteers to better support the programs goal of being one of best programs in SYS. You can show your support by volunteering your time and energies in several of the below mentioned areas. Be a Packer Backer and show your support by volunteering. For more information on how to support your Pack contact Patty Bachelor at 372-6700.

FIELD MANAGER

ELMORE PARK IS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME DURING THE FOOTBALL SEASON TO ASSIST IN MAINTAINING THE FOOTBALL FIELD. DUTIES REQUIRE THAT THE FIELD IS SET-UP AND GAME READY SATURDAY MORNING AT EACH OF OUR 4 HOME GAMES. THIS WILL INCLUDE LINING AND MARKING THE FIELD IN ACCORDANCE WITH SYS RULES AND SETTING UP THE CROWD CONTROL ROPES. TYPICALLY THE FIELD IS MARKED AND LINED FRIDAY EVENING PRIOR TO THE GAME OR CAN BE DONE DURING THE DAY WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT TONY MILLER AT 647-6972 OR E-MAIL HIM AT ALMILLER@FEDEX.COM.

FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR

THIS PERSON MUST BE ENTHUSIASTIC, HAVE INTERNET ACCESS AND PREFERABLY A CELL PHONE. THEY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING OUR MEMBERSHIP INFORMED ABOUT ELMORE PARKS FUNDRAISING EFFORTS AND UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS. THIS JOB CAN BE A LOT OF FUN FOR THE RIGHT PERSON OR PERSONS. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT PATTY BACHELOR AT 372-6700 OR E-MAIL HER AT PATTY@MAILTECHNOLOGY.COM

HOMECOMING COMMITTEE

CURRENT CHAIR OF THE HOMECOMING COMMITTEE IS APRIL POUNDERS. SHE HAS SOME REALLY GREAT IDEAS FOR MAKING THIS THE BIGGEST AND BEST HOMECOMING ELMORE PARK HAS HAD IN RECENT MEMORY.

THIS IS A BIG JOB SO THE SUPPORT OF THE WHOLE PROGRAM IS NEEDED. WE ARE LOOKING FOR 5 TO 10 VOLUNTEERS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT APRIL AT 461-3261 OR EMAIL HER AT EPPCHEERCOMMISH@AOL.COM.

GAME DAY ANNOUNCER.

ELMORE PARK IS LOOKING FOR 1 OR 2 INDIVIDUALS TO WORK THE ANNOUNCERS BOOTH COME GAME DAY. THIS JOB REALLY TAKES 2 PEOPLE TO DO IT WELL AND DO IT RIGHT; 1 TO ANNOUCE AND 1 TO SPOT. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT TONY MILLER AT 647-6972 OR E-MAIL HIM AT ALMILLER@FEDEX.COM

Let Elmore Park Help You Get Your Volunteer Service Hours

Are you a High-School student in need of service hours? Well, we have the job for you. Whether its working at a Saturday track meet, taking photos during football games or cheerleading competitions, or maybe your're a budding sports writer who would like to follow your favorite team or player, we can find something for you do to i for you to fulfill your volunteer service hours obligations. For more information contact Terry Pounders at 650-6578 or email him at vpsys2000@aol.com.

Elmore Park Hosting NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Contest This Saturday

ELMORE PARK PACKERS YOUTH FOOTBALL WILL BE HOSTING AN NFL SANCTIONED PUNT PASS AND KICK CONTEST SATURDAY AUGUST 14TH FROM 9 A.M. TILL 12 NOON. IT WILL BE HELD AT FREEMAN PARK IN BARTLETT. THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 8 THROUGH 15.

5, 6 AND 7 YEAR OLDS MAY PARTICIPATE BUT THEY WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO ADVANCE TO SECTIONALS. THEY WILL RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION AND WINNERS WILL RECIEVE RIBBONS.

IF YOU ARE NOT A REGISTERED ELMORE PARK PARTICIPANT YOU WILL NEED TO BRING A COPY OF A BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR BAPTISMAL RECORD IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT TERRY POUNDERS AT 650-6578 OR E-MAIL HIM AT VPSYS2000@AOL.COM

ELMORE PARK IS THE NEW OWNER OF 9 SETS OF BLEACHERS

The last week of June, Elmore Park became the proud owners of 9 sets of bleachers (enough to seat 350). This windfall was the result of the efforts of Patty Bachelor contacting St. Annes Catholic School as well as her organizing the move of the bleachers to their new home at Elmore Park.

St. Annes is renovating their church grounds and with plans to purchase new bleachers in the works, they no longer had need for the old ones. Patty made the call and put together a team of former Elmore Park participants and parent volunteers to organize the move.

Work on the bleachers is continuing, replacing old boards, scrapping and painting the ones that don't need replacing .

If anyone would care to support our fundraising efforts in support of renovating the bleachers or would like to volunteer time to the effort, please feel free to contact Patty at 372-6700. Any and All support is greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!

JAMBOREE JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Saturday Aug. 21st, SYS will be holding the Jamboree at Millington Naval Air Station off of Navy Rd. We should be getting the Jamboree Schedule soon and posting it to the website. We will keep you notified as things develope.