Why pick the Tomahawks?
The Tomahawks have been in existence for over 25 years. We are the feeder system for both Lakota East and West. WE ARE A LAKOTA ONLY ORGANIZATION FOR LAKOTA KIDS. Typically the high school teams are comprised of 35-45% of players that came through the Tomahawks. We believe in teaching football and preparing our kids to play the game. Teaching strong fundaments, team play, good sportsmanship, discipline and work ethics are our only agenda. Financially, dollar for dollar, the Tomahawks are one of the best youth sports values in the community. We are a member of the American Youth Football Association.
Solid League!
We play in the Community Youth Football League. Unlike other organizations in the area that have been in several leagues through their existence, we have been in the same league for over 20 years. The CYFL is one of the best leagues in the area. We play organizations from Mason, Sharonville (Princeton). Kings, Milford, Indian Hills, Anderson, Little Miami, and Loveland One of the larger christian organizations in the area created their own league. They are only playing each other and one other team for the upcoming season.
What happens after I sign up?
There is a draft held to place each player that is registered. You should keep looking at the calendar on the website for the dates and times. Each player completes a small workout routine (running, passing, catching, agility). After completion, the coaches get together that evening and draft the players. Your player will be notified by the following weekend by his coach.
Why is there a draft process?
It is the goal of the Tomahawks and the CYFL to attempt to maintain parity amongst their teams. There are no "Stacking" of teams. It is NOT a TRYOUT. The football draft allows for the coaches to maintain the talent level as equal as possible. We take great pride in the fact that each season 3-4 teams in each age group are division champions and/or make the playoffs. Unlike other organizations, we do not allow coaches to go out into various communities and recruit or hand pick players. Our kids come from a pool of LAKOTA ONLY residence.
What if I can not make it to the draft day?
It is highly encouraged to make all possible arrangements to be at the draft. If you are unable to attend, your player's name is simply drawn randomly and placed on a team.
Are there weight limits?
Yes, Our league believes that
physics do play a huge part of
the game. Weight limits allow kids
of all sizes to play the game as
safely as possible. Although the
weight limits do eliminate some
players, it accommodates almost
most of all kids.
Weight Limits:
1st Grade 90 lbs
2nd Grade 95 lbs
3rd Grade 105 lbs
4th Grade 115 lbs
5th Grade 125 lbs
6th Grade 140 lbs
The league adds an additional 3 lbs for growth after the 3rd regular season game.
When do the players weigh in?
Players weigh in each game. It is VERY UNHEALTHY and UNSAFE for a player to extreme diet to make a one time weigh in. It is also EXTREMELY unsafe for a player to regain that weight. Not to mention the safety of the players on the lower end of the weight spectrum. The Tomahawks and the league take the safety of the players very seriously.
If weight is an issue, can my player move up an age group?
Will be considered on a case by case basis.
Will I have to buy my equipment?
NO - your child will receive all necessary equipment with the exception of cleats. The Tomahawks buy and maintain top quality and up-to-date equipment. We have heard other organizations state that purchased equipment can be used for 3-6 years. This is not true or safe. All manufactures of helmets recommend a helmet be reconditioned after 2 years of use. They do not warrant the helmet to protect your player after that period if the helmet is not reconditioned and recertified. Plus, kids grow. Either a child is fitted with equipment that is too big with the idea they will grow into them, or eventually will be too small - both are unsafe situations. We have a very sophisticated bar coding system that allows us to manage and update our equipment.
When will I receive my equipment ?
Equipment handout is generally in late June, early July. You will receive all equipment except your game jersey at that time. See calendar for updates.
What league do we play in?
We are a member of the Community Youth Football League. It is one of the largest and well respected leagues in the city. All members are local, Lakota, Mason, Loveland, Sharonville, Little Miami, Sycamore, Indian Hills, Milford and Anderson. The league has approximately 120 teams.
When and where do we play our games?
Games are played at all member's location. All fields are within 30 minutes of West Chester. 1st, 2nd & 3rd grades for the most part play on Saturday, 4th, 5th and 6th for the most part play on Sunday. Our home field is at the Lakota Freshman School, a.k.a. "Tomahawk Stadium"
Where do we practice?
All practices are held on Lakota school grounds. The practice location will be determined prior to the start of the season. All teams are divided amongst the fields that are available throughout the school district.
How many practices per week ?
The number of practices is totally at the discretion of the head coach. Some teams practice 5 times per week during the pre-school days.
1st grade is limited to 2 practices per week once school begins. 2nd grade is limited to 3 practices per week once school begins.
Can I request what team I would like to be on?
No- The Tomahawks try to maintain a parity among our teams. That is the purpose of the draft.
What if we have twins, will they be on the same team?
Yes
What if my daughter wants to cheer for her brother?
Sisters are placed on the same squad of their brother if they are within 2 grades of their brother's grade. If they are beyond that, they will be placed with girls of their grade and school if possible. No, exceptions. We do allow pre-school children to be mascots on the cheer squads until they enter 1st grade. Please be sure to mention that the sister wants to cheer for the brother. Name of brother and request via email is necessary.
What do I get to keep ?
You will be issued a personalized game jersey and mouthpiece that you will keep. These are top of the line custom jersey with the player's name on it. Our jersesy have always been the pride of the community and the envy of the league.
Is there any guaranteed playing time ?
1st & 2nd Grade - YES, all players must play 2 quarters per game. The only exception to this rule is if a player does not attend the required practices, in that instance, it is at the coach's descretion. 3rd through 6th, NO.... playing time is at the discretion of the head coach. The organization highly encourages playing time for all athletes, but there is no set limits to the amount.
When do practices and games start ?
Practices will start at either the end of July or the very first part of August. Games will begin with the annual Tomahawk Jamboree, usually the 3rd week of August, and regular games the following week. It is highly encouraged to take family vacations prior to the beginning of practice.
What else do I need to do as a parent ?
This organization is ran and supported by all volunteers. You will be ask to help run the concessions stand and set up and tear down the field on your teams field commitment day, Jamboree Weekend, and possibly any Post Season bowl game at our field. It is the responsibility of all parents to participate in these events.
What else will we need to buy for our player ?
The Tomahawks supply the best equipment available for our players. All that will be need is a pair of football cleats. The shoes must have molded bottoms, not screw in cleats. Also, there is a $40 fund raiser fee that is due at equipment handout. You will be given 10 discount cards to sell. They are $5 a piece. If you sell all of them, you actually get a $10 discount on your fees.
Can I bring my DOG to practice ?
NO !!!!!! Pets are not permitted on school property. Please do not bring them.
I want to be a Tomahawk...I just cant afford it. Can I get help?
Yes - The Tomahawks have never turned any child away for financial reasons. Register your player and then send a letter to the mail in address explaining your situation It will be presented to the board for consideration.
