COACH REGISTRATION STARTS February 16th!!

COACHING INFORMATION

YYTFC is run entirely on volunteer coaching.

YYTFC is growing, and we need passionate, dedicated parents and volunteers to step up and help develop our players. Whether you have coaching experience or just a love for the game, we’ll provide the support, resources, and training to set you up for success.

By coaching, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping our players’ skills, confidence, and love for the game. Plus, more coaches mean better instruction, more player development, more minds to bounce ideas off of and stronger teams all around!

Let’s build something special together in 2026! If you’re ready to step up and make a difference, reach out today for any questions to board@yytfc.org or fill out the form by clicking the button below

We appreciate your desire and willingness to volunteer with Yorkville Youth Tackle Football and Cheerleading!

Coaching Interest Form

Yorkville Youth Tackle Football And cheer (YYTFC) Coach Code

Code of Conduct

Coaching in the YYTF program is a privilege, and all coaches are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, leadership, and integrity. Violations of this Code of Conduct that are detrimental to the program or its participants may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from coaching.

COACHING REQUIREMENTS:

Coaching Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for any YYTF season, coaches must:

1. Be in good standing with the league.

2. Meet minimum age requirements:

Head Coach: 21+ years old
Assistant Coach: 18+ years old
Coach-Trainee: 16+ years old (with league approval)

3. Review, understand, and agree to abide by the YYTF Coach Code of Conduct.

4. Obtain required certifications (outlined below) or agree to complete them before the season starts.

5. Complete an annual online coaching application.

6. Pass a background check.

7. Accept responsibility as a leader. Head Coaches must be willing and able to manage their coaching staff, players, and parents to uphold a respectful and positive environment.

8. Understand that all coaching positions are subject to final approval by YYTF leadership.

Coach Certificates and Requirements

Certifications and Training Requirements

2026 YYTFC Coach Certification Requirements

Chicagoland Pop Warner – Mid-America Region

All coaches must complete the following requirements before participating in practices or games.

All certifications must be uploaded into:

Sports Connect

1. Sports Connect Registration (REQUIRED – Annual)

All coaches must:

• Register as a coach

• Upload a clear headshot photo (WHITE BACKGROUND ONLY)

• Complete background check authorization

• Upload all required certifications

https://sportsconnect.com

Coach Photo Requirements (REQUIRED)

• Plain white background only

• Head and shoulders visible

• Facing forward

• No hats or sunglasses

• No action shots or group photos

Photos not meeting requirements will delay certification approval.

2. Background Check (REQUIRED – Annual)

• National background screening

• Completed during Sports Connect registration

• Must be cleared before any athlete interaction

3. USA Football Certification (REQUIRED – Annual)

USA Football

Includes:

• Tackle Certification

• Abuse Prevention Training

• Contact System

https://usafootball.com/programs/coach-certification

-Must complete current season certification

-Upload certificate to Sports Connect

4. Mid-America Region Certification (REQUIRED)

Required for:

Chicagoland Pop Warner

under

Pop Warner Little Scholars

Validity Period

Mid-America Certification is typically valid for three (3) seasons.

This means:

• The current season certification is accepted

• The two prior seasons may also be accepted

• Example: 2024, 2025, or 2026 certification may be valid depending on regional guidance

However:

• If rule updates are issued, the region may require current-year completion

• Final verification occurs at Book Certification

Access through Sports Connect or regional link

Upload certificate to Sports Connect

5. Concussion Training (REQUIRED – Annual)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CDC HEADS UP to Youth Sports

https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.html

-Free online training

-Certificate generated upon completion

-Must be renewed annually

-Upload to Sports Connect

6. CPR / AED & First Aid

Head Coaches – REQUIRED

All Head Coaches must hold a current CPR/AED & First Aid certification.

-Must remain valid through end of season

-Must be uploaded to Sports Connect

-In-person training preferred

Approved Providers

American Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr

American Heart Association

https://cpr.heart.org

Online-only courses without hands-on skills verification are not accepted.

7. SafeSport Training

U.S. Center for SafeSport

https://uscenterforsafesport.org/training-and-education/safesport-courses-for-all/

IMPORTANT COMPLIANCE NOTICE

Coaches who do not complete required certifications:

• Will not be rostered

• Will not be permitted to participate in practices

• Will not be allowed on the sideline during games

All certifications must be completed and uploaded prior to certification deadlines.

For questions: