Sparta Bears Wrap-up
SPARTA — The Sparta Bears football teams dominated their fall season. Grade 3 (9-0) and grade 4 (8-0) were undefeated. Grades 5, 6 and 7 knocked off the #1 seeds and won the National Division Titles in the New Jersey Suburban Youth Football League (NJSYFL) with a combined record of 24-6. This led each of them to the Super Bowl in Perth Amboy on Sunday, Dec. 2.
“Although the Bears fells short to Westfield, Summit and Richmond Boro at the Super Bowl,” said Brian Dolan, Sparta Bears President, “it’s a tremendous accomplishment to have three teams represent from one town.”
Back-to-back award ceremonies for all teams were held at the Sparta Middle School. Individual and participation awards were handed out along with coaches and Board acknowledgments. Eighth-graders Scott Lombardi, John Cotis, Richie McDonald and Rex Anderson were selected to the recent NJSYFL All-Star Game.
Safety as a priority
At the start of the 2010-11 season the Bears Board of Directors introduced a mandatory Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT) base-line for every eligible football player and cheerleader.
According to Bears Secretary, Ralph Dengler, Esq., safety is paramount to the program. “The CCAT is an online cognitive test for athletes,” said Dengler. “A player takes a test at the beginning of the season that establishes a baseline or ‘snapshot’ of their brains' speed and accuracy. In the event of a head injury, or even possible head injury, players are required to re-take the test, and these results are compared to the baseline to identify any cognitive changes. A medical doctor reviews the results to confirm that the brain has fully recovered, and uses these test results, along with the player's overall condition, to decide when it is safe for the player to return to the classroom, practice or competitive play.”
All tackle players are provided with Schutt DNA Pro Plus helmets, and shoulder pads. Parents seeking more protection for their player have an option to utilize the Guardian Cap. This one-size-fits-all practice shell cover has been widely adopted by more than 170 leagues, high schools, and colleges, in over 36 states and Canada. The Bears plan to take it a step further and utilize the Guardian as mandatory piece of equipment for the 2013 season.
Since injuries can occur no matter how many precautions are taken, a certified trainer was on hand at all home games to evaluate and treat both Bears players and any from the opposing team.
About the NJSYFL
The NJSYFL was established in 1972 and is the largest youth football and cheer organization in the state with over 5,000 participants and 100+ teams. This year approximately 242 children participated in the Sparta Bears flag football (grades 1 and 2), tackle football (grades 3-8) or recreational cheer (grades K-8) teams.