FAQ's

What is the History of the Bulldogs ... ?

The Westlake Bulldog Program has been in existence since 1995. Founded by Ron Weinberger and a group of dedicated individuals, we are proud to have provided both football and cheer experiences to thousands of boys and girls. Our all volunteer organization consists of board members, coaches and game day volunteers. We are a member of the Capital Beltway Youth Football League and the Charles County Youth Football League.

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What equipment will my child need ... ?

August 1st is the first practice for everyone, Football players and cheerleaders should wear shorts, shirt and tennis shoes or football cleats. After the first day, your coach will instruct you what to wear for the next practice and beyond. Westlake Bulldogs provides:

Football

• A youth football helmet. Every player receives a helmet that is either brand new or has been recertified for the current season.
• Practice pants
• Game jerseys.
• Game pants with belts.
• Shoulder pads.
• Hip, tail, thigh, and knee pads and a pad girdle.
• Basic mouthguard.

Players are expected to provide their own:

• Football cleats. (Many players opt for "hightop" football cleats for ankle protection.)
• Athletic Supporter and cup.
• Practice jersey
• Orange Gameday Socks. (Any color socks can be worn to practice.)

Players may optionally provide and wear:

• Forearm pads.
• Youth Football Flac Jacket.
• Own mouthguard to, for example, better handle braces on the teeth.

Cheerleading

Westlake Bulldogs provides:

• One uniform shell (top)
• One uniform skirt
• One uniform midriff/cropped top
• One pair of briefs
• One pair of socks
• Game day hair accessories

Selection of the following items will be made by the Cheerleading Coordinator.  Cheerleaders are expected to purchase the items at their own expense:

• Shoes
• Warm up suit
• Accessories for Special Events (if determined necessary)
• Clear rain poncho

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I'm having trouble with the web site ... ?

If you are having problems with the Westlake Bulldog web site, here are a few things you can do:

• Make sure you have a broadband connection. Modem connections will be slow and frustrating.
• Make sure you are running the latest web browser for your platform.
• Make sure you have JavaScript enabled in your web browser. Most browsers have JavaScript enabled by default.
• If you are making an online payment to Westlake Bulldogs, make sure you have cookies enabled in your web browser.
• If you are still having problems with our web site, please contact us at westlakebulldogs@comcast.net

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What league can my child play in... ?

Football 

The Charles County Youth Football League or CCYFL, is a modified league governed by the Charles County Parks and Recreation. The modifications include the some of the following:

• The shortening of games to one hour and fifteen minutes. Forty five minutes less then a normal youth football game.
• Limited team rosters.
• Limits on the amount of teams any one club can field.
• Limited weight classes that players can enroll in.
• No elected governing board or league structure which makes the league and your child vulnerable to subjective changes anytime during the season.
• Mandatory play and match rules.
• Only Charles County teams are allowed to play.
• Only Charles County residents are allowed to register.

These modifications and others have created a league that is very small and less competitive then our counterparts in the Capital Beltway League.

The Westlake Bulldog - Charles County League Offering is geared for children ages 5 through 14, from beginners to experienced players that want to play youth tackle football and have a great time doing it. The season runs from August through December with one post season playoff bracketed game followed by the super bowl, usually held at North Point stadium. A Bi-County championship game has been held for the last two years between the champions of Charles and Calvert counties but its future is uncertain.

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The Capital Beltway League is a true high school federation rule league that provides four times the amount of teams per division and a much higher level of competition then Charles County. There is also a much greater player exposure to high school coaches throughout Maryland. Post Season Play is held at some of the most prestigious college football stadiums in Maryland.

The Westlake Bulldogs / Capital Beltway League is open to ALL Charles, Southern PG, Calvert and St. Mary’s County residents. There are NO boundaries within Charles, Calvert or St. Mary’s County that will dictate who can or who cannot play for Westlake in this league!

The Westlake Bulldog – Capital Beltway League Offering is geared for children ages 6 through 15, from the novice to the more experienced players that want to play youth tackle football in a competitive environment.  The season runs from August through December with post season playoff bracketed game followed by the super bowl, which is held at one of Maryland’s most prestigious college stadiums and followed by the Maryland State championship game held at M&T stadium.

During the registration process, you will have a choice as to where you would like your child to play. If the coaches and football director feel that your child may be better in one league than the other, they will set up a meeting with you to discuss it. You may also contact the football director and discuss your options. (use the contact options in the "Contact Us" page on the web site)

The Westlake Bulldogs are part of the Charles County Youth Football League and the Capital Beltway football league which consists of the following clubs:

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What are the age and weight divisions for Football and Cheerleading?

The following table lists the age and weight classes for the Charles County League, 2009. The weight classes make it possible for players of comparable size to line up against each other on the field. These classes are mandated by Charles County; we cannot make exceptions.

Notes:

• Ages followed by an asterisk (**) in each division allow the piggy back or blow up player. These players are restricted to play only certain positions.
• A child's age on December 31st determines his or her age for the season with the exception of 5 year old players. 5 year olds must be 5 by August 1st.
• The Cheer program uses the above ages but not weight to determine each division. Weight is not used in Cheer.

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The following table lists the age and weight classes forthe Capital Beltway League, 2009. The weight classes make it possible for players of comparable size to line up against each other on the field. These classes are mandated by the Capital Beltway League; we cannot make exceptions.

Cheerleading

The following table lists the grade and weight divisions for the 2009 Charles County League Cheerleading Program. These divisions are mandated by Charles County.  We cannot make exceptions.

Charles County Cheerleading Eligibility Matrix
Child must be 5 years old by August 1, 2009

Grade Verification:  A copy of the final report card is due by August 7, 2009.  Failure to provide the required documents may result in ineligibility to participate in the Cheerleading program.

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What will the practice and game schedule be... ?

We will not know the game schedule until 2 weeks before the season starts. As soon as we receive the schedules, they will be handed out and posted on the web site for each team.

Practice starts August 1st and normally runs Monday through Friday, 6pm till 8pm until school starts. When school starts, practices will be from 6pm till 7:30pm. The head coach for each team will determine the teams practice days and will hand out practice schedules. Some Saturday practices may be scheduled.

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How can I get a refund... ?

Westlake Bulldogs policy is:

• Only 50% of the registration fee will be refunded if an athlete drops prior to August 1st regardless of the reason. NO EXCEPTIONS
• No refunds will be given if an athlete drops after, and including, August 1st. NO EXCEPTIONS
• All refund requests MUST be in written form and mailed to the Westlake Bulldog Organization. You may also request a refund by email. (use the contact options in the "Contact Us" page on the web site)

Any exceptions made to this policy will be the sole discretion of the Westlake Bulldogs Board of Directors.

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When will my child receive their equipment... ?

Football

Before the first practice on August 1st, you will be informed as to the date, time and location for your child’s equipment handout.

Westlake Bulldogs provides:

• A youth football helmet. Every player receives a helmet that is either brand new or has been recertified for the current season.
• Game jersey.
• Practice and game pants with belts.
• Shoulder pads.
• Hip, tail, thigh, and knee pads and a pad girdle.
• Basic mouthguard.

Players are expected to provide their own:

• Black Football cleats. (Many players opt for "hightop" football cleats for ankle protection.)
• Orange Gameday Socks. (Any color socks can be worn to practice.)
• Athletic Supporter and cup.

Players may optionally provide and wear:

• Forearm pads.
• Youth Football Flac Jacket.
• Own mouthguard to, for example, better handle braces on the teeth.

Cheerleading

Before the first practice on August 1st, you will be informed as to the date, time and location for your child’s equipment handout.

Westlake Bulldogs provides:

• One uniform shell (top)
• One uniform skirt
• One uniform midriff/cropped top
• One pair of briefs
• One pair of socks
• Game day hair accessories

Selection of the following items will be made by the Cheerleading Coordinator.  Cheerleaders are expected to purchase the items at their own expense:

• Shoes
• Warm up suit
• Accessories for Special Events (if determined necessary)
• Clear rain poncho

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