Football and cheerleading are a family commitment. The Needham Junior Football & Cheer is a 100% volunteer organization, and therefore depends entirely on the coordinated efforts of volunteers (you). Board members and coaches contribute countless hours of time and energy to make the football and cheer season a success. As such, the Needham Junior Football & Cheer require the support of all athletes’ families to make the season happen.
Volunteering consists of mandatory game day positions and additional support opportunities. Athletes’ families are requested to fill between 2 to 4 game day positions per athlete per season, depending on enrollment and the needs of the league.
*Coaches and Board members are usually exempt from this requirement; however, as NJF&C family you will generally find these people are the first to willingly accept additional tasks as required.
The NJF&C Board Volunteer Coordinator will hold sign-up sessions for game day positions once the league confirms the game day schedule. This is usually during practice during the first couple of weeks in August. Game day positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please check in for your volunteer position 15 minutes before the start of the game.
Please see below for general descriptions; however please keep in mind that changes may occur as needed either in descriptions/requirements or assignments so please check with the volunteer coordinator:
Game Day Volunteer Positions
Merchandise Tent (one each home game) – Selling NJF&C merchandise for an entire football game. Involves sitting, standing, assisting customers and 50/50 volunteer, exchanging money and tracking items. Price list will be provided.
Chain Gang (three per team each home game) – This is an on-field position, moving the chains, the down counter, and the clip on the opposing team’s sideline. You must remain silent and refrain from cheering during the course of the game.
Bleacher Clean-up (one per home game) – Clean after the last game at the end of the day (including the bleachers on both sides, field, track, and walkways – picking up litter. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided.
Concessions stand (two per each team for each home game) – Assist the concession manager with selling food/drinks/candy in the concession’s booth each game. Gloves and price list are given at each shift.
Concessions clean up (two per home game) – Assist the concession manager with concession clean-up after the last game at the end of the day.
Spotter for Announcer (one per team for each home game) – You will be in the announcer’s booth, feeding information to the announcer regarding players on the field. A roster will be provided, and binoculars may be helpful.
Game Announcer (three – 1 per team / same person for all home games) – special training required
Additional Support Volunteer Positions
Team parent (one per football team and cheer squad) to attend practices, games, and competitions to assist coaches and act as a communication liaison with parents. Assist with uniform sorting, cleaning, hand-out, collection; coach appreciation gift; cheer appreciation day; picture day; end of the season voting; and weather-related interruptions/cancellations.
Football field set-up (one per season for all home games)