Are returning players guaranteed a roster spot?
No.  Every player is evaluated by coaches in a number of categories, including attention span, discipline, speed, and agility.  Returning players must try out like new players.  The children that perform the best make the roster.
 

I hear that board members and coaches kids automatically make the team.  Is that true?
No. Some youth football organizations have that rule, but the Jr. Thundering Herd does not.  It is not uncommon for coaches and administrators children to be cut.
 

What are the practice and time requirements?
For the first two weeks of the tryout process, practices will be held five days per week from 6-8pm. After the rosters have been finalized, practices drop to four nights per week. After the first game, practices are held three nights per week.  Because the Jr. Herd is a volunteer driven organization, all parents are required to volunteer time for field preparation, snack bar, and other game related jobs.  Except for unforeseeable circumstances, games are played on Saturday.
 

Are the coaches qualified?
Yes.  Many Jr. Herd coaches have been with the program for over five seasons.  Jr. Herd teams have won more championships than any other youth football organization in the Sacramento area.  Approximately 50% of Jr. Herd coaches do not have a football player in the program.  Some of our coaches have had professional and collegiate experience.  In addition, many Elk Grove High School players are on the coaching staffs as youth instructors.
 

Is the Jr. Thundering Herd organization well established?
Yes.  The Jr. Herd is the oldest youth football organization in the Sacramento area. The Jr. Herd was established as the Elk Grove Knights in 1964.  The organization was renamed the Jr. Thundering Herd in 1993. Jr. Herd alumni include Boise State quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie, Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs, former NFL quarterback Terry Nugent, former arena league quarterback Cable Davis, and former New York Giant running back James Kidd.  A number of Jr. Herd alumni have gone on to earn college football scholarships.
 

 Football is very rough, will my child get hurt?
Not likely.  In 1997, the Mayo Clinic conducted a study of 915 youth football players.  Of those 915 players, only 55 (5.9%) were injured during games.  Most of those injuries were mild and kept players away from practice for only a few days.  Only four were season ending, which were all due to broken bones (.004%).