Nease High School Football Program: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This FAQ aims to provide comprehensive information about Nease high school football program. Please note that specific dates, fees, and requirements may vary slightly year-to-year or by team (Varsity/JV), so always refer to official communications from the coaching staff and Touchdown Club.

I. General Program Information

When does the high school football season typically run?

• Fall Pre-season workouts often begin in late Spring/early Summer. Official practices usually start in late July/early August.
• Varsity regular season games run from August through end of October, with playoffs extending further for qualifying teams.
• JV teams play a more abbreviated schedule within that timeframe.
• OTAs (Other Training Activities) start at the end of January and run until Spring football starts.
• Spring season generally begins in late April and runs for approximately 4 weeks and includes both an intrasquad scrimmage as well as a spring game against another high school.
• Rising freshmen take part in condensed workouts and do not participate in either game due to county restrictions.

My son is a multi-sport athlete and competes in winter and/or spring sports. Will that cause a conflict with football?

• We encourage players to participate in multiple sports, not just football. Absences from winter OTAs or spring football for participation in another sport are understood.

Are there different teams (e.g., Varsity, Junior Varsity, Freshman)?

• Yes, Nease High School currently supports 3 teams:
• JV Green – Primarily made up of freshman and those players competing at a more beginner high school level.
• JV Gold- Primarily consisting of sophomores and juniors.
• Varsity- Those players who are ready to compete mentally and physically at the highest level of high school competition. Primarily juniors and seniors.

Where do I go to register my player?

• Go to www.neaseftbl.com under the Registration section to find all open programs and registration links.

What is required for participation?

• All 3 steps are required:
• Registration-complete registration and pay, this registers your player with Nease Football
• Complete Fall Football Athletic Clearance for current school year https://athleticclearance.fhsaahome.org/ - this registers your player with Florida High School Athletic Association. This includes a non-expired physical, and 3 course certificates (concussion, heat, and cardiac.) Instructions can be found at: https://neaseathletics.com/athletic_clearance/
• Pay Athletic Fee with SchoolPay (this is a separate SCHOOL mandatory fee)(this fee covers the athletic trainer, etc) https://www.schoolpay.com - this registers your player with Nease High School

How long is a physical valid?

• A physical is valid for 365 days from the date of examination. Ensure yours is current for the entire season.

When is the registration deadline?

• The first day of fall practice is the deadline. Athletic clearance is required to participate.

What are the fees associated with participating in the football program?

• Fees outlined above cover athletic fees, team meals on game day, equipment, and football related activities/expenses. Specific amounts will be detailed during registration.

Are there any financial aid or scholarship opportunities available?

• Yes you can reach out to the Touchdown Club directly should you need financial assistance. There are also installment payment options during the registration process.

What is the refund policy if my child decides not to play?

• If your son decides football is not for them prior to the start of the season a full refund can be issued upon request.

II. Pre-Season & Summer Information

What equipment is needed for the Summer Camp?

• Your student needs sneakers, cleats, and water. 2 T-shirts and shorts will be provided.

Will there be a break during Summer Camp?

• Yes, generally there will be no camp the week of July 4th. There is also no camp on Fridays.

III. Tryouts, Team Placement & Practices

When and where are tryouts held?

• There are no tryouts. If you register your son for the team he will be assigned to JV Green, JV Gold or Varsity based on ability. Playing time however will be earned and not guaranteed.

What is the assignment process for the teams?

• Players are evaluated on their athletic ability, football skills, coachability, attitude, and effort. The coaching staff makes the final decisions.
• This is not open for discussion. The coaching staff consists of 20+ coaches who evaluate the talent and needs of the rosters and make decisions on positions, team assignment and playing time. 

If your son would like to earn more playing time or an opportunity on a specific team, the player should have a conversation with his position coach to see what he can do to earn that opportunity.

How will I know which team my son is on?

• The coaches will let your son know if they are JV Green, JV Gold or Varsity. This could change throughout the season.
• This is not open for discussion. The coaching staff consists of 20+ coaches who evaluate the talent and needs of the rosters and make decisions on positions, team assignment and playing time. 

If your son would like to earn more playing time or an opportunity on a specific team, the player should have a conversation with his position coach to see what he can do to earn that opportunity.

What is a 6-quarter player?

• 6 quarter player is a term used for a player who has demonstrated varsity ability but may not be a starter on varsity yet. This player will typically play 2 quarters in a JV Gold game for the week and then be available for all 4 quarters of that week’s varsity game as a backup or rotational player. This is per FHSAA guidelines regarding playing time per player per week.

How will I know what the practice schedule is?

• The Coaches will announce the following week's practice schedule and will communicate any changes directly with the players.

What is the typical practice schedule during the pre-season and regular season?

• Varsity:
• Mon/Tues/Thurs from end of school day until 7:00
• Wed from end of school day until 6:00
• Game on Fri
• JV:
• Mon/Tues from end of school day until 7:00
• Wed from end of school day until 6:00
• Game on Thurs
• Fri off to watch varsity

Are practices mandatory? What is the policy for missed practices?

• Yes, practice is mandatory. Unexcused absences can affect playing time and may lead to disciplinary action. Please communicate any planned absences with coaches in advance.

My son will miss practice, who do I contact?

• It is the athlete's responsibility to inform their position coach through GroupMe if they will miss or be late for a practice or game. Do not post it on BoosterHub chat, as it is not monitored by the coaches for absences.

It's raining, will practice be canceled?

• Practice happens rain or shine! If the team cannot be on the field due to weather, they will go to the weight room or designated indoor facility.

Practice ends at 7 PM, where is my son?

• If the coach says "practice ends at 7 PM," it means they are released from the field at that time. They will then return to the locker room to change and pack up before heading home.

What kind of equipment is provided by the football program, and what do players need to purchase?

• The football program provides helmets, shoulder pads, pants and game/practice jerseys. Players are responsible for purchasing cleats, mouthguards, girdles, and any additional personal protective gear.

Do I need to buy a football Girdle?

• Yes, you will need to purchase a football girdle. You can find them at stores like Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, or Amazon. These are worn under their game pants.

IV. Player Safety & Well-being

My player came home and told me he has an injury, what do I do?

• If your son says he is injured or hurt, whether from a practice or a game, have him see Ms. Ashley (the athletic trainer). Players have time to visit her during their weightlifting class (1st for JV and 7th for Varsity). You can also directly reach out with any concerns or questions at ashley.raymond@st.johns.k12.fl.us

What are the safety protocols in place for practices and games (e.g., heat management, concussion protocols)?

• Our program adheres strictly to FHSAA and St. Johns County School District guidelines for player safety, including mandatory hydration breaks, heat acclimatization protocols, and comprehensive concussion awareness and return-to-play procedures. Our certified athletic trainer is present at all practices and games.

My son has a food allergy/religious dietary restriction, who do I tell?

• There is a designated spot on the registration form to list food allergies. The team meal committee will do their best to accommodate allergies. You are also welcome to pack extra food/snacks with their lunches if it makes you more comfortable.

V. Eligibility & Academics

What are the academic eligibility requirements to play high school football in St. Johns County?

• A cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.0 or above is typically required, in accordance with FHSAA and district rules.

What happens if a student's GPA falls below the requirement?

• Students may face academic probation or periods of ineligibility as per FHSAA regulations. Academic performance contracts may be put in place, and students may need to demonstrate academic improvement to regain eligibility.

Are there specific attendance requirements for eligibility?

• Yes, students generally must have attended school and received grades for all courses in the previous two consecutive semesters. Specific attendance policies are outlined in the student handbook.

Do home-schooled or virtual school students have different eligibility rules?

• Non-traditional students (home-schooled, virtual school) must register with the school of intent to participate and meet all FHSAA and district eligibility requirements. Please contact the Athletic Director for specific procedures.

VI. Game Day & Spectator Information

Where can I find game schedules, information, and locations?

• On BoosterHub, under CALENDAR, select the date and choose the event to bring up all the event details and any open volunteer opportunities attached to that event. Please consider BoosterHub your official parent source for ALL football information.

What happens on game days?

• Players typically stay after school on game days and are provided a team meal as a team before getting dressed for the game.

How do I purchase tickets for games?

• Tickets for games can be purchased on the GoFan website/app. If other schools use a different method, it will be communicated at the time tickets are available. The link for families will be provided by the Touchdown Club as soon as available for each game.

Are there season passes available for families or individuals?

• Yes, season passes may be available for purchase through the Nease Golden Panther Club membership.

What are the rules and expectations for spectators at games?

• We expect all spectators to demonstrate good sportsmanship, respect officials, coaches, and players, and adhere to school policies regarding conduct, seating, and prohibited items (e.g., no outside food/drinks, etc.)

Is there a concession stand at games?

• Yes, a concession stand operated by the Touchdown Club is available at all home games, offering a variety of food and drinks with proceeds directly benefiting the football team. Come Hungry!

Can I take my child home after their away game?

• No, players are required to ride to and from away games on the bus as a team. This ensures team cohesion and accountability.

VII. Communication

How will I receive important updates and announcements from the coaching staff/athletic department?

• BoosterHub is the primary communication channel for parents. Please regularly check the calendar, announcements, and chat features for important updates, schedule changes, and general information.
• The Touchdown Club also sends out a weekly email with important information for the week plus upcoming dates of importance.

Will my athlete have a way to communicate with their coaches?

• Yes, all athletes communicate through the GroupMe app. The coaches will advise new players on how to join. GroupMe is solely for athletes to communicate with their coaches and vice versa. Parents will not be added to the GroupMe chat and will be removed if they do join.

Who should I contact if I have a question or concern?

• For player-specific concerns, please follow the chain of communication: start with your son's position coach, then the head coach, and finally the Athletic Director. For general program questions, you can also email NeaseFootballProgram@gmail.com

Is there a team website or social media presence I should follow?

• Yes, please visit our official Nease Football website at https://neaseftbl.com/

 and our team's social media accounts:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeaseFTBL/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neaseftbl/
• X: https://x.com/neaseftbl

VIII. Parent Involvement & Booster Club

What is the Touchdown Club, and what is its purpose?

• The Touchdown Club is a subsidiary (football specific) of the Nease Golden Panther Booster club which is a 501(c)(3) organization. The Touchdown Club is dedicated to supporting our football program through fundraising, volunteer efforts, and providing resources that enhance the player experience. They help cover costs not fully funded by the school district.

What are the Volunteer Requirements?

• Each family is STRONGLY encouraged to volunteer for at least one event slot per season. If each family covers their one slot, with over 150 families, all events will be covered. This requirement helps keep our Panthers protected, fueled, and well-equipped. JV families, please sign up on BoosterHub for Varsity events, and Varsity families, please sign up for JV events. If your Panther is a "6th Quarter Player," please sign up for JV Green Events. All families need to participate in any special events such as the SJMSAA Fall Jamboree or games that will be hosted in our Panther stadium.

How/Where do I sign up to volunteer?

• Open the volunteer section in BoosterHub and select the event/game and opportunity you are interested in, then click the blue volunteer button. You can also access open volunteer slots by opening an event through the calendar to bring up the event details and choosing your preferred opportunity. When you sign up, please do everything possible to keep the commitment. It strains the entire gameday operation if there a last-minute cancelations. We are counting on you!

How can parents get involved and volunteer (beyond the game day requirement)?

• Beyond the gameday volunteer opportunities, parents can get involved by emailing NeaseFootballProgram@gmail.com and letting us know you have volunteer interest. All help is appreciated!

Are there regular Touchdown Club meetings? How can I attend?

• The Touchdown Club holds monthly meetings on the first Monday or Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in P23.

How can I donate to the football program or Touchdown Club?

• Please reach out to us at NeaseFootballProgram@gmail.com if you would like more details on becoming a donor.

IX. College Recruiting & Post-High School Opportunities

What resources are available for student-athletes interested in playing college football?

• If you really want to play college football, there’s a place for everyone. Our staff will help you get there. No football coach is a miracle worker, neither are we. If you want to play college football, we will help you get there, but the kids must put the work in. We all also need to have realistic expectations, as well as remember the team will always come first. – Coach Drafts

Specific questions regarding recruiting?

Email Coach Drafts: Collin.Drafts@Stjohns.k12.fl.us

What are the NCAA eligibility requirements (academic and amateurism)?

• Student-athletes need to meet specific core course requirements, maintain a qualifying GPA, and register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to be eligible for NCAA Division I or II athletics. Coaches and counselors can provide detailed guidance.



When should student-athletes start thinking about college recruiting?

• It's beneficial for student-athletes to start thinking about college recruiting during their freshman or sophomore year to ensure they are taking the necessary courses and understanding the eligibility requirements.

Does the school assist with creating highlight reels or connecting with college coaches?

• The coaching staff provides guidance on creating highlight reels and can assist in communicating with college coaches when appropriate. Please have your son discuss this with his position coach or the head coach.