Is Your Child Interested in Playing Football for CYFL?
Here is some basic information about our league to help you make your decision. If you have other questions, please send them to: [email protected]
When does the CYFL practice and play?
· The CYFL season runs from August-November.
· CYFL teams can practice on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday nights. Typically teams practice 2-3 nights per week for two hours (except K-Ball flag which practices only once per week for 90 minutes). Your coach will share a schedule with you. Typically practice times decrease as the season progresses.
· Games are played on Sunday between 9am-4pm at Cosmo Field.
· Players may qualify for optional post season play, which requires additional practice and fees.
What equipment is provided and what do I need to purchase?
· CYFL provides players with state-of-the-art equipment; which includes shoulder pads, helmet with chin strap and mouthpiece, pants with 7 pads, and game jersey valued at approximately $200.00.
· Families are responsible for providing football cleats (baseball cleats are fine), and a practice jersey. We recommend athletic undershorts with a cup for your son's safety.
· You get to keep the game jersey after the season ends.
· All other items must be returned. A $150.00 equipment deposit is required. You will forfeit the $150 deposit and be charged a minimum $150 fee for failing to return any CYFL issued equipment.
What is the cost to participate in the CYFL?
· The 2021 season registration fee is: All fees must be paid in full prior to the child's first day of practice in order to participate.
o $155.00 for each player for the tackle division (3th grade through 6th grade)
o $140 for early registration April-June 1st
o $155 for normal registration June 1st - July 31st
o $175 for late registration August 1st - August 15th
o $85 for Kindergarten/1st and 2nd/3rd grade flag football
o $75 for early registration April -June 1st
o $85 for normal registration June 1st - July 31st
o $95 for late registration August 1st - August 15th
o $155.00 for each participant for the cheer program (Kindergarten through 6th grade)
o $140 for early registration April-May 31st
o $155for normal registration June 1st - July 31st
o $175 for late registration August 1st - August 15th
· No equipment will be issued without a paid receipt for registration.
· You will be asked to participate in a mandatory fundraiser. Buy-out options will be available for families that don't wish to sell items.
· Additional fees may apply for optional post-season or tournament play.
· Please note-your registration fee covers approximately 80% of the total cost for your son to play football. CYFL solicits sponsors, grants, and holds additional fund raisers in order to minimize the cost each family pays.
· All returned checks will be submitted to the Office of the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney for collection, no exceptions.
· No refunds will be granted.
When is my equipment deposit due?
We ask all players to submit a check for an equipment deposit at the time of equipment check-out. Your spot on a team will not be secured without your equipment deposit. It is $150.00 and is due prior to receiving equipment, without a deposit check the player will not receive any equipment. You may send that check in to us or turn it in at any registration. THIS CHECK DOES NOT GET CASHED unless you fail to return your leased equipment.
Why do I have an equipment deposit?
During the past several years, many players fail to return their equipment. Unfortunately, we have decided that an equipment deposit is necessary to help keep your registration fees low. At a cost of over $200 per player to provide equipment and uniforms, equipment losses are an expense that we wish to minimize.
What are the age and weight requirements?
· CYFL creates teams based on current grade in school. Grades K-3learn the basics of the game through flag football which requires no tackling, helmets or shoulder pads. Grade 3&4 transitions to tackle football and focuses on learning the basics. Grades 5&6 continue to develop their football skills and knowledge through regular practice, scrimmage and games.
· The CYFL enforces a weight limitation rule which ensures the safety of players. Each grade level has a maximum weight limit. Players that exceed this weight at the start of the season are not allowed to carry the ball at any time. These players are given helmet markers which indicate their ineligibility to carry the ball.
· Break-out by Grade:
o Kindergarten: K-Ball flag football-focus is on learning the basics of football through one day/week of practice and/or scrimmage.
§ Minimum 6 plays per half per game
§ No weight restriction
o Grades 1-2: Flag football-focus is on learning fundamentals: rules, plays, sportsmanship and discipline through regular practice and games.
§ Minimum 6 plays per half per game
§ No weight restriction
o Grade 3-4: Instructional tackle football which focuses on learning proper tackling techniques, basic plays and safety. Coaches are on the field during games and rules are modified.
§ Minimum 6 plays per half per game
§ Weight limits: 100 lbs for advancing the football
o Grades 5-6 Junior and Senior Tackle football continues to develop player skills, sportsmanship, and game progression. Coaches remain on the sideline. Punt returns, field goals and extra points are allowed.
§ Minimum 6 plays per half per game
§ No weight limit for 5th and 6th grade
Is football safe?
· Football is a contact sport and there are dangers associated with any physical activity. The CYFL takes every measure to ensure the safety of all its players.
· The CYFL has adopted the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) Coaches Code of Ethics and the Coaches Accountability and Enforcement policies created by the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). All of our coaches and volunteers are subject to a back ground screening, receive training and evaluation.
· Athletic trainers from Columbia Sport & Spine at every game to assist with any minor medical issues and ensure proper techniques are used.
· Through football your son/daughter will learn many life skills including sportsmanship, teamwork, determination, listening, respect, winning and losing with dignity, value of good grades, self-esteem and discipline.
· In interview with USA Football Torrey Smith, a wide receiver from the University of Maryland, said youth football teaches lessons that transcend the game. "You get to build relationships, and you get to learn how to associate around your peers," Smith said. "You learn a lot of different things. It helps you develop your social skills in order to carry you on past the game."
· Read the full article here: http://www.usafootball.com/articles/displayArticle/7953/11412
· See how successful adults use what they learned from playing youth football: http://www.usafootball.com/i_played/index
· Studies show that children who participate in sports are less likely to smoke in high school, have better grades and less truancy, better self-esteem and develop lifelong fitness habits (http://www.usafootball.com/articles/displayArticle/5418).
Can I coach or help with the team?
· Yes! Our league is staffed by volunteers. There are many ways that you can participate.
· Learn about coaching opportunities and requirements.
· Each team has a Team Parent who assists the coach in communicating team schedules, league activities, and developing team spirit. Click here if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity.
· If you can't commit to either of these roles, there are still lots of ways to help. Please sign-up for our CYFL newsletter to stay abreast of current opportunities.
Why do I have to participate in League Fundraisers?
· The Fall Fundraiser is the primary source of revenue to fund the purchase of new equipment.
· Each CYFL family is expected to participate in the fall fundraiser. Those who wish may purchase a $30 fundraiser buyout.