Q) Who can participate in our football and cheer programs?

A) Children within the ages of 4-13. We do not hold tryouts, ALL children play!

Q) Does my child really have to be at registration?
 
A) No. A parent or LEGAL guardian can register a player. However, having the player there helps out greatly.  We encourage them to be there so we can get their measurements for protective equipment.  
 
Q) What happens if we miss all the registrations?

A) Contact the President to discuss this situation.  Due to several reasons there is a scheduled deadline each year, but it can vary slightly due to date of our first game.
 
Q) After I pay my registration fees are there any other fees involved?

A) Yes. All participants have miscellaneous items that parents are responsible for purchasing like cleats, etc. We supply the helmet, shoulder pads, pants, jersey, and one mouth piece.
 
All participants have the potential to be involved in post-season play. Ultimately, parents are responsible for all transportation, lodging and meals involved.  We will try to particpate in some type of fundraiser to help with these cost.
 
Q) Can girls sign up to play football with the boys?

A) YES!

Q) I want all my kids on the same team. Can this be done?

A) If their ages and weights all fall within the guidelines for the same division, yes. Please see our divisions section for the age/weight matrix.

Q) Can I help coach?

A) Parents interested in coaching may fill out an application at registration.  All applicants are required to get a background check & complete the Heads Up online training.  We are usually always looking for additional coaches at the beginning of each season.

Q) When does the season begin and end?

A) Practices normally start the third week in July. Season starts at the end of August and could go into the third week of November. The game schedule is set by the League, and will be announced as soon as we have it.

Q) How much time is involved in football?

A) Football is a BIG commitment not only for players, but parents as well. For the weeks prior to school starting, we will practice for 2 hrs. a day, 4 times a week. After schools starts, we will practice for 2hrs. a day, 3 times a week.  Games will be played on Saturday.

Q) Isn’t it really hot in August?

A) It sure is! It is imperative that your child drink plenty of water during the football season. This includes the night before practice and during the day before practice starts. Water is provided at practice, but is not a substitute for good hydration throughout the day.

Q) Where are the games?

A) Home games are played at Western Park in Cape Carteret and away games could be as close as Morehead City or as far away as Cove City. Parents are responsible for all transportation for their children to and from practices and games.

Q) What is the game schedule?

A) All regular-season games are scheduled to be played on Saturdays. Generally, the first regular-season game is on the second Saturday of September, though some teams play in a ‘jamboree’ the weekend before. We typically do not receive the game schedule until a couple of days before the first scheduled game, and there are frequent changes made to the schedule immediately after that. We do not have any control over the schedule or when it is disseminated. The regular season usually runs through the first weekend in November for all teams.

Q) If my kids are on different teams could they possibly play at different fields at the same time or could one child have the first game in the morning while one is the last game of the day?

A) We make every effort to travel as one large group to the games.  There may be some instances where bowl games or playoff games will be in different locations.
 
Q) Is tackle football too rough for my child?

A) Only you and your child can answer that. UYFL provides training to help insure coaches are knowledgeable well trained individuals with the ability to teach proper technique and skills. All equipment is inspected to provide proper safety for all players. Keep in mind... this is tackle football. It is not a sport for every child. Please discuss this with your child and any of our board members prior to registering if you have specific concerns.

Q) Are the coaches paid employees?

A) Our coaches are all VOLUNTEERS who donate their time to help our kids. This entire program, from the people who help out on game day, to the President, is run by volunteers who put in a great deal of personal time to make this program available to your child.

Q) Do we have to buy all the equipment?

A) No. We provide a jersey, pants with pads, helmet, and one mouthpiece. Parents are responsible for additional mouthpieces if needed and other personal items.

Q) What equipment do I need to buy?

A) Your child will need to get a pair of molded (not detachable) football cleats. 
 
Q) How do you select your teams?

A) In tackle football there are several divisions. These divisions are determined by age and weight. The tackle divisions are Bandits (6 & under), Division 1 (8 & under), Division 2 (10 & under), Division 3 (12 & under), Division 4 (15 & under).  Details on divisions are available at registration and on our website. Children are generally placed as they register, with attempts made to honor requests as we can.

Q) When will I know what team my child is on?

A) Often, you will know before you leave registration. 

Q) Do players ever get cut?

A) NO! All players who sign up and come to practice will play!

Q) How much will my child play?

A) All children will play. Coaches will determine what positions each child is best suited for and as a result some will play more plays than others. Every division has a minimum number of plays per game that each child must play.

Q) What is Certification Day? Does my child have to be there?

A) Certification Day will take place near the first game of the season. It is the day that all players are placed on a certified roster for their team. YES.....ALL PLAYERS MUST ATTEND!! On this day, all players have their final weigh-in by League officials to make certain they qualify to play in the division they have been placed in. All paperwork must be presented to league officials to verify each child’s age, weight and identification. This is done to comply with safety regulations. All participants must be checked at Certification or they will not play.

Q) What if we can’t make it to Certification Day?

A) Certification is mandatory. It is VERY, VERY IMPORTANT!! If your child does not certify, their name will not appear on the teams’ roster and your child will be ineligible to participate for the entire season. This is a UYFL rule. We have no control over this ruling...if you don’t certify.... you don’t play! With that said, the League has held make up dates at their convenience; we cannot guarantee that they will be so gracious every year.

Q) Does my child have to try out for a spot on the squad?

A) NO! All children ages 4-13 who sign up can cheer!

Q) How much time is involved in the cheer program?

A) It is a BIG commitment not only on for our cheerleaders, but also for our parents. Practices normally start the third week in July. The season starts at the end of August and could go into the third week of November. 

Q) Where are the games?

A) Home games are played at Western Park in Cedar Point and away games could be as close as Morehead City or as far away as Greenville. Parents are responsible for all transportation for their children to and from practices and games.

Q) What is the game schedule?
 
A) All regular-season games are scheduled to be played on Saturdays. Generally, the first regular-season game is on the last Saturday in August.  We typically do not receive the game schedule until a couple of days before the first scheduled game and there are frequent changes made to the schedule immediately after that. We do not have any control over the schedule or when it is disseminated. The regular season usually runs through the first weekend in November for all teams.

Q) Do we buy a uniform?

A) The league provides the cheer uniform which includes a sleveless top, skirt and undergarment. Parents will be responsible for supplying their child with white tennis shoes and socks. Please see the cheer coach in regards to what color socks to purchase.  Cheer type shoes are optional, but not mandatory. The uniform (top and skirt) is leased to our participants and must be returned at the end of the season.

Q) Will the uniform be brand new?

A) Our cheer uniforms are like new. New ones are purchased as needed.

Q) Is it a problem if my child misses some practices and/or some games?

A) An occasional absence is usually ok, but needs to be communicated in advance with the cheer coach. Cheer, like football, is a big commitment. When a cheerleader is absent, it can affect the entire practice, as well as game.
 
Q) Can the girls paint their faces with logos and wear sparkle body lotions and makeup?

A) We definately support team spirit, but please check with your cheer coach in advance for face painting so it can be a "team" event.

Q) My daughter wants to be on the same team with all her friends. Is that possible?

A) You may make a request at the time of registration, and your request will be noted on the form by staff. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE ANY REQUESTS.  We will do our best to put friends together if they are able to be in the same division, but ages of divisions overlap slightly and in order to have the numbers necessary for each squad, we may not be able to accommodate everyone.

Q) Can my daughter cheer for my son's team?

A) You may make this request at the time of registration. If the children qualify to be in the same division, we will do what we can to make this possible.

Q) Can both my daughters be on the same team?

A) You may make this request at the time of registration. If the children qualify to be in the same division, we will do what we can to make this possible.

Q) Why can’t my 4 year old and my 12 year old daughters be on the same team?

A) Each division has an age range for participants that is set by UYFL and is not negotiable. This is done for the safety and manageability of the squads. There can be large differences in ability and maturity in the age groups, and if the ages differ too much on a squad, it becomes difficult to manage the team. The younger girls do not have the attention span or physical capabilities to keep up with the older girls and this causes discipline problems for the coach and unhappiness and incompatibility among the girls. Also, when it comes to stunting, the sheer difference in size between the ages is a safety issue.