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What Teams or Age Groups Are There?
Ages are determined by birthdates as of August 1 of the current year. Children as young as 5 years and as old as 14 years may participate in football. NOTE: 15 year olds, who meet special eligibility requirements (Must turn 15 between Aug1 and Dec31, 2009, and must weigh less than 135 lbs without equipment) are eligible to play.
For our youngest players (ages 5-6), we offer an instructional program – PitBull. In PitBull, teams have controlled scrimmages as games, where half the field is used. Each team is given 8-minutes to be offense and 8-minutes to be on defense for each quarter.
All other age groups include scorekeeping and play-offs. The rules vary slightly for younger age groups so they can learn the game. They all play full field with referees. Games are very similar to high school timing and rules. Age groups include: ages 6-8, ages 7-9, ages 8-10, ages 9-11, ages 10-12, ages 11-13. Weight limits for each age group varies so that teams are of relative equal size. Older children (age 14) may participate at the 11-13 level provided they meet weight requirements.
Is This Flag or Tackle Football?
Our program participates in tackle football for all age levels.
When Do Practices Begin?
Practice for football begins in late July. The season usually starts with a skills/drills assessment to help place players on teams and determine primary positions for the season.
How Long Does Practice Last?
The length varies based on the number of nights a team practices, however practices are usually between 2 and 2 ½ hours long and occur in the evenings. Practices usually begin around 6 pm.
When Are Practices?
Practices during summer are typically four nights a week (Mon – Thurs), although coaches may select another night provided there is field space available. Once school begins, practices are limited to no more than six hours per week. Usually, younger age teams practice two nights a week. Older age teams may practice an extra night or use time to review game films or do play walk-throughs.
Where Do You Practice?
Summer practices are at Westminster Elem School, Jaycee Field, and Westminster City Park. Once school starts all practices are at the Jaycee Field.
When Are Games?
Games are scheduled for each weekend once school is in session. Games begin the first week of school and continue for about 9 weeks for the regular season, roughly about the end of October. Teams that make play-offs will continue for additional post-season games in November and sometimes into December should they continue to state championships. Games that are cancelled due to severe weather may be rescheduled for Sunday. Game schedules are developed by the league and made available to programs/teams in mid August.
Is this a Travel league?
Yes. Football is a competitive sports program, although we do not hold try-outs for players to make teams. All are welcome to register and play. WOFCA is a “travel” program and not an “in-house” league. Our games are against other programs throughout the state of Maryland who participate in the Mid Maryland Youth Football and Cheerleading League (MMYFCL).
Where Do You Travel? How Far?
As teams are located throughout Maryland, we travel for our “away” games. The number of “away” games varies each season for teams. Usually, we have between 3-5 home games a season and 4-6 away games a season. Travel for games is typically between 30 minutes and just over an hour one way. We play teams in Carroll, Baltimore, Frederick, Howard and Montgomery counties.
Will My Child Get To Play in Games?
Yes. We believe that all players should learn and participate both in practice and in games. We strongly support our league rule that all players meet a minimum number of plays for games.
Will My Child Get a Chance To Play All Positions?
No. Football is a very complicated sport to learn and play. All positions are hard to learn and all are equally important in a game and the success of a team. Coaches will evaluate players at the beginning of the season and place kids in positions that best match their natural abilities and potential to compliment the team.
What Is the MMYFCL?
The Mid Maryland Youth Football & Cheerleading League (MMYFCL) is the overarching league that our program participates. This league currently has 24 programs across Maryland. We will play some of the teams during the season.
What Is Expected of Parents?
Parents are encouraged to positively support all players of both our and opposing teams, regardless of a child’s skill or performance as they learn the complicated sport of football. Everyone must follow the code of conduct. For more information about our code of conduct, please see program policies link on our home page.
In addition, each team is responsible for having volunteers for a variety of functions, including parents serving as “spotters” to make sure the opposing team has fulfilled their mandatory play requirements, working on the chain gang and holding the down marker. Teams will also be assigned weeks to line the field and work snack shack at practices and games.
Can Siblings/Others Attend Practices and Games?
Yes. We encourage family and friends to support the football players and cheerleaders at games. Siblings may attend practices and games, but they must be under constant supervision by parents. All spectators at practices and games must follow the code of conduct.
How Much Does Registration Cost?
Football registration is $100
Cheer is $100 registration fee, $40 turtleneck, $40 shoes, and $10 bloomers (turtlenecks from prior year can be used if they are in good condition and still fit)
***We now accept Visa, Discover, MasterCard, Cash or Check***
What Does My Registration Fee Cover?
Registration fees cover many costs that the program must pay each season for the children to participate, including equipment maintenance, field maintenance (paint, grass seeding, cutting), referee and league fees, team equipment (first aid kits, practice dummies, etc), and trophies. Registration fees do not cover all the costs required. Thus, our program also conducts fundraising activities to help keep registration cost affordable. Our fundraisers include the snack shack, 30 day raffle, sponsors, and other special events.
Registration Fee Refund Process:
A request for fee refund must be made in writing to Scott Wagner (email:scwagner@allegisgroup.com). No exceptions. This can be a simple note with child’s name, requester’s name, a phone number where you can be reached, and a short reason why (not interested, playing another sport, etc). No refunds will be issued unless there is a request in writing; no exceptions.
The pro-rated refund schedule is:
Prior to the first day of practice (Aug 1st): 100%
After first day of practice: 50%
After 1 week of practice: 0%
Do I Need To Purchase Equipment?
No. Each player will be loaned equipment for use during the season. There are a few items that each player must purchase on their own.
Football Equipment
ALL players need the following for the season:
Football cleats (all rubber on bottom, no click clacks. Protective cup with holder (should be hard plastic cup. most kids like the spandex shorts with the cup holder better than the jock strap) Replacement mouthguards (must be colored--not clear or white), and helmet strap.
Players will be loaned the following equipment for the duration of the season:
Helmet with first mouthguard
shoulder pads
girdle
leg protective pads
practice jersey and pants
game pants
belt
MVA IDs Required for All Players and Cheerleaders - Due first night of practice.
Our league requires an official picture ID for each participant. ALL players and cheerleaders must have an official MVA or league picture ID. This ID is collected by the Program for the duration of the season. IDs are to be turned in at equipment hand-out.
MARYLAND RESIDENTS: MD residents must get an official MVA ID. See guidelines from MVA at this link: http://www.marylandmva.com/DriverServ/Apply/proof.htm). All IDs must be valid as of August 1, 2009.
PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS: PA residents must:
Complete the attached form (click on this link: http://www.eteamz.com/MMYFCL/news/index.cfm?cat=459935. Click on MMYFC ID card application on the bottom right of the page),
Provide a photo of their child (similar in size as a passport photo),
Provide an original birth certificate or certified copy with raised seal, and
Pay $10 fee (cash or check to MMYFCL)
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