Please see below a list of our frequently asked questions from parents, we hope this helps answer most of your questions. Please reach out with any additional questions.
When is registration for football and cheer?
Registration is open for the season each year by June 1st and closes once the teams are full or, at the latest, August 1st.
When does the season start?
Practices start towards the end of August, the coaches will reach out with the details closer to that date with times and location.
At what age can my child sign up for tackle football or cheer?
Our program offers tackle football for Kindergarten through 5th-grade kids.
Are there scholarships available?
Two scholarship applications are available from WVYFL under our website's Forms & Rule Books page; please print the forms and return them to us by July 1st.
If you have other hardship and would like to discuss a scholarship please reach out to us at [email protected] to schedule a meeting with the board.
I want to volunteer. What is required?
All volunteers who may have access to or contact with any player and all administrators in Associations and Leagues must obtain a valid AAU Membership and complete an AAU background check.
All coaches are required to complete the AAU coach's application, Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) I, II, & III, and have completed the USA Youth Football certification prior to being allowed to participate at a practice and/or game. Evidence of this must be maintained in the team book. Credentials must be worn at all practices and games.
What forms are required?
Medical Examination: A signed Sports Physical by any licensed State Examiner that the candidate is fit to play contact sports is required before a player can begin practice. Sport Physicals are valid for two consecutive seasons. The form can be found on our website's Forms/Rule Books page.
Proof of Grade: A copy of the player's previous year's final report card will be the appropriate form of proof. (Incoming Kindergartners, please bring proof of registration)
Additional forms: Parental Consent (signatures & initials on Blue Card)
Is there a deadline to get the forms turned in?
Yes, we have deadlines to meet with WVYFL to sign off on our books before the season starts. Please watch for emails and information on these deadlines. Your child's forms must be in to participate!
My child is homeschooled how do I determine what league to join?
Homeschooled players will be placed on a team within the association closest to their home address.
My child is homeschooled and doesn't have a standard report card. Can they still play?
A progress report from the curriculum used is acceptable in this case.
What gear does my child need?
Mouth guard – colored (Not Clear or White) and with keeper strap.
Shoes – Cleats must not exceed ½ inch and may not be metal tipped and may not have metal protruding or exposed as to cause injury if another player was to come into contact with such protrusion.
Cheerleaders – The cheer coach will reach out with the required gear.
What does my registration fee cover?
Your fees cover the required insurance, league fees, jersey, helmet, shoulder pads, pants, and gear bag rental.
Cheerleaders, your fee covers the required insurance, league fees, uniform, and pom-poms.
When are practices?
The coaches set practice days and times. Your child's coach will reach out to you with this information once registration closes and teams are formed.
Practice can be anywhere from 3-5 days per week (depending on age) and adjusted throughout the season.
Per WVYFL rules, the first 6 hours must be devoted entirely to conditioning without pads (6 hours of conditioning is minimum). All players must complete 10 hours of padded practice before participating in controlled scrimmages or live game competitions.
When will I get a schedule?
Once registration has closed and all the leagues submit their teams to WVYFL, they will work to get the schedule out. Typically, game schedules are not released until early to mid-September.
When are games?
Games are typically on Sundays (but could have a mid-week game also) and on various fields including, Cottage Grove, Eugene, Springfield, Pleasant Hill, and surrounding areas.
What is the policy on playing time?
Every athlete will participate in each game. Per WVYFL, each player suited and eligible to play must receive a minimum number of plays during the game.
When should we arrive at the games?
Your coach will review this, but players must arrive at least 1 hour before their game starts. This will allow time for weigh-ins and warm-up time. If you miss weigh-ins, your player cannot participate.
Can I be on the field during games?
No, only badged coaches, assistants, team managers, and officials who have passed the AAU background checks are allowed on the field. All parents and spectators must stay in the stands. Failure to follow these rules will cause you will be asked to leave the game.
Why are there weight limits in football?
For the safety of all players and fair competition, WVYFL has weight restrictions for each division K-5th grade, with allowance as the season progresses and a gear allowance. Please visit the Forms and Rule Books page on our website or the WVYFL site to find the chart.
What if my child is over the weight limit?
Athletes above the maximum weight before the start of the season for their grade can be moved up to a team appropriate for their weight.
Players not passing weigh-in before a game may not participate in that game. They may, however, remove the helmet and shoulder pads and remain with their team.
Where does your money go?
League Fees- Every association in the WVYFC league pays fees for each team. These fees cover the rising cost of referees and field fees.
Safety Equipment- Helmets are most important for the players' safety. They are required to be reconditioned every two years with a standard life span of 10 years. Shoulder pads have a 5-10-year life, often break, and must be replaced sooner.
Insurance- SLYFC provides AAU insurance for each athlete, coach, assistant, and team manager.
Background Checks - All volunteers who may have access to or contact with any player and all administrators in Associations and League must obtain a valid AAU Membership and complete an AAU background check.
Training- Each coach is required to complete USA Football certification and complete background checks
Uniforms- When custom jerseys are ordered this incurs a yearly cost for the league. Pants and practice jerseys often need replacement for wear and tear.
Other equipment includes first aid kits, notebooks, footballs, tackle pads, tackle bags, cones, and gear bags.