Tackle Football
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What will be my child's team game schedule be this year?
The season consists of 7 games each Saturday beginning the first Saturday after Labor Day, and ending 7 weeks after that date. Your team's opponent, game location, and game time, is scheduled by the Jack Pine Youth Football League.
Game times can be affected for several different reasons, but as a rule there are no games started prior to 9:00 AM and no games started after 8:00 PM.
Games will be played at Legacy Field, Meridian Varsity Field, and an opponents field based on the schedule.
Q. How many of my child's games will be played at home?
The amount of home games changes on an annual basis. The minimum amount of home games played each season will be three.
Q. Is the Meridian Youth Program affiliated with or run by the Meridian School District?
The program is run with the cooperation of the school district but is is no way affiliated with the school district. The program is a part of the Meridian Youth Football program and run solely by volunteers.
Q. How are Players Assigned to a Team?
Teams are set based on the grade your child will be entering into the fall of the season. Tackle divisions include a combined 3rd/4th, 5th/6th, 7th, and 8th grade teams. Teams will be split from one to two teams if the number of registered players exceeds 38 kids. A child who turns 8 years old prior to September 1st, and is in the 2nd grade is eligible to play in the 3rd/4th grade tackle division. A written request by a parent/guardian of the child will need to be completed.
Q. What is the Practice Schedule Typically Like?
Pads are not allowed during the first week of practice. Practice schedules are set by the head coach from each division. Practices are not held on Friday's. Practice times generally range from 1.5 - 2 hours.
Q. Are there Weight Limits?
There are weight limits for players carrying the ball. The following are weight limits according to the JPYFL.
3rd/4th grade: 125lbs
5/6th grade: 145lbs
7th grade: 150lbs
8th grade: 160lbs
Q. What Equipment is Needed?
Each player must provide his/her own football cleats (Plastic only). Helmets, pads, uniforms (Practice and game) will be provided by MYF. Mouth guards will also be provided upon request. Water bottles are encouraged for practice and games.
Q. Are There Any Rules Concerning Playing Time?
League rules concerning playing time are very clear. Each child shall play a minimum of five plays per game. Extenuating circumstances being injury, or refusal of the child to play will be taken into account regarding the rules of playing time. MYF will strictly enforce the rule of a five play minimum. Playing time will be determined by the coaches of each division. Attendance, effort, and safety will all be taken into account regarding playing time, and the position that is being played.
If you any concerns or questions about your child's playing time, please discuss it i with your coach. And if your concerns are not addressed, feel free to contact the Tackle Football Director, Gary Miller.
Q. What are the rules (if any) concerning Position Assignments?
For a coach, assigning positions is one of the hardest things to do. We all know that each child can't all be a running back or a quarterback. The important thing to remember is that there are a variety of positions and each one is just as important as the next.
Each coach is different and their process will vary, but normally most of the 1st week of practice is spent evaluating each child and trying to match each child to the position that the coach feels is best suited to his skill level and how his or her skill level compares to the rest of the team. You should expect an explanation of your coaches evaluation at the initial parents meeting. As a parent/fan, please be open-minded regarding your coaches recommendation and support your child & coach regardless of what position he plays.
A lot of discussion has taken place regarding the amount of players on a roster. The number one concern of the MYF is player safety. A larger number of players allows coaches to play your child in a position that best suits his/her physical skill set.