2011 Season Tentative Game Dates (All Games played on Saturdays)

• Regular season games (Teams play 7 games over a 6 week period) Feb 19th, Feb 26th, March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
• 1st Round Playoff - April 2nd
• 2nd Round Playoffs - April 9th
• Regional Playoffs - April 16th
• Conference Championships - April 23rd
• State Championships - April 30th

East Coast Conference (ECC)

Northern Region - Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Flagler, Ocala

Eastern  Region - Deland/Orlando, New Smyrna, Daytona, Port Orange, Brevard, Titusville

 

West Coast Conference (WCC)

Southern  Region - Miami, Naples, S.E. Coast, Jenson, Jupiter, Merritt Island

Western  Region - Tampa, Pasco, Brandon, Ft Myers, Port Charlotte, Sarasota

What is the FSYFL regular season game format?

• 2 weeks of playing ONE game against your local regional teams
• 1 week playing a double header (2 games in a day) against your local regional teams
• 1 week of playing ONE game against a team from outside of your region.  (This team would be on their travel week and would have travelled in to play your team.)
• 1 week playing a double header where your team has travelled to another region and could play teams from anywhere in Florida.
• 1 week with a bye (Note ...not all teams get a bye week)

Conference Fields - New Smyrna Beach, Jacksonville, Tampa, Zephyrhills, Ft Myers, Miami

Regional Fields - Brandon, Ocala, Deland, Orlando, Titusville, Jupiter Beach, St Petersburg, Venice, Naples.

What are the league ages and weights limitations for the divisions?

Division allocation is determined by the "league age" of a child.  A child's "league age" is determined by whatever the child's age was on July 31st, 2010. (Yes that is 2010 - Therefore players play under the same ages as they did in the just ended fall season.  Example: if your 14 year old played in the summer leagues they are eligible to play one last season in the FSYFL (even though they are already likely to be 15 years old)

IMPORTANT NOTE: The FSYFL certifies a players weight at the beginning of the season and then does not do any further weigh ins. 

Divisional Weights and Ages - New for 2011!

• Peewee            8 - 10 year olds - 105 lbs or less

• Supers             9 - 11 year olds - 120 lbs or less

• Midgets          10 - 12 year olds - 135 lbs or less

• Junior Varsity 12 - 14 year olds - 150 lbs or less

• Varsity           13 - 15 year olds - Unlimited Weight

Players may play up ONE division from their age group only.  i.e. an 9 year old may play on Midgets but NOT on JV.

What are the costs to register each player?

What do I need to register my players?

• An Original Birth Certificate AND Student ID (or other ID) must be shown to certify the player (These originals are then returned to the players following FSYFL player certification)
• Copy of Birth Certificate - This is placed in Team file folder
• Registration Fee
• FSYFL Hard Card - This is placed in the Team file folder
• FSYFL Medical Waiver Form - This is placed in the Team file folder
• FSYFL Liability Release Form - This is placed in the Team file folder

When is the FIRST Practice?

While coaches of teams may practice as much as they like in advance, the FSYFL insurance policy will only cover teams from the first formal practice of the season which is JANUARY 22nd, 2011.  Practices prior to this date are not covered under the liability insurance for the FSYFL League.

What are the Equipment Requirements?

The FSYFL provides a game jersey with only the FSYFL logo printed on the jersey.  Coaches/Teams are responsible for the printing of jersey numbers.  (Player names can be placed on jerseys, however this is NOT mandatory)  Teams are required to provide the remainder of the football equipment requirements through their own clubs or other means.

Is this a Recreational or Competitive Program?

While this program is an 8 on 8 tackle football league, the games are full contact competitive football.  There are some rule differences from regular 11 on 11 football, but in general the games are the same as regular season football competitions.  To review the rules Click Here

Please note: In general the FSYFL is a very competitive tournament, while we have a variety of teams participating, the teams and coaching are competitive.

When and Where are the Games played?

All games are played on Saturday mornings typically starting with the Peewee divisions and ending with the Varsity divisions. As general guideline games start around 10am and are played through to 3pm.

How many players are there on each squad?

Teams are advised to have no more than 20-24 players on their roster and no less than 12-14 players.  However there are NO strict FSYFL rules on the amount of players required.

When and Where are the practices?

Practice times are determined by the coaches of each squad.  There are NO limitations to the number of practices allowed.  However typically squads will practice 1 - 2 times per week from 6.30pm - 8.30pm, and begin practice approximately 4 - 6 weeks prior to the start of the season. 

What is the Certification process for players and rosters?

1. Complete the Players File Folder- Coaches are required to complete the file folders with an insert for each player on their team.  Items required in each insert are Hard Card with photo, Copy of Birth certificates, FSYFL Liability and Medical release forms.  (All forms are attached below)
2. Original Birth Certificates and Student ID’s – The FSYFL requires all players to present an original birth certificate and Student ID (or other ID) in order to be certified to play.  These documents once presented and the player is certified, can be returned to the parents.  A copy of the Birth Certificate is then stored in the team file folder inserts. 
3. Pre-certification Meeting - This meeting is held 7-10 days prior to season start in each region.  All coaches are required to attend with their player file folders.  The following activities take place at this meeting:
   • Each player insert in the Team file folders are checked for correct paperwork; hard card, birth certificates and liability forms.  If complete the “Photo & Paperwork Verification” box is stamped.
   • Original Birth Certificates and Student ID’s are checked and if complete the “Birth Certificate & Student ID” box is stamped.
4. First Game Weigh In - All players on each team roster are checked against their hard card and photo and then weighed.  If the player is qualified the hard card will be stamped with an FSYFL Weight certification stamp and the jersey number recorded.  Once a player has been weighed and has the 3 certified hard card stamps they do not have to weigh again for the season.  The team will still check into to the FSYFL registration tent prior to a game but verification will be done with jersey number and hard card photographs only
5. Second & Third Game Weigh In - Due to the fact that teams are allowed to add players up to the start of the 3rd game of the regular season, all late addition and incomplete paperwork players will be weighed in and stamped at the 2^nd and 3^rd game weigh ins.  Following the start of the 3^rd game the final roster for that team will be frozen. 
6. Fourth Game Weigh In – At the fourth game check in the Head coach will be required to sign the frozen roster.  This roster will then be placed into the front of the Team File Folder. No additions or changes will be allowed to the team from there on out.

Note: The purpose of the Pre-Certification meeting is to complete as much of the players paperwork and certifications as possible.  Any additional players that have incomplete paperwork or have been added after this time may be certified at the 1^st game check in

What are the weigh in rules?

The FSYFL does have a slightly different approach to weigh ins from other leagues.  The weight of a player is certified at the first game of the season, from there on out players are NOT weigh in.

Are the rules any different for 8 on 8?

The rules for 8 on 8 are essentially the same as regular football, in terms of the basic game and penalties etc.  For a full set of rules please Click here.  However the following basic differences apply:

• The game is played with 8 on 8 players on the field
• There are two 22 minute halves with a continuous clock
• Only 3 referees in the game during the regular season and 1st 2 rounds of the playoffs (depending on divisions)
• There are no field goals, punting or kick offs
• The field size is 80 yards by 40 yards
• Teams have 4 timeouts that are able to be carried forward to the next half

What are the rules regarding naming of the teams?

The FSYFL allows each of the coaches/organizations to determine their own team names.  However we discourage the use of NFL team names without regional or geographic additions. (i.e. "Patriots" would not be acceptable but "Tampa Patriots" is fine) The FSYFL will assign a code to each team for the purposes of game schedules.  In cases where individual leagues do not allow teams to play in the Spring program with the same name as their Fall program league names, teams are advised to change their names accordingly.

How can I be sure there will there be a team in every area?

The FSYFL anticipates a minimum of 200 teams participating in the league for the 2011 season.  Therefore typically there are teams in most areas of the conferences, but this is NOT a guarantee.  If your child is interested in joining a team in your area you can email the FSYFL here and when a team registers from your area the FSYFL will forward your child's information to that coach.  The FSYFL will also inform you of that team contact.

What is required as a coach?

The easiest way to review this information is to download the "Coaches What to Do" packet of information. Click Here.  This document describes the entire responsibility of coaches for running and managing a team, as well as all the requirements for paperwork.

• There will be no player additions to a teams roster after the start of the third game of the regular season.  An addition is determined by full payment of the registration fees to the FSYFL registrar.
• No additional teams can be added up to and including midnight one week prior to the first game of the season.
• The final schedule will be provided to all coaches one to two weeks prior to the first regular season game.

What if I don't have enough players for my team?

The FSYFL receives emails through our web site, from individual players wanting to participate.  These players can be allocated to teams (who have openings) in their geographic area.  If you have a team and have some openings you can call Sandy Beckett 813 728 6747 and we will allocate some players to your team.

Do the games have official referees?

Yes all games in all conferences are officiated by certified referees.  These referees are provided, paid for and scheduled by the FSYFL.  Coaches and organizations who participate in the FSYFL tournament play in a "worry free" environment.  No organization of referees, fields, trophies, jerseys etc.  The FSYFL handles all this for the teams.

Can I enter teams from each division of my Summer League Organization?

Yes.  Organizations/Coaches can enter as many or as few teams as they wish.  Many organizations enter the FSYFL tournament with a team from each of their Summer program divisions, and due to the limited size of teams on 8 on 8, some enter more than one team in each division.  Some coaches that participate are not associated with an organization and simply enter the tournament as independent coaches.

What is the cost to a coach or organization to enter a team/s?

There is absolutely no cost to a coach or organization for entering a team/s.  The only costs that are applicable are the FSYFL registration fees of $125 per player registered from your team/organization.  The FSYFL provides a "Coaches What to Do" packet of information that explains the entire coaches responsibility for entering a team.  The FSYFL provides the following: Liability Insurance, Game Jerseys, Medals and Trophies, Game Fields, Referees, Game Schedules, Field Set up and Operations, Weigh Ins, Play-off Schedules

How does the FSYFL Insurance program work?

The FSYFL provides all teams that participate in the tournament an Accident and Liability Insurance coverage. 

The FSYFL Liability coverage is a basic protection for the FSYFL and organizations and team participating against a lawsuit for negligence of a variety of kinds.  This liability essentially covers players, fans, coaches, organizations and board members associated with the liability coverage.  

The FSYFL Accident coverage provides for accident insurance for any injuries sustained by players and coaches in the normal course of any game within the tournament purview.  This is a standard youth football accident 2ND TIER accident coverage program.  This means that the players/coaches personal insurance will be the primary and the FSYFL accident coverage will pick up any medical costs unpaid by the personal insurance coverage.  If a player does not have medical coverage then the FSYFL policy will cover as the primary.  For any further clarifications please email the FSYFL. 

Players are required to sign an FSYFL Liability Release as well as a FSYFL Medical Release form to participate.  The Liability Release is a form required by the FSYFL insurance companies that ensures parents and participants are aware of the dangers associated with football, and in turn protecting the FSYFL from unreasonable law suits.  The Medical Release is a document that parents sign to release the FSYFL and their representatives to take an injured player to a medical facility in the rare event of a football related accident.

Who do I contact for my region for more information?

REGIONAL MANAGEMENT PARTNERS (RMP)

Do you have any References of coaches that have participated previously?

"This is my 1st year in FSYFL and the experience could not have been better. The league has been nothing but helpful in any problem that arose when I was forming my team together. The game play is fast and action packed. FSYFL has been a dream for not only myself but for the kids as well. If you want to play football in the spring this is the league to join" Coach John Folk, Flagler PAL

"I’ve enjoyed coaching and watching our players flourish in the FSYFL. There are not a lot of differences between 11 and 8 man football and your league has given our young athletes an opportunity to grow in the off-season which will certainly reap the benefits for each of them this coming fall. The FSYFL is a top notch organization and I am excited for the future of this league as it expands throughout the state, and who knows maybe someday across state lines"

Bob Priestap, Defensive Coordinator Brandon Wolfpack

 

If you're looking for a great way to improve your players skills during the off season, the FSYFL is the way to go!  The league not only provides our young athletes with an avenue to work on their football skills during the off season, it also allows them to compete against teams that they normally wouldn't play during the fall regular season.  With twelve teams in our age division that range from the East coast to the West Coast of Florida, the diverse competition has been great.  Also, the games have all started on time, and the officials have been first class and professional during each game.  The league does a great job staying in communication with the coaches and keeping us updated via e-mails and their web-site.  Overall, FSYFL has been a great experience!

Tony Mosco, Head Coach West Tampa Warriors

 

FSYFL has been a great growth experience for our kids and a pleasure to coach. Spring ball has given our staff the chance to coach kids who really want to play the game and it has been refreshing and unique. The kids love it and it is offering kids who love the game an additional season. It has been a super experience in all regards. The league has been run flawlessly and the support to our group from the league has been super in all regards.

Steve DeLuca, Head Coach Deland Bandits