Frequently Asked Questions for Tackle Football
Q: What is the cut off date for determining player placement according to age?
Players are aligned in Divisions according to their age as of JULY 31st of the current year.
Examples:
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If a player is 4 years of age or younger on JULY 31st, then that player will NOT be eligible for the current season. |
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If a player is 5-6 years of age on JULY 31st, then that player will be eligible to play in the 6u year old Division. |
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If a player is 7-8 years of age on JULY 31st, then that player will be eligible to play in the 8u year old Division. |
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If a player is 9-10 years of age on JULY 31st, then that player will be eligible to play in the 10u year old Division. |
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If a player is 11-12 years of age on JULY 31st, then that player will be eligible to play in the 12u year old Division. |
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If a player is 13 years of age or older on JULY 31st, then that player will be NOT be eligible to play. |
Q: What equipment is included in the fees for football?
The registration fee for the season includes your game jersey, pants and mouth guard for your child to keep. The fee also provides a helmet and shoulder pads for your child to use which is to be returned at the end of the season.
Q: What size footballs do the teams use?
Our teams will use the following size footballs:
| • | 6u Division | : | K2 (peewee) Size |
| • | 8u Division | : | K2 (peewee) Size |
| • | 10u Division | : | TDJ (junior) Size |
| • | 12u Division | : | TDJ (junior) Size (optional to use the TDY (youth size for this age) |
Q: What equipment do we need to purchase?
Players will need a practice jersey, practice football pants, and football cleats. Any other additional equipment (gloves, visors, pads, etc.) are optional and not necessary to play. Buying extra mouth guards is advised as they wear throughout the year.
Q: What are the age/weight requirements for each division?
To maintain fair play and safety, the age brackets and weight limits are as follows:
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12u |
(Division I) |
* 140 lbs |
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10u |
(Division I) |
* 115 lbs |
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12u |
(Division II) |
* 120 lbs |
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10u |
(Division II) |
* 95 lbs |
| | 11u | Division I | * 125 lbs |
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9u |
(Division I) |
* 105 lbs |
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8u |
(Division I) |
* 90 lbs |
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6u |
(Division I) |
* 65 lbs |
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8u |
(Division II) |
* 75 lbs |
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6u |
(Division II) |
* 60 lbs |
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7u |
(Division I) |
* 80 lbs |
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* Maximum weight to advance/carry the football. By rule, players over the above weight limit are considered a "Double Striper" and must play on the interior line.
** Photocopies of Birth Certificates are required for ALL age divisions. NO MOTHER'S COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED
Q: What is the difference between Division I and Division II within an age division?
While not always the case, Division II players are less experienced or newer to organized tackle football. Division I players are typically the most experienced. Division I teams are selected first, followed by Division II. Coaches evaluate all players for placement.
Q: How are players placed within a divisional bracket?
The first week of practice is dedicated to player evaluations. Number of years in the program, any prior football experience, evaluation drills by coaches, speed, size, and strength are some of the factors carefully considered in placing a player in a divisional bracket. These are guiding principles and subject to additional factors such as number of participants in a bracket/division.
Q: How many days a week are practices held?
TACKLE Football teams practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm until the beginning of the school year. Once school is in session, practice days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
Q: How will I know if practice/games are cancelled due to rain?
During the first 2 weeks of practice, any practices cancelled due to weather will but posted on the web site and sent via e-mail. After teams have been selected, all communication concerning practices will come directly from your coaching staffs. In general, we do not cancel practices due to light rain. If it is pouring or if lightning is in the area, we will not practice. Your coach will have the final say of your practice schedule.
Q: How are coaches certified?
Coaches are required to complete a Coaches Training Clinic (online course) provided by USA Football to be a certified Spring Hill Sports coach.
Q: How do I become a coach?
For more information about coaching, please send an email to: [email protected]