Tackle FAQ - 7th-8th Grade

What Youth Football League are Rogers 7th-8th grades participating in?

• Parent feedback and survey responses are highly valued and play a significant role in RYFA’s decision-making. For 7th and 8th grades, the board decided to stay in the TCNFL due to limited options. The new NSYFL that we have joined is available only for the 2nd-6th grades, leaving RYFA with two choices for the 7th-8th grades: seek assurances from the TCNFL regarding club teams or consider joining another league, which was explored thoroughly.
• After multiple meetings/discussions with the president of the other leagues RYFA sought to join as an alternative to the TCNFL, it became clear that the options with this new league were limited. There were only 2-3 communities having 1-2 teams each, and would also be greater commuting distances. The deciding factors against switching were the lack of local teams, repetitive scheduling against the same teams, and the increased travel times and distances. The board is committed to working with TCNFL to reduce and ultimately eliminate matches against club teams for 7th and 8th grades.

What are the 7th-8th Grade Leagues?

• The 7th-8th Grades leagues are designed to give your child a true football experience. They play 11-man tackle football on a 100-yard field. All practices are in Rogers. Games are played in both Rogers and other surrounding communities.

What is the time commitment?

• The season starts around the 3rd week in August and runs through October, usually around 11 weeks. In the first 3 weeks, no more than 4 practices are allowed. After the first 3 weeks, no more than 4 practices / games are allowed per week. Games will be played on weeknights/weekends. Here are timing examples:
• First 3 weeks: Practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from roughly 5:30-7:45pm (practice start/finish time will be determined by coach)
• Following 8 weeks: Practice Monday, Practice Tuesday, Practice Thursday. Game on the weekend.

What are the games like?

• Games are played against other Rogers teams and teams from surrounding communities. There are 2 referees per game. Games consist of 4, 10-minute modified stop time quarters. Modified stop time means the clock should stop for: change of possession, extra point attempts, penalties, injuries, or measurements. In the last two minutes, time can be stopped for: incomplete pass, running out of bounds, after a touchdown is scored, or for the moving of down markers. A tie is a tie, there will be no overtime or extended play.

Are there size limits for players?

• No. Once players reach 7th grade and older, there is no weight limit for the players who can carry the ball.

How are positions and playing time determined?

• The head coach is responsible for putting players in positions to learn, but also succeed. Our goal at this age is to educate players, help them experience the game, grow their knowledge and skills, and hopefully love for the game. Please note, playing time is not guaranteed.  Players who are not available for practice, or do not willingly participate in practice, or leave practice early, should not expect to equal playing time similar to those players that show up to practice and participate. Also, RYFA adheres to the policy laid out in the Twin City North Football League Policies & Procedures regarding playing time.

How are teams formed and how many players are on a team?

• A draft meeting is held where the coaches create balanced teams. Size of teams is dependent on the number of coaches and registrations. As the players get older, having larger teams makes a positive impact on the season. We try to keep each team between 22 and 25 players.

Where are the games and practice fields located?

• Games are played in Rogers and other surrounding communities. Currently practices are held at Rogers Middle School/NCP.

How do I become a coach?

• Rogers Youth Football is always looking for volunteers to help coach. If you are interested, please contact the League Director in the age group where you are interested with a brief explanation of who you are and what past coaching experience you may have. Past coaching experience, however, is not necessary to coach in our association. Please see the registration page to register as a coach for the season.

Can I request that my son/daughter play on the same team as his/her friend(s)?

• No, at the 7th-8th grade level the teams are created using an equal draft process.

What equipment is provided by the Rogers Youth Football Association and what do players need to provide?

• The association provides players with jerseys they keep that have the players name. 
• Players need to provide the following:
• Helmet (White)
• Mouthguard
• Shoulder Pads
• Practice jersey (mesh is best to keep cool)
• Football Pants/pads (Black)
• Football Cleats (baseball and soccer cleats are OK but no metal)
• Check out the Rogers Area Sell site for used equipment.

What nights are games played and what time do they start?

• Game schedule is determined by TCNFL and we are unsure what days/times those will be before the season starts.