Spring 2016 Informational Meeting March 28, 2016

Introduction The Round Lake Youth Flag Football League (“RLYFFL”) is a non-profit organization. RLYFFL is an approved partner with the NFL’s “NFL Flag” program. NFL Flag helps with the insurance, website, equipment and marketing for a reasonable fee.

Principles Maximize playing time by limiting team sizes. Coach with positive reinforcement and an emphasis on building confidence. Teaching the fundamentals of football in a fun and positive manner. Encourage competitiveness without sacrificing sportsmanship or teamwork. Provide equal playing time and allow players the opportunity to try different positions. We succeed if the kids have fun!

Fees / Expenses Income: $100 per player registration fee No other fundraising or selling requirements Expenses: League start-up and maintenance costs (legal, tax) Insurance Marketing Website Equipment (jerseys, mouthguards, flag belts, footballs, field yard markers, referees) Credit card merchant fees Background checks Practice and game fields (RLPD) Trophies for every player BREAK-EVEN (RLYFFL is a non-profit organization.)

Equipment Uniform - Reversible jersey provided, please confirm your size. Shorts/pants not provided. Mouthguard – Required. 1 mouthguard will be provided. Cleats – Optional but strongly recommended. No metal spikes allowed. Flag Belt and Footballs – Provided to coaches for practice and games.

Flag Belts Pre K – 1 st Grade: “Triple Threat” flag belts will be used. Belt has 3 flags and belt pulls off with a pull. Intended to be a little easier for younger kids. 2 nd – 4 th Grade: “NFL Flag” flag belts will used. Belt has 2 flags and they are a little harder to pull. Coaches will adjust at first team practice.

What to Bring? Practice Mouthguard Cleats Water bottle Comfortable clothes (weather appropriate) Jersey Mouthguard Cleats Water bottle Comfortable pants or shorts (weather appropriate) Games Coaches will bring flags and footballs to all practices and games.

Important Dates June 5 th – Last game of the spring season and all kids will get a trophy! April 1 st – First night of practice! Evaluations for the 2 nd – 4 th grade division. April 17 th – First game of the season at Hart’s Hill Park. April 22 nd – Picture Day at Park School. Players should wear their uniforms. Teams will practice before or after their scheduled picture time.

Times and Locations Neither location has seating – bring lawn chairs! Practices – Practices will be in the fields on the east side of Park School every Friday night at 6pm. Practices will last between 60 and 90 minutes. Games – Games will be every Sunday at 12pm and 1pm at Hart’s Hill. Games are 50 minutes with a 5 minute halftime. Park School 400 W. Townline Road Round Lake, IL Hart’s Hill Park 761 W. Hart Road Round Lake, IL 60073

Organization of Teams Currently have 16 kids registered in the Pre K – 1 st grade division with 1 coach. We need 1 more head coach! All players will receive the same NFL team reversible jersey. All players will practice together. Players will be split up weekly for Sunday games. One team will wear the colored jersey and the other team will wear the white jersey. We will not have designated teams during the season. Pre K – 1 st Grade Division:

Organization of Teams Currently have over 40 kids registered in the 2 nd – 4 th grade division with 5 coaches. We will divide up into 6 teams with each team having 7 or 8 players. We need 1 more coach! After evaluations on April 1 st, players will be placed onto teams for the season. Our goal is to make all teams even in terms of grade and skill level. Each team will be it’s own NFL team, decided by the coaches. No teams will be from the NFC North. Teams will practice together and we will coordinate weekly group activities such as scrimmages, relays, or sharks and minnows. 2 nd – 4 th Grade Division:

Game Structure Everyone gets the ball Field Size – 70 yards x 30 yards with 10 yard end- zones. Teams start at 5 yard line. First down at mid- field. Number of Players – Games will be played 6 x 6 or 5 x 5 depending on roster size on game day. Coaches – Up to 2 coaches allowed on the field per team. Equal Playing Time Game Clock – 50 minute game with a 5 minute halftime.

Rules No kickoffs or punts. Change of possession starts at the 5 yard line except for interceptions. Points are scored for touchdowns (6 points), extra points (1 point) and safeties (2 points). No fumbles, interceptions are returnable. All players are eligible to run except the quarterback. All players are eligible to catch a pass. Quarterback has 7 seconds to throw a pass. Blocking or screening is not allowed. Flag guarding is not allowed. Offense:

Rules Rushing is allowed in the 2 nd – 4 th grade division only. Rushers must start at least 10 yards from the line of scrimmage. Eligible rushers are the only defenders allowed to cross the line of scrimmage before a handoff or pass caught behind the line of scrimmage. Any defender may cross the line of scrimmage after a handoff or pass caught behind the line of scrimmage. Defense:

Wrap Up Registration will close on March 31 st ……still time to register so please spread the word. Questions?