Fall 2019 Informational Materials

Introduction to RLYFFL The Round Lake Youth Flag Football League (“RLYFFL”) is a non-profit organization founded by Eric and Meghan Carlson in February 2016. Website: www.roundlakeflag.com Email: ejcarlson12@yahoo.com Phone: 847-708-3100 The RLYFFL is an approved “NFL Flag” flag football program. NFL Flag helps with the insurance, website, equipment and marketing.

Growth of Flag Football Flag football is America’s fastest growing sport at 8.7% per year for youth ages 6 to 14 according to study conducted and released by USA Football in March 2016. The RLYFFL started with 78 kids in Spring ’16…… Up 42% to 111 kids in Fall ’16, Up 28% to 142 kids in Spring ’17! Record seasons of 156 kids in Spring ’18 and over 175 in Fall ’18. Expecting roughly 150 players this Spring and Fall 2019!

RLYFFL Sponsors BWW’s provides a donation to fund a portion of the cost to buy all RLYFFL players an RLYFFL t-shirt. DSG has donated flag football equipment including footballs, equipment bags, cones and whistles. The Chicago Bears have supported the RLYFFL with donations and events such as the “Mini-Monsters” youth football clinic. JPV Financial has provided multiple generous donations to help fund league celebration events.

RLYFFL Principles Teach kids the fundamentals of football in a fun and positive environment. Coach with positive reinforcement with the emphasis on learning and building confidence. Maximize playing time by limiting team sizes. Provide equal playing time and allow players the opportunity to try different positions. Encourage competitiveness without sacrificing sportsmanship or teamwork.

Fees / Expenses Income: Expenses: $100 per player registration fee No other fundraising or selling requirements Expenses: League 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.

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

Important Dates Week of August 12th – Players contacted by head coaches with team assignments. August 23rd – First team practices at the Round Lake Area Park District Sports Center. September 8th – First games of the season at Round Lake Area Park District Sports Center. September 29th – Picture day before game times at Round Lake Area Park District Sports Center. October 20th – Last games of the Fall season!

Location has NO seating – bring lawn chairs! Times and Locations Practices – Practices will be on the outdoor fields at the Round Lake Area Park District Sports Complex every Friday night at 6pm. Practices will last between 60 and 90 minutes. Games – Games will be every Sunday at the Round Lake Area Park District Sports Center. Games are 60 minutes for the 6th-8th grade division and 50 minutes for the 3rd-5th grade division. Round Lake Area Park District Sports Center 2004 Municipal Way Round Lake, IL 60073 Location has NO seating – bring lawn chairs!

RLYFFL Organization 3rd – 5th Grade Division: Games played as 7 x 7 or 8 x 8 depending on game day roster size. Focused on basic football skills. Simple offensive formations and plays with balanced mix between running and passing. Projecting 8 teams with 10 per team! 6th – 8th Grade Division: Games played as 7 x 7. Faster pace, competitive spirit. Teaching more advanced skills, formations and plays which are primarily passing. Projecting 8 teams with 10 per team!

RLYFFL Game Structure Field Size (roughly): 70 yards x 40 yards for 6th-8th 60 yards x 30 yards for 3rd-5th Game Clock: 50 minute game with a 5 minute halftime (3rd-5th.) 60 minute game with a 5 minute halftime (6th-8th.) Coaches: Up to 2 coaches allowed on the field per team. Number of Players: 7 x 7 unless decided otherwise by both head coaches (flexible). Game Requirements: Everyone gets the ball! Equal playing time!

RLYFLL Simple Rules RLYFFL uses rules published by “NFL Flag.” No kickoffs or punts. Possession starts at the 5 yard line except after interceptions. First down at mid-field. Points are scored for touchdowns (6 points), extra points (1 and 2 point options) 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 clocked time to throw a pass. Blocking or screening is not allowed. Flag guarding is not allowed. Defenders may cross the line of scrimmage after a handoff or pass caught behind the line of scrimmage.