Do we have to attend uniform sizing?

YES! Even if you are a returning athlete. Football and Cheer uniforms are re-designed each season.

When are the dates for uniform sizing for Football and Cheer?

Sizing dates and locations will  be announced after registration is closed.

Which Team Will My Athlete Be On?

BYFCA has four (4) divisions for both football and cheer, separated by grade level. Both football and cheer athletes are placed in the same division structure:

• Pre-K & Kindergarten (flag football / flag cheer)
• 1st & 2nd Grade (tackle football / cheer)
• 3rd & 4th Grade (tackle football / cheer)
• 5th & 6th Grade (tackle football / cheer)

Each division also has a maximum age requirement based on the athlete's age as of December 31st of the current year:

• Pre-K & Kindergarten: must not turn 7 by December 31st
• 1st & 2nd Grade: must not turn 9 by December 31st
• 3rd & 4th Grade: must not turn 11 by December 31st
• 5th & 6th Grade: must not turn 13 by December 31st

Football divisions also have weight classifications that may affect your athlete's position eligibility. Weight details will be communicated during the pre-season.

What Do Registration Fees Cover?

Registration is $175 per athlete for all divisions (football and cheer). Payment is due at time of registration. Multiple payment plan options are available at checkout, and discounts are applied for families with multiple athletes, including across sports.

Football | Pre-K & Kindergarten (Flag):

• Uniform:  Personalized Jersey, Soft Helmet, Shorts and Socks
  
  

Football | 1st & 2nd Grade through 5th & 6th Grade (Tackle): 

• Uniform:  Personalized Jersey, Padded Pants and Socks
• Shoulder Pads and Helmets are SOLD SEPARATELY and may be purchased through our organization during uniform sizing or on your own through a sporting goods store.
  • Limited stock available.
  • If you purchase your own equipment, the helmet must be white with a gray face mask.
    

Cheer | All Divisions:

• Uniform:  Personalized Uniform, Bloomers, Socks, Personalized Bow and Pom Poms.

What Do Registration Fees NOT Cover?

Football | Pre-K & Kindergarten (Flag):

• Mouthpiece
• Cleats
• Individual Water Bottle
• Practice Pants/Shirt (Active Wear - Any Color)
  

Football | 1st & 2nd Grade through 5th & 6th Grade (Tackle):

• Mouthpiece
• Cleats
• Helmet
• Shoulder Pads
• Individual Water Bottle
• Padded Practice Pants/Practice Jersey (Any Color)
• Cup

Cheer | All Divisions:

• Solid White Cheer Shoes
• Individual Water Bottle
• Practice Pants/Shirt (Active Wear - Any Color)
  

What Does Fundraising Money Go To?

Fundraising is a huge part of all youth sports. Money raised goes to the purchase of new equipment, supplies, scholarships, community events (i.e. Homecoming Parade, Youth Night) and End of Year Celebrations.

What Fundraising Activities Happen During the Year?

• BYFCA organizes fundraising events throughout the season. Past examples include raffles, sponsorship drives, and community events.
• Details on current fundraisers are shared via email, social media, and our app as they're announced.

What Is Conditioning Camp?

Before the regular practice schedule begins, BYFCA holds summer conditioning camps for football and cheer. Conditioning camp is focused on building fitness, learning fundamentals, and preparing athletes for the season ahead.

When Does Conditioning Camp Start?

Football:

• Football conditioning camp typically begins in early July and runs through the start of regular practices in August.
• The schedule ramps up gradually — early sessions are shorter with no equipment, building up to longer sessions with helmets and footballs as the start of the season approaches.

Cheer:

• Cheer holds its own pre-season camp to prepare athletes for the season.
• Camp dates and details are set by the cheer coaching staff.

Specific dates, times, and locations for all camps are communicated to registered families via email, social media, and our app.

Is Conditioning Camp Required?

Conditioning camp is strongly encouraged for all athletes. It helps players build the endurance and skills they need before full practices begin, and gives coaches a chance to evaluate and prepare their teams.

When Are Practices?

Football | All Divisions:

• Practices are held 3 evenings per week — Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
• No practices on Wednesday nights.
• Each practice is up to 2 hours.
• Coaches may adjust their schedule as needed and will communicate any changes through our app.

Cheer | All Divisions:

• Up to 3 practices per week, 2 hours per session.
• Coaches may move to one practice per week after games begin.
• Practice days and times are set by the cheer coaching staff and communicated to families.

What Happens If We Miss Practice?

We understand things come up and practices will be missed. However, if your athlete misses practice, parents and athletes should expect reduced playing time. This is the Coach's decision, as missed practices can become a concern for their safety and those around them. We still ask that they attend the game in support of their teammates. If your athlete is unable to attend a practice or game, please notify your team Coach in advance or as soon as possible.

Are Practices Cancelled When It's Raining?

No. Practice will only be cancelled in the event of lightning or field flooding. We will always monitor weather conditions and send a notification in the event of a cancellation.

What Equipment Does My Athlete Need for Practice?

Football | Pre-K & Kindergarten (Flag):

• Helmet (provided)
• Mouthpiece
• Cleats
• Individual Water Bottle
• Practice Pants/Shirt (Active Wear - Any Color)

Football | 1st & 2nd Grade through 5th & 6th Grade (Tackle):

• Mouthpiece
• Cleats
• Helmet
• Shoulder Pads
• Padded Practice Pants (Any Color)
• Practice Jersey (Any Color)
• Individual Water Bottle

Cheer | All Divisions:

• Tennis Shoes (You Can Save White Cheer Shoes for Games if Desired)
• Individual Water Bottle
• Practice Pants/Shirt (Active Wear - Any Color)

What Else Should I Know About Practice?

• Please arrive 10 (ten) minutes early.
• Do not leave your child unless other arrangements have been made with a Coach or BYFCA Board Member.
  • We want to make sure no kids are left behind after practices due to a parent running late.
  • We understand most of you have multiple kids and places to be. Just let an authorized person know if you have to leave.
• There is no walking, jogging, sitting, or standing on the field or track during practices.
• Please remain outside of fenced area.
• The public has access to the Middle School track and field. We are unable to restrict use to them. However, if you are a member of BYFCA, this rule applies to you.

When Are Games Played?

• Games are played on Saturdays with the following kick-off times:
  • Pre-K & Kindergarten (Flag): 3:00 PM
  • 1st & 2nd Grade: 4:00 PM
  • 3rd & 4th Grade: 5:30 PM
  • 5th & 6th Grade: 7:00 PM
• All athletes should arrive dressed and ready at least 30 minutes before game time for warm-ups.
• Teams alternate between home and away games throughout the season. Home games are played at Bullard.
• Game schedules are typically available 1–2 weeks before the first game. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the schedule is subject to change, but we will give as much notice as possible.

When Does the Season Start and End?

• The regular season starts the week after Labor Day and runs for 9 weeks, ending the week before Thanksgiving.
• Each team plays 8 games plus a bye week.
• The top teams in each division advance to Playoffs, followed by the Super Bowl championship game.
• Please plan for your team to make playoffs when scheduling fall activities.

What Equipment Does My Athlete Need for Games?

Football | Pre-K & Kindergarten (Flag):

• Uniform (Jersey, Shorts, Socks)
• Helmet
• Mouthpiece
• Cleats (No Cleats on Track)
• Individual Water Bottle

Football | 1st & 2nd Grade through 5th & 6th Grade (Tackle):

• Uniform (Jersey, Padded Pants, Socks)
• Mouthpiece
• Cleats (No Cleats on Track)
• Helmet
• Shoulder Pads
• Individual Water Bottle

Cheer | All Divisions:

• Personalized Uniform (Top/Bottom/Bloomers/Socks/Bow*)
• Solid White Cheer Shoes
• Pom Poms
• Individual Water Bottle
• Coaches Will Communicate Hairstyle Prior to Game Day.

Does My Athlete Need a Physical to Participate in the BYFCA Season?

Football | All Divisions:

• All football athletes are required to have a current sports physical completed by an authorized medical provider in order to participate in the BYFCA season.
• Physicals must be dated January 1 (current year) or after and a copy must be provided to BYFCA Board after registration is complete.
• If your football athlete does not have a physical form submitted they will be unable to participate in practices or season games.

Cheer | All Divisions:

Cheer athletes are not required to have a sports physical completed or form submitted to BYFCA for participation.

What Form(s) Are Acceptable for the BYFCA Required Sports Physical?

BYFCA will accept a sports physical form provided by an authorized medical provider or the form we will provide.

How Do I Submit My Athlete's Sports Physical Completed Form?

• If you have already obtained the required Sports Physical from your authorized medical provider, please submit a copy of the completed Sports Physical form to BYFCA by email at [email protected].
• When emailing a copy of the form, please include your athlete's full name and participating team within the body of the email.

Will BYFCA Offer a Sports Physical Option?

BYFCA may partner with a local healthcare provider to offer an affordable sports physical option for football athletes. If available, details — including date, location, and cost — will be announced via email, social media, and our app.

What Are My Options for Purchasing Football Equipment?

Football | Pre-K & Kindergarten (Flag):

• Soft shell helmets are provided for flag players.

Football | 1st & 2nd Grade through 5th & 6th Grade (Tackle):

• You can purchase your athlete's helmet and shoulder pads through BYFCA at a discount rate during registration.
• Equipment can be purchased as long as supplies last.
• Equipment will be distributed on a later date.
• If you choose to purchase your equipment from a sporting goods store, please make sure it is a white helmet with a gray face mask.
• Properly fitted helmets and shoulder pads are essential for safety!
• If you are unsure of what size to purchase, please allow us to size your athlete during their uniform sizing.