What does my child need for practice?

Football players will need their cleats, practice jerseys, practice pants, pads, mouthguards, and helmets for practice. 

Players will also need plenty of water. 

The Long Pond Feild tends to be buggy in the summer months. We suggest that parents apply bug spray to children prior to practice. Sunscreen may also be applied prior to practice. 

What does my child need for the game?

Football players will need their cleats, game jerseys, game pants, blue or pink socks (October games), pads, mouthguards, and helmets for practice. Players that do not have the gear listed above will not be able to play. 

Mouthguards must be tethered to the helmet. A backup mouthguard is suggested but not required.

Players will need plenty of water. 

Bug spray and sunscreen may be applied prior to reporting for the game. 

Players should report to the game with a clean and presentable uniform.

How do I purchase the required items?

AJFC lends players the following equipment items:

  • Practice Jersey
  • Game Jersey
  • Practice Pants
  • Game Pants
  • Pads
  • Helmet

Parents can purchase the following items online or at a sporting goods store

  • Tethered mouthguard
  • Cleats 
  • Water bottle - Squeeze bottles or bottles with a long straw are ideal. These bottles make it easy for the players to quickly get a drink without having to remove their helmets. Please make sure water bottles are clearly labeled with the player's name. 

What skills will my child learn?

At AJFC,  players will rotate through different positions and learn a variety of skills, including:

  1. Offensive lineup positions: As players rotate through different offensive positions, they will learn leadership, communication, decision-making, speed, agility, coordination, catching ability, route-running skills, teamwork, and hole-creation skills.

  2. Defensive lineup positions: As players rotate through different defensive positions, they will learn strength, quickness, aggressiveness, instincts, quick reaction times, coverage skills, tackling, and the ability to read the offense.

  3. Physical fitness: As players rotate through different positions and play both offense and defense, they will develop endurance, strength, and agility.

  4. Teamwork: Football is a team sport that requires players to work together and coordinate their efforts. As players rotate through different positions, they will learn to communicate effectively and rely on each other to achieve success.

  5. Discipline: Football requires dedication, goal-setting, time management, and hard work to achieve success. As players rotate through different positions, they will learn to set goals and manage their time effectively.

  6. Leadership: Football provides opportunities for players to develop leadership skills by motivating and inspiring teammates. As players rotate through different positions, they will learn how to lead and encourage others.

  7. Sportsmanship: Football teaches respect for opponents, teammates, and coaches and encourages fair competition and integrity. As players rotate through different positions, they will learn how to compete fairly and show sportsmanship.

  8. Perseverance: Football can be challenging, and players will experience setbacks and failures. As players rotate through different positions, they will learn how to persevere through adversity and overcome challenges.

  9. Decision-making: Football is a fast-paced sport that requires quick decision-making under pressure. As players rotate through different positions, they will develop their decision-making skills and learn how to make quick, effective decisions in a variety of situations.

How often will my child play?

We encourage fair play and rotation. The coaches will do their best to ensure players have ample playing time. 

What are the Weight Limits?

Per OCYFL regulations, maintenance of weight during the season will be monitored as follows:

  Midgets PeeWees Mites
Week 1 171 lb 136 lb 111 lb
Week 2 172 lb 137 lb 112 lb
Week 3 173 lb 138 lb 113 lb
Week 4 174 lb 139 lb 114 lb
Week 5 175 lb 140 lb 115 lb
Week 6 176 lb 141 lb 116 lb
Week 7 177 lb 142 lb 117 lb
Week 8 178 lb 143 lb 118 lb
Week 9* 179 lb 144 lb 119 lb
Week 10** 180 lb 145 lb 120 lb

* Playoffs ** Super Bowls

What happens if my child does not make weight?

Each player must make official weight (meaning they are under the above-listed weight limits). If the player misses the weight but weighs under the season-ending they will be allowed to stay on the roster and work their way into eligibility as the season progresses. They will not be able to play that day's game.

If a Mite or PeeWee weighs over the season-ending weight they will have the option to roster up. Rosters will be adjusted accordingly.

If a Midget weighs over the season-ending weight of 180 pounds their name will be dropped from the roster.

How do I communicate with my child's coach?

You can communicate directly with your child's coach by text, phone call, or email. You can communicate with your child's coach and the entire team through the SportsEngine app. Please confirm with your coach their preferred method of communication.