How do practices work?
Practices typically start the first week of August and run five days a week, from Monday through Friday until school starts. After school begins, teams will practice three days per week. Players must plan to report for practice, rain or shine, from 5:45 PM to 8 PM for AB through 110lbs and 7-9pm for 125lbs 7 150lbs. Or at a time designated by their coach. NOTE: As daylight savings time expires, the number of fields avaiable for practices is reduced (lights).
PRACTICE FIELDS
All practice field locations are tentative and are subject to change. Please check the football homepage near the end of July for official locations.
What is the game schedule like?
Regular season games start in September and usually are on a Saturday or Sunday. However, there are occasionally games on a week night games. Game schedules are not released until September.
We have not heard from a coach, and it is the end of the evaluation week. When will my player find out which team he is on?
Team decisions are made during the first couple of weeks of practice. Your player will discover which team he/she is on once the coaches have selected their teams. Some decisions are not made until after weigh-in, when official weights are known.
What is weigh-in? Does my player need to diet?
Weigh-in is the official process regulated by Fairfax County in order to determine which weight class a player should play in. Determinations are made based on weight and age (see the FCYFL Weight Measurements Table document). Dieting in order to gain or lose weight is a decision that can only be made by the parents/guardians and the player. The CYA league will always recommend that a player follow proper nutritional guidelines for his/her age and weight.
What equipment do we need to buy for our child?
All players are required to provide their own mouthpiece, football or multi-purpose cleats, athletic supporter, and practice jersey.
On the first day of practice players should wear shorts, athletic supporter, football or multi-purpose cleats, and practice jersey without pads. Players must bring their mouthpiece and the assigned helmet with the player’s last name written in black ink on masking tape on the front and back of the helmet.
Should my child eat before a game or practice? I heard that this can make them sick.
All players should eat a well balanced diet. Each child is different – some may not feel well due to extreme weather conditions or other illness. It is important that each player is well fed before a practice or game – food is fuel! Water or sports drinks should be brought to every practice and game, and coaches will give the team frequent water breaks. In addition, most teams arrange for fruit breaks during halftime at games. Listen to your player, and remind them – if they don’t feel well during practice – they MUST tell their coach or assistant coach.
I do not have regular access to email – how will I know if practice or a game is cancelled to inclement weather?
While most coaches or team parents notify their teams via email or a phone tree, the league also posts announcements to the CYA website.
I am being asked to contribute money to snacks, trophies and coaches’ gifts – isn’t all of this covered in my registration fees?
No – registration fees are required by the league in order to help with field maintenance costs, equipment, and referees. They do NOT cover team snacks, trophies, team parties and other gifts. Usually, a coach or team parent will ask parents/guardians to contribute in order to provide these additional things for the team. Teams can also hold fundraisers in order to meet needs for the team.
What is the best way to receive information about my team’s activities?
Each team will have a head coach, assistant coaches and a team parent. Most team communications come from either the head coach or team admin. Announcements are usually made on the field before or after practice, via email, or by phone.
The coach seems to yell a lot. My player is very sensitive and this upsets him/her. Does the coach really need to yell that much?
Football tends to be a loud sport. And, it can be dangerous. Most coaches yell because they need to have the entire team’s attention. When players aren’t paying attention, serious injuries can occur. The CYA league selects coaches diligently and based on extremely selective criteria. All head coaches are required to undergo background checks and to provide references. We encourage you to support your player, and to enter into communication with your coach. This will ensure both your player and the team have a fun, hardworking, and disciplined season.
What types of ID do you accept as proof of age and residency?
Fairfax County Youth Football League requires that every player have a DMV issued ID. They may be obtained by going to your local DMV. The DMV requirements change periodically and in the past they have required the player’s birth certificate and three pieces of mail with the player’s name and address or the parent’s name and address. It is recommended that you check with the DMV prior to your visit to ensure you comply with the latest requirements.
