WHAT IS AMERICAN YOUTH FOOTBALL (AYF)?
American Youth Football (AYF), established in 1996, is an international youth football and cheerleading organization established to promote the wholesome development of youth through their association with adult leaders in the sport of American football. Rules and regulations are established to ensure that players play in an atmosphere of safety with a competitive balance between teams.
AYF is one of the largest membership organizations dedicated to teaching youth through positive role models. Emphasis is on learning, playing, and enjoying the sport while instilling high moral standards by stressing the importance of academic achievement and community involvement. Helping kids become leaders and teammates, AYF players will learn to both foster confidence and a sense of self-worth that extends beyond the gridiron and into the school, family and community.
Sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, responsibility and self-discipline are among the traits needed by youngsters to face the future with positive aspirations and confidence. If we teach them positive lessons, such as playing by the rules, our young athletes will learn to live by the rules.
WHAT LEAGUE DOES READING YOUTH FOOTBALL BELONG TO?
Reading Youth Football is a proud member of N.E. COMMONWEALTH YOUTH Football and Cheer (NCYFC). As a member of NCYFC Reading Youth Football will have the opportunity to compete against very competitive teams in the surrounding area. These teams include Beverly Panthers, Salem Witches, Peabody Tanners, Melrose Youth Football and Cheer, Watertown/Belmont Bulldogs, Charlestown Townies, Chelsea Pride, Stoneham Spartans, Wakefield Warriors, Saugus Sachems, and Revere Jr Patriots.
IS READING YOUTH FOOTBALL PART OF THE Reading SCHOOL SYSTEM?
No, Reading Youth Football is a privately operated, non-profit, all volunteer programs. The Board of Directors are elected each January and includes parents and others who are dedicated to the core mission of this organization for the benefit of the youth of the Reading.
Does Reading YOUTH FOOTBALL HOLD TRYOUTS?
No. There are no tryouts for football and there are mandatory play requirements, meaning every child is guaranteed to play. All AYF participants must play an active role in a minimum number of plays as follows:
- 31 - 36 Players = 4 Plays
- 26 - 30 Players = 6 Plays
- 16 - 25 Players = 8 Plays
WHAT GRADES BELONG TO EACH DIVISION?
- Travel Flag Football
- Titan Division
- Crusader Division
- Spartan Division
- Gladiator Division
WHEN ARE THE GAMES?
Games are played on Sundays. Actual game schedule will be posted on the web site.
HOW LONG DO GAMES RUN?
The Titans play a running time clock. The rest of the levels play 10 minute quarters with the normal clock stops that happen based on what’s going on the field.
HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER?
Each team will need 1 play counter and 1 spotter for every game. The play counter is required by the league to officiate that each player on a team has received their designated number of plays each game. The spotter is on the opposing sideline to verify their play counter is correct.
Teams are also required to have 3 volunteers to hold the chains and markers for their home games.
Each team is responsible to have a team parent who helps to communicate league and team information. The team parent is responsible help to fill volunteers for the concession stand for their team's home games. Each team is required to have 3 parent volunteers in the concession stand 1 hour before each home game and an additional 3 parents for one hour after their home game. You will never miss your child's game! The concession stand is the major fundraising for Reading Youth Football so it is very important we have the power to run the crucial part of our program.
It takes all of us as volunteers to run this program so please volunteer as you can. An hour of your time goes a very long way!
WHAT ABOUT CONCUSSIONS?
Concussions are an important topic at all levels of football recently. Many studies conducted have found that concussions occur more frequently in practice than in games, this is most likely attributed to poor coaching and the selection of drills. To address the deficiency of coaches, all coaches are now required to complete multiple certification courses which emphasize safety and concussion awareness.
WHAT WILL MY CHILD NEED FOR THE FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE?
All participants will need to have a completed physical turned in prior to the first day of practice. An AYF physical form will be provided in the registration information packet, however, a physician may utilize any form he/she desires.
Equipment Handout will be conducted prior to the first day of practice.
A period of conditioning is required for all football participants prior to any practices in pads. During this condition period all players will wear helmets, athletic shorts, t-shirts and football cleats.
All football players must always have a mouth guard. Participants should bring water to all practices. Please do not bring juice or sports beverages as these often left as litter after practice.
Please note, that NO jewelry is to be worn. This includes bracelets, earrings, necklaces and watches.
DO I NEED TO BUY A UNIFORM? WHAT OTHER EQUIPMENT MUST BE PURCHASED?
Football cleats, mouth guard, game socks and a water bottle are the only items you need to have or buy. The program will issue to each player, all remaining equipment, such as helmet, shoulder pads, practice uniform, game uniform (home and way).
WHAT FOOTBALL TEAM WILL MY CHILD BE ON?
In accordance with American Youth Football rules and regulations, team placement will be based on grade and age.
American Youth Football follows this structure to assure:
- Children who go to school together and play together both in school and out of school play competitive football together.
- Children stay together as they advance through the grades – i.e., similar to school grades, all kids progress through the program together but could be on different teams if any level has more than one team.
- Children at the same physical and developmental maturity level play together on the same team.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you have any additional questions you may contact any member of the Reading Youth Football Board of Directors or send us an email at [email protected].