“Kids can learn things on a football field that a classroom can’t teach.”

New and returning parents, thank you for your interest in Flag Football!  The following information is designed to help create a vision of our flag program, and to answer questions you may have. 

We would encourage you to share this web page with other parents who are considering participating in our association. 

Furthermore, we are always looking for volunteers.  Experience is helpful, but a positive attitude is far more important.  If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please do not hesitate to contact the Board Members (see the link on our home page).

Thank you!

*** THE FLAG FOOTBALL GAME  ***

Ages

Flag Players must be 6, 7, or 8 years old.  The age of the players are determined by their birth date as of July 31^st.  There is not a height or weight limit.  All players are required to submit a birth certificate to validate their age prior to the season.  Then once the season begins, each player goes through a pre-game “certification” to verify age and identification. 

“Natural Selection”

Player’s positions are chosen based upon their athletic abilities and mental understanding of the game.  Not all kids will have the opportunity to play in all positions.  This is imperative for the safety of each child.  The position your child plays will be determined by the coaching staff.  There is a wide talent level and typically the players with the most athletic ability and mental comprehension play the key positions of running back, quarterback, etc.  Size is rarely a factor in talent level. 

Physical Contact

During practices and games every kid on the field engages in physical contact.  Because of their size and the rules, the contact is relatively mild between players, but can be “rough and tumble”.  Pads are not allowed, and really not necessary, but mouth pieces are required.  There are strict rules about blocking and using hands, and the referees usually watch it closely.  

Football is Different

The biggest difference in Flag Football from other sports taught to kids at this level is the concept of teamwork.  In almost every other sport, a few players can dominate the game; or the focus is on a single place (e.g., in baseball--a batter).  In flag football, it truly does require all kids to work together to be successful whether you’re blocking, running, or tackling.  During a game, when the ball is snapped, each kid has a specific role in contributing to the team success.  

Boys and Girls

Girls are eligible to play and fall into the same rules and eligibility of all flag football players. 

Comparison to Tackle
Flag football is vastly different to tackle in a variety of ways.  Player size is almost insignificant.  More important are player coordination, mental comprehension, and determination.  In flag football, physical contact is part of the game but is much less important.  Flag football plays are typically more spectacular in nature and involve more chases.  In this division, most participants can play offense and defense; and a wide variety of positions. 

Competitiveness

Most parents with kids who play sports at this age are surprised by the competitiveness of the league overall and specifically the games.  Wins and losses are recorded and there is a definite sense of pride among team’s records.  While winning is not the priority, it is a highly competitive league. 

Goals

The goals of the Flag Division are as follows:

•             Emphasize sportsmanship
•             Develop some basic fundamentals of football
•             Stress teamwork
•             Physical conditioning
•             Build self esteem
•             Build memories
•             Develop a sense of  personal pride
•             Have fun

  *** THE DETAILS ***

 Time commitment

Parents are expected to consistently get their child to practices and games on time.  Unlike other sports, if he/she misses practices or games your child will not progress with the team as they learn new plays and as such the player’s time may be limited.  More importantly, they won’t get the full reward of participating with their teammates in working together—team work!  If you can’t make the commitment, you may want to consider an alternative sport for your child. 

Practice format

Coaches typically practice 3 times per week before the games begin for 60-90 minutes.  Once the season starts, most coaches practice 2 times per week and have a Saturday game.  Practices are conducted under light towers so the kids can play at night when it’s cooler.  Each coach has his own style, but in all cases we strive to have fun and teach sportsmanship while introducing the game of football. 

Game format

Games are played with two 20 minute halves.  The clock stops on a dead ball in the second half during the last two minutes.  There are two paid referees during each game calling penalties and managing the clock.  They are high school football level and professional.  One coach from each team is allowed on the field to work closely with the kids before and after each play. 

Season

Preseason usually consists of 3 weeks before the first game.  The game schedule is usually 8 games over a period of 9 weeks. 

Guaranteed Playing Time

Each player is guaranteed a minimum of 10 plays per game (assuming there are no outstanding disciplinary matters as addressed in the team discipline letter).  With 10 minutes remaining in the game, a timeout is called and each team verifies that all kids on the opposing team have played a minimum of 10 plays.  

Travel

Our league association is valley wide and as such it allows the kids to visit other fields/locations in the valley for games (see CAYFL).  As such, we travel to other locations around the valley such as Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, the west Valley and Anthem.            

Parent’s expectations

Your head coach will review with you their expectations more specifically during a pre-season mandatory parents meeting.  

Business Manager

Each team has a volunteer Business Manager who handles all the administrative functions of the team (kids paperwork, picture day, football celebration, team snacks, contacting opposing team before each game, handing out badges, team sponsorships, etc.).  This is actually a very large responsibility and requires attention to detail and organization.  It is also mandatory to attend every game.  The Business Manager also handles the communication for the team using email.    

Equipment

Players are required to wear mouth pieces at all times in practice and games.  Compression shorts and/or a jock strap are also required.  Cleats must be rubber bottom one piece molded plastic/rubber.  Not allowed are jewelry of any kind, pads, long finger nails, and hats/helmets.  Most participants play in shorts, but sweatpants or football pants are acceptable.  

Flag Rules

Please follow this link to the CAYFL Flag Rulebook: Flag Rules

*** ORGANIZATION ***

The Cave Creek/Carefree Association (CCCF)

Our Association has been operating since 2002. With a motto of “Kids First,” we strive to make our players our utmost concern and make the program fun for all of our families. Last year, we had 14 football teams…. 7 were at the Flag Division level.   

The CCCF Website

Our website, www.cavecreekfootball.com, is our primary means of disbursing information about our football programs. Please visit it on a regular basis.  One of the great features of the website is the ability to send emails through its ‘Announce List.’ This List of email addresses will only be used by CCCF and only for things that are of a general interest nature to our participants. Upon registration, your listed email address(es) will be automatically subscribed.  If you would like to subscribe additional email addresses to the List, please go to the home page and follow the easy steps. If you would like to communicate with the Board, please go to the ‘2008 CCCF Board’ page under the ‘Key Info and Forms’ tab of the website and click the appropriate Board member to easily send an email.

For more information about our programs, please browse through the items under the Key Info and Forms, including 2008 Information Package, 2008 Sponsorship/Donation Form, Parent & Participant Time Commitment Information, & Parent Code of Conduct--just to name a few.  

CAYFL

CCCF is proud to be a charter member of the Central Arizona Youth Football and Cheer League, Inc., (CAYFL), which has jurisdiction within the boundaries of Maricopa County, Arizona. CAYFL, whose website is www.cayfl.net, plays under American Youth Football (AYF) national guidelines.  AYF, headquartered in Miami, Florida, was established in 1996 as an international youth football organization to promote the wholesome development of youth football programs. The National Football League has recognized this firm commitment and has made AYF a “national youth partner.” AYF is one of the fastest growing youth organizations in America and, within just six years, has become active in 44 states with over 350,000 participants. Several seasons ago, both the San Diego and Tucson metro areas made a switch from an affiliation from the Pop Warner program to AYF. Like CAYFL over the past year, they both have seen huge growth and success at both the local and national levels, and have been helpful with the development of CAYFL.  Please visit the AYF website at http://www.americanyouthfootball.comhttp://www.americanyouthfootball.com for more information.