Tell me a little bit about the program.
KWJFL
is part of the Gateway Football League (GFL). Rules regarding the
formation of teams, types of play, age, running weight, etc. are
created by the GFL and adhered to by all of the participating areas.
While our purpose is to convey the fundamentals of football in an
instructional way, the league is competitive in nature. You can expect
to see contact football played in a competitive manner throughout the
season. Our three core fundamentals are: teaching the fundamentals of
football, having FUN, and promoting safety.
When can I register?
Online Registration is available on May 1st. In-person registration is available at Kirkwood Community Center during late June - July of each year.
When and where are practices held?
For
the first two week, teams may meet up to five times per week. During
these first two weeks, practice times will be 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Beginning the week of August 14th, practices will be on Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. All practices will
be at Green Tree Park on Marshall Road. The first practice will is the first Monday of August. Attendance to all practices is crucial to the success
of your player in this program.
When and where are games played?
Gamess
are played on Saturdays or Sundays, however all game days, times and
locations will be determined by the schedule created by the GFL. All
home games will be at Green Tree Park, where practice is held.
What will we need to get started?
Our registration fee includes the use of our football equipment.
All you will need to provide is a mouthpiece, protective cup and
football shoes (molded cleats only). A birth certificate and copy of a
school report card is needed for league weigh-in/registration. It must
be a state-issued birth certificate with the raised seal intact. All
birth certificates and report cards will be returned.
In
addition, no player will be allowed to participate without a physical
examination by a doctor. This physical must state that the player can
participate in contact football. Copies on the necessary form can be
obtained at registration. Note: The league provides an opportunity to get a physical at the cost of $10.00. All proceeds are donated back to the KWJFL.
Are there a minimum number of plays per player?
GFL does not have a minimum # of plays. However, KWJFL guarantees
that all players in 2nd-5th grade receive 6 plays per half (12 total)
and 8 plays per game for 6th-8th grade. Many other organizations do not
institute a minimum # of plays.
What is the average roster size?
The average roster size is less than 25 players per team. This allows significant playing time for all players and an solid ratio of coaches : players.
Are there cuts?
No
player should be cut. The GFL establishes roster limits of 35 players
for all teams. So, players should not be cut. If a 36th or 37th player
signs-up, KWJFL will look at creating a second team (~18 players per
team). There may be rare occasions where a player is cut if a second
team cannot be formed. Players may be dismissed from a team based upon
conduct (player or parent), attendance, or a board decision to remove a
player from the team.
My child is a 1st grader, can he play?
1st grade players
turning 7 before January 1st, are allowed to play with the 2nd grade
team. 1st graders who turn 7 after 1/1, will be allowed to practice in
a pending-status and reviewed by the Board after two weeks of practice for final roster determination.
Can my child play up a grade?
We understand that
parents with multiple children may wish for them to play together (a
5th grader with a 6th grader). However, KWJFL does not support anyone
"playing up". Safety is one of our three core fundamentals; and playing
up at the youth age could greatly reduce the safety of the game for
that player and their teammates.
What if my player decides football is not for him?
Refunds of the registration fee, minus a $20.00 processing fee,
are available to players who choose not to play prior to the official
weigh-in. Requests for refund must be sent to VP Administration at 842
Spring Hill Farm Drive, Ballwin, MO 63021 prior to Sept. 30th. A refund
form is included in your registration packet. It must be completed,
signed by the coach and received by the above deadline for a refund to
be issued. All equipment must be returned before a refund is processed.
Who decides what team my player is on?
Player
assignment is based on the grade of an individual player. We do make
every attempt to keep a returning player on the same team, but cannot
guarantee that assignment from year to year. New players may request a
coach and will usually be placed on that team but their is no guarantee
we can place that player on that team. New players who do not request a
coach, will be placed on teams at random, to balance rosters. Those
registering on-line will be notified of what team they are on by July
1st or within 14 days of registering; whichever is later.
What are weigh-ins?
In
mid/late August, all players will be required to attend
weigh-ins/registration. This is the event where the Gateway Football
League verifies the grade, age, and running weight of each potential
player. Please be aware that this is the only chance for a player to
establish a roster spot on a team (other than highly unusual
circumstances, in which case the player will weigh in a week later.)
When does my player get a photo I.D. card?
All
players get a new I.D. card each year and they must have a birth
certificate and copy of a report card (showing their grade). IDs are
taken at the weigh-in.
Beyond the registration fee, what other fundraising is expected?
In
addition to the registration fee, the individual teams may have
additional
fundraising activities planned to offset the cost of the $1000 team
fee, banquet, trophies, jerseys, etc. Also, the KWJFL expects each
family to participate in one work-duty event. This offers you the
option to choose between a variety of volunteer options, including
working weigh-ins, website tech support, field duties (concessions,
chain-gang, policing the field). More information on this will be
forthcoming.
What is the role of parents at practices and games?
Parents
are asked to be supportive of players, coaches and officials at all
games and practices. We are proud to have a reputation of good
sportsmanship and ask that you help us to continue in this manner.
Because of limited space, we ask that all spectators stay off game and
practice fields. You are welcome to observe all activities from the
periphery, but not from within a practice or game area. This is to
create a safer environment for all of our players.
Where do I park?
Parking
is at a premium on practice nights and game days. The Kirkwood police
request that you not park along Marshall Road. In addition, please
refrain from parking along the park drive on the field side (exit
direction). This creates an unsafe situation for kids coming off the
field. You can park in the parking lots, in the lots across Marshall
Rd. and in the gravel lot adjoining the baseball complex.
Do you perform background checks?
Yes,
background checks are run on all coaches, administration, and others
before they can join the KWJFL and interact with your kids.
Other questions?
Please feel free to ask your coach or a board member if you would like a rule clarified or have additional questions.
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