DATES - Our season is tentatively scheduled to start April 14th (weather permitting) and will run through May 19th (weekend prior to Memorial Day). If our teams do not play at least 5 games due to weather cancelations or delays, we may attempt (but can't guarantee) to use June 2nd as a make-up day based upon field availability.
The Spring Football League will be broken up into 5 Age Divisions:
VARSITY DIVISION - 7th and 8th Grade
JUNIOR VARSITY DIVISION - 5th and 6th Grade
GOLD DIVISION - 3rd and 4th Grade
CRIMSON DIVISION - Kindergarten through 2nd Grade
Crimson Division will be split into an EAST and WEST sub-division based upon experience and football knowledge. One will spend more time focusing on basics and fundamentals while the other will be a bit more advanced for those who have football experience. All Kindergartners will be placed in the beginner level group.
PRACTICE AND GAMES - Games will be held each Sunday during the season with coaches holding pre-game practices at their discretion prior to game times. No sanctioned practices are allowed outside of a one hour window prior to the scheduled weekly game time. Specific game schedules will be released as field availability is announced.
FORMAT - We play a 5 on 5 Flag game on a 40 yard field. This is a low pressure league, and we encourage coaches to give the kids as much autonomy as they can. We obviously want coaches much more involved with teaching football strategy and skills at the Crimson Level, but want the kids to have the opportunity to increase their level of input for play calling and in-game strategy at each ascending level, to the point that we encourage our Varsity Division teams to have their coaches merely watch from the sidelines and assist in rotations while the players manage the game themselves.
GAME LOCATIONS - MGYFA is providing the administration and oversight to this Spring Flag Football Program on behalf of the City of Maple Grove and the Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Department. Unlike our Fall Football Season, MGYFA does not have exclusive rights to Fernbrook Fields in the Spring, and as a result we will need to utilize other facilities within the City of Maple Grove, which could include Fernbrook Fields, the Dome Turf at Maple Grove High School, Maple Grove Middle School and the new Gleason Fields complex. The City of Maple Grove is responsible for our Field Assignments.
GAME DAY OFFICIALS - We utilize High School aged kids as our referees, most of whom are in the Maple Grove Football program.
UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT - We will provide all players a jersey and flag set, and each team with one football. Every player must provide their own mouth guard, and football cleats are recommended but not required (molded spikes only, no metal). No metal jewelry, watches or wearable technology (anything with metal or hard plastic) are allowed. Silicon or braided fabric bracelets/necklaces are OK.