CFAQ’s
ALL FLAG AND TACKLE FOOTBALL PLAYERS MUST ATTEND PLAYER CERTIFICATION TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FALL FOOTBALL SEASON
What are Player Certifications?
All Flag/Tackle players must be certified by the league. United North Texas Youth Football certifies football players based on the following criteria:
Age: Your child’s birth certificate or a copy of their birth certificate will be used for age verification (required for both Flag and Tackle divisions).
Weight: Tackle players will be weighed at certification. Players exceeding the weight restriction for each age grouping will have a sticker notation on their helmet indicating that they may not carry the ball on offense. For additional information on weight restricted players, please contact football@bya.org.
What are the age requirements for participation?
Football
Flag Football – boys 4-6 years old (must be 4 as of September 1 and may not be 7 on or before September 1st of current year)
Tackle Football – boys ages 7 – 12 (may not be 13 on or before September 1st, or in 7th grade)
Cheer
Cheer Division – girls 4-12 years
How are the football teams composed? Can my daughter cheer for her brother’s team?
United North Texas Youth Football Association is an age-based league:
Flag Division: Ages 4 & 5, and 6U
Tackle Football: Ages 7-12
*Players who desire to play up one age level must complete a “Play Up” request form at registration.
In regard to cheering for a sibling’s team, BYA makes every effort to pair siblings together when they are able to do so; however if there is not a cheer team assigned (due to volume) to a particular team, we are not able to accommodate the sibling request. Typically, cheerleaders are assigned by age division unless they request to play on another squad due to siblings.
Do we have to live in Burleson to participate? Does my child need experience to participate?
No, you do not have to live in Burleson. BYA Football is focused on teaching the fundamentals for the sport at all ages so prior experience is not required.
Does BYA require a copy of my child’s birth certificate for participation with Football?
Yes, it’s required. A copy of your child’s birth certificate will be required at sign ups to remain on file with BYA for both Flag and Tackle football teams. Players on the 11u/12u team will be required to show proof that they are not in 7th grade by providing a copy of their report card/progress report.
Do the Raiders travel? Where do the Raiders play their home games?
Plan to travel for 50% of games. Typically, our home games are played at Centennial High School and Hughes Middle School, however, if there is a change you will be notified by your Coach/Team Mom. For away games you may be required to travel to Aledo, Castleberry (LYSA), Denton, Ennis, Ferris, Forney, Keller, Kennedale, Lake Worth, Midlothian, Saginaw, Seagoville, Terrell and Waxahachie.
Are there restrictions at game fields and stadiums?
All Burleson home games have Clear Bag Policy and No outside food or drink allowed. Just act as if you were going to any high school or middle school game in Burleson ISD stadiums or fields. Some fields have different rules but will be posted on the league website what restrictions each have.
When is the first practice and where?
Conditioning camp will be posted to the facebook page. Football players need to come to conditioning camp in shorts, t-shirts, and cleats or tennis shoes (no pads). Team practice information will be communicated by your coach once the player is assigned to a team. Team practices will begin the 3rd week of July; attire at team practices will be determined by the coach.
When will the season begin and how long will it last?
The official schedule is not set until after scheduled player certifications in August, however, games typically start at the end of August through October. Playoffs typically begin in October and continue until the team is eliminated or proceeds to the Super Bowl. Expect the season to cover August through November.
When will we receive a schedule for the season?
A schedule will be provided to the teams prior to the first game of the season, which may be Labor Day weekend, but not until all schedule player certifications are complete (schedules are typically released the week prior to season start date).
Will the schedule or game location change?
The schedule is subject to change based on many reasons. Additionally locations can change at the last minute, due to field conditions, etc. We will get any changes to you as soon as we are notified.
Do we pay to get into the games?
Yes. Spectators pay for admission to games at all NWTYFA locations. This fee is set by the league, not BYA. (Players and cheerleaders in uniform do not pay entry fees). The entry fees cover the costs of field rentals, monitor or janitorial fees, and payment to the referees.
What does my registration fee pay for?
What other expenses might be incurred to participate?
You will be provided with a list of equipment that your child will need. Some of these items are safety equipment (helmet, shoulder pads, mouthpiece); other items are those that complete their uniform (socks/shoes).
What additional expenses are incurred by the BYA for my child to participate?
Additional expenses that are incurred by BYA include: Official (Refs) Fees, Field Rentals, Field Prep and maintenance and monitor/janitorial fees. Gate fees are collected at each game location. The fees collected help each organization cover the expenses and help keep registration fees low.
What’s the best way to stay in contact?
Emails are the easiest and most frequent method used; make sure your email address is correct/current in the BYA registration system and with your coach/team mom. Additionally, check the BYA Raiders Football Facebook www.facebook.com/BYARaiders page frequently. Once your child is placed on a team or squad, information will be provided by your Coach or Team Mom. The BYA Facebook (Burleson Youth Association, Inc. in addition to BYA Raiders Football) and Twitter (@myBYAsports) pages will also be updated with pertinent information so be sure to follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter!
How can I contact someone before the season starts with questions, issues or concerns?
Football: Doug Melchior football@bya.org
Cheer: India Thompson cheer@bya.org