Practice may start on August 1^st however the younger division teams tend to start later.  Practice schedules, times and locations are set by the individual team coaches.  Please do not email the league and ask about practgice schedules and locations.  Only your coach can tell you.  While it is best that players attend all August practices it is understood that vacations and camp sometimes interfere.  Limited absence will be tolerated while significant missed practices may result in less playing time until the player catches up with the rest of his teammates.

The RFL provides Helmets, Shoulder Pads, Game Uniforms and mouth guards to all registered players.  Cleats, practice jerseys and pants and any special pads or protective devices are the players responsibility.

Divisions:

Flag - Entry level football for those not ready for the rigors of a tackle program.  As an instructional league there is no score kept and there are no play-offs.  Practice may begin anytime after August 1, however most Flag teams do not start practice until the end of August.  Games are usually played on Friday evenings and one night during the week.  The season starts the weekend after Labor Day and runs through early November.  Coaches are primarily parents of players but must be approved by the League and complete National Youth Coaches Association (NYSCA) Certification requirements.  Coaches determine practice schedules, locations and time.  There is a must play requirement by which every team member must play at least 8 plays per game.

Ankle Biter -  Entry level instructional tackle football.  As an instructional league there is no score kept and there are no play-offs.  Games are usually played on Saturday mornings.  The season usually starts Labor Day Weekend and runs until late November or the first weekend in December.  Practice may start after August 1.  Prior to the start of school three practices a week are permitted although most coaches practice two times per week.  Once school starts practice is limited to two times per week. Most coaches have either prior coaching experience or have played at high school or college level.  Coaches must be approved annually by the Board of Directors and certified by the National Youth Coaches Association (NYSCA) and USA FOOT BALL.  Coaches determine practice schedules, locations and time.  Ankle Biter games follow a special format which assures equal playing time for all players.

Pony and Pee Wee Divisions – These divisions are only differentiated by weight and slightly different age requirements.  This is novice level tackle football.  Standings are kept and all teams compete for their respective league championships.  While beginners are welcome, a basic knowledge of the game will aid the learning process.  Pee Wee games are usually played on Friday evenings, Pony on Saturday morning and afternoon.  The season usually starts Labor Day Weekend and runs until late November or the first weekend in December.  Practice may start after August 1.  Prior to the start of school four practices a week are permitted although most coaches practice two or three times per week.  Once school starts practice is limited to three times per week although most teams only practice twice.  Most coaches have either prior coaching experience or have played at high school or college level.  Coaches must be approved annually by the Board of Directors and certified by the National Youth Coaches Association (NYSCA) and USA FOOTBALL.  Coaches determine practice schedules, locations and time.  There is a must play requirement by which every team member must play at least 8 plays per game in the Navy Division and 10 in the Army.

Intermediate – Advanced level.  Standings are kept and all teams compete for their respective league championships.  Most players have at least a year of youth football experience and many have several years.  This is a competitive division and many of its participants go on to play high school football.  While first year players are welcome, unless they are exceptional athletes they should be prepared to spend several weeks learning before receiving significant playing time.  Games are usually played on Saturday afternoons or evenings.  The season usually Labor Day Weekend and runs until late November or the first weekend in December.  Practice may start after August 1.  Prior to the start of school four practices a week are permitted.  Once school starts practice is limited to three times per week. Most coaches have either prior coaching experience or have played at high school or college level.  Coaches must be approved annually by the Board of Directors and certified by the National Youth Coaches Association (NYSCA) and USA FOOTBALL.  Coaches determine practice schedules, locations and time.  There is a must play requirement by which every team member must play at least 8 plays per game in the Navy Division and 10 in the Army.

Middle School Football League (MSFL)– These are advanced level teams that have no weight restrictions.  Players are restricted to a team that represents the High School they will most likely play football at in the future.  Players outside the RFL core will be handled on a case by case basis.  Home games are played at Mattie Stepanek Park while away games are played at various locations.  Participation in the Middle School Football League is geared for serious players that are planning on playing high school football.  As such the program is rigorous and demanding to better prepare players for the next level. Like high school football there are no minimum play requirements.  This does not preclude first year players as many due to size have simply never been able to fit into the traditional youth football weight requirements.  Based on the number of participants there may be both a Varsity (6^th – 8^th  graders) and a JV (5^th – 7^th graders) based on experience and ability.  The season usually starts Labor Day Weekend and runs until late November or the first weekend in December.  Practice starts August 1.  Five practices a week are permitted.  All coaches have significant coaching experience and most have played high level football.  Coaches must be approved annually by the Board of Directors and certified by the National Youth Coaches Association (NYSCA) and USA Football.  Coaches determine practice schedules, locations and time.

Cheerleading – The RFL Cheerleading program is attended to introduce the basic fundamentals of cheer as well as promote sportsmanship and spirit.  Squads are made up of girls and boys ages 5 to 14.  Coaches are usually parents with some cheer experience that are aided by area High School cheerleaders that serve as instructors.