Frequently Asked Questions

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SECTION ONE - FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Registration

"How much is the Registration Fee for Football players this year?"

The 2013 Football Registration Fee is $175 with mandatory league fundraiser or you may opt to not participate in fundraiser and pay $250.

"When is the last day to register?"

Registration will close on July 20th.

"Is there a sibling discount available for Football players this year?"

If you are using the all buyout option, please email us at registrar@humblefootball.org upon completing payment. We will refund $10 for each sibling after the first one. If you are participating in the fundraiser, no additional discounts are available.

"What is included with the paid Registration Fee?"

• One upgraded tackle twill jersey
  
• Game pants
• Game socks
• Helmet decals
• Photo package
• Participation Trophy
• Program Book

Please Note: Players who withdraw from the league prior to season end may not receive trophies, pictures or program book which are presented at season-end awards ceremony.

"What else are registration fees used for?"

The balance of our players' fees helps pay for ongoing field maintenance, officials' fees, insurance, utilities, concessions, field equipment, maintenance for things like scoreboards, sound and concession equipment along with advertising and promotion of the league. Our fee only covers the basic operating expenses for each season.

The HAFL relies 100% on Sponsorships and Fund Raising efforts to provide funding for capital improvements and major repairs to our facilities. These efforts are critical to improving the quality of the HAFL playing fields and facilities. Our Rushing Memorial Field-house and the new Celebration Turf on our playing fields were all built through donated funds and fundraising efforts.

"How do I register my child?"

On-line registration is available for anyone with access to the internet simply by visiting the registration page on our website. If you do not have online access, you may visit any of our registration or tryout events. Visit our calendar page for dates and times.

What is the HAFL's Refund Policy?

There will be a full refund less a $50 administrative fee if a player chooses not to play prior to the draft. If you did not buyout, all Spirit Card sales funds must be turned in, or the Spirit Cards themelves must be returned prior to any refund being granted. There will be no refund after the draft. All refund requests MUST BE IN WRITING.

To request a refund email: registrar@humblefootball.org prior to July 20.

Combines (Tryouts) & Team Selection

"What are the age classifications for football players?"

Players are assigned to one of the following four divisions based on their age as of July 31, 2011.

"How is the draft organized?"

The draft for each division will be held on July 21. All Coaches will draw numbers to determine their position in the draft prior to the beginning of each Division.

"Who are the coaches?"

All of the coaches are volunteers and certified by USA Football. Most have previous football coaching and/or playing experience. Many of the coaches have coached in the HAFL in the past. The coaches go through a screening and evaluation process and background check by the Coaches Selection Committee in an effort to find the most qualified coaches. This is not an easy job. If you have prior coaching and/or playing experience, please let us know. We are always looking for individuals who are willing to share their time to develop the youth of our community. If you are interested in volunteering as a Head Coach please contact us at: president@humblefootball.org.

"Can players from Middle School Teams play?"

YES! Players participating in Junior High/Middle School programs are eligible for play in the HAFL as long as they meet the HAFL age requirements.

Equipment

"What equipment will be needed for contact football?"

• Helmet and Face Mask, properly sized and meeting NOCSAE standards
• Shoulder Pads
• Football Cleats (Molded Rubber)
• 7-Piece Pad Set (Hip, Knee, Tailbone and Thigh Pads)
• Practice Pants
• Practice Jersey
• Mouthpiece

Any other equipment you may elect to purchase would be over and above the minimum required. The HAFL provides Helmet Decals, Game Socks, Game Pants and Home/Away Game Jerseys. Each player must wear the full uniform to each game.

"What football is used within each division of the HAFL?"

The HAFL uses the following football in the following divisions:

• Freshman: Wilson K2
• Sophomore: Wilson K2
• Junior: Wilson TDJ
• Senior: Wilson TDY

Season & Competition

"How often and where will my child practice?"

By rule, there can be a maximum of four (4) events (games and practices) per week. Your child's coach will determine your practice site and schedule. (Normally at one of the area Elementary or Middle schools.)

Please understand this is a large time commitment. HAFL is a competitive league and the safety of our players will require a commitment from parents to make sure your player is at all practices. Learning their position and the correct fundamentals of football are paramount to the success and safety of your child.

"How long is the HAFL Season?"

The first Regular Season game will be Saturday, August 24 and play a planned 8 to 9 game regular season. Every team is then included in the playoff schedule for the privilege of playing in their divisional Superbowl. The playoff schedule is usually conducted over a two week period and some games may be scheduled mid-week during this part of the season.

The Regular Season concludes after the Tournament of Champions in which all teams will participate. Following the Regular Season we will begin the All-Star Season. There is an additional fee to participate in All-Stars. Players are selected to the All-Star Team by the head coach of each All-Star division team with recommendations from regular season head coaches.

"Will my child be guaranteed playing time in Regular Season?"

Yes. HAFL is founded on the principal that every child plays and every child makes a team.

Each player will have an offensive or defensive position and will play at least the first four (4) downs of each series at that position, if they are eligible. (A player could be deemed ineligible by not having made practices during the prior week or having been ejected by officials for a violation with a carry-over penalty.) Kickoff and receiving teams are not considered offensive or defensive positions.

Player participation rules apply in all games sanctioned by the HAFL and its Board of Directors regardless of where played.

A twelfth (12^th) offensive man may be used to shuttle in plays; however, the shuttle players MUST play every other offensive down.

Post Season Tournament Teams- (ALL_STAR TEAMS)

"Will my child be guaranteed playing time in All-Star Season?"

No. All-Star teams do not have a minimum play time rule.

"Who will Coach the All-Star Teams?"

The HAFL Board reserves the right to approve all coaches representing the League in Post-Season play. To qualify to coach the Post Season Team, the prospective coach must have not have received any Disciplinary Action filed against him during the current or most recent past season.

If the Super Bowl winning Head Coach in each Division qualifies, he will be offered the position of Head Coach of the Post Season Tournament Team. If this person declines the position or does not qualify, it will be offered to the Super Bowl runner up Head Coach. He must qualify with the above criteria as well. Assistants will be chosen by the Head Coach and will be limited to (3) Assistants. All Assistant Coaches must qualify with the above criteria as well

"How are the teams selected for Post-Season Tournament Play?"

The All-Star Team Head Coach selects the "Best of the Best" Tournament Team with input from other Coaches in the Division. The Head Coach is responsible for selecting his own Tournament Team Coaching Staff subject to final approval by the Executive Board of HAFL. The fee to participate, collected at All Star registration, covers the new uniform that each player will be given. These tournaments will be played throughout November and December.

"Where will the tournaments be?"

HAFL will be sponsoring tournaments this year in conjunction with our membership in the Lone Star Youth Football Alliance. Normally there are three local tournaments within our Alliance.

If teams choose and have approval from the HAFL Executive Board, teams may travel to enter tournaments outside of our Alliance group. When teams are traveling to out of town games they are responsible for their own transportation, meals and lodging expenses.

SECTION TWO - CHEERLEADERS