Frequently Asked Questions
Tackle Football (Developmental and Competitive)
Tackle Football is open to ages 7-14 divided into age-based teams in accordance with league rules. The age-based teams are 7U, 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, and 14U.
Developmental is for age-based teams 7U and 8U. These teams focus on teaching the fundamentals, safe techniques, and love for the game. Some restrictions are put in place to ensure the safety and success for these age groups. No scores are kept on the scoreboard at this age level.
Competitive Tackle Football is for age-based teams 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U and 14U. This program uses regular tackle football rules at a higher-level play. Scores are kept on the scoreboard during the game and rankings are done via the NJAYF Jersey Shore Conference.
Practices begin mid to late July. Tackle Football players are required a minimum of 10 hours without pads before they can advance to practicing in full pads. Players are then required an additional 10 hours of practice in full pads before they may advance to a scrimmage. Hours are tracked by each team’s coaching staff.
For Tackle Football, games begin mid-August and run through mid-October. This is the regular season. After the regular season, Competitive Tackle Football will continue for those age-based teams who succeed to the playoffs. Playoffs tend to begin directly after the regular season and can run through the end of November depending on the team’s success. Games are held on either Saturdays or Sundays depending on the game schedule that week.
The league will hold a few equipment handout dates before the season begins. Equipment that is provided by the league are as follows: helmet, shoulder pads, guardian cap, practice pants, belts and knee pads.
You are responsible to purchase uniform jersey, uniform pants, mouth guard, girdle, rib guard and cleats for your player. In addition to these items, practice jerseys and player packs are available for purchase, but are not required.
Players are permitted to use their own helmets and shoulder pads as long as they meet all the safety and certification standards required by the league. Gloves and other accessories such as visors must meet the NJAYF Jersey Shore Conference standards.
No, any child that wishes to play and is eligible can play tackle football.
Flag Football
Our Flag Football program is open to boys and girls who are ages 4-6 on 7/1 of that year. For example: John is 6 years old on 7/1/26 and turns 7 on 8/31/26. He will still be eligible to play Flag Football as he was 6 on or before 7/1 of that season.
Practices usually begin 2 days a week starting the first week of August. Games will begin the first week of September and end late October. Games are played on either Mondays or Wednesdays depending on the game schedule that week.
Players will be provided a reversible jersey and flags to wear to practices and games. You will be responsible for purchasing a mouth guard, socks, shorts, and cleats.
Yes! Flag Football is open to both boys and girls.
Competition Cheer
Competition Cheer is a higher-commitment program where teams learn a choreographed routine that includes stunts, tumbling, jumps, dance and formations and perform at local and/or regional competitions. In addition to these competitions, you are required to do some sideline cheer for the Tackle Football games.
Competition Cheer is open to ages 7-14 depending on interest. The teams are as follows: D8, D10, D12, and D14. D8 will be athletes between the ages of 7-8. D14, D12, and D10 are typically athletes between the ages of 8-14. Currently, D10 athletes compete at Level 1, focusing on strong fundamentals, clean technique and building the foundation for advanced skills. D12 athletes compete at Level 2, showcasing elevated tumbling, stunting, and performance skills as they continue to advance in the sport. D14 will be formed if there is enough interest. All practices, games and competitions are mandatory for team members.
Competitive Cheer typically kicks off with a 3 day choreography camp in mid-July, where athletes learn their routine and begin building team cohesion. Regular practices start in late July with teams training 2 to 3 times per week. Games will begin mid-August and end mid-October. Games are held on either Saturdays or Sundays depending on the game schedule that week. If a Competitive Tackle Football team advances to playoffs, you may be called on to cheer for those games through the end of October and into November. Additional practices may be added at the coach’s discretion. Nationals take place in early December.
Athletes will be provided pom-poms for the season. You will be responsible for purchasing the cheer uniform (top, skirt and cheer briefs), bow, cheer shoes, and socks. All competition cheerleaders are required to purchase their uniforms by May 13. Any uniforms purchased after May 13 will include a rush order fee.
Yes! Competition Cheer squads cheer on the sidelines for Tackle Football games and may participate in halftime routines.
Tumbling is not a requirement for Competition Cheer, but it is encouraged and can provide a strong advantage for athletes. Tumbling clinics are offered throughout the season to help support the advancement and continued skill development of our athletes.
No, there are no tryouts for Competition Cheer. However, athletes must commit to advancing to regional and national competitions if the team qualifies. This includes accepting any additional travel requirements, expenses, and fees that come with the advancement of the team.
Game Day Cheer
Game Day Cheerleaders cheer on the sidelines for our Tackle Football teams and perform sideline chants, halftime routines and stunts appropriate for their level. All games are mandatory on the weekends.
Practices usually begin once a week starting the last week of July. Games will begin mid-August and end mid-October. Games are held on either Saturdays or Sundays depending on the game schedule that week. If a Competitive Tackle Football team advances to playoffs, you may be called on to cheer for those games through the end of October and into November.
Athletes will be provided uniforms and pom-poms for the season. You will be responsible for purchasing bow, sneakers, and socks.
Yes! Game Day Cheer squads cheer on the sidelines for Tackle Football games and may participate in simple halftime routines.
Flag Cheer
Flag Cheer is our introductory cheerleading program that supports Flag Football teams. It focuses on basic motions, simple cheers and having fun.
Our Flag Cheer program is open to girls who are ages 5-6 on 7/1 of that year. For example: Jane is 6 years old on 7/1/26 and turns 7 on 8/31/26. She will still be eligible to participate in Flag Cheer as she was 6 on or before 7/1 of that season.
Practices usually begin 2 days a week starting the first week of August. Games will begin the first week of September and end late October. Games are held on either Mondays or Wednesdays depending on the game schedule that week. There is also 1 mandatory cheer expo held in early October.
Yes! Flag Cheer squads cheer on the sidelines for Flag Football games and may participate in simple halftime routines.
General Registration & Policies
Registration will open via TeamSnap for all levels of Football and Cheer mid March. Registration for Tackle Football and Competition Cheer will close June 1st.
When signing your child up, you will be given an option to sign up to coach. If selected, you will be subjected to complete a background check along with required trainings.