FAQs - YOUTH TACKLE

HOW DO I REGISTER?

Registration is done via this website by clicking on the Registration button in the top menu

WHEN IS REGISTRATION?

Registration opens May 15th -June 30th

HOW ARE TEMS SELECTED?

We don’t have "A Teams" and "B Teams", nor do we "cut" players to form team rosters. All players make a team. All players play. Teams will be selected with the "Equi-Draft System". The first day of practice for the younger grade levels will be used for player evaluations. From those evaluations, coaches will participate in an Equi-Draft. The entire league has placed a focus on this element of the game to create a great playing environment where players can learn the fundamentals and grow as a player.  We work had to make the teams as equitable as possible and are unable to move players after team formation.

HOW ARE COACHES SELECTED?

All Orono Youth Football coaches are volunteers. The OYF will be providing coaches with clinics and manuals to teach them our system. Coaches are all required to complete the Concussion Certification program and complete the USA Football Tackle Certification. We expect our coaches to abide by the EFA rules and regulations and to conduct themselves at all times as a role model. We are looking for coaches who will put teaching the game of football and providing a fun, quality experience ahead of winning. Our coaches must never forget that this program is for the players and not the coaches. If you are interested in becoming a coach, please email oronoyouthtfootball@gmail.com.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED?

WHEN DOES PRACTICE START?

Practices start first week of August in 2026 and will be on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-7:30pm

WHERE ARE PRACTICES?

All grades practice normally on fields directly behind the high school. This year please stay tuned as there maybe some challenges with the construction of the new field house.

HOW OFTEN DO THE TEAMS PRACTICE AND HOW LONG FOR?

The frequency of practices will vary somewhat by grade level and game schedules . These practices are usually 1 1/2 in length. After school begins, practice maybe shorten and practice length may vary depending on grade (Remember football has the shortest season of any of the organized sports and the kids have much to learn).

WHEN ARE PRACTICES CANCELLED?

Practices will always be cancelled when a severe weather situation develops, especially the threat of lightning. (If we hear thunder, practice is over!) If your child is at practice and threatening weather conditions develop, it is your responsibility to pick your child up. As a rule, we will practice in drizzle, but not a downpour. A coach will remain at the practice site until all children have been picked up.

ARE PRACTICES MANDATORY? WHAT IF MY CHILD MISSES?

Practices may occasionally be missed. However, a team is dependent on the contribution of each player. For example, how can the coach introduce a new play and expect the plays to work if the whole team has not learned them? A casual attitude toward practice attendance can make the whole team struggle. If a player must miss a practice the parent should notify one of the team’s coaches before each practice to be missed.

WHEN ARE GAMES?

Games typically start a couple weeks after the first practice. Game nights are on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays with start times at 6:30pm or 8:00pm. Saturday games typically start at 9:00am, 10:30 or 12:00pm with an occasional 1:30 or even 3:00pm start. Games are 90 minutes.

WHERE ARE THE GAMES PLAYED?

The field locations are available in the "Field Locations" section of the OYF website at http://www.oronoyouthfootball.org

WHO GETS TO PLAY?

Every attempt will be made to assign a starting position sometime on either offense or defense and it is the goal that each player will play in a minimum of two quarters per game. Players will learn to play both offensive and defensive positions. Also having the opportunity to play different positions during the course of the season. SWML playing time will be followed.

HOW IS PLAYING TIME DECIDED?

Playing time is derived from the SWML rules.  

WHEN DOES THE SEASON END?

The regular season by mid-October. If a playoff or tournament is ever added it should be concluded by the end of October. We are working with other youth sports programs to minimize conflicts with their tryouts.

WHY DO WE HAVE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR BALL CARRIERS?

Safety is job one and this is a safety issue. Statistics show that more injuries occur when smaller players attempt to tackle larger players. Players above the maximum ball carrier weights cannot advance the ball except in the case of a pass interception, fumble recovery or a forward pass. The maximum ball carry weights are listed in the SWML rules for that grade. There is a weigh-in once a year around the second week of the season and it is official and must be performed. If your child exceeds the weight at that time they will be known as a striper and a stripe placed on their helmet

WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE IN PLACE TO HELP ASSURE MY PLAYERS SAFETY AND TO HELP IN THE EVENT OF AN INJURY?

First, each coach is certified by USA Football in "Heads Up Football" fundamentals which teaches kids how to engage in contact with proper techniques to keep them safe.

Secondly, at each and every practice and game, OYF has a medic onsite in case of injury.

Third, all helmets will be inspected by a helmet vendor or qualified person to ensure proper fit and function of the helmet.

NORMALLY FOOTBALL IS PLAYED WITH 11 PLAYERS, WHY DOES OYFA PLAY "NINE MAN" FOOTBALL FOR 4TH AND 5TH GRADE?

In 11 man football, as a rule, there are 4 offensive players who rarely, if ever, touch the football: the guards and tackles. By eliminating one of those positions, more players are eligible to touch the ball, thereby making the game more fun for more players. The game also tends to be more wide-open. In addition, our games are played on an 80-yard field, because the regulation 100-yard field is a lot of real estate for little players. The smaller teams fit very nicely on the 80-yard field.

WHAT IS A FOOTBALL PARENT'S ROLE?

Parents are welcome to attend all practices and games. They are also welcome to communicate with the coaches. We ask that you be patient and supportive of your young player and his coaches. Be quick to praise and slow to criticize.

WHAT IS A FOOTBALL PLAYER'S ROLE?

Football is a team sport. Teams learn together, play together, win together and lose together. A good football player: helps and encourages his teammates, pays attention to the coach, is always a good sport, never complains to the officials and never gives up. If you and your teammates follow these simple rules you will become good football players and you will have a successful season. 

WHAT IF A PARENT HAS A CONCERN OR A COMPLAINT?

Parents are encouraged to communicate with your child’s coaches; however, if you are uncomfortable with this, feel free to talk to the respective grade coordinator. If the issue cannot be resolved at the Coordinator level, the parent may raise the issue with the OYF President. If the parent disagrees with the decision of the President, the OYF has a Board of Directors to which the issue can be appealed. You may engage the Board of Directors by sending a written notice to oronoyouthfootball@gmail.com. It will be forwarded to the OYF President, who will forward to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors decision shall be final and binding, subject to any review provided by the School Administration. You need not be concerned about recrimination and your inquiry or report will be treated confidentially.  Our goal, as well as all concerned, should be to get this situation as right as possible and we are all working toward that end.