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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find the answer you are looking for here, contact your child's coaching staff or email us

What Forms are required for Equipment Checkout?

Review the pre-season to dos. When you check in to get your equipment, please bring your forms with you.  
1. OSAA Medical Release Form, signed by your doctor or nurse.  Only this form is allowed, no other form provided by your doctor.
2. 7th/8th grade players must have a Concussion Baseline test.     

Do I have to participate in Fundraising?

Fundraising will be required by all Southridge Youth Tackle Football participants.  It is an extremely important part of our program and gives Southridge the ability to provide high-quality equipment and covers growing operating costs. 

This season's fundraising is Tillamook Country Smoker beef stick sales, each player is expected to sell about $150 in product to meet their fundraising expectations.  You are also welcome to pay $150 for your share of fundraising during registration and opt-out of sales.

What is Concussion Baseline Testing?

To ensure the health and safety of our players, SYF requires baseline concussion testing. This is a non-invasive virtual test (video-game type format) that takes about 15-20 minutes.  All results are confidential.  It is required for 7 & 8th grade players

Who can sign up for Tackle Football?

Youth in the 3rd through 8th grades are eligible to sign up if they live within the Southridge High School attendance boundary or if their private school is located within the Southridge High School boundary. To find out if you live within the Southridge High School boundary, click here (Beaverton School District locator).

What is TVYFL?

Tualatin Valley Football League is the umbrella organization that coordinates the play between the 31 individual youth football associations in the Portland Metro area. They provide the rules, the schedules and the officials for the approximately 200 teams and 6,000 players. For more information see the TVYFL website.

What is the time commitment?

We will be honest, football is a big time commitment. Preseason, Tackle players are required to log There are ten hours of practice per week before school starts, dropping to six hours per week after school starts. There is one game every Saturday after school starts. For more information see our Calendar section.

Do I have to start playing in 3rd grade?

No. We have many new players at each grade level who do great! All players are developing, you won't be behind based on how long you have played.

What is Minimum Pre-Season Conditioning?

As stated in the TVYFL League Operations guide (page 33), Players must meet minimum of 10 conditioning hours in order to wear pads and 4 hours in pads to qualify for play. 
The season officially starts 4 weeks before Labor day, this is when those conditioning hours can start to accumulate. 
We leverage the Sky Hawk Conditioning Camp to meet half of those hours, the remaining are picked up during regular practice scheduled prior to the Jamboree and first scheduled game.

  • The first 10 hours of practice are dedicated to conditioning in helmet, no pads.
  • After meeting the 10 hour minimum a player can begin to wear pads in practice.
  • After 4 hours of practice in full gear, a player is qualified to play
  • A player must have the accumulated 14 hours of practice in order to play in the Jamboree & First Game
What if I have scheduled a vacation during practice time?

Go and enjoy yourself. Football will still be here when you get back. But please tell your coach as soon as possible that you will be gone.

With that said, Pre-Season training in August is very important. if you have ANY flexibility, please try to schedule around Skyhawk camp.  With TVYFL conditioning requirements, it is important that your player be there if at all possible so they are not delayed in their ability to start the season on schedule with the rest of their team.

Can Girls Play?

Absolutely!!!

Where do I go to sign up?

Visit our Registration Page to get started for both Tackle and Flag Football.  Registration closes July 15th.

Where can I get information about Scholarships?

Please contact our Registrar and they will help you out!

How late can I sign up?

2025 season:  Registration will close on July 15th.  The league is strict and will not allow late sign-ups, please register early if you are considering play.

Do I need a THPRD # to register?

Yes, because we practice and play on fields owned and maintained by THPRD, we are required to provide them that number.  All players living inside and outside the THPRD boundaries are required to provide a THPRD number.  Please contact THPRD to obtain your number. 

Does a Doctor have to sign my Medical Release Form?

Yes. An M.D. or a Nurse Practitioner must sign your medical release form.  We will not accept a stamped signature.  They do need to sign the form provided during registration.  (Some medical offices give you their own sports physical form -- we will not accept this form.)  Flag Football will not need a Medical Release Form.  Medical releases are good for 2 years from the date of exam.

When do I turn in my Medical Release Form? 

Three options:  (1) Scan and attach the form during registration (2) Email the form to the Registrar at registrar.syf@gmail.com.  (3) Bring the form with you to the equipment issue day at Whitford MS.  We must have this form completed and signed by both the parent and doctor or nurse practitioner before we can give you your equipment.   See the pre-season to dos.  

Do I need a physical?

This is up to your doctor. If they have seen the player for an exam recently enough, many doctors will sign the release form. Many insurance companies will only cover a physical once every two years. Frequently you can email the form to your doctor's office and they will fax or mail it back to you. It is up to your doctor's discretion whether or not they have seen you recently enough to determine if they can sign the release.

Equipment:

As mentioned above, TVYFL Player Registration Contract and TVYFL Medical Release forms must be completed, signed and brought to equipment handout before you player can receive equipment.   See the pre-season to dos.  

What equipment is provided?

SYF provides almost everything you need to play. Your helmet, mouth guard, needed pads, pants, and game jersey are all provided.  Our players are growing fast, and as a result we have many pairs of donated pre-worn cleats available as well if you would like to see if any will fit your player before buying new.

What equipment do I have to provide?

Football cleats that are molded or are internally threaded shoes where no post is extending from the shoe. Maximum size of the cleat is 1/2 inch. No all metal, primarily metal or metal tipped cleats may be worn.

Athletic cups and supporters are not required.  Girdles with pads are optional.Most players might need an additional mouthguard throughout the season. If you wear braces, you may want to ask your Orthodontist about any special mouth protection that you may need.  

My helmet hurts -- can I get a different one?

It is very common for your helmet to feel uncomfortable and even hurt your head for the first couple of weeks. Helmets must fit tightly to ensure a correct fit. Our equipment managers take the necessary time to make sure that each helmet is fitted properly. We recommend that once you get your equipment, that you wear your helmet before practice in order to break it in and get used to how it feels. When you put it on, remember to pull it all the way down, hard. If you continue to have discomfort, please let your coach know and we will have our equipment managers adjust the fit of your helmet. 
Important: nothing can be worn between the head and the helmet, it will void the warranty of the helmet (buffs, bandanas, etc.)

What kind of cleats do I need?

TVYFL rules require that our players wear football cleats that are designed for youth football. They must be either a molded cleat or internally threaded shoes where no post is extending from the shoe (instead, the cleat post--screws internally into the shoe). Maximum size of cleat is 1/2 inch (measured from tip of cleat to base of shoe). No all metal, primarily metal, or metal tipped cleats may be worn.

We have pre-worn cleats available if you would like to wait until gear pickup to purchase new cleats for your player.

What if there is a problem with my equipment?

Many problems can be corrected using the tools and supplies that each team has, so contact your coach for assistance. If they can not resolve the issue, then they will arrange to get you a replacement.

When and Where do I get my equipment?

Please refer to the calendar for dates and times.  Our equipment is stored at Whitford MS and pickup will be there at some point before regular practice starts.

How are the teams divided? Do I have to try out?
  • We do not cut players or have a waiting list.
  • As long as your registration is complete and paid, you will be placed on a team.
  • In the event that we do not have enough registered player to have a team at a certain age level, we will work with neighboring clubs to ensure players can be transferred to another organization. This has occurred in the past and if necessary, the decision will be made prior to the league registration deadline of July 15.
  • In the event we have enough registrations to field more than one team at a grade level or division the teams are divided by a draft. The purpose of the draft is to ensure that the teams are divided as equally as possible. TVYFL rules dictates that all teams be evenly matched across talent and skill levels, with no "stacked" or "developmental" teams. 
  • Maximum count of registrations that would spur more than 1 team per level are:
    • Flag: 12
    • 3/4 Rookie Tackle: 21
    • 5/6 Sr. Tackle: 33
    • 7/8 Blend: 33
    • JV (7th) or Varsity (8th) Tackle: 33
Can I request to be placed on a team with a friend?

Unfortunately no. TVYFL requirements are very straight forward. One of the great things about Southridge Youth Football is that all of the players will be mixed with same-aged players from other elementary and middle schools. All of these schools feed into Southridge High School, so this helps them develop friends they will eventually go to school with. Siblings are the one exception to this rule.

Can I request a specific coach?

No, see above.

How are the coaches picked? 

Applicants for head coaching positions are reviewed and selected by the Southridge Youth Football Board. Assistant coaches are selected by the head coach, usually from among the parents of their players. All coaches are subject to a background check.

The Game Rules: 

Refer to TVYFL Rules
Tualatin Valley Youth Football League adheres to all other rules and regulations as outlined in the current, official National Federation of State High School Associations rulebook. (NFHS).

What is the Ball Carry Weight?

Maximum Player Weight allowed to carry the football is important to enforce fair play and safety during games:

  • 3rd and 4th Grade - 105 Pounds
  • 5th and 6th Grade - 130 Pounds
  • 7/8 Blend - 165 Pounds
  • JV (7th) - 150 Pounds
  • Varsity  (8th)- 175 Pounds
What is  Striper?

A stripe is placed on the front and back of a player's helmet if they weigh above the ball carry weight for their division.  This is an important safety rule that prevents kids that are significantly larger than others of their age from being able to run the ball, it also ensures fairness of play by not allowing significantly larger and difficult to tackle players to run the ball for touchdowns. 
These players must play a line position and if they do end up with the ball in their hands during play, must immediately take a knee and end the play. 
This rule is enforced before each game during the weigh-in process.

Are Coaches and Board Members paid? 

Everyone associated with Southridge Youth Football are volunteers donating hundred of hours year-round to help make this program a success. 
This is a non-profit organization, all monies collected are applied directly to operating costs, equipment and league fees.

Who can be a Head Coach or Assistant Coach?

 Anyone with the ability to put in the time commitment. All coaches must register through the TVYFL website every season. Head coaches should have a basic knowledge of football, and can apply it at the youth level. Head coaching experience is desired, but not necessary.  Head coaching candidates are interviewed by the board at the beginning of the year. All coaches are required to undergo a back ground check. All coaches will also be required to help out with equipment fittings and equipment handout prior to the start of the season.

Why are there so many coaches for each team? 

Football is a very technical sport. Players have to be taught both offensive and defensive skills and positions. Many coaching staffs are made up of a head coach and "experts" in each of the different disciplines. Additionally, because football is a contact sport, the additional coaching staff increases the safety factor at practice while players are learning new skills.                         

Practice Info

• When do practices start?

The season begins the second week in August with Skyhawk Camp. These five days complete our conditioning period. Every player must have 10 hours of conditioning before wearing full pads. Regular practices begin the Monday after Skyhawk Camp.

• How long are practices?

Most practices are 2 hours long. Practice time does NOT include water breaks, so plan on two and a half hours for each practice. Each coach will set their own practice start and end times and communicate them to the parents at the very beginning of the season.

• How many practices are there per week?

Between the end of the Skyhawk Camp and the start of school, each team will practice 10 hours per week. After the start of school, each team will practice 6 hours a week. Water breaks are not part of that time. Game day is not considered practice time.

• What about the vacation I have scheduled?

Go and enjoy yourself. Football will still be here when you get back. But please tell your coach as soon as you can. With that said, if you have any flexibility, try to schedule around the football season, especially August. But it won't be the end of the world if you miss a week. Also note that there are minimum times for condition before a player can wear pads, and minimum time in pads before a player can scrimmage or play in a game.

• Is practice cancelled because of weather?

Yes, We have canceled practice due to Heat index and smoke from local firers. The cancellation is issued from the president of SYF. We will practice in the rain, cold, heat, or snow, as long as it's safe for our players.

• What should my child bring to practice?

Our League by-laws require that each child have ten hours of conditioning prior to wearing the full uniform. For this conditioning period they should wear shorts, a t-shirt, cleats, mouthpiece, and their helmet. Once they have satisfied the conditioning requirement, we will wear full uniform every practice. This consists of helmet with mouth guard, shoulder pads, practice jersey, pants with all pads, and cleats. Finally, every player should bring PLENTY of water to each practice. We CANNOT over-emphasize the importance of this. We recommend at LEAST 1/2 gallon or more. This will be especially important on hot days.

• How should my child prepare for practice?

Drinking plenty of water prior to practice is key, especially in warm weather. We do not recommend that they eat heavily before practice. It's also a good idea to skip sugary drinks or soda on practice days. Once school starts, it's a good idea to make your child responsible for their gear and to set it up at night before they go to sleep. We see players show up at practice missing gear all the time. If they aren't fully dressed, they can't practice and this is detrimental to the team. The most commonly forgotten items are mouth guards.

 

Game Information

• How long are the games?

Games are made up of four 10 minute quarters. With clock stoppages, half time, moving the chains, etc., most games last nearly two hours. In addition, players are expected to be at the field an hour before the game to warm up and weigh in. So count on spending 3 hours at a game. If the game ends in a tie, time is available, and the officials allow, there may be a "Kansas Plan" tie breaker to determine the winner.

• How many games are there?

The 3/4 division teams each play 7 scheduled games and then one "Medal" game against an opponent determined at the end of the season. The other division teams each play 8 scheduled games. Those in the top 4 of their TVYFL league will move on to two playoff games, and those two winners will play a championship game.

• Where are games played?

Our home games are played at Southridge High School. Away games are played against other teams in the TVYFL.  The TVYFL spans from across the Portland Metro area from Barlow, St. Helens, Salem and Forest Grove.

• Why do I have to get to the game so early?

Players are expected to get to the game site at least an hour before game time. This ensures that there is adequate time to warm up and weigh in. Being late for warm ups can increase your chance for injuries, while being late for weigh in can cause you to be disqualified from the game. Weigh in happens 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game start time, and you must have ALL gear, including your game jersey, with you to play. If you miss weigh in do not expect to play.

• How much will I get to play in the games?

The TVYFL is a very physical and competitive league. TVYFL has a minimum 10 play rule. This means that you will play in at least 10 active plays per game (plays ending in penalties, kneel-downs, and for 3/4 division, PAT's are not considered active plays). Additional playing time can be earned in practice. Depending on the position, skill and especially the willingness to work hard, may allow a player to see the field more. But, ultimately playing time is left up to the discretion of the coaches and determined by many factors.

• What position will I play?

Probably several. Most players will play "both ways"; both on offense and defense. Many players will play several positions during the season. TVYFL weight limits will dictate the positions available to each player. Your coaches will observe and work with you to find the best locations for you. We want you to be successful!

• What rules are used?

In general we use the High School football rules as defined by the NFHS. There are several modifications to these rules adopted by the TVYFL. For a summary of these differences, see the download on the Resources page.

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