Frequently Asked Football Questions
Who can play football for SVJFAC?
Children that are residents of Cranberry Township or Seven Fields may participate in SVJFAC programs.
What are the age requirements for football in SVJFAC?
Football is for children ages 6 to 13 as of July 31st of the current season. Also, children who weigh 100 lbs. or less and are 13 as of July 31st and don't turn 14 until after December 31st will be eligible to play on a 12 year-old team.
What are the weight requirements for football in SVJFAC?
Each age group has a different maximum weight limit for the players. There are no minimum weight limits for any team. That is left to the better judgment of the child's parents.
- 6/7 age group - 90 lbs. maximum weight / 81 lbs. maximum skill weight
- 8/9 age group - 110 lbs. maximum weight / 99 lbs. maximum skill weight
- 10/11 age group - 130 lbs. maximum weight / 117 lbs. maximum skill weight
- 12 age group - 150 lbs. maximum weight / 135 lbs. maximum skill weight
What is a "Skill Weight"
The league designated any eligible ball carrier (QB, RB, TE, WR, etc.) as subject to a skill weight limit. If a player is at or under the skill weight during weigh-ins prior to the game they can play any position on offense. If a player is over the skill weight but under the max weight they will have a stripe applied to their helmet and will only be able to play Center, Guard or Tackle. These skill weight limits have no bearing on defense. Any child that makes weight for the game can play any defensive position.
Can I play for the middle school and SVJFAC?
No, in order to play football for SVJFAC you may not be on a school football team.
Do participants have to tryout?
Yes, sort of. During the first week of practice all players will be evaluated in order to rank them for the draft. The draft method is used to better ensure equal teams at each age group. All children that sign-up and come to practice will be placed on a team.
Do players ever get cut?
No. If a player signs up and comes to practice they will be placed on a team. That said, there may be a circumstance where a child is not physically or mentally ready to play football and could be a safety concern for himself or a team mate. In situations like this the Executive Board reserves the right to refund the players money in full and ask him to withdraw from the program. Given the aggressive nature of the game, even at these ages, it is often in the best interest of the child to let them mature another year or so before coming back and trying again. In any situation like this the parents, head coach and football coordinator will have a discussion as to what is best for the child.
How much does it cost?
Registration is $135.
Refund Policy?
We realize that people move away over the summer, kids decide they don't want to play, etc. In order to accommodate those people as well as maintain a well-run association, the following refund policy has been put in place.
- Withdraw prior to receiving equipment: Fee paid minus $25.00
- Withdraw after equipment receipt and prior to start of 3rd week of practice: Fee paid minus $50.00
- Withdraw after 3rd week of practice begins: No Refund
How much does it cost to equip a player?
Seneca Valley Jr. Football Association of Cranberry strives to maintain equipment which will insure the safety of our players. Below is a breakdown of the cost of your child's football equipment.
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Helmet 75.00 Shoulder Pads 42.00 Girdle 15.00 Knee Pads 6.00 Hip Pads 6.00 Thigh Pads 8.00 Mouth Guard 1.00 Game Pants 40.00 Game Shirt 30.00 Name Plate 12.00 Practice Pants 13.50 Chin Strap 5.00 Belt 1.50 TOTAL COST $255.00 |
In addition, all helmets are reconditioned, inspeclmets are reconditioned, inspected and certified annually. Approximate cost of reconditioning is $25 per helmet.
What equipment is provided by SVJFAC?
Your child will receive a helmet, shoulder pads, thigh pads, knee pads, hip pads, tail pad, game pants and a game jersey with their name on the back. These items are all returned at the end of the season and re-used the next season.
What equipment do I need to buy?
Your child will need to get a practice jersey, practice pants, football cleats, and protective cup. If your child has braces they will need an dentist-applied mouth guard. Limited amounts of equipment may be available for purchase at registration or you may choose to buy them at a local sporting good shop. We also are attempting to have a vendor attend equipment handout. The vendor will carry the above equipment as well as rib protectors, and Under Armour – type apparel.
Children 8 and up are strongly encouraged to get a set of rib protectors.
When are practices held?
Practices begin in early August and run 5 nights a week (M-F) until school starts. Practice time is generally 6:30 to 8:30 during this time. Once school begins, practice is from 6:15 to 8:15 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
When are games played?
Games will generally begin the Saturday after Labor Day although it is possible that we will be playing Labor Day weekend this season. The schedule is usually 8 games plus the potential for a couple more if the team makes the playoffs and does well. The Super Bowl is usually in mid-November. The actual start dates for practice and games will be determined by the league in the April/May timeframe.
Are there any fundraisers?
Yes, all families in the association are required sell 25 raffle tickets at $5 each for a total cost of $125. See the Fundraiser section for details.
Can we vacation once practice starts in August?
Attendance is mandatory for all practices. When players miss practice it can effect the whole team. This is at least a three month commitment. Also, missing practice can affect evaluation scores for the following year.
When is registration?
Registration will be held in March at the same time as cheerleading and dance sign-ups for try-outs.
Will registration be limited?
Due to the roster limitations of our teams we may need to limit registration for some age groups. Although in this league we can field as many teams as we like at an age group, the more practical concerns of available practice space, qualified coaches and sufficient numbers for the next team will be taken into consideration. All returning players that register during the regular registration period will be guaranteed a spot on a team. New players will go into a lottery should there be more kids than spaces available. In the past, anybody that registered during the three registration sessions were placed on a team. We will make every effort to add additional teams if necessary to ensure all children get to play for SVJFAC.
What do I wear to the evaluations?
During the first week of practice you will need to wear shorts and a T-shirt. For the last couple of days of the evaluation process you may be required to wear your helmet. Starting in the second week of practice you will wear full pads to each practice unless instructed otherwise by your coach.
When is equipment hand-out?
Equipment hand-out will be in late July or early August. You will receive email notification and details will be posted on the web site.
Can I help coach?
Parents interested in coaching may fill out an application at registration. We can always use good coaches to help our children develop.
What paperwork is involved in coaching applications?
There are three forms that need to be completed.
- Application form - outlines coaching experience and youth work experience as well as asks for references
- Criminal Background Check - Form collects information necessary to run a criminal background check on the applicant.
- Coaching Rules and Responsibilities - Outlines the behavior and obligations expected of head coaches and assistant coaches
When are coaches interviews?
Head coaching candidates will be interviewed in April and May. Assistant coaches will be selected by the head coaches once the teams have been formed. The assistant coaches will then be approved by the Executive Board.