League Philosophies and Practices

Our philosophy is to teach flag football skills in a fun, safe environment that promotes individual health and provides life lessons while emphasizing teamwork and respect for all. We prioritize family, school, worship and football in that order. When you sign up for The Five!, you don't just join a league, you become a member of our family.

Brackets: We run five age brackets to keep the competition fair: They are: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. Bracket assignments are based on the athlete's age on September 1st of that school year. Players can play up, but not down, based on league and parent assessment. With our two daily games policy, brackets must have an even number of teams to avoid downtime. Brackets carry 4-10 teams based on registration. Please note our 4-5 Bracket runs different from the others with a customized schedule and coaching.

Practices and Games: We believe one game is never enough! Heck! After one game, we are just warming up. We play two games a day with practice immediately before. Your season commitment is three hours on Sunday afternoons for nine weeks. Please note our 4-5 Bracket runs 90 minutes.

Playing Time: We focus on individual playing time designed around skill level and football IQ. With everyone eligible, our plays are designed to help kids grow and learn. Volunteer coaches and league staff are available to provide guidance and address concerns at any time in the season.

Rosters: See "Policies" for our Buddy Policy. NFL FLAG rules allow for 10 players per team. Parents can expect teams with 6-8 players and occasionally 9 to ensure equal playing opportunity. To ensure the best possible experience,  we set rosters in the following order:
Buddy/coach request
Experience
Age
School
City
Then, we balance the rosters utilizing the scores from the Player Combine.

Scheduling: Each season consists of nine weeks that include a Player Combine, League Practice Day, Team Practice Day, (5) Regular Season Days and finish with a Playoff and Championship Tournament. Time slots remain consistent throughout the season once set. Schedules are finalized as registration is finalized. Parents can expect to have the same three hour time slot for practice and games once the regular season begins.

Principles for Parents

Parents, athletes and coaches must work together for the best possible youth football experience and performance. The following suggestions are meant as general guidelines for parents:

As a parent, you understand the daily pressures your child faces. We believe that flag football should be an outlet for fun. Encourage your child and allow them to have a good time.

Please remember that your child learns more from your actions than your words. Practice good sportsmanship by being respectful to players, parents and coaches on both teams.

There is nothing wrong with applauding a good play made by the opponents. Parents can be good role models by appreciating the efforts made by both teams.

Most coaches are volunteers and work hard at what they do. To lessen confusion, and out of respect for their position, please allow your child’s coach to be the only one coaching players on the field.

Please refrain from loud or rude behavior.

Offer encouragement and positive reinforcement, not criticism, to your star player.

Encourage discipline by having your child arrive on time for practices and games.

Belonging to a team requires commitment. Parents can help children understand this through regular attendance and preparation.

Whenever possible, volunteer. This shows participants the value of being a team player.

Please respect the officials and their calls. It’s OK to disagree, but inappropriate to disparage.

We are available anytime to discuss your thoughts, suggestions and concerns.

Player Checklist

Required Equipment:
Mouthpiece – Players will not be allowed to participate without one!
Shorts or sweatpants WITHOUT pockets
NFL FLAG Jersey - Provided
Flags – First set provided Flags – First set provided

Suggested Items:
Cleats – soccer or football is recommended – No steel cleats are allowed!
Sun block, jacket, hat, extra socks
Drink and snack for each game day
Athletic bag to hold equipment, extra clothing and other personal effect

It’s best for each player has every item on this list each game day. Kids can play in tennis shoes, but they will be sliding around on the grass. Shorts with pockets can catch fingers that get broken or dislocated. This is a no-contact league, but kids going for the ball can run into each other. Mouthpieces ensure they keep their brilliant smiles. Kids will get thirsty and hungry during their time with us. A snack and drink meet this need. We suggest parents coordinate at team level to alternate bringing snacks and drinks to games. The Five! also has snacks and drinks available for purchase. Finally, an athletic bag to carry each child’s equipment and personal effects will reduce the chances of things getting lost or a child not being able to play due to lack of a mouthpiece, jersey or other equipment.

In summary, we are interested in ensuring every child has a safe and fun football experience. Please support our efforts by making sure your child is on time, fully equipped and ready to play each week.