Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Connecticut Youth Football League (CTYFL) program?
CTYFL is a multi-town football/cheerleading league which play a normal 8 game schedule, 4 games at home and 4 games away. Practice schedules begin the week of August 1, with the first official game to be played on or around the first weekend in September. The CTYFL along with GYFA promote an instructional yet competitive atmosphere where all of the children learn the values of good character and teamwork.

What are the age and weight limits?

What happens if my child does not meet the weight requirements?
Under Weight Players:
13 years old but under 100 lbs. may play on the 'B' squad,
106 lbs. dressed minus helmet & shoulder pads.
11 years old but under 80 lbs. may play on 'C' squad,
85 lbs. dressed minus helmet & shoulder pads.
9 years old but under 60 lbs. may play on 'D' squad,
65 lbs. dressed minus helmet & shoulder pads.

Over Weight Players:
8 years old but over 110 lbs. may play on 'C' squad.
10 years old but over 125 lbs. may play on 'B' squad.
12 years old but over 155 lbs. lbs. may play on 'A' squad.

How long are the games?
Games are generally 2 hours. Players should be present 1 hour prior to kickoff in order to weigh in (your coach may want them there even earlier). Kickoff times and lengths of quarters are as follows:

How many plays will my child be in during the game?
Football is a competitive sport. In order to instill confidence and promote a team environment we play to WIN! While it is true that the most skilled players will see more play time, hard work and discipline is recognized and rewarded. Each player is required by CTYFL mandatory play rules to have participated in a minimum of 6 plays in each game. This structure is only a minimum standard, your child can gain more playing time based on his maturity, attitude, participation and progress in practice.

Why is there a draft for teams?
In reality, this is not a true "draft," but we do split up teams when we have a large number of players participating. The league by-laws state "Each football team must consist of a minimum of 14 eligible players and a maximum of 40 players per team." Unless there are special circumstances, every child willing to participate will.

My child has decided not to participate. Are the registration fees refundable?
Registration fees are refundable if the player is withdrawn before the first game. To be eligible for a refund, a letter requesting the refund must be received by the coach or the GYFA Board of Directors before commencement of the first game. Please include your name, address, child's name, and the child's team. Refunds will not be sent until all issued equipment has been returned. Correspondence to the GYFA Board of Directors should be submitted to GYFA, PO. Box 18, Glastonbury, CT 06033.