Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tie breaker rule?

In the event a regular season, playoff, or championship game end in a tie the following rule will be applied, in an effort to break the tie.

1. During the overtime period, there is no mandatory number of plays for each participant.
2. To determine which team will have possession of the ball first, the team captains will be called to the center of the field for a coin toss.
3. The ball will be placed on the 10 yard line. Each team will have 4 downs to score.
4. Extra point conversion scoring remains in effect. If both teams score, and the game remains tied, then a second set of 4 downs will be given to each team.  If both teams score again, maintaining the tie, then a third set of 4 downs will be given to each team. If only one of the teams scores during a set of downs, then that team will be given the win.
5. If at the end of the 3 possessions, for each team, the game is still tied, the game will be recorded as a tie.
6. During the overtime period, if the ball is turned over, the team that recovers the ball will be given possession at the 10 yard line.  Neither a fumble nor an interception may be advanced by either team.
7. The referees will maintain the play clock; there will be no “game time”. Each team will receive one additional time-out for this overtime period, plus any time-outs remaining from the 2nd half of the game may be used.
8. This tie breaker rule will not be applied to cross-over games or non-league games.

Why doesn't the league post the scores of each game?

The primary focus of the AYFCL is the development of youth football players and cheerleaders. The AYFCL Executive Board has decided to not post regular season scores on the league website. Most organizations post the scores of their games on their individual websites.

When are the standings pages updated?

Every president is required to notify the AYFCL president with the outcomes of their games. The AYFCL president will then notify the web site administrator of the new standings to be posted. As the scores come in over a 2-3 day period normally, there will always be a delay in getting the standings web pages updated.

How do I sign my child up to participate?

Each member organization holds registrations during the course of the year in advance of the playing season. Those registrations are usually announced to the community via flyers handed out in schools, advertisements in your town newspapers, and (if applicable) through the organizations website.

In order to register your child to play you will need to fill out a participant contract, provide a legible photocopy of the child's birth certificate, and a medical release indicating the child is able to participate in tackle football or cheerleading / tumbling.

What if I'm told the organization is full at my child's age level?

Some organizations will take a "waiting" list of children, as it is common for a handful of children to drop-out before the practices begin. Alternately, you have the option of taking your child to a nearby organization and signing them up to participate. If you choose to do so, please notify that organization that you attempted to sign your child up in your hometown, but was told they were full.

Whom should I contact if I have a concern about something happening within an AYFCL member organization?

You should immediately contact a board member of that organization and make your concern understood.

If you cannot get a resolution, you should contact the PRESIDENT of that organization, either verbally or in writing.

What type of football is played in the AYFCL?
 

All organizations participating in the AYFCL field three tackle football squads of varying age and weight requirements.

Some organizations in the league also have youth flag football programs.

(More information available from the National Federation of High School Associations.)

All three levels play under the same rules as every local Varsity high school football program. This includes kick-offs, punts, field goals, etc.

What is the makeup of the AYFCL executive board?
 

The makeup of the AYFCL executive board is as follows:

AYFCL President
AYFCL Vice Presidents (one or more)
AYFCL Cheerleading Director
AYFCL Treasurer
AYFCL Secretary

What is the makeup of the AYFCL league board?
 

The makeup of the AYFCL league board is as follows:

AYFCL President
AYFCL Vice Presidents (one or more)
AYFCL Cheerleading Director
AYFCL Treasurer
AYFCL Secretary

Plus the president of every member organization or their designee.

What type of operation is the AYFCL?
 

The AYFCL is a non-profit volunteer run organization, based out of the Rochester, NY area, that operates for the purpose of promoting the sports of football and cheerleading.

Every member organization is a separate non-profit organization run by their own board of directors and has a president who has final ruling on all issues internal to their team.

Order of the games (day or evening)
 

Weigh In
 

All AYFCL players are weighed in prior to all games.

Weigh in times:
C Squad: 45 minutes before kickoff
B Squad: Halftime of the C Squad game
A Squad: Halftime of the B Squad game

Weigh in rules:
1. Visiting team is weighed in first.
2. The president or another designated board member from each organization performs the weigh-ins together.
3. Players are NO LONGER allowed to gain 1 pound per week.

The Rochester Chapter of Certified Football Officials (RCCFO) has a membership of roughly 150 referees; those referees officiate games for 9 (nine) high school leagues plus the AYFCL and a few other youth leagues.

The AYFCL has chosen, going forward, to focus on a limited number of Saturday night games during our regular season.

What happens if a player or coach is ejected from a game?

First Offense in a season: