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What determines game playing time?

This program is a competitive program, and includes all who wish to compete for positions and playing time. Playing time will depend on a child's experience, ability, skills, understanding of the game, needs of the team, and game situation. The position and playing time are determined by the coaches on each team, based on the above criteria. It is our desire to see every child play in every game. Playing time can be an issue with some parents. All children in our park have an equal opportunity to practice and develop skills and fundamentals; however, there is no way to ensure that all play equally.

Refund Policy?

If issued, refund is dependent on return of
loaned equipment in good working order

Registration - one week prior to Practice Start - Full amount*
Practice Start - Jamboree - Reg Amount - $30 Our cost for personal items - (chinstrap, mouthpiece, socks, insurance, T-shirt)
Picture Day - Second week of Season - 1/2 Reg Amount
After Second week of Season - No refund

Refunds (Reg Amount -$30) are issued to players who try, and can not meet the team weight requirement if they are on the 130lb team or their parents do not want them to play in the higher division.

*No refund of late fees or non-resident fees

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is the season?

August through Early November:

Teams can hold practices beginning on August 4^th. The eight game regular season ends in mid October and the league championship games conclude the season by Mid November.

2. How many days a week do you practice?

During August, practice will be 4 nights per week (Monday through Thursday). Once season begins (Sept 5th), practice will be 2-3 nights per week. There will not be practice on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday unless a Monday game is scheduled.

3. How long do practices last?

All practices typically run between 1 ½ - 2 hours. Your coach will announce his practice schedule at the beginning of the season; however, no practice will last beyond two hours.

4. What nights are games played?

Games are typically scheduled on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evenings.

5. What times are the games?

Games are scheduled at 6:00 PM and 7:15 PM.

6. What does the registration fee cover?

The fee covers everything except for your cleats and 7 piece pad set (helmets, shoulder pads, chin strap, mouth piece, practice pants, practice jersey, game pants, two game jerseys and game socks). Also included are trophies, memory matte photo, and coaches’ plaques. The only additional charge will be for your team party at the end of the season.

7. How many games do you play?

Typically eight regular season games are played (four home games and four away). If your team makes the playoffs, you may play up to two additional games (semi-final and championship games). Your coach may schedule pre-season scrimmages during the month of August. Some of our teams have participated in post-season tournaments; however, participation in such events is voluntary.

8. What league does Homewood play in?

The Jefferson-Shelby Youth Football League.

9. What teams make up Jefferson-Shelby Youth Football League?

Cahaba Valley(Briarwood), Helena, Homewood, Oak Mountain, Pelham, Thompson and Vestavia Hills.

10. What are the weight and age restrictions?

There are six weight divisions: 80 lb., 90 lb., 105 lb., 120 lb., 130 lb..
The age categories are based on the player’s age on July 31^st (no exceptions):

80# - 6 and 7 year olds
90# - 8 year olds
105# - 9 year olds
120# - 10 year olds
130# - 11 year olds & 12 year old 6^th graders*

* Any 11 year-old and 12 year-old 6th grader who does not turn 12 before May 1st (11 as of April 30 of current year) is eligible to play on the 130# team, provided they make the weight limit.

Example A: If a child turns 9 on August 1^st and weighs 90 lbs. or less, he would play as an 8 year old on the 90 lb. team because he was 8 years old on July 31^st.

Example B: If a child turns 9 on July 25^th and weighs 55 lbs., he would play on the 100 lb. team due to his age.

Example C: If a child weighs 91 lbs. and his league age is 7 yrs. old, he would play on the 105 lb. team due to his weight. (Anyone weighing over the maximum weight for their age bracket must move up to the appropriate weight division.)

11. When is the certification and weigh in?

Typically two weeks after practice begins, ~ August 16, 2008 (Location – Thompson Middle School)

12. What is the weigh in process?

Every player will weigh in shorts and t-shirts. Players not meeting the weight restriction are given a second chance to weigh in – one week later. The weigh in is conducted on digital scales and there are no exceptions. A small allowance is given for the shorts and t-shirts (just under a pound). For example, a child trying to make weight for the 80 lb. team can weigh in at 80.9 and still play for the 80 lb. team; however, if he weighs in at 81.0, he must move up to the 90 lb. team.

13. Does the player have to weigh in prior to each game?

No. Each player only has to make weight once.

14. Do I have to stay under the weight limit throughout the entire season?

No, once a player makes the official weight he does not weigh in again.

15. What documents are required for certification?

If you are new to the league, you must include a copy of your birth certificate and proof of residency (current copy of utility bill) when you register. Your age will then be certified on weigh in and certification day.

16. Who can I contact if I have further questions regarding the program?

You may contact the President of Homewood Patriot Youth Football League, Eddie Porter, at 283-7604 during the day and 940-9878 in the evenings.

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