FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Barlow Youth Football Association (BYFA)?
Barlow Youth Football is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to offering a full-contact football program for boys and girls in grades 3rd - 6th living in the Barlow High School attendance boundaries. We are part of the Tualatin Valley Youth Football League and not supported or a member of the Gresham-Barlow School District athletic programs. Our mission is to provide playing opportunities for the youth of the Barlow community to enhance our middle school and high school football programs. We compete in the Harrison Division and play our games against other local TVYFL football associations, such as Gresham, Centennial, David Douglas, Sandy, Reynolds, Estacada, Colton, Gladstone, and Mollalla. Our home field is the artificial turf field at Barlow High School for Saturday games. Our staff will be working with the BHS Varsity Head Football Coach (Terry Summerfield) to acquaint the young athletes through practice, football camps and coaching clinics with an emphasis on common terminology and defensive formations throughout their athletic years in the Gresham-Barlow School District. We want youth football to be a positive experience for everyone involved!
What is the Tualatin Valley Youth Football League (TVYFL)?
TVYFL is the organization that coordinates the play between 33 individual youth football associations in the Portland tri-county area. They provide the rules, the schedules and the officials for the approximately 230 teams and 6,000 players. For more information, see the TVYFL web site: www.tvyfl.org
What is the time commitment for players and parents?
Compared to other sports, to participate in BYFL Tackle Football the time commitment is considerable. Practice will begin on Monday, August 9, and will be FIVE - 2 hour practices a week (time/place TBA) until after Labor Day when the regular season begins. After the season begins, practices are limited to THREE - 2 hour practices a week (time/place TBA) In addition to practices, games will be played every Saturday which generally requires 3 - 4 hours including travel time. There are normally 8 regular season games with the possibility of two or more weeks for playoffs, if the team qualifies (5th/6th only). Games may be played at any TVYFL association/league (see below)
What are parents expected to do?
In addition to getting players to practices and games on time, parents are expected to be ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS in the league. We need parents as field greeters, concessions, fundraising participants, field clean up, weigh masters, team parents, etc. The league is made up entirely of volunteers and each parent will be asked to help out in some way.
Who can participate?
Any child entering grades 3rd through 8th in Fall of who lives in the Barlow High School attendance area and attends Kelly Creek, Hall, Powell Valley, Deep Creek, East Orient, Hogan Cedars, West Orient Middle School, Gordon Russell Middle School or Damascus Middle School. Also, private or home schooled, in the BHS boundaries, as defined by the Gresham-Barlow School District attendance area, are also eligible to play.
What if I'm outside of Barlow High School boundaries?
Please go to the TVYFL web site to find if a TVYFL association is in your high school area. There are associations in the Centennial, Gresham, Reynolds, Sandy, David Douglas, and Estacada areas that serve East County youth along with Barlow. If your child lives outside of the Barlow High School boundaries they will not be eligible for BYF unless the child played in the BYF program in the season. That child will be allowed to participate for their remaining years in youth football in BYF. However, this will NOT allow siblings the eligibility to play. If you live outside the boundaries, please call the BYF President prior to signing up for the season.
Do I have to have a physical to play?
Your doctor must sign (no stamps, faxes, or photocopies) a medical release form stating that you are healthy enough to play tackle football. Many doctors want to perform a physical before they sign the form. But if you have recently had a physical, your doctor may just sign the form.
Do I have to start playing in the 3rd grade?
No. We have successful first time players at every grade level
What if I have scheduled a vacation during practice time?
If you have ANY flexibility, please try to schedule around football season, especially in August. With TVYFL conditioning requirements and team division, it is very important that your player be there if possible.

REGISTRATION:

How early can I sign up?
Registration begins April 1, and is accepted on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis and will be time/date stamped upon completion and payment. Payment is by Debit/Credit card only. NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
How Late can I sign up?
June 15, is the deadline. Registration will close at 11:59 pm that evening. It is best to register early so that you are guaranteed a place on a team. Team size is capped at 30 players per team. Waiting lists may be compiled after regular registration ends.

What Forms are required for me to print and turn in after registration is complete?

  1. Player Contract - this form is filled in for you when you register online. After you have fully completed online registration, this form will be emailed to you. Please print it out for your records.
  2. Medical Release - you must print this form and have the player's doctor or nurse practitioner sign and date it to release your child to play Tackle football. You will receive an email with the link or you can download it at the BYF website.
  3. Incident Form - you must read the BYF Incident Policy and then sign the Acknowledgement Form. You can also download this from the BYF website.
  4. Volunteer Form - you must print this form, read and sign it. You will also receive this form in an email or it can be downloaded from the BYF website.

Why did BYFA raise the fee? At the league-wide meeting last January there was discussion centered around the league being self-supporting. We felt like there was too much dependence on sponsorship for the basic needs of the program. Our expenses have gone up and we considered raising the fee to $225.00 which would still be lower than most leagues because our players keep their jersey. During the discussion someone asked if we could raise the fee another $25.00 (to $250.00) and then not require a fundraiser? The idea had overwhelming support and the motion to raise the fees and not have a fundraiser passed unanimously. We understand this may present a hardship for some people and we are prepared to help. You may have friends, relatives, businesses, etc sponsor your child and the money is tax deductible.

To give you an idea of what it costs to run a football program, Gresham Barlow spent $314.00 per player for middle school football in 2008. The players had 7 games (7 minute quarters) and had equipment that was old and many times didn't fit properly. BYFA offers 8-10 games with 10 minute quarters, the players keep their jersey and all of our players use Schutt DNA helmets, 7 piece pants (usually a pair for practice and games), quality shoulder pads and socks. We are an all-volunteer organization and we put all of our resources back into the program. The games are often on all-weather (high school) turf fields and played on Saturdays when more parents can attend. When you look at equipment and safety alone, BYFA is an excellent value.

If you raised the fees, will you still need sponsors? Yes! Raising the fees will not cover all of the league costs. We will use sponsor money for yearly equipment purchases to ensure our gear is safe and also for large equipment (sleds, dummies, etc) purchases. We also need to build our scholarship account back up so we can help families who otherwise can't afford football.

EQUIPMENT:

What equipment is provided?
BYF provides almost everything you need to play. Your helmet, mouth guard, needed pads, practice pants/jersey, game pants/jersey - Your game jersey (and mouth guard of course) are yours to keep.
When will we get gear?
After you register, you will be notified when gear check out will be. You must have all required form and fees paid to receive gear.
Are there any other equipment costs?
There may be a refundable equipment deposit required. This will be due at Equipment night. Details TBA and will be posted on the web site when available.

What equipment do I have to provide?

  • Football cleats - see below
  • Athletic cups and supporters are not required, but sometimes recommended.
  • Most players might need an additional mouthguard throughout the season. If you wear braces, you may want to ask your Orthodontist about any special mouth protection that you may need.

What if I need my equipment for a summer camp?
We are going to try and schedule our first equipment issue will be in May/June. These dates will be posted and you will be notified via email once they are confirmed. If your player plans on attending a camp and need gear, please plan on attending this first equipment night.
My helmet hurts - can I get a different one?
It is very common for your helmet to feel uncomfortable and even hurt your head for the first couple of weeks. Helmets must fit tightly to ensure a correct fit. Our equipment managers take the necessary time to make sure that each helmet is fitted properly. We recommend that once you get your equipment, that you wear your helmet before practice in order to break it in and get used to how it feels. When you put it on, remember to pull it all the way down, hard. If you continue to have discomfort, please let your coach know and we will have the equipment managers adjust the fit of your helmet.
What kind of cleat do I need?
TVYFL rules require that our players wear football cleats that are designed for youth football. They must be either a molded cleat or internally threaded shoes where no post is extending from the shoe (instead, the cleat post - screws internally into the shoe) Maximum size of cleat is 1/2 inch (measured from tip of cleat to base of shoe) No all metal, primarily metal or metal tipped cleats can be worn.

How do I take care of my equipment?

  • Practice jersey and pants - remove pads (if applicable) and belt (if any) and wash in warm d water. These can be washed in hot water if particularly dirty. Do not bleach. Air dry or use low heat in dryer.
  • Game jersey and pants - Remove pads and belt (if any) and wash in cool water with like colors. Pre-treat stains if necessary. Do not bleach. Air Dry if possible as the name lettering may come off otherwise. You may even wash jersey inside out. Do not wear game jerseys or pants to practices and do not wear to play in. Game jerseys may be worn to school on Fridays to promote Saturday's games.
  • Shoulder and other pads - wipe off with clean, damp cloth. Allow to air dry.
  • Helmet - Hand wash off dirt and clean interior pads with clean, damp cloth. Allow to air dry.

TEAMS

Do I have to try out?
No. As long as your registration is complete and paid, and you are not on a waiting list, you will be placed on a team.
How are the teams divided?
When there is more than one team at a grade level or division (i.e. 3rd/4th, 5th/6th or 7th/8th) the teams are divided by a draft. The purpose of the draft is to ensure that the teams are divided as equally as possible. TVYFL and Barlow Youth Football policy dictates that all teams be evenly matched across talent and skill levels, with no "stacked" or "developmental" teams. Each team in an age level will have the same number of players of a given grade level.
Can I request to be placed on a team with a friend?
Unfortunately, no. TVYFL requirements are very straight forward. One of the great things about Barlow Youth Football is that all of the players will be mixed with same-aged players from other elementary and middle schools. All of these schools feed into Sam Barlow High School, so this helps them make new friendships with students they will be going to school with. Siblings are the one exception to this rule.
What if I need to carpool?
Teams of the same grade level generally practice at the same field at the same time. So, if your player needs to carpool with someone from a different team, this should usually not be a problem.
Can I request a specific Coach?
No, see above.
How are the coaches picked?
Applicants for head coaching positions are reviewed and selected by the BYF Board. Assistant Coaches are selected by the Head Coach usually from among the parents of their players. All coaches need to fill out an application - available on the Barlow Youth Football website and are subject to a criminal background check. Other requirements are listed on the application.

VARSITY/JR. VARSITY LEVELS

What is JV and Varsity?
JV and Varsity is designed for 7-8th grade students. The following is the description:
6.5.1 - These levels shall include players from the seventh and eight grades. Teams will be arranged to accommodate ability, experience, size and maturity of player.
6.5.2 - The Varsity level shall be the Members higher level of player talent, experience and size.
6.5.3 - The Junior Varsity shall be a level of inclusion of seventh and eighth grade. This level is by design a level to gain experience of players of similar ability.
6.5.4 - In the event of 44 or more 8th grade players within a Member it is required that two varsity teams are established within said Member.
6.5.5 - Teams with 8 or more 8th grade players on verification day is a Varsity team.
6.5.6 - Any 8th grade player over 170.0 pounds on the Members certification day which shall not be before August 15th, must play at the Varsity level.

GAMES

What is the schedule?
Game schedules are determined by the TVYFL. Players are required to arrive at the game site one hour before the game time to warm up and weigh in.
How long are the games?
Games are made up of four 10 minute quarters. With clock stoppages, half-time, moving of chains, etc. - most games last nearly 2 hours. In addition, players are expected to be at the field at least 1 hour before the game to warm up and weigh in. So plan on spending a minimum of 3 hours at a game. If the game ends in a tie, time is available, and the officials allow, there may be a "Kansas Plan" tie breaker to determine the winner. You will also have to calculate travel time to and from the game.
How many games are there?
The 3rd/4th grade teams each play 7 scheduled games and then one "Medal" game against an opponent determined at the end of the season. The 5th/6th grade teams each play 8 scheduled games. Those in the Top 4 of their TVYFL league will move on to play Two playoff games, and those two winners will play a championship game.
Is there Equal Playing time?
The TVYFL is a very physical and competitive league. TVYFL has a minimum 10 play rule. This means the each player must play 10 plays in a game. Additional playing time can be earned in practice. Depending on the position, skill - and the especially the willingness to work hard, may get a player to play more. But, ultimately playing time is left up to the discretion of the coaches.
What is the Kansas Plan rule?
The Kansas Plan rule is a way to break ties, usually at the end of the game, but it can also be used as a playoff at the end of the regular season to determine who makes into the playoffs. Basically, the ball is placed 10 to 25 yards away from the goal (depending on the Division - or age group of the team), and the offensive team has 4 tries to score. Then the teams switch sides and the new offensive team gets 4 tries to score. If only one team scores, then they are the winner. Otherwise they repeat the process.
Who will we be playing against?
TVYFL determines the schedules. These are active youth football leagues that we may be playing: Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Centennial, Clackamas, Colton, David Douglas, Estacada, Gladstone, Gresham, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Lakeridge, Liberty, Lincoln, Milwaukie, Mollala, Newberg, North Marion, Oregon City, Putnam, Sandy, Scappoose, SEI, Sherwood, Southridge, St. Helens, Sunset, Tigard, Tualatin, West Linn, Westview, Wilson & Wilsonville.

Our mission is to provide the opportunity for our community's youth to become members of a football organization that promotes teamwork, good sportsmanship, good citizenship and character, with the beneficial opportunites towards becoming positive examples for others.