Burros Flag Football
Mission Statement
The mission of the Burros Flag Football program is to teach young children ages 6 through 13 the basics and fundamentals of football while promoting the values of good sportsmanship and teamwork. Above all, the objective of the program is to provide young children the opportunity to have fun and make friends while learning the game of football.
Eligibility
The Flag program consists of three divisions:
1) Pee Wee
2) Intermediate
3) Senior
The Pee Wee Division is for boys and girls ages 6, 7, and 8 years old. Children who are 8 years old must weigh less than 80 lbs. to play in the Pee Wee division. If they are over and wish to remain in the flag program, they will move up to the Intermediate division. Pee Wee rules are a hybrid of flag/tackle with blocking, passing, and running.
The Intermediate and Senior divisions are part of the 7v7 pass only league, where every player is an eligible receiver. Intermediate is for boys and girls ages 8 - 10 years old, while Senior is for boys and girls ages 11-13.
AGE as of 9/1 of the current year
Players must show proof of age by birth certificate, and Pee Wee players will be weighed at the start of the season to ensure competitive balance.
Teams
Team composition will consider the age and size of each player, the intent is to have all teams equal in age and weight to promote competitive play.
Participation
Each player will play in every game. Player positions and substitutions are up to the discretion of the coaches. Team roster sizes are designed to allow for minimal substitution and player absences. It is important that players make every attempt to attend all practices and games.
Games
Games will be held on Saturday mornings with the possibility of 1 weeknight game during the season. The first games will take place after the first 2 weeks of practice. Games will be played at Mokena Main Park. The official game schedule with dates and times will be available the first week of practice.
Practice
Flag Practice will start at the end of July / beginning of August. Practices will be held behind MES/MIS or behind United Methodist Church in Mokena. Flag teams practice twice a week: Monday & Wednesday, or Tuesday & Thursday from approximately 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM. After team rosters have been established, team coaches will notify each player with information on their specific practice dates/times.
Equipment
Each Flag Player will be furnished with a personalized jersey, practice shirt, set of flags, & flag helmet/mouthguard (latter two for pee wee only). Players are allowed to keep their jersey and flags. Jerseys will have the player’s last name printed on the back of the jersey and custom number, so it is important to have the correct spelling of the last name given at registration. Gym shoes or football shoes are required. Metal spikes are not permitted.
Parking
Parents are reminded to obey all posted signage regarding parking and speed limits. When dropping off and picking up your children from practices and games, please use extreme caution. Parents are asked to share this information with anyone responsible for dropping off or picking up their child.
Flag Bowl
The Flag Bowl is a special event that marks the end of the flag season. The Flag Bowl is a single-elimination tournament involving all flag teams. Each player will receive a commemorative medallion. The Flag Bowl winners receive championship rings. The Flag Bowl will take place in late September/early October. Exact dates, times, and location will be announced once the season begins.