Tackle FAQ - 4th-6th Grade

What Youth Football League are Rogers 4th-6th grades participating in?

• Parent feedback and survey responses are highly valued and play a significant role in RYFA’s decision-making. For 4th-6th grades, the board decided to move to the North Star Youth Football League (NSYFL). This league is currently composed of the surrounding communities of Elk River, St. Francis, Monticello, Zimmerman, Becker, Big Lake, St. Michael-Albertville, and Rockford.
• 2024 was the first year of the NSYFL and every community is committed to ensuring that this season and seasons going forward are a success. The NSYFL rules will closely follow the TCNFL (previous league) and there are no major rule changes from previous years.

What are the 4th-6th Grade Leagues?

• The 4th-6th Grades leagues are designed to give your child a true football experience. They play 11-man tackle football on a 100-yard field. All practices are in Rogers. Games are played in Rogers and other surrounding communities.

What is the time commitment?

• The season starts around the first week of August and runs through October, usually around 11 weeks. In the first 3 weeks, no more than 4 practices are allowed. After the first 3 weeks, no more than 4 practices / games are allowed per week. Games will be played on weeknights/weekends. 
• Scheduling Example:
• First 3 weeks: Practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from roughly 5:30 - 7:45 pm (practice start/finish time will be determined by coach)
• Following 8 weeks: Practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with a game on the weekend.

What are the games like?

• Games are played against other Rogers teams and teams from surrounding communities. There are 2 referees per game. Games consist of 4, 10-minute modified stop time quarters. Modified stop time means the clock should stop for: change of possession, extra point attempts, penalties, injuries, or measurements. In the last two minutes, time can be stopped for: incomplete pass, running out of bounds, after a touchdown is scored, or for the moving of down markers. A tie is a tie, there will be no overtime or extended play.

Are there size limits for players?

• Yes, there is a weight limit for players who carry the ball.
• 4th Grade: 105 lbs with no equipment
• 5th Grade: 125 lbs with no equipment
• 6th Grade: 135 lbs with no equipment
• No player weighing more than the limit in their age group can carry the ball (or be in a ball carrying position) at any time, EXCEPT: if the ball is turned over, fumbled, or intercepted.

How are positions and playing time determined?

• Our coaches are committed to helping every athlete learn, develop skills, and experience success on the football field. The head coach is responsible for placing players in positions where they can continue to grow, contribute to the team, and build confidence in the game. At the youth level, our focus is on player development, football knowledge, sportsmanship, and fostering a lifelong love of the game.
• Playing time expectations vary by age level. Players who consistently attend and actively participate in practices are expected to receive meaningful playing time throughout the season. For tackle football, players in grades 2-5 are expected to play approximately 50% of each game, while players in grades 6-8 are expected to play approximately one-third of each game.
• Playing time is not guaranteed and may be impacted by factors such as practice attendance, effort, participation, disciplinary issues, or team needs. Coaches are expected to communicate team expectations and apply rules consistently across all players.
• RYFA believes that commitment, effort, and a positive attitude are important parts of the youth football experience. We encourage all athletes to attend practices regularly, work hard, support their teammates, and take advantage of every opportunity to learn and improve.

How are teams formed and how many players are on a team?

• A draft meeting is held where the coaches create balanced teams. Size of teams is dependent on the number of coaches and athlete registrations. As the players get older, having larger teams makes a positive impact on the season. We try to keep each team between 18 and 25 players.

Where are the games and practice fields located?

• Games are played in Rogers and other surrounding communities. Currently practices are held at Rogers Middle School/NCP.

How do I become a coach?

• Rogers Youth Football is always looking for volunteers to help coach. If you are interested, please contact the League Director in the age group where you are interested with a brief explanation of who you are and what past coaching experience you may have. Past coaching experience, however, is not necessary to coach in our association.

Can I request that my son/daughter play on the same team as his/her friend(s)?

• No, at the 4th-6th grade level the teams are created using an equal draft process.

What equipment is provided by the Rogers Youth Football Association and what do players need to provide?

• The association provides players jerseys the players keep with their name.
• Players need to provide the following:
• Helmet (White)
• Mouthguard
• Shoulder Pads
• Practice jersey (mesh is best to keep cool)
• Football Pants/pads (Black)
• Football Cleats (Baseball and soccer cleats are OK but no metal)
• Check out the Rogers Area Sell site for used equipment.

What nights are games played and what time do they start?

• Game schedules are determined by the North Star Youth Football League (NSYFL) and days/times are not available before the season starts.