Tackle FAQ - 7th-8th Grade

What Youth Football League are Rogers 7th-8th grades participating in?

• Parent feedback and survey responses continue to play an important role in RYFA's decision-making process. As league opportunities evolved across the metro area, the RYFA Board evaluated several options for our 7th and 8th grade athletes to ensure the best possible experience for our players and families.
• Beginning with the inaugural season (2025) of the Gopher State Football League (GSFL), Rogers joined the league and will continue participating in the GSFL for the upcoming season. The league was created through a partnership of several established youth football organizations and is managed by Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS). The GSFL was formed with a focus on strengthening community-based youth football while providing a safe, competitive, and development-focused experience for players throughout the Twin Cities metro area and Greater Minnesota.
• The decision to join the GSFL aligned with many of the priorities expressed by RYFA families, including increased opportunities to compete against community-based programs, a broader variety of opponents, and a league structure designed to support player development and sportsmanship.
• RYFA remains committed to regularly evaluating league participation and gathering feedback from families, coaches, and players to ensure we continue providing the best possible football experience for our athletes.

What Do I need to do for the MYAS Registration?

• The 7th-8th Grades leagues need to have an additional registration through Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYSA). Above you will see a link to a document RYFA 7_8 GSFL Player Registration. This document will walk you through the process of added your second registration for MYAS. There is no cost or fee for this registration.

What are the 7th-8th Grade Leagues?

• The 7th-8th 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 both Rogers and other surrounding communities.

What is the time commitment?

• The season starts around the first week in August and ends around MEA break in 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. Here are timing examples:
• First 3 weeks: Practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from roughly 5:30-7:45pm (practice start/finish time will be determined by coach)
• Following weeks: Practice Monday, Practice Tuesday, Practice Thursday. Game on the weekend.

What are the games like?

• RYFA teams compete against community-based programs throughout the Twin Cities metro area and surrounding regions as members of the Gopher State Football League (GSFL). Games are played under GSFL rules and consist of four 10-minute quarters with certified officials.
• For the most current league rules and game information, families are encouraged to visit the GSFL website.

Are there size limits for players to carry the ball?

• No. Once players reach 7th grade and older, there is no weight limit for the players who can carry the ball.

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 2-6 are expected to play approximately 50% of each game, while players in grades 7-8 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 registrations. As the players get older, having larger teams makes a positive impact on the season. We try to keep each team between 22 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 the Rogers High School practice fields (Behind the High School).

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. Please see the registration page to register as a coach for the season.

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

• No, at the 7th-8th 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 with jerseys they keep that have the players 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 schedule is determined by GSFL and we are unsure what days/times those will be before the season starts.