Where do I find the most up to date information?

Our website has the most up to date information on what’s going on within SLYF Inc.: The current schedule, latest news, fundraising efforts, monthly meeting info, links to OCYFL, SLYF Swag Store, etc. You can also find directions to games and our contact information on our website at slyfwarriors.com 

What are the age groups for Mighty Mites? Mites? Peewees? Midgets?

Mighty Mites are Grades 1 & 2: Generally 6 and 7 years of age  

Mites are Grades 3 & 4: Generally 7/8 and 9 years of age (Up to 110 lbs.)

Peewees are Grades 5 & 6: Generally 10 and 11/12 years of age (Up to 135 lbs.)

Midgets are Grades 7 & 8: Generally 12, 13 and 14 years of age (Up to 170 lbs.)

How does the weight limit and weigh in procedure work?

Old Colony Youth Football sets the weight limits, not SLYF. These weight limits are important for the safety of the players. The league is extremely strict about enforcing them to ensure that teams remain safe for all players involved. Therefore, it is imperative that if your player’s weight is close to the limit you work with the coaches to figure out the best course of action. Before each game, the team has a weekly weigh-in (1 lb is added per week); pre-game weigh-ins are mandatory to be able to play in that week’s game.

When does the football season begin?

Our season normally starts 30 days before our first game. This means that we generally begin around the second Friday of August. Please check the website for the most up to date information for the league and your SLYF CrossBar app for individual team information.

When are practices?

During the first three to four weeks of the season, we practice five nights a week Mon-Fri from 5:30p-7:30p, this is considered our pre-season practice period. After Labor Day practices are reduced to three times a week Tue-Thurs 5:30p-7:30p. 

Why must the athletes practice so much?

Football is a very aggressive sport; meaning the athletes need to be in excellent shape by the time games begin in September to avoid injury. In addition, repetition and consistent drilling of proper technique is imperative for safety. Failure to attend practices puts your athlete and those he/she plays with at risk for injury.

When are the games?

Games are played on the weekends: Junior Varsity is on Saturdays; Varsity is on Sundays. Each team's game generally runs for about 1 1/2 hours. All three levels play consecutively on each day. Day order is Mites followed by Midgets followed by Pee Wees. Night order is Mites followed by Pee Wees followed by Midgets. Mighty Mites run on a completely different schedule. Coaches will require players to arrive one to two hours before each scheduled game for warm-ups, game planning and weigh-in. 

Where do I find the game schedule, cancellation notices or field locations?

Our website has the most up to date game schedule. Occasionally, game times and locations will be changed due to field issues or weather warnings. Although this is unusual it does happen. Any cancellations will be posted on our website, Facebook page and on our CrossBar app, which will have specific team messages in real time. www.slyfwarriors.com

What if I need to miss practice or a game?

If you are unable to make a practice or a game, you should contact your Head Coach prior to the start of practice or before the expected arrival time on game day. Your Head Coach can be reached by email (emails are listed on website) as well as the message feature on the CrossBar app.

What does the registration fee include?

The registration fee includes everything a player will need to participate in Silver Lake Youth Football except mouthpiece and cleats. SLYF provides top of the line equipment with the guarantee that every athlete will play meeting league guidelines or better; approximately 50 practices, 8 games, 2-3 scrimmages with an option for 2 post-season games.

If my athlete wants to quit, what is the refund policy?

It is the policy of SLYF Inc to issue refunds under the following policy guidelines:

If a football player does not make the required weight for his/her football division and is denied

on weigh in day or advised not to come to weigh in: a full refund will be issued.

* Please note the player MUST attend practice with the team in every attempt to make the

weight limit for consideration.

If a child is pulled for a medical reason, a Doctor’s note must be provided to the Board of Directors who will then make the decision if a full refund is warranted

*Please note if a child quits for any other reason, NO refund will be given.

What happens if my child is injured on the field?

SLYF does everything within its power to keep all the players safe. However, it is a contact sport and sometimes injuries do happen. The registration form does include a waiver that clearly explains that injuries are not the responsibility of SLYF. It is suggested that someone be in attendance or on call should an emergency arise.

What about concussions?

SLYF, along with the entire OCYFL league, takes concussions very seriously. All Coaches and Board Members are required to be concussion trained each year. Our policy is clear: If in doubt the player will be removed from the game or practice. If diagnosed or suspected of having a concussion the player must provide written documentation from a licensed health care professional before being allowed to return to practice or games. Additionally, it is mandated by the league that all parents and players are to review the Parent/Athlete Concussion Information Sheet found on our website and the league's website.

Are parents allowed on the practice field?

Only players, Coaches and Board Members are allowed on the field due to liability insurance reasons. This includes practice fields. Parents and other spectators may watch practice from the sidelines outside of the fenced in area.

What is the appropriate procedure for filing a grievance?

The definition of grievance is “a complaint or resentment, as against an unjust or unfair act”. A grievance is not a general complaint. If an issue arises with another player or Coach, we ask that you first approach the Head Coach for that team. However, we do recognize that there are times when issues appear unworkable or unfair; needing to be addressed in a more formal venue If the issue remains unresolved you may put your concerns in writing to the President of SLYF (contact information on website and CrossBar app). Any grievance received is then forwarded to the Grievance Review Committee. The Grievance Review Committee is made up of Representatives from the Board, Coaching staff, and Parents for football. The Committee will review any grievance received and make recommendations to the Board as to what action should be taken.

What are the procedures for weather and lightning? “Red Flag Days”

If you need to leave your child at the practice fields, you must have a designated adult available should an issue arise – such as a medical emergency or threatening weather. In the event of thunder or lightning in the area players will be removed from the field immediately. It is imperative that they have an adult and car to go to. SLYF has adopted a strict weather policy included in your packet. We ask that all individuals lead by example and remain in their cars until Coaches can determine whether they will wait the 30 minutes or cancel practice.

Why is KYSO important to SLYF?

SLYF is part of KYSO. KYSO is made up of representatives from youth sports organizations that offer participation to children in Kingston and Silver Lake. KYSO oversees and manages our use of the Opachinski Complex. Without it, we would not have the beautiful facility that we have today nor would we have practice or game fields, the concession stand, gate profits or even restrooms. It is an extremely important part of why we are all successful as individual sports organizations. It is in our best interest to support all that KYSO does. For a more in depth look at how KYSO runs please see their website at kingstonyouthsports.org