Frequently Asked Questions

1 Signing up

1.1 How much does it cost?

$150 for the season. That includes an official NFL FLAG jersey, shorts and flags.

1.2 Is there a sibling discount?

Not as a rule, but we can make exceptions. Just ask when you sign up, or contact us.

1.3 Is financial help available?

Yes, case by case. Please contact our program director and we'll work with you.

1.4 How do I sign up?

Online through the Englewood Cats site: use the Sign up button at the top of any page. The player forms and waivers are part of the online sign-up.

1.5 Who can play?

Boys and girls ages 5–17. Every division is co-ed.

1.6 My child has never played. Is that OK?

Yes. Coaches teach the basics at practice, and everyone plays. For a head start, read New to flag football? A parent's guide to game night and where your child might play.

1.7 Can I get a refund?

Yes, until Opening Night (the first game night). Once games start, there are no refunds.

1.8 How is my child's age counted?

By age on January 1, 2027. Players are placed in a division by that age (see What are the divisions?).

2 Teams & Draft Day

2.1 What are the divisions?

Players are grouped by age into five co-ed divisions: 7U (ages 5–7), 9U (ages 8–9), 11U (ages 10–11), 14U (middle school, ages 12–14) and 17U (high school, ages 14–17). Age is as of January 1, 2027.

2.2 Which division does a 14-year-old play in?

It depends on school: 14-year-olds in middle school play 14U, and 14-year-olds in high school play 17U.

2.3 Can my child play up or down a division?

Players can play up in an older division, but not down in a younger one. Let us know when you sign up if you'd like your child to play up.

2.4 How are teams formed?

Teams are picked at our annual Draft Day. Players take part in a player combine (workouts) while coaches grade them from a numbered player list. Coaches then draft their teams.

2.5 What should my child bring to Draft Day?

Athletic clothes, cleats and water.

2.6 How does the draft work?

Draft order is set by a random drawing of numbers, and the draft runs "snake" style: the order reverses every round. For example, with 8 teams:

• Round 1: picks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
• Round 2: picks 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
• The pattern repeats for every round after that.

2.7 Can siblings play on the same team?

Yes. Parents can request that siblings play on the same team. When one sibling is drafted, the other automatically counts as that team's pick two rounds later (for example, a player drafted in round 4 means the sibling is the team's round 6 pick).

2.8 How are coaches' kids placed?

A coach's child counts as that coach's 3rd-round pick. A second child counts as the 5th-round pick, and a third child as the 7th-round pick.

2.9 Can coaches trade players or picks?

Yes. Any player or draft pick can be traded, in one or several transactions, as long as every trade is even (1:1) and both teams end up with the same number of players. For example, 1 player for 1 pick, or 1 player plus 1 pick for 2 players.

2.10 How big are the teams? Will my child get to play?

Rosters are capped at 12 players, with 6 on the field on offense and 6 on defense. Every player has a starting position on offense or defense. No exceptions. Our rule is that everyone plays and everyone sits.

3 The season

3.1 When does the season start?

With Draft Day on Saturday, December 12, 2026, where teams are formed. Practices start about a week later, once teams are set, and games are Friday nights from January 8, 2027 to February 26, 2027.

3.2 When and where are games?

Friday nights at the fields at 6791 San Casa Dr. in Englewood. Kickoffs are at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 PM. Each week's matchups, kickoff times and fields are on the schedule.

3.3 Where do we park?

Families use the main lot off San Casa Dr. Coaches and volunteers park in the lot by the Englewood Area Athletic Association (EAAA) building. The field map shows every field, with directions.

3.4 Can I add the schedule to my phone's calendar?

Yes. On the schedule page, tap Subscribe to the season: every game night goes into your calendar, and new matchups, changes and cancellations show up on their own. Each week's page also has an Add to calendar button for just that night.

3.5 How do I see just my child's team?

On any week's schedule page, choose your team under My team. Its games are highlighted on the schedule, scores and standings, and the site remembers your choice on that phone or computer.

3.6 When are practices?

Each team typically practices once a week, with extra sessions as needed, Monday to Thursday at our fields (hour-long practices at 5:00, 6:00 or 7:00 PM). Coaches set their team's day and time once teams are set, about a week after Draft Day, and every team's practice is on the practices page.

3.7 What if my child misses a practice or game?

There's no penalty. Just let your coach know ahead of time.

3.8 How long is the season?

The regular season is 8 weeks, then playoffs on the Friday or Saturday after the last week (dates to be announced).

3.9 Is there a picture day?

Yes. The date will be announced during the season.

3.10 Are there restrooms and food at the fields?

Yes, there are restrooms and a concession stand, and we invite outside food vendors to set up on game nights.

4 Weather

4.1 What happens if weather cancels games?

Safety comes first, and lightning stops play. If games are cancelled or delayed, we'll post it in a red bar at the top of every page on this site. A cancelled night is also marked Cancelled on the schedule, and if you subscribed to the season calendar, the event updates on your phone.

4.2 How do I get alerts on my phone?

Turn on game-night alerts for lightning delays, cancellations and your team's final scores. On iPhone, add the site to your Home Screen first (in Safari, tap Share, then Add to Home Screen) and turn alerts on from there.

4.3 What happens when there's lightning?

Lightning within 10 miles stops play for 30 minutes, and each new strike restarts the clock. During a delay on game night, a red bar at the top of every page counts down to all clear. The schedule pages show live weather and the lightning sensor next to the fields.

4.4 How will I know if games are on tonight?

Check this site before you head to the fields. If there's a red alert bar at the top of the page, follow it. If there's no alert, plan on games as scheduled.

4.5 Where can I check the forecast?

The National Weather Service has the forecast for the fields, including hourly rain and thunderstorm chances.

5 Safety & equipment

5.1 Is flag football safe?

Flag football is non-contact: there's no tackling or blocking, and defenders stop the ball carrier by pulling a flag. There are also fewer players on the field than in tackle football. It's a great way for kids to build speed, agility, hand-eye coordination and teamwork, and girls and boys play together.

5.2 Does my child need a mouthpiece?

Mouthpieces are encouraged but not required, except for players with braces. Players with braces must wear one.

5.3 What should players wear?

Jerseys, shorts and flag belts are provided. Following NFL FLAG gear guidelines:

• Jerseys are reversible: the home team wears its team color, and the away team turns the jersey to the other side. Tuck it in before every play.
• Flags must sit on the hips with nothing covering them. Deliberately covered flags count as flag guarding.
• Shoes: athletic shoes or cleats without exposed metal.
• Shorts without pockets.
• No jewelry: no watches, earrings or other jewelry.
• Water: bring it to every practice and game.

6 Coaching & volunteering

6.1 How can I coach, volunteer or sponsor?

We'd love the help. The Coaches page explains what coaching involves; contact our program director by phone or email on the contact page.

6.2 Where are the game rules?

On the rules page: our home field rules, scoring, overtime, penalties, referees and sportsmanship.