Getting Started

Q: My child has no football experience and I'm worried they may be overwhelmed. Any advice?

A: Flag football is rapidly growing in popularity due to its accessibility, fast pace, and simple rules. Unlike traditional football, it eliminates tackling, making it safer and easier to learn. Players quickly grasp key skills like running routes, pulling flags, and passing, creating a fast learning curve.

Since the sport doesn’t rely on brute strength, it encourages teamwork, strategy, and speed. The game moves quickly and with small rosters players are able to remain engaged.

The NFL has embraced the sport, and it will even be featured in the 2028 Olympics.

Divisions & Player Placement

Q: How does the Instructional Kindergarten division differ from the other divisions?

A: Instructional Kindergarten teams do not have a practice during the week. These teams spend the first 25 minutes of their hour on Sundays practicing and then play against another team for the last 30 minutes.

Q: Can my child move up or down a division?

A: Players are placed in divisions based on their grade level for the upcoming school year. Exceptions are rarely granted.

Q: Can I request that my child is on a team with a friend?

A: We know kids love playing with their friends, but to keep teams balanced and the league fair for everyone, we do not accept friend requests. The great news is that every season kids make new friends with their teammates in a fun, inclusive environment.

Siblings in the same division will be placed on the same team if requested during registration.

Practices

Q: When will my child have practice? (Grades 1–9)

A: PYFFL teams practice once per week on a weekday. The overwhelming majority of teams hold practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoons/evenings. Coaches will communicate the specific practice day, time, and location to their team prior to the start of the season.

Q: Can I request a specific practice day?

A: Unfortunately, practice day requests cannot be accommodated. Practice schedules are determined by coaches based on field availability and their own schedules. Families should register with the understanding that practices may occur on any weekday evening.

Games & Season Schedule

Q: When do games take place?

A: PYFFL games are played on Sundays between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Each team will also play at least one Friday night game under the lights during the season.

Q: What time should players arrive for games?

A: Players should arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled game time so coaches have time to organize the team and prepare to play.

Q: Where are games played?

A: All PYFFL games are played at the Mattakeesett Street fields in Pembroke.

Q: When does the season start and end?

A: The PYFFL season typically begins in late August and runs through early November, culminating with playoff games and Super Bowls for each division.

Q: What happens if a game is canceled due to weather?

A: If weather or field conditions require schedule changes, PYFFL will notify families through email and the league website as early as possible.

Teams & Competition

Q: How are teams created?

A: Teams are formed through a draft process designed to keep teams balanced and competitive. Coaches are assigned prior to the draft, and players are distributed across teams to ensure fairness throughout the league.

Q: How many players are on a team?

A: Each PYFFL team has 10 players. This roster size ensures plenty of playing time for all players while still allowing teams to function if a few players are absent.

Q: How is playing time determined?

A: PYFFL is committed to providing a positive experience for all players. Strict playing time rules are in place to ensure that every player receives equal playing time during games.

Registration

Q: When does registration begin?

A: Registration begins in early Spring, usually around April 1st.

Q: My child's division is full. How does the waitlist work?

A: Each season there are usually a few openings created as players withdraw—whether due to moving out of the area, schedule conflicts, or switching sports—but it's hard to predict how many spots will ultimately become available. These openings typically occur later in the summer, often in August, as other commitments start to take shape.

Waitlists with a handful of spots are available in each division to fill any openings created. You're welcome to request a full refund and leave the waitlist at any time. We automatically refund all waitlisted players who are not added to a team by Week 1 in September.

Q: Can I register my child after registration closes?

A: Once divisions reach capacity, additional registrations cannot be accepted unless a roster spot becomes available through the waitlist. Families are strongly encouraged to register early to ensure placement.

Equipment & Uniforms

Q: Is there any equipment I need to purchase beyond what is provided by the league?

A: Cleats are suggested but optional. (Metal cleats are not allowed.) Football gloves are also optional. Some players prefer to use gloves, which provide extra grip to help control the ball.

Q: What uniform or equipment does the league provide?

A: PYFFL provides each player with an official NFL FLAG jersey, game shorts, and flag belt.

Q: Are mouthguards required?

A: Yes. Mouthguards are required for all players. PYFFL provides a mouthguard to every player at the start of the season, although players are free to use any appropriate mouthguard of their choosing.

Special Circumstances

Q: My child has special needs and I would like to discuss how he / she can be put into the best situation to excel. Are you open to discussion?

A: Absolutely. Please email us and a member of our leadership team will reach out to work with you.

Volunteering

Q: I'd love to volunteer as I realize that PYFFL is 100% volunteer driven!

A: Fantastic! We're always looking for help, not just in coaching but also in other areas that keep the league running smoothly. We could use support with field painting, reaching out to sponsors, managing equipment and uniforms, and more. Let us know how you'd like to get involved!

Other Programs

Q: Do you offer a Spring flag football program?

A: No. The PYFFL only has a Fall season that runs from August until November.

Q: What if I have a question not listed here?

A: Please don't hesitate to reach out at any time with questions! You can email us at pembrokeflagfootball@hotmail.com