Below you will find answers to commonly asked questions. For most team-specific questions, your **head coach** will be the best point of contact. For **CYFA or JEFFCO league questions**, please feel free to contact a **Chatfield Youth Football board member**.

What league does Chatfield Youth Football participate in? 

 a) Chatfield Youth Football is a member of the **Jeffco Youth Football Association (JYFA)**, which has been in operation for over 80 years. JYFA is a competitive league with teams from communities throughout the metro Denver area.

What are the age groups? 

a) Players are assigned to teams based on their **current school grade**. Grades **1–8** are eligible to play football with JYFA.

What are the rules of the JYFA? 

a) All rules and bylaws can be found on the **Jeffco Youth Football Association website** on the homepage. 

Is this competitive football or more recreational?

a) JYFA is classified as a **recreational league**, but it is very competitive. All games are scored, and a team’s win/loss record determines playoff seeding. * The **top 8 teams** compete in the top playoff bracket * Teams **9–16** compete in a separate playoff * Both brackets conclude with the **Carnation Bowl**, held in November

Do all players get the same amount of playing time? 

a) Minimum play requirements are enforced by JYFA rules: * **60-yard field teams:** Minimum of **15 plays**, including kickoffs, kick returns, and extra-point conversions * **100-yard field teams:** Minimum of **10 plays**, including kickoffs, kick returns, and extra-point conversions

How are teams formed?

a) Per JYFA rules: * Players remain on the **same roster year to year** unless a parent requests a specific coach * Players without a declared head coach are placed through a **blind draft**

What is the length of the football season? 

a) * Practices begin **July 1** (non-contact and conditioning) * Full-contact practices begin **August 1** * Games usually start the **3rd or 4th Saturday in August** * Teams play **8–10 total games**, including playoffs The season consists of: * 8 regular-season games * Up to 2 playoff games * The Carnation Bowl

How many days a week do teams practice? 

a) 60-yard field teams:** Up to **3 contact practices** per week + 1 game 100-yard field teams:** Up to **4 contact practices** per week + 1 game
A week is defined as **Monday–Sunday**. During playoffs and championship weeks, teams may practice unlimited days with a **2-hour maximum per day** (Monday–Saturday). 

When are games and where can I find the schedule? 

a) Game schedules are posted on the **Jeffco Youth Football Association website**. In rare cases, games may be rescheduled due to weather or referee availability. How can I volunteer to be a coach? * **Head Coach:** Contact a Chatfield Youth Football board member * **Assistant Coach:** Contact your player’s head coach All coaches must: * Pass a **background check** * Be **USA Football certified**

How can I volunteer to be a coach? 

a) If you would like to be a head coach, contact a member the Chatfield Youth Football board of directors. If you would like to be an assistant coach, contact the head coach of your player’s team. Every coach will be put through a background check and be USA Football certified per JYFA rules. 

I would like to help out, how can I help? 

a) Contact your **head coach** or a **board member**. CYFA is always looking for volunteers to support teams and league operations.

Is Chatfield Youth Football a non-profit organization? 

a) Yes. Chatfield Youth Football is a **501(c) nonprofit organization**. All coaches and board members are **100% volunteers** and receive no compensation. CYFA always places the kids first.

Are there registration cut-offs? 

a) Yes. Please refer to the **Calendar page** for important registration deadlines.

What equipment is provided each season from Chatfield Youth Football? 

 a) CYFA proudly provides: * **Guardian Caps** for players * Training equipment such as blocking and tackling dummies Additional equipment requests from coaches are reviewed by the board.

What equipment are players/parents required to purchase? 

a) Players are responsible for providing: * Matte black helmet * Shoulder pads * Cleats * Mouthpiece * Game socks * Optional items (gloves, back plates, etc.)

For games, is there a specific uniform? 

a) Yes. Players must wear: * Black football pants with pads * Game socks * Assigned **home or away jersey** Each player receives **one home and one away jersey**.

Will my player get the jersey number they requested?

a) Jersey numbers are **not guaranteed**, but requests are accommodated when possible. * Returning players have priority for their previous number * First-come, first-served otherwise * Numbers may change when teams are combined 

What involvement is required of parents? 

a) Parents are expected to assist at games with: * Scorekeeping * Chain crew * Play counting (younger age groups) Volunteers are also welcome for: * Field painting/striping * Trash cleanup * Snow removal

Does Chatfield Youth Football have a code of conduct for players, parents, and coaches? 

Yes, you will be able to find the code of conduct here

Is Chatfield Youth Football run by volunteers or are people paid to do this?

a) Chatfield Youth football is completely run by volunteers, nobody is paid. Every coach, helper, and board member volunteer their time, energy, and passion for youth football. 

When does registration open up? 

a) Registration opens in February. Check the Registration page for details. 

Will there be a waiting list if the age group my child plays in is full? 

a) Yes. When an age group reaches capacity, a **waiting list** is created. We do our best to allow as many kids as possible to participate.

Is financial assistance available?

a) Yes. Please contact a **board member** prior to the late registration cutoff and visit the **Scholarship page** for details.

How closely does Chatfield Youth Football work with Chatfield High School? 

a) We work very closely with **Chatfield High School Football** and are the **official feeder program**. CYFA players are encouraged to attend Chatfield HS football camp, typically held in **May**.