2011 Season Football Information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

 Is Brighton Youth Football part of the Brighton School system?

No, BYF is a privately run non-profit, all volunteer program. The Board of Directors is elected each November, and consists of parents and others who are dedicated to the establishment of this organization for Brighton boys and girls. As part of the Brighton community, BYF participates and collaborates with the High School Athletic department and BHS Varsity football squad for several events and mentoring throughout the football season. 

Does Brighton Youth Football hold “try-outs?”

No. There are no tryouts for football or cheerleading. All interested participants may register for an age and weight appropriate squad. Registration is in early March each year. Squad sizes are limited and therefore, interested participants are encouraged to register at a young age (Jr. Freshman ages 7-8), as returning participants are guaranteed a roster position each year. 

Is there more than one football league in Brighton?

There are 2 organized tackle football leagues in Brighton. Brighton Youth Football (BYF) is known as the “Bulldogs.” BYF participates in the MYFCC (Michigan Youth Football and Cheer Conference) which is a highly competitive league in Southeastern Michigan. Opposing teams can be found outside of the Brighton area and are the more competitive programs of their home towns. See the locations page on our website for more information.

How are your coaches selected?

Coaches for all football levels are volunteers with coaching experience. Many of our coaches have played at all levels of the sport including division I and II college teams. Our coaches attend annual training sessions including but not limited to CPR & Youth First Aid, and youth football coaching techniques. BYF coaches are selected each year based on their previous experience, and coaching performance. Each coach must submit an annual Criminal Records background application. Many coaches do not have children on the squad that they are coaching.

How much will my child’s participation cost me?

The registration fee is $240 for the first participant for Football. Additional children from the same family will receive a $25 discount on each additional registration fee. Registration fees are $125 for our young participants (ages 7-8) who are placed on the Jr. Freshman squad.

Do I need to buy a uniform? Are there other items I need to purchase?

Uniforms, helmets, and pads are provided by BYF. Additional costs for football gear/clothing may be incurred. Additional items include:

• Mouthpieces – must be colored (not clear) and connected to the helmet. 

•  Cleats
•  Athletic supporters and protective cup
•  Padded Girdle

   

What team (Varsity, JV, Freshman, Jr. Freshman) will my son be on?

BYF is age based with weight restrictions at each level. If a child is over the weight maximum he may be asked to play on the next level squad. For Varsity players, 13 year olds can not weigh more than 180 lbs. The 14 year olds must be 140 lbs. or less. Please see the weight grid below, or ask a board member for further assistance.

 What is the time frame of the season?

Football practice begins the first Monday in August, and proceeds with practices and scheduled games through the beginning of November. Playoffs are played in the beginning of November followed by our annual BYF Banquet.

What is the practice schedule?

In August, before the beginning of the school year, Varsity, JV and Freshman squads practice Monday through Friday evenings from 6pm to 8pm. Jr. Freshman practice 3 days per week. The practice schedule for Jr. Freshman will be determined by the coaching staff closer to the start of the season.

 After Labor Day, practices will be scheduled Tuesday through Friday, 6pm to 8pm or until we lose daylight hours. Jr. Freshman practices will remain 3 days per week. Later in the season, practice hours may be altered slightly to compensate for less daylight hours, sometimes beginning a half an hour earlier.

Where are practices held?

The BYF football players practice on the athletic fields behind Hawkins Elementary.

What will my child need for the first day of practice?

•  Boys will need to have a completed physical turned in after April 15^th and prior to the first day of practice. A BYF physical form was provided in the registration information packet, however, a physician may document on any form he/she desires.
• Equipment Handout will be conducted on the first day of practice. Boys will come to the equipment shed to check-in and receive helmets. The equipment shed is located at the South West corner of the Hawkins athletic fields. The rest of the equipment will be issued during practice at a later date.
• All players need to wear helmets, shorts and football cleats for the first day of practice. 
• Boys should bring water to all practices, but NOT to games. Do NOT bring pop or Kool Aid type drinks.
• Please note, that NO jewelry is to be worn. This includes bracelets, earrings, necklaces or watches.

When and where are the football games?

Football games are played on Saturday or Sunday, beginning roughly the weekend prior to Labor Day (with Labor Day weekend off), depending on field scheduling and other factors. Home games are played at Brighton High School unless otherwise noted.

Is there an attendance policy?

Yes, attendance at practice and games is mandatory. Please refer to the BYF Football Rules for the specific attendance policy.

Does the organization have any rules or guidelines that my son and I need to be aware of?

Yes. The BYF Football Rules and Code of Conduct are part of the registration download and can be found on the Rules and By-law page of our website. They are also handed out at Registration. 

What are my responsibilities as a parent?

Brighton Youth Football is a not-for-profit entity and is run exclusively by volunteers. All coaches and Board members are volunteers. Parent volunteers are required to fulfill an extensive number of roles for the benefit of the boys and girls participating in football and cheer.

 Parents must commit to at least 4 game halfs of volunteer activities at home games. These activities range from working at the concession stand for a game half, working the chain gang on the field, or selling 50/50 tickets. Please see the volunteer page for volunteer assignments and job descriptions. Please contact a board member if you are interested in helping out with coaching, becoming a Team Mom, or any other contribution you’d like to make.

How will I stay updated on BYF information?

BYF e-mails and posts a monthly newsletter during the off-season and weekly starting the first week of August. Any immediate updates are sent out via e-mail by our BYF Secretary. BYF also has a hotline where participants can leave messages for any board member. The BYF hotline is 810-220-9422. 

Who can I contact if I have questions?

 You may contact the Director of Football for more answers to your questions at football.director@brightonyouthfootbal.net