LOWER DAUPHIN YOUTH FALCON FOOTBALL

•Team Colors: Blue & White •Team Mascot: Falcon •Founded: 1962

League: CFA - The CFA was founded to give children an opportunity to play tackle football in a safe environment.  The object of this organization is to establish and maintain a program of supervised football for children through the development of the following fundamentals: sportsmanship, mental and physical health, character, and cultural and scholastic achievements.  The CFA believes the wellbeing of the sport of youth football depends on the following: a broad appreciation of the game, excellence in coaching, an emphasis on safety and health, high levels of youth participation and collaborations with the many partner organizations involved in youth football and cheerleading.  We will promote this through family, fun, and fundamentals, as well as "giving back" to our youth and their communities.

How are children separated into teams? Football teams are organized by CFA By-Laws which divides the children into team bases by their AGE as of April 30th of the current year and also based by certain weight limits into the following:

Smurf: 6-7 years old and below 85 pounds, Stripe Rule Applies to those over 85lbs
Peewee: Generally, 8-9 years old and below 110 pounds, Stripe Rule Applies to those over 110lbs
Pony: Generally, 10-11 years old and below 135 pounds, Stripe Rule Applies to those over 135lbs.
Midget: Generally, 12-13 years old on April 30. Can be going into the 9th grade, can be 14 on April 30 but has to be going into the 8th grade.  

Stripe Rule Applies to those over 165lbs with the addition of the Stripe Rule by the CFA, any player over the weight limit of their respective level is now able to play a position on the Offensive or Defensive line, so every child now has the opportunity to participate.

 When do the teams practice? Practices for all teams will start July 28th 2025 and run each week for the duration of the season. Football practices generally run from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday until school begins (unless otherwise noted by coach). Once school begins, practice for all levels change to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00pm (UNLESS COACH SAYS OTHERWISE).  Football coaches can schedule additional practices at their own discretion. (WILL BE COMMUNICATED).

Where are practices held? Practice for the Pony & Midget teams will be held at Shope Field. (UNLESS COACH SAYS OTHERWISE) Practice for the Peewee & Smurf teams will be held at Boro Park. (UNLESS COACH SAYS OTHERWISE)

Where are the games held? All Varsity home games are held on Saturday or Sunday at the Lower Dauphin Turf Field. All JV home games are held on Saturday on the grass High School field. Away game locations will be communicated to the families.

Within each level we generally field a Junior Varsity and Varsity team. Whether a youth plays at the JV or Varsity level, please remember that our primary goal is to teach the game of football and place players at the level that will afford them maximum playing time.

What are the times of the games?

JV games - Saturday mornings start times are determined by the CFA JV Schedule.
Varsity games - Saturday or Sunday, start times are determined by the CFA Varsity Schedule.

How much does it cost to get into a game?

$3-Adults
$2-Kids (School age)
Football/Cheer participants in uniform, and Coaches with Badges are free.

Does the CTYA provide all of the equipment? For football players, we provide Helmets, Shoulder Pads, Reversible Game Jersey, Practice Jersey & 1 mouthpiece. We provide some of the best helmets available on the market today and we keep our helmets reconditioned and certified, to be sure we keep your child as safe as possible.  Integrated Practice & Game pants are included in your Uniform Fee. Cleats, and any additional equipment you wish your child to wear is your responsibility. Clear visors are the only visor allowed on the helmets. No stickers of any kind are allowed on the equipment unless provided by the organization. All equipment must be signed for by a parent/guardian and returned at the end of the season or upon request.

Are there minimum requirements for playing time? No. Players are assessed by their skill level and their participation this dictates playing time. We do not guarantee playing time; however, we will make every attempt to play each child if they attend practices and put forth an effort. A JV team will be created to provide as much playing time as possible for each participant. JV teams have a separate schedule from the Varsity team and will play on Saturdays. JV teams and schedules are usually organized week 2 of the varsity regular season. Varsity and JV teams will be announced after the 2nd scrimmage. JV players are encouraged to attend varsity games, but attendance is not mandatory.

If my child starts out the season on JV, can he be moved to Varsity/If my son starts out the season on Varsity, can he be moved to JV? Yes, for both questions, the kids are evaluated daily and if they are able to play on varsity they will be moved up and a player can be moved from varsity to JV.  If for some reason the coaching staff thinks the athlete needs more experience/work, they can be moved to JV.

Are scores kept at the games? Scores are kept for all levels of play except Smurfs.

What rules are followed? For the most part, PIAA rules are enforced by 4 referees during a game. There are no referees for Smurf games.  The head Smurf coach from each team participating appoints a referee for the game. The Smurf level will play 2-20 halves with a running clock.

What are the ball sizes are used for each level?

Smurf-K2
PeeWee-K2
Pony-TDJ
Midget-TDY

****Balls can be purchased at our sponsor Dicks Sporting Goods or any sports equipment store.

What about Concussions? Concussions in football, just like in any other sport, are a concern.  Recently, there has been a lot of attention in the media about the long-term effects of repeated concussions and players returning to the game without adequate time to recover.  We take concussions, their prevention, and their diagnosis very seriously.  Our coaches must complete certain levels of training to teach your child how to “take their head out of the game” and all of our coaches also take concussion training where they learn to spot symptoms and the importance of rest after a concussion is diagnosed.  They also are trained for hydration, and heat acclimation. 

Any other questions or concerns can be directed to the Football Director Steve Messick at coachmessick46@gmail.com