FAQ

Tackle FAQs

What towns do we play?

We are part of the Nutmeg Youth Football League (NYFL) a Premier Youth Football League with nine teams, playing games against other nearby towns including Berlin, Farmington, Granby, Middletown, Simsbury, South Windsor, Southington, West Hartford, Wethersfield

When will uniforms/pads be disseminated?

Equipment is distributed in July. Coaches will communicate equipment handout once it has been established.

What does an athlete need to purchase?

Cleats
Mouthguard
Padded practice pants
Protective cup

What does the season practice schedule look like?

All players are encouraged to participate in summer conditioning sessions offered in July. By August, mandatory practices begin and we will ease into pads and contact drills. Once school starts, you can expect 2 weeknight practices, Saturday walk-thru and Sunday games. Some games are played on Saturday afternoon/night.

When are Games?

Games will begin Labor Day weekend. We will play eight games (subject to final NYFL Schedule released in early August) to play all teams in the Nutmeg Youth Football League. Playoffs start in early November with the league Super Bowl being held on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Games are held on Sundays. We make every effort depending on number of teams per division to travel together as a town (meaning if you have multiple players on different teams, you might not need to be in two different places). Estimated Home game start times are:
C Team – 10:00AM
B Team – 12:00 PM
A Team – 2:00 PM

Where are practices & Games held?

Practices are conducted at Weatogue Park. All home games will be held at SHS turf field. Away games are played at a Nutmeg Youth Football League location.

How Are Divisions Determined?

A Division - Players must be registered in grade 7 or 8 and cannot turn 15 years old before December 1st of the present season. No 9th graders will be allowed regardless of weight. There is no weight limit or position restrictions for the A division.
B Division - Players must be registered in grade 5 or 6 and cannot turn 13 years old before 9/1 of the present season with the exception of “older/lighters”.
Players over 155 pounds during the pre-season weigh-in must play as interior lineman on offense (Center, Guard or Tackle) in a three-point stance.
Players between 126 - 155 pounds during pre-season weigh-in may play as interior lineman as well as TE on offense. They may receive a forward pass but cannot receive a handoff.
Players weighing under 126 pounds during pre-season weigh-in are not position limited and may run the ball after receiving a handoff or snap.
C Division - Players must be registered in grade 4 and under and cannot turn 11 years old before 9/1 of the present season with the exception of “older/lighters”.
Players over 125 pounds during the pre-season weigh-in must play as interior lineman on offense (Center, Guard or Tackle) in a three-point stance and have a defining mark on the front and back of their helmet.
Players between 116 - 125 pounds during pre-season weigh-in may play as interior lineman as well as TE on the line of scrimmage on offense and have a defining mark on the front and back of their helmet. They may receive a forward pass over the line of scrimmage but cannot receive a handoff. Players weighing under 116 pounds during pre-season weigh-in are not position limited and may run the ball after receiving a handoff or snap.

Note: “Older/Lighters” must first be approved by the Member Town Board and will then be approved for Position Eligibility by the Nutmeg League Town Representative Board. Older/Lighter players need to be approved to play skill positions (QB, RB, WR, TE) and are able to take a direct snap or handoff if approved by the Nutmeg League Eligibility Board, by a majority vote. Position eligibility and Older/Lighter status may be revisited by the Nutmeg League Town Board at a future date at any time during the season if an unfair competitive advantage is in question, and final decision will be determined by the Nutmeg League Board by majority vote.