How much time is involved in football?
It is a huge time commitment on the part of both players and parents. From August 1st to September 3rd, we practice 5 times per week for 2 hours each day. Each practice begins at 6 pm and ends at 8 pm. From September 6th until the end of the season, we practice 3 times per week for 2 hours. Times are 6 pm - 8 pm until it gets too dark, and then we start earlier and end earlier.

Isn't it really hot during the first 6 weeks of practice?
It sure is! It is imperative that your child drinks plenty of water during the football season. It is the players responsibility to bring adequate quantities of water to practice. The coaches have scheduled water breaks throughout the practices.

Where will my child have practices and games?
The practice site will is at Westfield High School on Montgomery Rd. All Home games are held at Billy Bullens Field at the Westfield Vocational High School.

Is Football too rough for my child?
Only you and your child can answer this question. WYF takes great strides to insure that coaches are knowledgeable, well trained individuals with the abilities to teach proper technique and skills, and that all the equipment is inspected and is more than sufficient to provide proper safety for all players. But, keep in mind . . . this is tackle football. It's not a sport for every child. Please discuss this with your child and any of our Board members prior to registering if you have specific concerns. REGISTRATION FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE FOR ANY REASON AFTER YOU REGISTER.

Are the coaches paid employees of Westfield Youth Football?
No. They are volunteers from the community who donate their time to help our kids. This entire program, in fact, is run by volunteers who contribute a substantial amount of personal time all year round to make this program available to our children.

Can we sign up now and pay later?
Due to the nature of this sport, there are a large number of expenses that must be paid before the season even begins. We are not able to register any child without payment in full at registration time.

After I pay my registration fees are there any other fees involved?
No. Fundraising provides the balance of the money needed to operate this program safely. You, as a parent, are encouraged to help with our fundraising activities.

Do we have to buy all the equipment?
No. WYF provides all the equipment (with the exception of some personal items, e.g., shoes, and under-garments) for football on a lease basis. All equipment must be returned at the end of each season.

How do you select teams?
In WYF there are six teams. The players on these teams are determined by age, grade and ability.

When will I know what team my child is on?
You will know in which division your child will play registration. By August 9th, you will know which team your player is on.

How much will my child play?
Coaches try to play all children. Coaches will determine which position each child is best suited for, and as a result some will play more plays than others.

Why do football coaches yell so much?
Let us answer this way. Imagine if you invited 35 boys over to your home, put pads and a helmet on each of them and told them to hit each other as hard as they can, knock each other down and then do it again, and again, and again. What do you think would happen? More likely than not it would be complete chaos, mayhem, arguing, eventual name-calling, fist fighting and perhaps even a call from your neighbors asking you to move. IÕm not sure a polite "Lets calm down now boys" would cut it. The answer to this question is: Coaches will demand complete attention and sometimes they demand it loudly. This is a contact sport and coaches are responsible for teaching the kids not only how to play football, but to do it properly so no one gets hurt. This requires a lot of cooperation, teamwork and the respect for each other and to this end, coaches will make sure they are heard.

Does my child really have to be at registration and why?
Yes!! Every participant must be at registration with the parent or legal guardian. All players are placed in a division of play based on age and grade (of the following year). All players must be weighed in and have a copy of their birth certificate verified by WYF officials.

I'm too busy, can my neighbor bring my child to sign up?
No. Only a parent or legal guardian can resister your child.

What happens if we miss all the sign ups?
Your child will be put on a waiting list.

Can girls sign up to play football with the boys?
Absolutely!

If my child does not like football or we are unhappy with our team later, can we quit and get out money back?
No. Due to the pre-season costs in this sport, all fees paid at registration are not refundable for any reason.

If my son/daughter gets hurt do you refund our money?
No. Due to the pre-season costs in this sport, all fees paid at registration are not refundable for any reason.