This FAQ is for football. Cheer FAQ can be found here.

What league does HPYF play in?
 HPYFL is a member of the Jefferson-Shelby Youth Football League.  The league is competitive in nature.  The league is NOT a recreational league although there is a minimum play rule that varies by age group.  The league offers a playoff and championship format at the end of the season to determine the champion of each grade division. 

 Who do we compete against?
 The Jefferson-Shelby Youth Football League is currently comprised of Cahaba Valley (Briarwood), Helena, Homewood, Oak Mountain, Pelham, Spain Park, Thompson, Hoover, Chelsea, John Carroll and Vestavia Hills.

 What are the age and weight restrictions for each classification? Please read carefully…
 The various divisions for football are as follows:

K - 2nd Grade - Although the JSYFL offers divisions in these age groups, the Homewood Youth Football and Cheer League has made the decision to not field teams in these age groups for football.  It is recommended that these players sign up for flag football through Homewood Parks and Recreation.  A player in the 2nd grade may also play up on the 3rd grade team.

3rd Grade - Teams for players who are in 3rd Grade. Players cannot be 10 years old before December 31st of the current year. All Players must be in 3rd Grade or lower in the fall of the current year. Players must weigh-in at 90.9 lbs or less to be considered an “Unrestricted Player”. All players weighing 91lbs. or more will be considered a “Restricted Player” (see Restricted Player rules). There will be a 6 play minimum play rule for this division.

4th Grade - Teams for players who are in 4th Grade. Players cannot be 11 years old before December 31st of the current year. All Players must be in 4th Grade or lower in the fall of the current year. Players must weigh-in at 105.9 lbs or less to be considered an “Unrestricted Player”. All players weighing 106lbs. or more will be considered a “Restricted Player” (see Restricted Player rules). There will be a 6 play minimum play rule for this division.

5th Grade - Teams for players who are in 5th Grade. Players cannot be 12 years old before December 31st of the current year. All Players must be in 5th Grade or lower in the fall of the current year. Players must weigh-in at 120.9 lbs or less to be considered an “Unrestricted Player”. All players weighing 121lbs. or more will be considered a “Restricted Player” (see Restricted Player rules). There will be a 4 play minimum play rule for this division.

6th Grade - Teams for players who are in 6th Grade. Players cannot be 13 years old before December 31st of the current year. All players must be in 6th Grade or lower in the fall of the current year. Players must weigh-in at 135.9 lbs or less to be considered an “Unrestricted Player”. All players weighing 136lbs. or more will be considered a “Restricted Player” (see Restricted Player rules). There will be a 4 play minimum play rule in this division.

How often will we play and practice?
 All tackle games will be played during the week, Monday through Thursday. There will be no weekend games until the championship game.  Flag football sponsored by Homewood Parks and Rec will play games on Saturdays.

The practice days are normally four days a week in the pre-season and twice during the regular season. The head coach will determine practice schedules.

When do we weigh-in to determine weight requirements and how often must we weigh-in?
 Each player is only required to weigh-in on one (1) occasion prior to the commencement of each regular season.  Official weigh-in will take place in late August prior to the start of the current season at a date, time, and location established by the JSYF Board.  Each player will be allowed to weigh-in one (1) time without exception.  A player whose weight exceeds the maximum weight limit to be an unrestricted player for their age appropriate division will be allowed the opportunity to make weight a second time for their age appropriate division at a time and place specified by the JSYF Board.  If the player's weight still exceeds the maximum weight limit set for their age appropriate division, the player will be considered a restricted player and must play a position on the line.

 How much is the HPYFL registration fee and what does that fee cover?
Football:  The registration fee is $250 per participant.  This includes league fees, uniform rental consisting of 1 helmet, 1 home game jersey, 1 away game jersey, 1 pair of practice pants with internal pads, 1 practice jersey, shoulder pads, 1 chin strap, and mouth piece.  A spirit pack that the players keep is also included that consists of a practice shirt and shorts.  Optionally you may purchase a bag at registration time for $55.

What time will the games be played and where?
All home games will be played at Weygand Park and West Homewood Park.  Away games will be played at the opponent’s home field.  Game times are determined by the JSYFL board when a schedule is created.  

In general, 3rd and 4th grades try to play their games at 6:00.

In general, 5th and 6th grades try to play their games at 7:30.

 What are the dimensions of the playing field?
 All teams will play on an 80 yard by 40-yard field minimum; 80 yard by 53-1/3 yard regulation width field is acceptable.

 How long are the games?

All divisions will play 4 - 8 minute quarters.

Are there specific rules of the game for these age groups?

Rules of play are governed according to the AHSAA rules except where there are differences for the younger age groups or safety of the players.  Those differences can be found in the JSYFL's bylaws from a link on their homepage.  Please visit their website here https://www.jsyfl.net/home for more information.