FAQs

Where does the registration money go?
The money collected through registration fees is used to purchase t-shirts, trophies, food for the end of the season banquet, field maintenance and painting, chains, field markers, footballs, tee’s, newspaper ads, pay the referees ($15/game) and provides for two scholarships awarded to two high school students who have been involved in the football program. Money received from sponsorships is used to purchase jerseys for the duration of the sponsorship, which is five years.
Where did we get the refs and what training do they receive?
The referees are high school football players. Starting in the fall 2008 season, the refs will attend a technical seminar and instruction specific to the various rules and playing levels of the Association.
What about make up days (or rain days)?
If it is raining the morning of a game but there is no lightning, the games will be played as scheduled. If lightning occurs, the games will be postponed until there has been 30 consecutive minutes without lightning then the games can resume. If the board decides to cancel a game due to weather, the schedule will be pushed out by one week so that all games can still be played.
Are players with previous experience prioritized over other players who are new to the program when assigning teams or playing time?
No . All kids will be evaluated on the same set of skills and each coach will distribute playing time as equally as possible.
My child missed picture day, can he still get pictures taken?
Yes, the parent(s) will need to contact the photographer directly. The RFYFA uses McConnel Photography 607 N Main St
River Falls, WI 54022-1538 (715) 425-9645 http://mcconnellphotography.com/
How do I register my child to play?
A registration form must be filled out for each player registering and submitted with payment to the Park and Recreation office at 222 Lewis Street Suite 221, River Falls. Registration forms can be found on the Registation page of this website, in the Park and Recreation catalog or at the Park and Recreation office. Checks can be made out to River Falls Youth Football. One check can be used for multiple players.
What is the deadline for registering?
Registration deadline for the fall 2009 season is Friday, July 17, 2009. Late registration closes on Friday August 7th. No exceptions.
How much does it cost to play?
The registration fee is $55 per child, $20 additional child. Each player will be responsible for providing their own equipment, see Question #9.
What equipment is needed?
All players must provide their own equipment as listed below
- The 1st/2nd grade level players must have:
- The 3rd/4th grade level players must have:
- The 5th/6th grade level players must have:
When are the games?
All games are played on Saturday mornings. Games start at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:00pm. No games are played on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend.
Where are the games played?
Most games are played on the fields behind Meyer Middle School. 230 N. Ninth Street River Falls, WI 54022
Click here for a map of field location.

Each 5th/6th grade team will play Ellsworth once.
Click here for directions to he Ellsworth fields.
How are teams decided?
All players will be evaluated by the coaches and Board on their height and weight, running, blocking, and defending skills and then drafted onto teams so as to create teams equal in size, speed and skills.
How can I volunteer to help the Association?
Please contact any of the board members listed on the Contact Page. There are opportunities throughout the season to help with game day activities such as working the chains, setting field markers, scoring and field pick-up. Other opportunities throughout the season include picture day, t-shirt distribution, the End of Season Banquet and fundraisers.

Any parent that would like to assist the coaches, but not serve as an official assistant coach, is welcome to work out an arrangement with the coach directly. Extra help is always welcome when running drills and practices.
How do I sponsor a team?
Complete a sponsorship form and return it with the $500 fee, made out to River Falls Youth Football, to the Park and Recreation Office at 210 North Lewis Street, River Falls. A Board member will then follow up with the sponsor. Each sponsor will receive mention on the Association’s website, a team photo, as well as the business name on the players’ jerseys. Sponsorships are valid for five years. The Board will contact the sponsor at renewal time.
How do I become a coach?
Anyone interested in coaching can contact Andy Matzek ramatzek@hughes.net, or fill out a Registration Form and check the “Would you like to Coach?” box under the Volunteer Opportunities section then submit the form to the Park and Recreation office. If there are more coach volunteers than head coach positions the Board will offer assistant coach positions to those volunteers.

Note: anyone interested in coaching will be subject to a background check.
How much of a time commitment is participation in the Youth Football program?
Practices will typically be twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each practice will be between 1-2 hours long though coaches have discretion as to the frequency and length of practice. Games are once a week on Saturday mornings and take approximately 1 – 1.5 hours per game.
All games at all playing levels consist of two 20 minute halves and a five minute halftime.
What should a parent do if they are unhappy with their player’s coach?
Please contact Andy Matzek ramatzek@hughes.net as soon as a concern arises.
Can parents/guardians request that their child be on a specific team?
No specific requests will be entertained by the Board although players who have a parent that is coaching will be placed on that parent’s team whenever possible. The board encourages players, parents and coaches to carpool so that all players are able to attend as many practices and games as possible.

For any questions or concerns not addressed here, please contact any of the board members found on the Contact page.