Q: What is the cutoff date for ages in each age group?
A: TJFL uses the athlete's grade level for the upcoming school year to determine the division in which the player is placed. TJFL athletes range in age from 4-14. If a player is 15 as of October 1st of the current year, they are not eligible to play in TJFL.
Q: When are practices?
A: Practice times are determined by the head coach. Locations are determined by the city of Thornton. For our fall season, practices are three times a week once games begin (coaches may opt to hold an additional practice in the weeks leading up to games). For our spring season, practices are twice a week, with times also based on the head coaches availability. Practice days / times may be adjusted during the week to allow for other league events.
Q: When are games?
A: Games are typically played on Saturdays. However due to factors outside of the control of the league, such as weather and other city events, games may shift. In the event of a weather delay or cancellation, TJFL will make every effort to inform parents as far in advance as possible.
Q: What happens after I register?
A: It depends on how close we are to the start of the season, it might be a few weeks, it could be a few days before you hear back. Important dates are on the front page of our website. Players are placed onto teams after the draft, and coaches will reach out within the following week to inform parents of team placement, practice schedules, and other information. If you have not heard from a coach the week prior to our season starting, e-mail info@tjfl.org as soon as possible.
Q: What equipment does TJFL provide to the players?
A: TJFL provides helmet, shoulder pads, and game pants with integrated pads, all of which return to the league after the season is over. Each player keeps the league provided jersey as a memento for finishing the season.
Q: Are girls allowed to play football in TJFL?
A: Yes! Girls are welcome to play football. We have had numerous female players in our league and they have seen a lot of success.
Q: How are players placed on teams?
A: Players are placed in a blind draft and randomly placed on teams according to weight. Players that are signed up as returners and register prior to the returners deadline (Some time in July for Fall) are not placed into a draft. Any returning players that register after the deadline will be placed in the draft.
Q: Is there a weight limit for players who carry the ball?
A: There are weight limits for ball carriers and the weights vary depending on division. TJFL continues to monitor the growth of youth in the area. Please contact info@tjfl.org for weight restrictions in your age group.
Q: Why does TJFL not allow teams to stay together from year to year?
A: TJFL allows players to return to their team the following season as long as it is in the same division. We believe that players get a well-rounded football experience when they can move up and experience different coaching styles and approaches.
Q: How does TJFL handle playing time?
A: TJFL has very strict policies in place to ensure that every player has a starting position on their team in each game. We are very passionate about players getting every chance to succeed.
Q: Is TJFL’s spring program the same as its fall program?
A: Although both spring and fall football and cheerleading operate within TJFL and use the same game rules, team names and rosters are unique to each other. There is no carry over from the two seasons.
Q: Does TJFL offer financial assistance for families to pay registration costs?
A: TJFL handles financial issues on a case by case basis and has several options. Please email info@tjfl.org to request financial assistance information.
If there is a question that does not appear here or on the Info & Dates page, please email info@tjfl.org with your question.