Frequently Asked Football Questions

Who can play football for SVJFAC?
Children that are residents of Cranberry Township, Seven Fields, Jackson Township, Zelienople and Harmony may participate in SVJFAC programs.

When will registration begin?

Registration for the 2023 Season will begin in March.

What are the age requirements for football in SVJFAC?
The SVJFAC provides Football for children in grades K-8.   Players are divided into four teams based on the grade they are entering into during the season.

• Grades K-2 (Division III) – players must be no older than 8 on July 1 of the season.
• Grades 3-4 (Division II) – players must be no older than 10 on July 1 of the season.
• Grades 5-6 (Division I) – players must be no older than 12 on July 1 of the season.
• Grades 7-8 – players must be no older than 14 on October 1 of the season.

Division I, II, and III compete in the Western PA Youth Football League (www.wpyfl.org), while the Grade 7-8 team competes in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh League (www.2badcats.com/).

Division I and II teams will be split into Varsity and Jr. Varsity squads.  Both squads will compete each week against the opponent’s respective Varsity and Jr. Varsity squads.  This allows players to get maximum playing time while competing against teams with similar skills and experience.  Players may be moved between the Varsity and Jr. Varsity squads during the course of the season at the Head Coach’s discretion.

What are the weight requirements for football in SVJFAC?
SVJFAC, as a member of the WPYFL follows their rules for weight and participation.  There are no minimum weight requirements for any division, that is left to the judgment of the child's parents.

There is no maximum weight limit for participation in the WPYFL or the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh League, however, there are weight limitations pertaining to all “skill” positions handling the ball (QB, RB, WR, TE). Weight limitations are as follows:

• Division III (Grade K-2) – 75 lbs.
• Division II (Grade 3-4) – 100 lbs.
• Division I (Grade 5-6) – 120 lbs.
• Grade 7-8 – 147 lbs. (also includes DE, and ILB positions)

Can I play for the Seneca Valley Middle School Team and SVJFAC?
No, in order to play football for SVJFAC you may not be on a school football roster.
Do participants have to tryout?
No tryouts will be held.  However, during the first week of practice all players will be evaluated in order to determine best position(s) and to for preliminary placement on the Varsity and Jr. Varsity squads (DI and DII only).

Do players ever get cut?
No. If a player signs up and comes to practice, they will be placed on a team. That said, there may be a circumstance where a child is not physically or mentally ready to play football and could be a safety concern for himself or a teammate. In situations like this the Executive Board reserves the right to refund the players money in full and ask him to withdraw from the program. Given the aggressive nature of the game, even at these ages, it is often in the best interest of the child to let them mature another year or so before coming back and trying again. In any situation like this, the parents, head coach and football coordinator will have a discussion as to what is best for the child.

How much does it cost?
Registration is $200 plus a $200 refundable football equipment deposit. A check for $125 is collected for raffle tickets (one per family) that you may sell to recoup this cost.  An additional post-dated check of $50 is collected and will be returned provided the parents volunteer in three time slots during the course of the season.

Refund Policy?
We realize that people move away over the summer, kids decide they don't want to play, etc. In order to accommodate these types of situations as well as maintain a well-run association, the following refund policy has been put in place.

• Withdraw prior to receiving equipment: Full Refund
• Withdraw after equipment receipt and prior to start of 3rd week of practice: Fee paid minus $50.00
• Withdraw after 3rd week of practice begins: No Refund