When does the season start and end?

Practices for Mini Pony, Pony, JV, and Varsity will start the week of July 21st, while Flag will begin the week of July 28th. Our first game will take place over the weekend of August 25th. 

What does it cost to participate?

• Flag Football - $55
• Football - $150
• Cheerleading - $150

Does each child get a minimum amount of plays per game?

There is no mandatory playtime requirement in the Mountain Valley Youth Football League. However, SMFA coaches strive to ensure that every player participates in every game. 

What equipment and clothing are provided when signing up?

SMFA will provide you with a game jersey, game pants, shoulder pads, and a helmet. However, you will be responsible for purchasing your own cleats, socks, a protective cup, an approved mouthguard, a girdle, practice pants, and a practice jersey. These items can be purchased through our apparel webpage.

For the FLAG program only: SMFA will provide you with a jersey or t-shirt and flags. You are responsible for providing your own cleats, socks, shorts, and mouthguard. 

Which program should I sign up for?

If your child will eventually attend Spring Mills High School (SMHS), we encourage you to sign up for our league. If your child is currently attending Spring Mills Middle School, Potomack Intermediate, Eagle School, North Middle (partial), or Marlowe Elementary, they are classified as a Cardinal. For more information, please visit the Berkeley County Schools (BCS) high school districting map or the BCS website. 

Am I required to stay at practice with my child?

For younger age groups, we ask that parents remain at the practice location in case their child needs assistance, such as for a bathroom break. For all age groups, we request that, even if parents are present at practice, they allow players’ water bottles to be placed in a central location. This way, players can take water breaks together, rather than with their parents. We want to foster a team environment by encouraging activities to be done as a group. In summary, we ask for minimal parent-child interaction during practice, while ensuring parents are available if their child needs them. 

What should I expect from my coach, what should I do if I have an issue with my coach?

Please review our Parent-Coach Relationship document, which outlines what parents can expect from their Head Coach and what Head Coaches can expect from parents. It also includes important information regarding our 24-hour rule and processes for addressing issues and resolutions. 

What if I need to report other team issues?

If you have an issue that is not related to coaching, please discuss it with your team mom. If you are not satisfied with the resolution, you can escalate the matter to the SMJC Board. 

Are there any other forms I need to be aware of?

All parents must complete and submit a medical waiver form, a parent code of conduct, and a player code of conduct form. 

How many games are played each season?

There are a total of 9 regular season games. For those teams making playoffs, playoffs will start in week 10.

How many coaches and team moms are on each team?

There is no limit to the number of coaches or team moms for a team. Head Coaches are responsible for selecting their assistant coaches and team moms. If you are interested in becoming a Head Coach or filling another staff position, please complete an application. If you prefer to be an assistant coach or volunteer in a different capacity, please contact us at [email protected] or reach out directly to the Head Coach or Head Team Mom. 

Are parents expected to volunteer during the season?

Parents are expected to volunteer throughout the season. Once teams are divided, each team mom will coordinate volunteer schedules. Parents will assist by covering the concession stand. 

Are there weights limits?

Yes

Flag Football– No Weight Limit

Mini Pony– 90 lbs to run the ball and 110 lbs to play

Pony– 115 lbs to run the ball and 135 lbs to play

Junior Varsity– 130 lbs to run the ball and 150 lbs to play

Varsity–

Tackle to Tackle – Unlimited Weight

13 year old : 155 lbs to carry ball and positions off the line.

14 year old : 140 lbs to carry ball and positions off the line.

There seem to be so many overlapping age groups. How do I know which one is for my child?

The Mountain Valley Youth Football League (MVYFL) has 5 age groups. There are Division 1 and Division 2 teams at the Mini-Pony, JV, and Varsity levels. These age groups are followed with additional weight restrictions, so the below table is an example without applying weight restrictions. Please click HERE for the MVYFL weight chart. These age groups are as follows (Age is determined on August 31):

Flag – 5 & 6 (Must be 5 by Sept. 1)

Mini Pony – 8 & Under (Must be 8 by Sept. 1) 

Pony – 10 & Under (Must be 10 by Sept. 1) 

Junior Varsity Team – 12 & Under (Must be 12 by Sept. 1)
*Maximum grade eligible for Junior Varsity Team is 7th Grade

Varsity Team – 14 & Under (Must be 13 by Sept. 1) 
*Maximum grade eligible for Varsity Team is 8th Grade

When are practices?

Practices for Mini Pony, Pony, JV, and Varsity teams will begin the week of July 21, while Flag practices will start the week of July 28. Once practices begin, we will hold up to five practices per week until school starts.*  All practices will take place at Spring Mills High School (SMHS) and will last for two hours**.
Once school begins, our standard practice days will be Tuesday through Thursday. There will be no practices on Fridays so that our players can support the Spring Mills High School varsity football team.

*Flag practices will be up to 4 days per week until school starts.
**Each Flag practice duration will be at the coaches’ discretion, but usually will last at least 1 – 1.5 hours.

Do we play at SMHS?

All home games will be held at the Spring Mills High School Football Stadium. The field location for away games will depend on the schedule and opponent. 

What are the division rules for play?

Flag Team

Flag football is for players, age 5 and 6. The only equipment used is a flag belt, mouthpiece and cleats. Basic concepts in football are addressed at this level. Game day is a controlled scrimmage against the flag team representing the organization that the rest of our program faces on that particular day. Coaches will be on the field providing instruction during these scrimmages in a similar fashion that takes place during scrimmages.

Mini-Pony Team

Mini-pony division is primarily for players, age 7-8 years, with a maximum weight limit of 105 lbs. In order to advance the football, ball handlers must under 85 lbs. Players over the 85 lbs. are considered “red stripers” and must play on the line. This division is the first level of contact football. Practices will be critical in developing sound fundamentals in blocking and tackling. Basic team concepts in offense and defense as well as learning specific positions will be an important part of the team experience. Game day is in the format of a controlled scrimmage against the mini-pony team that our program plays on that particular day. There are no special teams, referees or score at this level in accordance with MVYFL rules. Coaches are on the field during these scrimmages providing instruction to the players in the scrimmage setting in a similar fashion to what would take place in a practice. This division is a great opportunity for participants to develop into full contact football players.

Pony Team

The pony division is primarily for players, ages 9-10 years old, with a maximum weight limit of 130 lbs. In order to advance the football, ball handlers must under 110 lbs. Players over the 110 lbs. are considered “red stripers” and must play on the line. During pony games, coaches are on the sidelines at all times. These contests are played under complete game regulations inclusive of special teams. Each quarter is 8 minutes in length and the games are regulated by High School officials. This division is a great opportunity for participants to begin playing full contact football in true game situations. First time players and experienced players are welcome.

Junior Varsity Team

The JV division is primarily for players, ages 11-12 years old, with a maximum weight limit of 145 lbs. In order to advance the football, ball handlers must under 125 lbs. Players over the 125 lbs. are considered “red stripers” and must play on the line. During JV games, coaches are on the sidelines at all times. These contests are played under complete game regulations inclusive of special teams. Each quarter is 8 minutes in length and the games are regulated by High School officials. This division is a great opportunity for participants to further develop their full contact football skills or learn them for the first time. New players and experienced players are welcome.

Varsity Team

The varsity division is primarily for players, ages 13-14 years old, with no maximum weight limits. Players over the 150 lbs. or 135 lbs. weight limits depending on age are considered “red stripers” and must play on the line. Each quarter is 8 minutes in length and the games are regulated by High School officials. First year players are welcome to join the team and historically have become impact players. For our returning players and those moving up from JV, the varsity level prepares them mentally and physically for the next step of their football careers.

Where is our home field?

Our home field is Spring Mills High School (SMHS). Address is as follows:
499 Campus Drive
Martinsburg, WV 25404