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Youth Football

Western Iowa Youth Sports Football is a great way for any 4th through 7th grader to learn tackle football skills and the rules of the game through teamwork and healthy competition. There is no cost to the players and parents, only the expectation that each family will participate in our annual fundraiser. Our teams are currently divided by grade divisons within high school attendance districts.

In order to get involved, players must report to their school district practice site for the team draft in August. The specific dates for the 2008 season will be announced this spring. Players who do not live in a participating district will be assigned to a district based on the number of players needed to fill teams.

Weight and Age Eligibility 4th and 5th grade boys have a ball-carrying weight limit of 120 lbs. There is no weight limit for linemen. 6th and 7th grade boys have a ball-carrying weight limit of 145 lbs. There is no weight limit for linemen. 7th graders can not turn 14 before August 1st.

Proof of ageParents must provide a copy of the child's birth certificate before they can play.

Equipment Fundraiser We will begin issuing equipment at sign-ups. When issued, players are required to purchase 125 raffle tickets for $125.00. Players must sell the tickets to recoup the $125.00. This allows them to play at no cost if they sell their tickets. We have a special arrangement if anyone is unable to spend the $125.00 up front. No player is turned away! Raffle ticket stubs must be turned into the WIYS concession stand or to the football office at 900 South 6th Street. A player will not be issued a game jersey or be allowed to participate in any games until he has completed the raffle commitment. Equipment remains the property of Western Iowa Youth Sports Inc. and must be turned in at the end of the season or upon request. If a player decides to quit, raffle money is not refunded, but the former player can still sell the tickets to recoup the costs, provided all stubs are turned into WIYS.

Team Placement Players will be observed during instruction and drills at the beginning of the season. A private draft meeting will be held among the coaches to place each player on a team within their school district. Players will be called in alphabetical order and will not be informed of the order of draft picks.

Practice schedule Because of the relatively short period of time to develop offensive and defensive units, practices are held Monday through Thursday nights, and on Saturday mornings until the league schedule begins. After the first league game practices will be held two nights per week and games will be played on Saturdays.

Weigh-ins Players will be weighed when they sign up and check out equipment. They will be informed at that time if they are eligible to carry the football.

Southwest Iowa League All age divisions of the Southwest Iowa League will play four ten minute quarters. Every player is guaranteed at least six plays in both halves of every game, provided they have made it to all required practices. Most league games will be played on Saturdays at the Council Bluffs High School Soccer Fields, which are located on the Northeast corner of Council Bluffs Stadium. Each team may have a non-league game scheduled on a weeknight and possibly a Sunday afternoon for additional competition at other sites.

Team Parents All teams must have a team parent(s) who will help the Head Coach with communication and information. They will also organize the field responsibilities each team has on game days. Home teams provide the scoreboard operator and visiting teams handle the chains. The first teams that play setup the field and the last teams take it down. If everyone helps we won't have to ask anyone for much of their time. Please let your Head Coach know if you can be a team parent.

Western Iowa Youth Sports is a unique organization that is unlike any other in the area. Participation requires very dedicated parents and players because of the demanding practice schedule and conditioning involved. Our practices are very structured and disciplined but not without a lot of praise and FUN. We hope to earn your support through our association.

THANK YOU! Monte O'Hara, Football Commissioner