2017 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – FLAG FOOTBALL
 My player is interested in Flag Football. What should we know to get started?
 The IJF Flag program has been a great success. Designed for players ages 6-8, it is a great start for kids not yet
eligible for the tackle program. It is intended to give young players a chance to experience the benefits of
organized team sports while providing a solid base of football knowledge to build on if they choose to continue on
to tackle football. The age and weight limits provide a safe, fair environment.
 The registration fee is $100 and includes an IJF Flag Football Jersey. No other equipment is issued.
 Flag Teams are made up of 10-12 players. This ensures each player gets as much playing time as possible. If
needed for more teams, IJF partners with the Bothell Cougars Flag program.
 Why does my player have to be present at Registration?
 Your player will be weighed and sized for their Flag Game jersey. This is required for his or her team placement
and to ensure they are within the Flag age and weight requirements.
 We’re registered for Fall 2016. What’s next?
 Summer Camp: Around the first of April you will be notified of the IJF Annual Summer Camp. Tentative 2017
dates are Monday July 24 –Thursday 27, 2017. The camp includes instruction in fundamentals and fun drills to
help improve conditioning and performance, all conducted by the IHS Viking Coaches and Varsity players. IJF
Coaches also participate. Sessions are held at IHS in the evenings from 5p-8p and registration includes a cool teeshirt. Camp is “no-contact.” This is an excellent way to prep for the season and especially good for new players.
 Suit-Ups & Equipment Issue: Scheduled by your Head Coach. Flag players DO NOT suit up at the same time as the
Tackle players.
 Practices & Jamborees: Practices begin on the first week of school, Tuesday, September 5th for all FLAG players!
There will be 3 practices the first week and 1 practice per week and 2 games the rest of the season.
 Typically two hours, 5:30p-7:30p or 6:00p-8:00p
 Practices are subject to school field availability and the schedule will likely change during the season
 Communication: Email is an important communication tool for coaches and parents. Check your email every day
for any practice or game time changes, particularly as the season approaches.
 Equipment: IJF provides all required equipment with the exception of footwear, supplemental padding, athletic
supporter and undergarments. All footwear must have molded rubber cleats (not detachable) and should be
designed for football to ensure proper ankle support.
 Do we have to do Concussion Training even though we are in Flag Football?
 Washington State law (Zachary’s Law) requires that ALL players and their parents review concussion training on
an annual basis. This training shall include the nature and risk of concussion and head injuries, including
continuing to play after concussion or head injury and the signs and symptoms of concussion / brain injury.
 It is GEJFA’s policy that NO player shall participate in IJF until the training is complete. The training should be
conducted jointly with a parent and the player. It is available online at GEJFA Parent Player Concussion Training &
Code of Conduct. If not completed prior to registration, stations will be on-site and the training must be done at
that time. There are no exceptions to this policy.
 How are players assigned to teams?
 Each player will compete with other players of comparable and weight, by being assigned to a League level
through an Age / Weight formula. We will make a decision during Registration whether an older Flag player is
eligible for Tackle Rookie football.
 When there are sufficient numbers of participants for multiple teams at level, players are assigned according to our
Split Policy or through coordination with the coaches and parents.

I see there is a $60 per player Fundraising minimum. Do I have to pay this and when is it due?
 IJF will host Family Fun Day at IHS in mid-September. The event includes Team Pictures, a Silent Auction and a
Skills Contest (Punt, Pass & Kick), as well as Spirit Gear sold by IHS Football Boosters, a Bake Sale by Junior Cheer,
and many fun activities for families and kids alike. Each player is responsible for raising a minimum of $60 in fundraising per season. This is typically done through flat donations or sponsorships of the Skills Contest from family
and friends. You may choose to contribute the full amount if that is more convenient for your household.
 Silent Auction – Each team prepares Theme Baskets which are auctioned off during Family Fun Day. Now is a great
time to start thinking of clever ideas for these great gifts. Remember: no alcohol – we are on school grounds.
 I want to Volunteer, but being a Coach is too much for me. What else can I do?
 There are lots of opportunities to volunteer with IJF! Talk to your Coach or any of the Board Members for details.
Each family is asked to contribute a minimum of just three (3) hours of time during the season. Here are some
ways YOU can help:
 REFEREE FOR TACKLE – Referees can be 17 - 70 years old and are PAID! Training is one day and on-field during
our Tackle Jamboree. We need to supply 3 referees to the league. A great job for a local graduate or college
student! Talk to IJF President, Jack Bobin
 1st Aid Rep for your team
 Field Manager for your team
 Team Parent – help keep your Coach organized
 Fundraising – Coordinate Family Fun Day events and Auction Baskets for your team
 Photography
 Don’t see something here? Talk to us!
 What is the IJF Refund policy for Flag Football?
 All Flag refunds are subject to a $20 charge, up until the first game. After this, there are no refunds. If jersey has
been issued, no refund will be disbursed until the jersey is turned in. There are no refunds for the Flag program as
expenses already exceed income. The NSF check fee is $35.
MORE QUESTIONS? Email Mario Cashen, IJF President, [email protected]