FAQs

Below are frequently asked questions that we will continually update over time.

1. **When does the 2024 Flag Football season take place?**

• Our 2024 spring flag season will run from April 20 through June 25.

2. **When will registration open and close?**

• Registration opened on December 01, 2023 and is scheduled to close on February 29, 2024.

3. **Do I need to register when it opens or should I wait?**

• Don’t delay! Register early to secure your spot. Our Flag program tends to sell out, and we often have to go to a waitlist.

4. **Any significant changes planned for the flag program this season?**

• Yes, we’re introducing an All-Girls league alongside our standard Coed program.  Ensure you register for the correct league when the registration announcement comes out.

5. **What divisions are planned for both leagues?**

• Coed League: no changes planned
  • Tyke – players born in 2016 & 2017
  • Atom – players born in 2014 & 2015
  • Minor PeeWee – players born in 2013
  • Major PeeWee – players born in 2012
  • Minor Bantam – players born in 2011
  • Major Bantam – players born in 2010
  • Junior Varsity – players born in 2008 & 2009
  • Senior Varsity – players born in 2005, 2006 & 2007 
• All-Girls League: dependent upon registration numbers so divisions may need to be combined but this is what we are planning currently:
  • Bantam – players born in 2010 & 2011
  • Junior Varsity – players born in 2008 & 2009
  • Senior Varsity – players born in 2005, 2006 & 2007 

6. **How will teams be constructed?**

• Teams will play 5v5 with ~10-12 players per team.
• Convenors will balance teams by skill level for fair play.
  • Upon registering, there will be a new question to designate the skill level of the player you are registering to help with team placement.
• Full team roster requests through coaches will not automatically be granted and players will be evaluated by convenors based on skill level to ensure the teams are built in a fair way.
• A max of 2 friend requests will be allowed through the registration.
  • Reminder that friend and coaching requests are never guaranteed but convenors always try to accommodate where possible.

7. **Can I help out and be a Convenor?**

• Yes, we will need ~10 volunteers for the planned divisions in both leagues. Contact the BMFA Flag Director at flag@burlingtonfootball.ca if interested.

8. **What does a Convenor do?**

• Convenors organize and administer their specific division, construct teams, and work with coaches for a successful season.  Convenors are critical for the success of the season.

9. **Is there a discount for Convenors?**

• Yes, all Conveners will receive the cost of one full registration rate.

10. **Can I help out and be a Coach?**

• Yes, we need coaches for all teams, both head coaches and assistant coaches are needed.  We have a list of all past coaches that we will be contacting to confirm interest again but if you are a brand new coach, please contact the BMFA Flag Director at flag@burlingtonfootball.ca so I can add you to our coaching list for future communications.

11. **Is there a discount for Coaches?**

• Yes, all Head Coaches will receive a $100.

12. **Are there requirements to be a Coach?**

• Yes basic flag football training requirements and a police record check within the past 2 years are required. Costs associated with these will be reimbursed to each coach.  More details will be sent to the list of confirmed coaches.

13. **I’ve never coached Flag Football before. Can I get some help?**

• Certainly! We plan to have some coaching clinics in the pre-season to support our newest coaches.

14. **Will there be training days like last year?**

• No, we do not plan to have the same training sessions as last year, but we’ll organize a few pre-season activities to help coaches and teams prepare. This includes coaching clinics and pre-season scrimmages.

15. **When do games take place and how many are there in the season**

• All divisions except JV & SV will play their games on Saturdays during the season.  JV & SV will play their games on Monday evenings.  Every team will play 9 regular season games and 1 guaranteed playoff game so 10 in total.  If you continue to win in the playoffs, you will play a few more on the road to the championship which will be on the final Champs weekend.

16. **When do practices take place and how are they organized?**

• Coaches organize practices at public parks, schools, etc.  They typically find an open grass area to work on skills/drills and prepare for the games.  Most coaches hold one practice per week but it will be up to each head coach to determine what they do for their team.

17. **What is the league refund and equipment return policy?**

There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to these rules!

• Should a player quit prior to the start of the season on April 20, the player is entitled to a refund of $277.50. The Football Ontario fees of $22.50 are non-refundable.
• All refund requests must be submitted to the Registrar at registration@burlingtonfootball.ca by email. 
• Should a player quit after the start of the season on April 20, there are NO REFUNDS. The Football Ontario fees of $22.50 are also non-refundable.
• Should a player quit after the start of the season due to injury, they are entitled to a $100 refund. The Football Ontario fees of $22.50 are non-refundable.
• Any issued equipment that is to be returned at the end of the season is the sole property of the BMFA and must be returned before a refund is given.