| When does the season begin? |
Practices start in July (Awaiting Actual dates from league). Players will practice everyday for at least the first two weeks from 6:00pm-7:30pm at the Cowboy Football Complex in Jim Warren Park. |
What are the age requirements
for each division?
|
| Division |
* Weight |
| 12U - D1 |
140 lbs. |
| 12U - D2 |
120 lbs. |
| 11U - D1 |
115 lbs. |
| 10U - D1 |
115 lbs. |
| 10U - D2 |
100 lbs. |
| 9U - D1 |
90 lbs. |
| 8U - D1 |
90 lbs. |
| 8U - D2 |
75 lbs. |
| 7U - D1 |
70 lbs. |
| 6U - D1 |
65 lbs. |
| 6U - D2 | 60 lbs. |
Ages are calculated as of July 31 of the current year.
* Maximum weight to advance/carry the football. By rule, players over the above weight limit are considered a "Double Striper" or "Monster Man" and must play on the interior line. |
What is the difference between
D1 and D2 levels? |
While not always the case, D2 level players are less experienced or new to organized tackle football. D1 level players are the most experienced, generally bigger in size and more aggressive. D1 level teams are selected first. In most instances, there are enough players in one age group to field additional teams at the D2 level. Coaches evaluate all players for placement. D2 teams are not eligible for championship. |
What does it cost to play?
|
There is a registration fee that includes equipment . The equipment includes helmet and shoulder pads (if needed), game jersey and game pants. The game jersey and game pants are yours to keep at the end of the year.
|
Can I get a refund if my child
doesn't like Football? |
If, after registration your child is unable to participate, a partial refund may be available. Only the registration fees are eligible for a refund.
All requests for refunds must be done in writing to the Vice President and will only be considered if a participant is unable to play. No Refund will be considered after the first pre-season game.
All approved refunds will be mailed to the participant after the TNYFL Fee Night process held in August.
|
| What equipment is included in the cost? |
Equipment included in the cost consist of, a helmet, shoulder pads, game jersey and game pants. Players will need to purchase practice football pants, football cleats and practice jersey. Any other additional equipment (gloves, visors, pads, etc.) are optional and not necessary to play. Buying extra mouth guards is advised as they wear throughout the year. |
| Should I buy my own equipment? |
It's a matter of preference. The Franklin Cowboys provides each player the opportunity to wear the highest quality helmet and shoulder pads available for youth players. Our equipment is routinely replaced, if it becomes damaged or worn.
|
Where are practices?
|
Practices are held at the Cowboy Football Complex at Jim Warren Park, 705 Boyd Mill Avenue. We have 4 football fields, 3 field practice areas, all located within Jim Warren Park. Specific practice locations will be announced by your coaching staffs. |
|
How often do teams practice?
|
Before our first Jamboree game, teams usually practice Monday-Friday (at least the first 2 weeks). After Jamboree, teams may only practice 3 days a week. Practice times are usually 6:00pm-7:30pm. Specific practice days and times are left up to each team and their coaching staffs. |
| How many games will we play? |
Each team will play approximately 11 games. 2 pre-season Jamboree games, 8 regular season games and at least 1 playoff and/or bowl game. Teams advancing further into the playoffs could play an additional 2 games. |
Where are games played?
|
Games are played at the Cowboy Complex for our home games or we travel to the surrounding TNYFL communities for away games. For directions to other TNYFL field sites, please refer to the TNYFL directions page.
|
How are teams chosen?
|
Teams selection are governed by the rules of TNYFL and the Cowboys. After an evaluation period, all D1 level teams are selected first. All D2 level players are rostered to a team following a coaches draft.
|
Can I request what team my child plays on?
|
No. The Cowboys organization and their Coaches, either through selection or draft, have the final approval of all teams. All teams are selected and rostered with TNYFL and the Cowboys under a strict set of guidelines. These rules and regulations are in place to ensure that each player is playing at a level appropriate to their ability.
Your child will be selected for a team (D1 or D2). That decision is final.
Parents who do not accept that decision have the option to leave the program.
|
Can my children be on the same team?
|
Every effort is made to keep siblings together, assuming they are in the same age grouping, but cannot be guaranteed. Be sure to indicate if you have same age siblings at time of registration.
|
Can my daughter cheer for
her brother's team?
|
Every effort is made to keep siblings together, assuming they are in the same age grouping, but cannot be guaranteed. Be sure to indicate if you have same age siblings at time of registration. In some cases, either a player and cheerleader may be moved to a different team to accommodate keeping siblings together.
|
How much will my child get to play?
|
Every player will see some playing time during the game. Your child's actual number of game minutes are dependent upon his skill, desire and ability to engage in the physical aspect of football. Care is taken to protect young players from situations that they may not be comfortable. The amount of playing time is strictly up to each individual player and is directly related to the effort they put into the game.
|
| Is there an entry fee to watch games? |
All regular season games have no admission charge. Pre season games (Cowboy Bowl and TNYFL Jamboree) usually charge $10 per person.
Additionally, TNYFL usually charges $10 per person for 1st and 2nd round playoff games and for Championship games. All money collected goes to offset the cost of officials and is paid to TNYFL. |
How will I know if practice/games are cancelled due to rain?
|
During the first 2 weeks of practice, any practices cancelled due to weather will be posted on the web site and sent via e-mail. After teams have been selected, all communication concerning practices will come directly from your coaching staffs.
In general, we do not cancel practices due to light rain. If it is pouring or if lightning is in the area, we will not practice. Your coach will have the final say of your practice schedule.
|
When is Spring Camp?
|
Spring Football and Cheer Camp is traditionally held the first two weeks in May but can change to a later month such as June or July. Please make sure to register an account in order to be included in our mailing list.
|
Are Cowboys coaches certified?
|
Yes. All head and assistant coaches are required to be certified. Each TNYFL community shall be responsible for appointment of all coaches. All coaches actively instructing in practices or coaching in games shall be certified by an approved National coaches certification program (i.e. USA Football) and agree to be bound by the “Code of Ethics” requirement. |
| How can I help coach?
|
There are a number of coaches selected each year, as either head or assistant coaches. Some of these individuals are helping out for the first time. Each team is limited to 6 people on the coaching staffs.
If you would like to coach, you may e-mail [email protected]. |
How are coaches selected?
|
Each coach, whether returning or new, must fill out a coaches application, Code of Ethics and submit that paperwork to coach George. Head coaches are selected by the Competition Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Assistant coaches must also be approved by the Vice President of Operations and have the required paperwork on file. All coaches must complete and turn-in their NYSCA certification by the TNYFL Jamboree game.
|
Will I be able to coach my child?
|
If you are selected as a head coach, your child is protected from any selection or draft and will play for your team. Assistant coaches children are not protected from being selected or drafted.
Therefore, assistant coaches may be required to move to the team for which their child is selected. Assistant coaches should be flexible in working with their child's team and should let all potential head coaches know of their intent to help.
Head coaches have the final say of the composition of their respective staffs.
|
If I have a problem with a coach,
who do I contact?
|
You should attempt to address all issues directly with your Head Coach. If you cannot resolve any issues, then you may contact the respective Athletic Director for your age division.
If you still have issues or need further attention the Vice President of Operations can be alerted. As a practical matter, by the time an issue elevates to an Athletic Director, the Board of Directors typically is aware and working with all parties to resolve any issue. |
What rules do the Cowboys play by?
|
Our main play is governed by current National Federation High School Football Rules. There are also several additional TNYFL rules which govern play, depending on your age group and level of play.
|
| Should my child play for the Cowboys or Middle School? |
We get this question a lot. Each family will need to assess the ability of their child as it relates to other players in their class. Generally speaking, those players who have played with the Cowboys for a few years will have a pretty good estimate of their ability and how that relates to actual middle school playing time.
There are certainly positive and negatives on both sides. The Cowboys anticipate that a number of middle school players may start practices/try-outs at the middle school level and ultimately return to the Cowboys. |
How many first-time players
sign-up each year? |
About 40% of participants are new to organized tackle football. Many come to our program from local flag football programs or, simply, want to experience organized youth football for the first time. Typically, the 9-10 year-old age division has the largest number of first time players, followed by the younger divisions. |
| Will my child get hurt? |
We sure hope not. Football is a contact sport and the collision will be unavoidable at some point during a game or practice. Everyone in the Cowboys organization takes great care in providing the highest quality equipment and ensuring that all players are taught proper football techniques. Season ending injuries are rare. However, most kids are going to get bumps and bruises throughout the season. |
What is Homecoming?
|
Homecoming is a special event held each year to celebrate our program with players and family. The event has traditionally ended with activities back at the field, including a family-style dinner. You won't want to miss it!
|
What does our registration money cover?
|
The Franklin Cowboys have the lowest registration fees of many TNYFL programs our size and, certainly, some of the lowest fees relative to other youth sports in Williamson County. There are many items that we pay for each year; officials, TNYFL fees, uniforms, equipment, etc.
Our two biggest expenditures of your registration fee are TNYFL expenses and uniforms. Any shortfall we have in fees is made-up by our proud sponsors. Our commitment for 50+ years is to keep our fees affordable to all families that we serve.
|
How can I be a sponsor?
|
If you know of any business or individual that would like to contribute to the Cowboys organization, you may contact our Vice President or visit our sponsorship page details.
|
| What is the Annual Cowboys fundraiser? |
Each year, to raise funds for the program, we engage in a typical youth sport fundraiser. This usually involves the players and cheerleaders selling items (cookie dough, etc.) to friends and families. This money is an important source for the Cowboys to fund our football and cheer activities.
Most of the proceeds go to support our mission of providing financial support to players and families in need. |
| How can I get involved with the Cowboys? |
The Cowboys are always in need of volunteers for a variety of team and organizational activities. Those interested in helping in other areas, need only to contact a member of the Board of Directors or email us at [email protected] |
| Why are volunteers important? |
The Cowboys are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. No person involved with this organization is paid any monies for the efforts they put into the group. As a volunteer organization, the success or failure is measured in the expertise and passion of our parents and friends. Volunteering in your child's youth sport program will be one of the most rewarding times of your life. |
| Where can I park at Jim Warren Park? |
You may park only in designated parking slots, Do not park on any grass area or medians at Jim Warren Park. Tickets will be issued by the Franklin Police Department. You cannot park at the North end gates of the field complex. This needs to stay clear for emergency vehicles. |
| What is TNYFL? |
TNYFL, or the Tennessee Youth Football League, is the governing body for which all it's member communities belong. As a proud member and one of it's largest communities, we share in the goal to bring high-quality, affordable and competitive youth football to our community. TNYFL can be accessed at www.TNYFL.org. |
How do I find directions to
other TNYFL locations? |
Directions to other TNYFL field locations can be accessed on our directions page or www.TNYFL.org. |