League Info / Rules

GOALS

The goal of Portage Rocket Football (PRF) is to provide the opportunity for youths in Southwestern Michigan to have a positive, enjoyable and fulfilling experience.  The program will teach the ideals of good sportsmanship, respect and teamwork and provide each child with the opportunity to develop the full potential of their playing skills. These objectives will be achieved through continuous upgrades and improvements in the program.  Fundamentals of the game are the most important concept for these children, and winning will not be put ahead of this concept.

RULES

Coach’s Manual & Rules 2017

Ammendment to Coach’s Manual 2018

GAME SCHEDULE

TBD prior to 2020 season

GAME LOCATION

Ramona Park, Portage MI. Every Saturday starting after Labor Day.

Game and Field Location

AGE GROUPS

PRF offers youth flag and youth tackle in the following groups. Age is defined as the players age on the August 1st prior to the season. Grade is determined by grade the youth is entering in the fall season.

• 5 – 6 Year Old Flag Division
• 7 – 8 Year Old Flag Division
• 3rd / 4th Grade Tackle Division
• 5th / 6th Grade Tackle Division

2nd Grader Exceptions to play in the 3rd / 4th Grade Tackle Division

• Age: 8 years old on August 1, no other restrictions
• Age: 7 years old on August 1, weight with football equipment must be greater than 85.0 lbs

• Age: 11 years old on August 1, no other restrictions
• Age: 12 years old on August 1, must be a 1st or 2nd year player in tackle OR weight with football equipment must be less than 110.1 lbs
  • To carry the ball, 7th graders must meet 110.1 or less weight.

All listed exceptions will be under the discretion of the Board of Directors and Divisional Coaches following the combine assessment and prior to the draft with a primary focus on player safety and the fairness of the game. 

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

PRF is open to all youths (boys and girls) in the Greater Kalamazoo area and not specific to Portage Public Schools. Families from Kalamazoo, Vicksburg, Schoolcraft, Mattawan, Comstock, Parchment, Gull Lake, Climax, Scotts, and beyond have participated in Youth Tackle Football and Youth Flag Football at Portage Rocket Football.

SAFER THAN YOU THINK

A Statistical Analysis of Youth Football Players Aged 9-13 Years. An April 2002 study by the Sports Medicine Center at the Mayo Clinic shows, among other things, that “the risk of injury in youth football does not appear greater than other recreational or competitive sports.”  While many studies have been done on football players in the past, most of them focus on the high school age or older. As outlined in the report, “the purpose of the project was to determine the risk of injury in youth football games.”After receiving written consent from all of the parents, the researchers studied over 900 youth football players, ranging in age from 9-13, for an entire season. The study concluded that “youth football injuries are uncommon. Most injuries are mild.