GOALS
The goal of Portage Rocket Football (P.R.F.) is to provide the opportunity for the youth 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
Ammendment to Coach’s Manual 2018
GAME SCHEDULE
GAME LOCATION
Ramona Park, Portage MI. Every Saturday starting after Labor Day.
AGE GROUPS
P.R.F. currently has the following age 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 with 3rd / 4th Grade Division
- Age: 8 years old on August 1, no other restrictions
- Age 7 on August 1, weight must be greater than 85.0 lbs with equipment
7th Grader Exceptions to play with 5th / 6th Grade Division
- Age 11 on August 1, no other restrictions
- Age 12 on August 1, must be a 1st or 2nd year player in tackle OR must weigh less than 110.1 lbs with equipment
- All 7th graders must meet 110.1 or less weight to carry the football.
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 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.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What is the price of the uniforms or is it supplied with the registration?
The cost of registration covers the game jersey of the player only. The rest of the registration covers all other operations of the game including field rentals, referees, trainers, game pants, and other equipment/gear for coach’s practices.
Do I need to buy his equipment or is it supplied?
For tackle division, the required equipment that you must provide includes a helmet, mouthpiece, shoulder pads, thigh pads, knee pads, hip and tailbone pads (snap in), and cleats. Game Jersey and game pants will be provided for game days. The game pants are not to be used for practice and must be returned at the end of the season. Your equipment should last your child for at least two years unless they have a major growth spurt. You can purchase the equipment locally at Dunham’s, Dick’s, or BJ Sports, or on-line. For youth flag football, there is no additional equipment though padded pants and mouth piece are highly encouraged and are not provided.
What about information regarding practices, times, start, and how long?
Practices begin the week after the combine/assessment day, typically 3rd week in August. Please try to avoid family trips after this data and to avoid missing critical team practice time. Practices can be up to four days a week before school starts and a maximum of three days a week when school starts for tackle division. The days and times will depend on the coach. Practices are typically 1.5 – 2 hours long and can start anywhere from 5:30pm to 7:00pm depending on coach and time of the season.
When are games played and how long?
All regular season games are played at Ramona Park with exception to a final championship week. Games typically start at 9am with the oldest rocket tackle division followed by the next tackle division starting 2 hours after that. Tackle games last approximately 2 hours and flag games are about 1 hour. Flag division games can start as early as 11am for the oldest age group, but depending on number of teams available in all divisions, flag games may start later.