Catholic Youth Football is but one of the civic or neighborhood organizations sponsoring youth football in the Metro League.The League establishes the rules of play, weight limits, team sizes, etc. Each organization within the League operates independently as a 501c3 nonprofit creates in own operational philosophy.

Catholic Youth Football is governed by a board of directors who set broad policies for the program to follow. The program is administered by a "Commissioner" who also serves on the board of directors. David Cook serves as the Commissioner of Catholic Youth Football. He can be reached at [email protected].

Catholic Youth Football is but one of the civic or neighborhood organizations sponsoring youth football in the Metro League.The League establishes the rules of play, weight limits, team sizes, etc. Each organization within the League operates independently as a 501c3 nonprofit creates in own operational philosophy. Below is the approach we have taken.

OUR OVERALL PHILOSOPHY IS KIDS FIRST!

Developmental Divisions
The rules of play for the 7U, 8U, and 9U divisions are simplified to make the game flow more smoothly. Our emphasis is on enjoying the game of football, encouraging participation, and learning the fundamentals of the sport.

Transitional Divisions
Additional game rules are introduced at the 10U and 11U level to make the game play more like the high school game. Play becomes more physical and mentally demanding. It also becomes more competitive as the players become bigger, stronger, and faster. In addition to refining basic skills, more complex physical and mental elements of the game are introduced on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.  Again, the fundamental aspects of blocking and tackling are emphasized.

Competitive Divisions
The rules of play are more like the high school game at the 12U and 14U levels. Play is very physical and it is not unusual to see linemen weighing in excess of 200 pounds and some as tall as adults. Offensive and defensive schemes also become more complex.

Victory is the acknowledged goal for many teams at this level. While victory we have is a goal it is not the most important goal. Our play will remain true to our organizational philosophy. We have the highest expectations of our athletes and coaches at this level and expect them to display dignity and respect for other teams and the game of football. Players at this level are held to a higher standard of behavior and accountability both on the field and in the classroom.

While participation is important, playing time is often dictated by the score, field position, individual skill, and preparations made by the student athlete in the classroom and during practice.

Our coaching philosophy begins with teaching players honesty, respect, responsibility, and good x goals.sportsmanshipi while learning the game of football. Catholic Youth Football emphasizes six goals:

• Have Fun! While practice and playing sports require hard work, focus, and unity of effort, it is not supposed to be boring or a burden.
• Safety!  Play and practice with safety in mind.
• Faith! We are a Catholic organization that models Catholic values in a competitive environment. We expect our coaches, parents, and players to be models of faith in action.
• Scholarship! All participants are students first! We will never place sport before the classroom.
• Sportsmanship! All participants, coaches, and parents should display proper sportsmanship at all times and be good role models.
• Football Fundamentals! Catholic Youth Football will strive to provide each athlete an opportunity to learn basic skills, improve physical fitness, learn the rules of the game, and provide a supportive environment in which to practice these lessons.
• Winning! Victory is a goal but not the goal. We will never sacrifice our other goals in order to win.