§        How many of my child's games will be played at home in Rockford?

This has been become a popular question...particularly with the additional option that we now have to play at the TED High School stadium.  

First, Rockford can typically can host up to 12 games weekly at either the Rockford North Middle School, East Rockford Middle School, or the Rockford High School "TED".  If your child's team is not playing at home, he/she will be playing away at one of our other NRFL (Southern Division) fields.

Second, we understand the importance that many of you place on getting the chance to play at home or at the TED.  And while every effort is made to get at least one home game for each team, we are in no way implying or guaranteeing home games for any team or any coach, or that each team in our program will play exactly the same number of games at home this year.  We don't schedule the games (it's done by the league) and factors like field availability and win/loss record will determine your opponent and game location each week.  

So, if your experience in the program going to depend on the number of home games your child's team gets,  the number of times that your team played at the 'TED', or the number of home games your team gets compared to another Rockford team, you will be disappointed.  

§        Is the Rockford Rocket Program affiliated with or run by the Rockford school district?

The program is run with the cooperation of the school district but is is no way affiliated with the school district.  The program is a part of the NRFL (Northern Rocket Football League) and run solely by volunteers.

§        How are Players Assigned to a Team?    

Teams are constructed through a league controlled draft process.  Each coach is able to reserve 5 kids.  The kids that weren’t reserved are sorted by DOB, weight, and playing experience, and then evenly distributed to a team in their age group.  The draft process and the reserved picks gives us what we feel is a fair balance between dividing up the kids evenly (so we have evenly matched teams...in theory), and giving the coaches some continuity from year to year.  Normally the kids that are reserved are coaches sons and sometimes kids that have played for the coach before.  If a coach has 2 assistants, that leaves a whopping 2 additional kids that a coach is able to reserve.  Don't worry too much if your child wasn't reserved.  As you can see, most aren't.    

§        What is the Practice Schedule Typically Like?    

Each team will have 4 practices the first week, and 2-3 practices each week after that and through the season.  Each team's practice schedule and practice location is determined by each team's head coach.  Practices locations are generally at the Freshmen Center, East Middle School, or any of the Rockford Elementary Schools.

§        Are there Weight Limits?

Yes, there is.  Each player's weight must be at or under the limits listed below in order to participate in practices or games.  This is a league requirement.  Each player is weighed before each game in full equipment, less helmet.  If your child is within 20 lbs of the weight limit at the time of sign ups, please discuss it with the Field Director as there is a strong possibility that he will exceed the league weight limit by the time the season starts and not be able to participate.  A scale will be available during each of the sign-up dates. The weight limits for each age group is as follows:  

§        What Equipment is Needed?

Each player must provide his/her own helmet, football pants/pads, shoulder pads, football cleats (metal or screw in cleats are not permitted), and mouthguard.  Jerseys are provided by the league but must be returned at season end.   For the sake of consistency, please make sure the football pants are black and the helmet white.

§        Are There Any Rules Concerning Playing Time?

League rules concerning playing time are very clear.  The NRFL rule is “All players shall start on either offense, defense or specialty teams; and thereafter play as equally as possible.”  In Rockford, we insist that our coaches follow the letter and spirit of the rule.  Each Rockford coach is asked to start each child on either offense or defense regardless if he/she plays special teams, with the only extenuating circumstances being injury or a child refusing to play.  There are no exceptions.  Coaches do have some discretion to try different line-ups during the course of a game but this should not impact your child’s playing time.     

If you any concerns or questions about your child’s playing time, please discuss it immediately with your coach.  And if your concerns are not addressed, feel free to contact the Field Director.

§        What are the rules (if any) concerning Position Assignments?    

For a coach, assigning positions is one of the hardest things to do.  We all know that each child can’t all be a running back or a quarterback.   The important thing to remember is that there are a variety of positions and each one is just as important as the next.    

Each coach is different and their process will vary, but normally most of the 1st week of practice is spent evaluating each child and trying to match each child to the position that the coach feels is best suited to his skill level and how his or her skill level compares to the rest of the team.  You should expect an explanation of your coaches evaluation at the initial parents meeting.  As a parent/fan, please be open-minded regarding your coaches recommendation and support your child & coach regardless of what position he plays.

§        What Should I Be Aware of If My Child is Eligible for 78ers?    

If your Rockford student is in the 7th or 8th grade, 14 years old or younger as of November 1, and wants to play organized football, there is a decision that has to be made.  He/she is eligible to play in either the Rocket football program or in the school run 78er football program.   Here is a quick comparison of both options:

• The Rockford Rocket football program is first and foremost a teaching league.  Winning is a goal, but its secondary to learning the game and having fun doing it.  At the 12/14 age group, the level of competition can and frequently is on par with games played at the 78er level.  Your athlete is guaranteed a starting position on either offense or defense.  Coaches at this level have normally been coaching in the Rocket program 3 or more years.  
• The 78er program is where your athlete will get their first taste of being a part of our Rockford Rams school football program.  There is a lot of pride that comes with that, but just like any school run sport it is play to 'participate' program, not pay to 'play'.  Playing time is not guaranteed, and will vary widely between the starters and non-starters.  After the 1st week of practice at the 78er level, each child is given a recommendation to either stay with the 78er program or to continue to play at the Rocket level.  Talk to the 78er coaches about the criteria they use to base their recommendation.    

The choice can be difficult and there are pros/cons to both options.  For help in making your decision, I'd encourage you to contact your Middle School athletic program for more information about the 78er football program, and to talk to other parents with players that have gone through both programs.

§        Do I Still Need to Register My 78er Eligible Child in the Rocket Program?

YES!   If your child does want to return to the Rocket program after practicing with the 78ers, it will only be possible if he/she has already registered in our program.  The normal registration fee will be required at registration time.  If your son/daughter decides to remain on a 78er team, contact the Field Director (rockfordrocketfb@yahoo.com)  via e-mail by the Saturday following the 1st week of Rocket practice to request your refund.  Sorry, requests received after this date or not by e-mail will not be honored or acknowledged.  No exceptions.  Refunds will be processed within 1 week of receipt.