The Bulldog Pac-10 and Big-10 tackle programs are comprised of five levels of play which all compete in the TCYFL (The Chicago-land Youth Football League). The Pac-10 program focuses more on fundamentals and player development. The Big-10 program while still focusing on fundamentals and player development is a higher level of competition. There is also a Mac division at the feather and middle levels that falls between the Pac-10 and Big-10 divisions. There are specific age and weight restrictions at each level. Generally, the levels are divided into the following age brackets: Bantam (age 6-8), Featherweight (age 8-10), Middleweight (age 10-12), Lightweight (age 12-14), and Heavyweight (age 12-14). Please click here for the weight and age parameters.(click here) No child beyond the eighth grade is allowed to participate. Ages are as of September 1, 2009. Divisions are broken down further by weight once practice begins. Coaches evaluate each player and will then determine at which level the player participates.
 

Big-10      The Big 10 emphasizes competition at a high level, and include each Member Community’s best and most capable players at each level, drafted to teams prior to drafts for MAC 10 and Pac 10. It is the TCYFL’s intent to provide all Big 10 players a reasonable playing time opportunity in each game (except for illness, injury, disciplinary reason, etc.)

Mac-10     The MAC 10 emphasizes on competition at an intermediate level with equitable participation, playing under Big 10 Age/Weight Parameters, but with all applicable Pac 10 Football Playing Rules. Member Communities will draft MAC 10 players after completing the Big 10 team draft and prior to the Pac 10 team draft.

Pac-10        The Pac 10 emphasizes instruction, development and participation. Pac 10 teams are composed of players not participating in the Big 10, or MAC 10. 

Bantam       The Bantam division is comprised mostly of players ranging in age from 6-8 years old. Players who are 7-8 years of age can weigh a maximum of 87 pounds. There are certain exceptions with players who are 6 years old such as the younger/heavier player who can weigh up to 97 pounds or the younger/heavier striper player who can weigh up to 107 pounds. There is also a rule for the smaller 9 year olds called older/lighter for players weighing 57 pounds or less allowing them to stay down a weight class and play bantam.

******All weights increase one half of a pound per week throughout the season******

Feather       The Feather division is comprised mostly of players ranging in age from 8-10 years old. Players who are 8-10 years of age can weigh a maximum of 97 pounds. There are certain exceptions with players who are 8 years old such as the younger/heavier player who can weigh up to 107 pounds or the younger/heavier striper player who can weigh up to 117 pounds. There is also a rule for the smaller 11 year olds called older/lighter for players weighing 77 pounds or less allowing them to stay down a weight class and play feather.

******All weights increase one half of a pound per week throughout the season******

Middle       The Middle division is comprised mostly of players ranging in age from 10-12 years old. Players who are 10-12 years of age can weigh a maximum of 107 pounds. There are certain exceptions with players who are 10 years old such as the younger/heavier player who can weigh up to 117 pounds or the younger/heavier striper player who can weigh up to 127 pounds. There is also a rule for the smaller 13 year olds called older/lighter for players weighing 87 pounds or less allowing them to stay down a weight class and play middle.

******All weights increase one half of a pound per week throughout the season******

Lightweight       The Lightweight division is comprised mostly of players ranging in age from 12-14 years old. Players who are 12-14 years of age can weigh a maximum of 123 pounds. There are certain exceptions with players who are 12 years old such as the younger/heavier player who can weigh up to 133 pounds or the younger/heavier striper player who can weigh up to 143 pounds.

******All weights increase one half of a pound per week throughout the season******

Heavyweight       The heavyweight division is comprised mostly of players ranging in age from 13-14 years old.  There is no maximum weight to play at the heavyweigt level. In order to be a running back, quarterback or wide receiver players must weigh 168 pounds or less.  If players are over the 168 pound ball carrying limit they will still be eligible to play but as stripers(ineligibleball carriers) who are designated as either offensive or defensive lineman.

******All weights increase one half of a pound per week throughout the season******

As with most competitive sports, there is travel involved. Home games will be played at Westosha Central High School or Wilmot High School.

Practices for the tackle program can range from 4-6 days per week prior to the start of the season and can range from 2-4 days per week or no more than 8 hours weekly once the season starts dependent on the level of play. Practices are held at Fox River Park in Silver Lake. Practices are scheduled to start late in July. Per league rules, participants must meet the minimum practice requirement(conditioning) before they are allowed to play in a league game.

All tackle participants are provided with helmet, shoulder pads, practice pants, game pants, and a game jersey. Participants will be able to keep their jerseys at the end of the year. Participants will also need to purchase football spikes, jock strap and athletic cup, mouth guard (cannot be clear), and girdle with girdle pads.

The Bulldog flag program is offered to children ages 6-8. The flag program is a great way for younger children to learn some of the basic fundamentals and understanding of the game of football. All participants will learn basic plays, rules, positions, and sportsmanship.

The flag program is run as an in-house league. The participants are divided into teams; these teams then play each other in a rotation. The number of teams will vary based on the number of participants in the program. All participants will be provided a game t-shirt and flag set which they will be able to keep at the end of the season.

Flag players will take part in special events like the All Star Game, which will be played at either Central High School or Wilmot High School. Practices are 2 days per week prior to the start of the season and 1-2 days per week once the season begins. All practices will take place at Millenium Park in Twin Lakes. Regular games will be played on Thursday evening at Millenium Park.

For more info e-mail vpofflag@bulldogyouthfootball.com .