Before diving into team formations and game schedules, there’s one important step to check off your list—securing fields. Here’s a few considerations to keep in mind as you establish where your league will play.
NFL FLAG leagues operate primarily in 5v5 and 7v7 formats, each with specific field size requirements, so you want to make sure your location can accommodate your games. Our league operators have found that local parks, schools, and community centers work well, as long as they aren’t too far from the city. Additionally, look at amenities offered, such as parking availability, restroom facilities, and spectator areas. These contribute significantly to the overall experience for players and their families.
Start by estimating the costs of field rentals for practices and games throughout the season. And then consider additional expenses like permits and field maintenance. To alleviate financial strain, explore grassroots fundraising options, such as community events or online campaigns. You can also seek out local sponsorships from businesses aligned with youth sports to further support your league and foster community engagement.
Game days are the highlight of any NFL FLAG league, but they require some thoughtful planning to run smoothly. Start by getting all the necessary permits and permissions from local authorities or field owners to avoid any last-minute surprises. It's also important to make sure the fields are safe and meet all the required regulations so everyone can enjoy the game without any worries. We always recommend that league operators check the fields before game day to ensure they’re safe, especially around bad weather days.
Even more importantly, communication is key. Everyone in your league needs to know where the games are, what time they start, and any changes that might come up. This keeps players, coaches, and parents in the loop and excited about game day. And since we can't control the weather, have a backup plan ready to reschedule games if needed. This way, you can keep the season on track with minimal disruption.